Hotels near Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)

Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a natural emerald-green hot spring pool deep inside Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve - 60 km south-east of Krabi Town. The mineral-rich limestone water sits at a constant 30-35°C and turns shades of green and blue depending on the time of day and weather. A 1.4 km wooden boardwalk through forest leads to the pool from the parking area.

Two pools sit side by side - the lower Emerald Pool open for swimming, and the upper Blue Pool (more vivid colour) closed to bathers for ecological reasons. Swimming is permitted only in marked areas. The path continues another 30 minutes to a smaller hot spring waterfall. Park entry 200 THB foreigners. Open daily 08:00-17:00 (last entry 16:00). Allow 3 hours including walking time.

Pro Tip: Visit at opening at 08:00 for the green colour at its most vivid - the pool darkens as the angle of the sun changes throughout the day. Combine with Klong Thom hot springs (15 minutes away by car) for a full nature day.