Unveiling Krabi’s Hidden Gem: My Journey to the Emerald Pool Hot Springs
There’s something magical about finding a place that doesn’t make it onto every tourist’s Instagram feed. I stumbled upon Emerald Pool during my third trip to Thailand, after spending countless hours photographing Krabi’s limestone cliffs and beaches. As a photography enthusiast always chasing that perfect light, I was initially skeptical about a forest-hidden hot spring. Would the lighting even work for decent shots? Would it be worth hauling my camera gear through the jungle?
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Spoiler alert: it absolutely was—though not without some amusing mishaps along the way.
Why Krabi’s Emerald Pool Caught My Eye
I nearly skipped the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot in Thai) entirely. After two weeks of shooting Railay’s dramatic cliffs and Koh Phi Phi’s turquoise waters, I was pretty content with my portfolio of Thailand’s coastal beauty. But while buying fruit at a local market in Krabi Town, an elderly vendor noticed my camera and asked if I’d visited “the green water in the jungle.” When I shook my head, she looked genuinely surprised.
“But you have so many cameras,” she laughed, gesturing at my equipment. “The light there—it dances on the water like nowhere else.”
Light is my weakness. Good light can transform an ordinary scene into something extraordinary, and the way she described it—this mysterious green pool illuminated by dappled sunlight filtering through the forest canopy—I couldn’t resist. Though honestly, I was skeptical about the appeal of hot springs in Thailand’s already sweltering heat. Who wants to soak in hot water when it’s 35°C outside?
What convinced me was learning this wasn’t just any hot spring, but a geological oddity—a naturally occurring mineral pool with a striking emerald hue, nestled within Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve. The scientifically curious part of me wanted to understand how this vibrant green water existed in the middle of dense jungle.
So I adjusted my itinerary, hoping this detour wouldn’t eat too much into my golden hour shooting time at the beaches.
Getting There: A Bumpy Ride to Nature’s Spa
Navigating from Krabi Town or Ao Nang
After weighing my options, I decided to rent a scooter rather than join a tour group. Tours run about 800-1200 THB depending on what’s included, but they move at a fixed pace—disaster for a photographer who might want to linger for the perfect shot. A scooter rental set me back just 250 THB for the day (prices from my 2023 visit), giving me the freedom to arrive early for that soft morning light.
If you’re not comfortable on two wheels, shared songthaews or minivans are readily available from Krabi Town and Ao Nang, costing around 300-500 THB round-trip. The journey takes approximately 1-1.5 hours depending on your starting point. I’d strongly recommend downloading Maps.me before heading out—my cell signal disappeared about halfway there, and Google Maps became useless.
The drive itself was gorgeous—winding through small villages, rubber plantations, and patches of rainforest. About 10km before reaching the reserve, the smooth highway gave way to narrower local roads. And here’s where my adventure truly began.
I’d love to say I navigated flawlessly to the Emerald Pool, but that would be a blatant lie. Despite my downloaded map, I missed a crucial turn and ended up in some unnamed village where chickens outnumbered people. The locals found my confusion hilarious—a sweaty farang (foreigner) with camera bags trying to mime “green water” in charades. Eventually, a kind shopkeeper pointed me in the right direction, though I’m pretty sure she was still chuckling as I puttered away.
The last stretch of road tested both my patience and the scooter’s suspension. The pavement deteriorated into a patchwork of potholes that had me bouncing like a bobblehead. I loved the freedom of exploring at my own pace, but man, did I hate the dust and heat. By the time I reached the nature reserve entrance, my white t-shirt had transformed into a lovely shade of dirt-brown.
Pro tip: There’s a small parking fee (20 THB for motorbikes when I visited), and the entrance fee to the nature reserve was 200 THB for foreigners. Bring cash, as card payment wasn’t an option, and make sure you have small bills.
First Impressions of Emerald Pool: Was It Worth the Trek?
After parking, I followed a well-maintained wooden boardwalk that winds through dense rainforest for about 800 meters. The humidity was oppressive—within minutes my camera lens was fogging up, and I had to constantly wipe it down. Not the ideal conditions for photography gear!
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But then the forest opened up, and there it was—a natural pool of water so vibrantly green it looked Photoshopped. My first thought was actually, “Did someone dump food coloring in here?” The color was surreal against the backdrop of lush vegetation, like a gemstone had melted into a perfect swimming hole.
I arrived around 8:30 AM on a Wednesday, hoping to beat the crowds. There were maybe a dozen other visitors—not the solitude I’d fantasized about for pristine nature shots, but not overwhelmingly crowded either. By 10 AM, though, the tour buses had arrived, and selfie sticks were multiplying faster than I could count.
