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Hot Spring, Emerald Pool, Blue Pool… – these stunning emerald pools hidden in the Krabi forest not only carry a mystical aura but also boast mineral-rich waters beneficial for bathers' health.
Travel Thailand and lose yourself in the magical waters of Khlong Thom
Soak in natural springs, ride elephants, explore the Tiger Temple
These natural pools lie deep in the pristine Khlong Thom forest in Krabi. The tourist spot is approximately 60km away from central Krabi. Rent a scooter to get there, and purchase entrance tickets at 200 baht/person, with an additional 20 baht for parking.
If you're not familiar with the route, consider booking a 'half-day' or 'full-day' tour from travel agencies around town, ranging from 600 to 1000 baht. With the tour, enjoy door-to-door transportation and participate in various activities like lunch, hot spring baths, visits to the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool, exploring the Tiger Temple, and elephant rides.
After experiencing it, the writer finds that the 'full day' tour allows for participation in many activities, but the rushed schedule may limit the true comfort of exploring this place. The Tiger Temple is only suitable for those in good health as it involves continuous climbing. Elephant riding activity takes place within a confined garden, lacking a sense of exploration.
You can dedicate an entire day to the Hot Spring, Emerald Pool, and Blue Pool. The scenery here is truly magical. Spend time soaking in the natural Hot Spring and immerse yourself in the refreshing, crystal-clear waters of the Emerald Pool – truly a relaxing experience.
Experience the beauty of the 'fairy water pool'
Before reaching the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool, make a stop at the Hot Spring to immerse yourself in the natural hot spring amidst the tropical rainforest. The Hot Spring has a temperature ranging from 35 to 40 degrees, renowned for its natural mineral salt layer that can help treat conditions like arthritis and sciatica. However, it's advisable to soak for only 10 to 20 minutes.
After relaxing at the Hot Spring, you can proceed to the area with Emerald Pool and Blue Pool a few kilometers away. From the parking area, walk approximately 1.5 km along a trail through the forest to reach the Emerald Pool, surrounded by rocks, formed in the midst of the Khao Phra Bang Khram nature reserve.
Following the trail under the canopy of trees, the emerald green color easily soothes the heat rising on a scorching summer day. The water of the Emerald Pool originates from an underground stream beneath the Khao Nor Juji. The minerals in the water are believed to be very beneficial for health.
The water of Emerald Pool is pure and refreshing. Here, you can enjoy swimming with small fish or sit under the waterfalls to feel the cool water massaging your body.
But don't be too captivated by the emerald green color of Emerald Pool and forget to explore the upper source, where the most beautiful gem of the forest, Blue Pool, awaits.
Blue Pool, hidden by nature in the forest, is an additional 400m walk from Emerald Pool along a well-marked trail under the dense forest canopy. Swimming is not allowed here due to its considerable depth and potential dangers beneath the surface.
The blue color of Blue Pool adds a mysterious touch, making it the most captivating spot here. However, Blue Pool is closed from May to October for bird conservation. The Thai people prioritize tourism but always put nature conservation first.
The heavenly blue hue of the water in the pool seems to reach out endlessly to touch the lush green branches bending down over the water. Somewhere, the sound of chirping birds echoes through the tree clusters, creating a refreshing and unusual atmosphere.
3 pieces of information for you:
1. Transportation
– Krabi Province is approximately 850 km from the capital, Bangkok. To reach Krabi, you can fly from Hanoi, Da Nang, or Ho Chi Minh City with a layover at Don Mueang Airport (Bangkok). It takes an additional 1-hour flight to reach Krabi International Airport. Flight prices from Bangkok to Krabi range from 1000 to 1500 baht (about 700,000 to 1 million dong).
Additionally, you can easily travel by bus or taxi. If taking a bus from Bangkok to Krabi, the cost is around 700 baht, taking 12 hours. The buses here do not have beds but reclining seats.
⁃ Upon arrival at Krabi Airport, there are ticket booths for buses, taxis, vans, tuk-tuks, and songthaews (local taxi trucks). Simply provide them with your hotel address and purchase a ticket. Negotiate the fare as it may differ from the prices displayed. To travel from the airport to Ao Nang by songthaew costs 150 baht and takes only 30 minutes.
2. Renting a Motorbike
To rent a motorbike, you need a passport, but it can stay at the hotel. An alternative is to bring your ID card and a scanned copy of your passport. The rental fee for a small motorbike is 150 baht, for a larger one is 200 baht, and an additional 75 baht for fuel, allowing you to cover nearly 40 km (including the town and Ao Nang area). If this approach doesn't work, consider renting a motorbike from your hotel.
3. Accommodation
There are two main hotel areas where you can stay: Krabi Town and Ao Nang Beach (near the shore). Krabi Town is the bustling center of Krabi town, making it more crowded and lively. On the other hand, Ao Nang is quieter and more serene. However, the beachside area features a vibrant night market with bustling activities in the evening.
By Mai Huong/Tuoi Tre News
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourJuly 28, 2017
