Krabi Emerald Pool & Blue Lagoon

Sra Morakot, also known as Krabi Emerald Pool, Emerald Pond, Crystal Pool or Crystal Lagoon, is a natural freshwater pool in the Thung Teao Forest National Park, which is part of Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary in Krabi province. This popular attraction of Krabi is situated in the Khao Phra Bang Khram area near the Bang Teao Village, about 60 km south of Krabi Town and 75 km from Ao Nang by road. The 120-square-meter fresh pond owes its name to its limpid green emerald waters, which take on this colour thanks to an abundance of minerals from the surroundings limestone hills. The crystal clear water is unsuitable for drinking and feels thick due to its high calcium carbonate content which can cause gallstone. Here you can go for a swim to escape the heat of the day and admire the stream, one of the sources of the pool, which tumbles in at one end over rock made smooth by mineral deposits. The amazing Emerald Pool is surrounded by the virgin rainforest of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. Characterized by spectacular limestone foothills and age-old trees stretching up to the sky, the lush forest is rich in bio-diversity and home to spectacular flora and fauna unseen elsewhere in Thailand. There is a headquarters close to Bang Teao Village which offers some information although the primary goal is to ensure that the no-hunting zone is enforced. The nature trail to the Emerald Pool begins immediately behind the wildlife sanctuary office and takes around 800 metres through a well-trodden dirt path that’s quite safe. On this path you will find another pool of water known as Sra Kaew, not suitable for swimming, just for looking and photos, but it can be very beautiful at the right time of day. Also, once you get to the Emerald pond, if you continue up the hill from it you will find a walkway on the left side, cross it and keep walking for another 400 and you will find the magnificent Blue Lagoon. Also this pool of water is not suitable for swimming, but it would be a shame to come here and not to see its intense and natural blue color. Alternatively, to reach the Emerald Pool you can follow the longer nature trail, approximately 2.0 kilometres long, which starts on the right after entrance and goes over wooden boardwalk and dirt paths through the lush rainforest. This nature trek is a superb place to spot several plant species and rare animals, including the Pitta Gurney bird which was once considered extinct. On the way, it also offers fantastic spots for bird watchers. There are refreshment kiosks available at the end of the trail near the Emerald Pool selling fresh juice, ice-cream, coconut juice in the coconut. Near the pool there is also a restaurant serving Thai and seafood.
Park Access Fees & Opening Hours
Admission is 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children. Parking Fee is 10 THB for a scooter, 20 THB for a motorbike and 30 THB for a car. Emerald Pool is open every day during daylight hours.
Getting There
There are no public transport options to reach the Emerald Pool directly from Krabi and Ao Nang, so if you don't want to use a taxi or a songtaew, the best solution to get there is to rent a car or a cheap scooter, about 200 THB/day. Note that in both cases an international driving permit is required. This popular attraction of Krabi is situated in the Khao Pra-Bang Khram area, which is located next to the Bang Teao Village, about 60 km south of Krabi Town and 75 km from Ao Nang by road. The easiest way to get to Emerald Pool from Krabi downtown by car or scooter is to follow Route 411 northbound, then turn right on Highway 4, the Phet Kasem Road which runs in the direction of Trang. Reached Amphoe Klong Thom after about 30 km, take rural road 4081 and follow it for just 200m, then turn right on rural road 4021 and follow the signs towards the Emerald Pool. It is very well indicated until the end of the journey.Read More