The temperature of the water surprised me most. Despite the hot springs nearby, the Emerald Pool itself was refreshingly cool—around 25-28°C if I had to guess. After the sweaty trek through the jungle, it felt heavenly. I set my camera down (safely away from the water) and dove in. The mineral-rich water had a silky quality to it, almost like swimming in liquid silk.
I expected total solitude for my photography session, but instead found myself dodging enthusiastic swimmers and waiting patiently for gaps between splashing tourists to capture my shots. Still, I found quieter moments by simply waiting and observing. The light changed constantly as clouds passed overhead, creating new compositions every few minutes.
Sitting on the edge of the pool, watching sunlight filter through the trees and create dancing patterns on the emerald surface, I felt small in the best possible way. Nature has been crafting this masterpiece for thousands of years, and here I was, just a temporary visitor with a camera, trying to capture something that really defies capture. Some experiences simply can’t be translated through a viewfinder.
The Science Behind the Magic—Why Is It So Green?
While floating on my back, staring up at the canopy, I found myself wondering about the science behind this place. What makes the water so intensely green?
From what I gathered from informational signs and conversations with a local guide, the extraordinary color comes from a combination of mineral deposits—primarily calcium carbonate—and the refraction of light through the clear water against the white limestone bed. The water itself is actually crystal clear; it’s the reflection and refraction of light that creates the emerald illusion.
The hot springs nearby (which feed into the pool) get their warmth from geothermal activity deep underground. Rainwater seeps through the limestone landscape, is heated by the Earth’s core, and then rises back up, bringing dissolved minerals along for the ride.
I’m not sure if I got all the science right—geology was never my strong suit—but it’s fascinating to think about hot water bubbling up from the Earth’s depths, carrying minerals that have created this natural wonder over centuries.
What makes Emerald Pool particularly rare is the combination of Thailand’s limestone karst topography with the geothermal activity. Most hot springs don’t have this striking color because they lack either the specific mineral composition or the right kind of stone basin.
To be honest, I didn’t care much about the “why” until I was actually there, feeling the slightly mineralized water on my skin and seeing how the color shifted with the changing light. As a photographer, I was more interested in capturing the phenomenon than understanding it—but experiencing the pool firsthand made me curious about its origins.
Tips for Enjoying Emerald Pool Without the Hassle
Best Time to Visit and What to Bring
If I could do one thing differently, I’d have arrived even earlier. Based on my experience and chats with locals, 7-8 AM is the sweet spot—you’ll likely have the pool mostly to yourself for at least an hour, and the morning light filtering through the trees creates ethereal scenes perfect for photography. By 10 AM, tour groups from Krabi and Ao Nang start flooding in.
Avoid weekends and Thai holidays if possible. I unknowingly visited during a minor local holiday, which explained the unexpected afternoon crowd.
As for what to pack:
– Swimwear (obviously)
– Quick-dry towel
– Water shoes or sandals with good grip (more on my flip-flop disaster later)
– Waterproof bag for valuables
– DSLR with polarizing filter (cuts glare on water)
– Wide-angle lens (captures the whole scene)
– Bug spray (the mosquitoes are VICIOUS)
– Plenty of water
– Snacks (though eat them in designated areas, not by the pool)
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Photography tip: Early morning provides the best lighting conditions as sunlight filters through the canopy, creating spotlights on the water. A polarizing filter is essential to cut through surface reflections and capture the true emerald color beneath.
The facilities are pretty basic—there are changing rooms and toilets near the entrance, but they’re nothing fancy. Limited shade exists around the pool itself, so bring sun protection if you plan to lounge for hours.
Nearby Trails and the Blue Pool
After about two hours of swimming and photography at the Emerald Pool, I decided to check out the Blue Pool, located about 600 meters further along a forest trail. Unlike the Emerald Pool, swimming isn’t allowed here—and for good reason. The Blue Pool is actually a deep sinkhole with underwater caves and currents.
This is where my footwear choice became a critical error. I’d worn flip-flops, thinking they’d be perfect for a swimming destination. The trail to the Blue Pool, however, was muddy, uneven, and slippery from recent rain. About halfway there, my right flip-flop caught on a root, and I performed what I can only describe as an interpretive dance of someone trying not to face-plant while carrying expensive camera equipment.
I nearly wiped out on a particularly muddy section, saved only by grabbing onto a small tree (while a Korean family politely pretended not to notice my flailing). Proper hiking sandals or water shoes would have been so much better.
Was the near-death experience worth it? Absolutely. The Blue Pool lives up to its name—a small, intensely azure pool surrounded by jungle. The color contrast between the Emerald and Blue pools is striking, and I spent a good half hour trying different compositions to capture it. The blue comes from a different mineral composition and depth, creating an almost otherworldly scene.
One thing I wish I’d known: the Blue Pool is most vibrant on sunny days. I visited during intermittent cloud cover, and while still beautiful, the color intensity varied dramatically with direct sunlight.
