Tucked deep in the rainforest of Krabi, the Emerald Pool and Khlong Thom Hot Springs offer a family experience that feels both adventurous and deeply relaxing. Warm mineral water, jungle trails, and natural stone pools make this a fun escape from the beach.
Although these spots are often bundled into a fast-paced day tour, we quickly realized that these natural oases are best experienced independently. Setting our own pace allowed us to linger on the trails and enjoy the pools without the pressure of a ticking clock.
If you’re debating whether to join a tour or go it alone, follow these tips to plan your day.
Why Skip the Tour and Go Solo?
While group tours promise ease, they often come with rigid schedules, unexpected delays, and may have stops that feel more like sales events than sightseeing. Many day tours combine the Emerald Pool with the Hot Springs, but while we were there, we watched several groups arrive en masse, unload crowds, and move on again within about an hour. For most groups, there seemed to be barely enough time for a quick walk and a short dip in the Emerald Pool before being rushed back onto the bus.
Exploring independently gives you flexibility: You can arrive earlier to avoid the biggest crowds, linger at the places you enjoyed most, skip anything that doesn’t interest you, and discover hidden gems sometimes overlooked by tour groups. Setting our own pace made all the difference for us, creating a more relaxed, family-friendly rhythm to the day.
In contrast, we spent over three hours at the Emerald Pool. We took our time walking the jungle trails, explored all three pools, and then enjoyed a long, unhurried swim—about an hour and a half—without feeling rushed or crowded. At the Hot Springs, we were able to explore both natural and man-made pools, and the boys even had time to enjoy the nearby playground.
Going solo wasn’t just more enjoyable; it was also significantly cheaper. For our family, doing this day on our own turned what could have been a rushed outing into a relaxing experience.
Emerald Pool
Thailand’s famous Emerald Pool is a stunning natural lagoon tucked deep within the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve in Krabi Province. Known for its vibrant green, crystal-clear mineral water, the pool is naturally warmed by underground hot springs and surrounded by lush rainforest. Reaching it requires a short jungle walk, which only adds to the sense of discovery.
Visiting the Emerald Pool
From the parking area, you enter a shaded jungle with a clearly marked trail that connects three pools. We walked all the way to the furthest point first and then worked our way back toward the entrance.
The Blue Pool
The furthest stop is the Blue Pool, a protected hot spring with water temperatures ranging from 30–50°C. Swimming is not allowed here, but it’s fascinating to see where the mineral-rich water originates.
The Emerald Pool
Next is the Emerald Pool itself, named for its striking green-teal colour. Fed by water flowing from the Blue Pool, the temperature here is warm but incredibly refreshing. This is the only pool in the park where swimming is permitted, and it’s the clear highlight of the visit.
We spent most of our morning here, floating and cooling off while the boys swam, ducked under the water, and explored the small coves and natural debris scattered across the pool floor.
The Crystal Pool
Located closest to the entrance, the Crystal Pool is beautifully clear and offers a quieter, scenic stop before heading back.
Khlong Thom Hot Springs
After leaving the Emerald Pool, we drove about 15 minutes down the road to Khlong Thom Hot Springs, known for their mineral-rich, naturally heated pools carved into smooth stone.
Nestled in the forest were multiple small pools cascading down toward a larger waterfall. Each pool is filled with warm spring water, with temperatures increasing the higher you climb. The large pool at the base of the waterfall was noticeably cooler and perfect for swimming.
We started at the warmest pool at the top of the waterfall hot spring, which felt like a hot tub (temperatures around 35-40°C), and made our way down to the large, cool swimming area at the bottom. The boys loved bouncing between pools while Derek and I relaxed and enjoyed the natural beauty and therapeutic mineral water.
In addition to the natural rock pools, there are also two man-made pools that are easy to access and popular with families. With a playground right beside the pools, we ended up spending far more time here than expected—our little “fish” couldn’t get enough of swimming, climbing out, and hopping back and forth between the pools and the playground.
Overall, the hot springs offered a relaxing contrast to the Emerald Pool—less swimming, more soaking, and a chance to unwind at the end of the day.
Tips on Exploring the Emerald Pools and Hot Springs
Hit the Road Early: It’s a one-hour drive to the Emerald Pools from Ao Nang. We picked up our rental car first thing in the morning and hit the road early.
Arrive for Opening: The Emerald Pools open at 8:30 a.m., and bus tours typically start arriving around 10:00 a.m. Arriving early means quieter trail walks and a more peaceful experience.
Pack a Picnic: After all that swimming, kids will be famished. Enjoy a picnic in the shaded areas near the Emerald Pool.
Swimming in the Pool: The Emerald Pool is quite shallow, and our youngest (9 years old) could comfortably stand and walk around. For younger kids or less confident swimmers, consider bringing floaties or a life vest.
Footwear: The trails are easy and well-marked—runners or walking sandals work perfectly. The pool bottom is mostly sand, mixed with small pebbles, mineral silt, and the occasional rock or submerged log. The edges can be slippery due to mineral buildup. Our boys wore water shoes for extra grip, but bare feet are fine.
Sun Protection & Hydration: While much of the trail and the Emerald Pool area are shaded, the heat and humidity are intense. Bring plenty of water and don’t skip sun protection— the combination of walking, swimming, and warm temperatures can quickly take a toll on you.
A Relaxing Pool Day
Pairing the Emerald Pool with Khlong Thom Hot Springs made for one of our favourite inland days in Krabi. It offered a perfect balance of light activity and relaxation, worked well with kids, and felt far more peaceful when done independently rather than as part of a rushed tour. If you’re looking to escape the beach for a day and experience a different side of southern Thailand, this nature-filled combo is well worth adding to your Krabi itinerary.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
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