Visits to the Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon in Krabi

Looking for a change of scenery while enjoying a sublime coastal escape in Krabi? Head inland to an ancient forest where you will find the idyllic Emerald Pool and Blue Lagoon.

Planning a Trip

These two sites are in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park in Khlong Thom about an hour away from the main town. An ideal place for excursions from local properties like Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort, the Emerald Pool is open from 07:30am to 05:30pm; weekday visits are best to avoid weekend crowds.

The Emerald Pool

Locally referred to as “Sa Morakot”, the Emerald Pool has water sourced from natural streams and has a distinct colour that befits its name. Ideal to visit on a day tour for those staying at a hotel Ao Nang, Krabi has to offer, this pool is a great place for a relaxing swim; remember to bring your own towels!

Maksym Kozlenko, Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), CC BY-SA 4.0

The Blue Lagoon

Around 400 metres away is the Blue Lagoon with heated water from an underground spring. While you are not permitted to swim here, the stunning azure of the water amidst the forest makes for a soothing sight and some amazing Insta pictures! This site is not always open so check ahead.

Forest Treks

One of the best things to do in Krabi for nature lovers is to combine their visit here with some trekking at the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park. You will come across diverse flora and fauna, charming waterfalls and plenty of birdlife; if you’re lucky, you may spot the Gurney’s pitta, a bird once thought to be extinct!

 

A Handy Guide to Sail in Hidden Islands in Krabi

Around two hundred islands and islets are sprawled around Krabi’s magnificent coastline, with many outcrops rising precariously out of the sea, which can only be admired from a distance. Others, although largely uninhabited, offer enrapturing white sand beaches, and ethereal cave exploration opportunities.

Best Times to Sail

Since Krabi is located to the equator, it has a tropical monsoon climate, which means that it’s quite hot and humid, with April and May being the hottest months of the year. Stormy weathers frequent the region between May and October, during which not all islands can be visited. November to March is considered the best time to visit.

Image by nextvoyage from Pixabay

Accommodation

Ao Nang beach is where navigators usually anchor off when they arrive at Krabi. One can find a myriad of facilities around the beach such as restaurants, spas, and many a hotel in Ao Nang. Krabi offering all kinds of accommodation from guesthouses to luxury properties such as Avani Ao Nang Cliff Krabi Resort.

Sailing Charters

You can select from a variety of choices from powerboats to motor yachts and super yachts to sail around the Krabi Islands. Yacht chartering to Krabi is ideal for a sense of adventure.

Best Sailing Locations

Talabeng Island, Phang Nga Bay, Thalane Bay, and Bor Thor Village are some of the best places you can have leisurely sailing experience.

Boat Trips to Hat Chao Mai- Marine Park

The Hat Chao Mai is a Marine Park that boasts beauty just as it does species. It is a protected region in the city that nature lovers almost always fall in love with. It houses an array of endangered species some of which you would have never seen before. This atmosphere combined with the gentle beach side breeze and the unspoilt scenic appeal makes it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country.

The Hat Chao Mai was proclaimed a marine national park on 14 October 1982 and it spans over the two districts; Kantang and Sikao. The coastline itself runs for around 20 km of which 5km is made up of crystal white sand beaches set amidst beautiful limestone hills and caves. In addition to its magnificent scenic appeal the park boasts historic significance as well. Most of the caves found here actually belonged to the prehistoric era and certain human remains from that period were found here as well.

There is an array of beaches that makes up for the land based attractions of the park. The names include Pak Meng, Chang Lang, San Beach, Yao Beach, Yong Ling and Chao Mai Beach. All can be rather easily accessed by car. The park also consists of 7 other islands and features the Marine Natural Study Center. The islands are spectacular in beauty and are to be accessed by boat. The boat trips to the islands are a highlight of the Hat Chao Mai Marine Park. The water perfectly clear and sparkling makes an excellent base against the most exotic skyline giving one the perfect backdrop for the perfect boat trip. With the park names of endangered species includes the rare black necked stork, wild pigs, pangolins, macaques, pacific reef egrets, and several dugong can also be found.

There are several good resorts scattered across Krabi but if you are looking for the best of the best choose the Anantara Si Kao Thailand. This Trang resort is absolutely fantastic in everything it offers and actually leaves you craving for more. Known as one of the top Krabi resorts, Anantara is one of the prominent hotel chains in the world.

Top Five Things to do in Krabi

The area is wrapped in mystery, engulfed by the twists of the jungle and consecrated by religion and spirituality. Unlike most other oceanic hotspots, Krabi does not boast only of unending beach strips or gorgeous blue green tresses but has iconic limestone rocks, coral reefs, caves and jungles.

Regardless of the length of time spent in Krabi, visitors should meander through for these top five experiences.

The Tiger Cave also known as the Wat Tham Sua, is overwhelmingly spiritual and stooped in mystic secrets. The warmth of the atmosphere fades into a refreshing but eerie air that at times even sends a quiver down your spine. Consecrated by the Buddha’s holy visit more than two millennia ago, the historic site is a common place of worship amongst both locals and foreigners. The shrine’s compound is preserved by the thick jungle and the labyrinth of caves makes it an exciting location for exploration.

The biodiversity is astounding at the Thung Teao Natural Forest, in spite of its uncommon geographical position within proximity of the sea. The crystal lagoon or emerald pool is the cynosure of all eyes and lives up to its name of being crystal clear, making it the ideal waters for a swim. The forest is a treasure trove of fauna that was previously considered extinct and flora that woos environmentalists.

The limestone cliffs form tiny islands of their own in the midst of the powdery blue sea waves, which welcome scuba divers and snorkelers. The presence of marine life close to the shores is another factor that draws aquatic enthusiasts to the Phi Phi Islands. Chicken Island is particularly famous for the coral reefs, boat rides and kayaking opportunities.

Susan Hoi, the Shell Cemetery contains fossilized marine life that is believed to date as far back as 30 million years. There are scientific research reports on the site as well as legends that detail how snails and shellfish were swept onto the rocks by limestone mixed water to create what is considered one of the few and comprehensive shell cemeteries of the world.

Thailand is blessed with a multitude of holiday destinations, but none quite so like Krabi and even the luxury hotels in the area distinctly stand out from the rest. Theluxury hotel resorts compare well with the most exquisite of its kind and the Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spas are to be kept in mind for more reason than one.