The Photographer’s Perspective: Capturing Emerald Pool’s Magic
As someone who travels primarily for photography opportunities, Emerald Pool presented unique challenges and rewards. The combination of water, dense jungle, and constantly changing light makes it both a dream and a nightmare to photograph.
My best shots came from:
1. Getting low to the water surface, using a wide-angle lens to capture both the pool and surrounding jungle
2. Finding higher vantage points along the wooden walkway for contextual shots
3. Using a polarizing filter to cut through surface reflections
4. Waiting patiently for moments when swimmers cleared from certain areas
The biggest challenge was the humidity’s effect on my equipment. My lens fogged up constantly, and changing lenses felt risky in such a moisture-heavy environment. I ended up primarily using my weather-sealed 24-70mm lens and accepting its limitations rather than risking moisture damage to my sensor.
For those bringing cameras, consider these practical tips:
– Bring a microfiber cloth to wipe condensation
– Use a UV filter as added protection from water splashes
– Consider a rain cover if you have one
– Arrive early not just for fewer people, but for gentler, more directional light
My favorite shot came unexpectedly—not of the famous emerald water, but of water droplets on a giant leaf beside the pool, with the emerald water creating a green glow in the background. Sometimes the best photographs are found at the edges of the main attraction.
Reflections: Would I Return to Emerald Pool?
Floating in that mineral-rich water, watching light patterns dance across the surface, I felt a profound sense of peace. Despite the growing crowds and my sweaty, uncomfortable journey there, that hour of morning tranquility was worth every bump in the road.
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Would I go back? In a heartbeat—though honestly, once might be enough unless I’m showing a friend. The Emerald Pool is spectacular, but Thailand has countless natural wonders waiting to be explored and photographed. I’d rather discover something new than revisit the same spot, especially as it grows more popular each year.
I do worry about places like this losing their magic with increasing tourism. During my visit, I noticed some visitors ignoring the “no food” signs, and plastic water bottles occasionally floating at the edges of the pool. It made me wonder how this pristine place might change over the coming years.
If you do visit, please respect the environment—take your trash with you, stick to designated paths, and follow the rules about where swimming is permitted. Small actions collectively determine whether natural wonders like the Emerald Pool remain pristine for future photographers and travelers.
From a photography perspective, I’d rate Emerald Pool as an 8/10 experience. The unique colors and setting create opportunities for truly distinctive images, though the crowds and humidity present real challenges. My memory card came away with about 40 keeper images—a solid haul for a half-day excursion.
What surprised me most was how the experience changed my photography focus. I arrived planning to shoot wide landscape shots of the entire pool but left with more intimate compositions—light patterns on water, tiny fish swimming through green depths, and the textures of the limestone basin.
Beyond the Pool: Making the Most of Your Trip
If you’re making the journey to Emerald Pool, consider combining it with other nearby attractions to maximize your day. The Hot Springs Waterfall (Nam Tok Ron) is just a few kilometers away and offers a different experience—cascading hot water creating natural jacuzzi pools among the rocks.
I visited the hot springs after Emerald Pool, arriving around 1 PM—not ideal timing as it was crowded and the harsh midday sun made for challenging photography conditions. If I were planning again, I’d reverse the order: Hot Springs in early morning (they open at 7 AM), then Emerald Pool mid-morning.
For serious photographers, the lighting at both locations is best before 10 AM or after 3 PM, when the sun isn’t directly overhead. The afternoon light at the hot springs creates beautiful backlit scenes as it filters through the steam.
Another nearby option is the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), though that deserves its own day if you plan to climb the 1,260 steps to the summit for panoramic views. My quads were already burning from just the short jungle hikes, so I saved that adventure for another trip.
Food options near the Emerald Pool are limited to small local restaurants and snack stands. I grabbed lunch at a modest roadside place that served a surprisingly delicious massaman curry with rice for about 80 THB. Nothing fancy, but perfect after a morning of swimming and hiking.
One final note—if you’re visiting during Thailand’s rainy season (roughly May to October), be prepared for sudden downpours. I got caught in one while returning to my scooter, and within seconds, I was soaked to the bone. The upside? The rain created a mystical atmosphere in the forest, with steam rising from the ground and water droplets magnifying the greens of the jungle. Sometimes the unexpected moments create the most memorable images.
As I rode back to Krabi Town that evening, camera memory cards full and muscles pleasantly tired, I felt that unique satisfaction that comes from experiencing something genuinely special. Emerald Pool might be gaining popularity, but it still retains a sense of discovery—of finding something precious hidden in the jungle.
And isn’t that what we’re all searching for when we travel? Those moments that can’t be perfectly captured, even with professional camera gear—the ones we carry home in our memories, more vivid than any photograph could ever be.
About the author: Jack is a passionate content creator with years of experience. Follow for more quality content and insights.