Emerald Pool Krabi - Hot Springs & Tiger Cave Temple Jungle Tour
An Emerald Pool and Hot Springs tour in Krabi is one of the best nature experiences in southern Thailand. This full-day jungle trip takes visitors to the famous Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot), where you can swim in naturally heated mineral water surrounded by rainforest, followed by a relaxing stop at the Krabi Hot Springs Waterfall, known for its warm thermal pools (around 40–50°C). Many tours also include a visit to the iconic Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), where adventurous travelers can climb over 1,200 steps for panoramic views of Krabi. Most experiences include hotel pickup, air-conditioned transport, a local guide, and lunch, making it an easy and well-organized day trip.
Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Krabi at a glance
Key details for planning a jungle day trip in Krabi, including locations, travel time, and what to expect.
Location
Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, about 50–60 km from Krabi Town.
Travel time
Around 1 to 1.5 hours by car from Ao Nang or Krabi Town.
Trip length
Most tours are full-day trips (typically 6–8 hours including hotel transfers).
Top highlights
Emerald Pool (natural mineral water), Blue Pool viewpoint, Hot Springs waterfall, and Tiger Cave Temple.
Water temperature
Hot Springs pools are naturally heated to around 40–50°C.
Best season
November to April offers the best weather with less rain and clearer jungle trails.
Sample Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Tour Itinerary in Krabi
This full-day jungle tour in Krabi includes hotel pickup, visits to natural hot springs, the Emerald Pool, and the famous Tiger Cave Temple, with time to relax, swim, and explore.
Hotel Pickup & Transfer to the Jungle
Start the day with pickup from your hotel in Krabi or Ao Nang, followed by a scenic drive through rural landscapes toward the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.
Hot Springs Waterfall
Relax in the natural hot springs, where mineral-rich water flows through smooth rock pools. The temperature typically ranges from 40–50°C, creating a natural jungle jacuzzi experience.
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
Walk through the rainforest to reach the Emerald Pool, a natural mineral lagoon known for its clear green-blue water. Visitors can swim and relax while surrounded by lush jungle scenery.
Blue Pool (Viewpoint)
Continue along the nature trail to the Blue Pool, a protected natural spring with intense blue color. Swimming is not allowed, but it’s one of the most unique sights in the reserve.
Lunch Break
Enjoy a local Thai lunch at a nearby restaurant, typically included as part of the tour, before continuing to the final stop of the day.
Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea)
Visit one of Krabi’s most famous temples. Adventurous visitors can climb over 1,200 steps to reach the summit for panoramic views, while others can explore the temple grounds and caves below.
This tour can be booked through Viator, a Tripadvisor company. Viator offers secure booking, verified reviews, and flexible cancellation options on many tours.
This guided Krabi jungle tour combines natural hot springs, the Emerald Pool, and the iconic Tiger Cave Temple, making it one of the most complete nature experiences in the region. See tour details on Viator →
More Things to Do in Krabi
About the Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Tour in Krabi
An Emerald Pool and Hot Springs tour in Krabi is one of the most popular nature experiences in southern Thailand, combining rainforest walks, natural mineral pools, and cultural landmarks in a single day. The tour featured on this page is a full-day jungle trip that takes visitors inland from the coast to explore some of Krabi’s most unique natural attractions.
The Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is located within the protected Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, an area known for its rich biodiversity and tropical rainforest ecosystem. The pool itself is a natural mineral lagoon fed by underground springs, with clear green-blue water that remains relatively warm year-round, making it suitable for swimming.
Another major highlight of the tour is the Krabi Hot Springs Waterfall, where thermal mineral water flows through a series of natural rock pools. These pools are naturally heated to around 40–50°C, creating a relaxing “natural jacuzzi” environment surrounded by jungle scenery. This stop is typically visited first, allowing travelers to unwind before heading deeper into the forest.
Many tours, including the one listed on Viator, also include a visit to the Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea), one of Krabi’s most famous landmarks. The temple is known for its hilltop viewpoint, which can be reached by climbing over 1,200 steps. From the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Krabi’s limestone landscape, while those who prefer can explore the temple grounds and caves at the base.
This type of Krabi jungle tour is ideal for travelers who want to experience a different side of the region beyond beaches and islands. According to the Viator listing, the experience typically includes hotel pickup and drop-off, air-conditioned transport, a local guide, and lunch, making it an easy and well-organized way to explore Krabi’s inland highlights.
What to Expect on an Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Tour in Krabi
Most full-day Emerald Pool and Hot Springs tours in Krabi follow a similar structure. Expect hotel pickup, a scenic inland drive, time to relax in natural thermal pools, a walk through the rainforest to the Emerald Pool, and often a visit to Tiger Cave Temple later in the day.
Hotel Transfers
Most tours include pickup and drop-off from Krabi Town or Ao Nang, making the jungle day trip easy to organize.
Hot Springs Stop
Relax in Krabi’s natural hot springs, where mineral-rich water flows through rock pools heated to around 40–50°C.
Emerald Pool Swim
Walk through the forest to reach the Emerald Pool, a natural spring-fed pool known for its clear green-blue water.
Rainforest Setting
The experience takes place in the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, an inland jungle area known for tropical scenery.
Lunch Included
Many full-day tours include a local Thai lunch, giving visitors a convenient break between the main sightseeing stops.
Tiger Cave Temple
Many itineraries also include Tiger Cave Temple, where visitors can explore the temple grounds or climb more than 1,200 steps to the viewpoint.
Best Time to Visit Emerald Pool & Hot Springs in Krabi
The Emerald Pool and Krabi Hot Springs are located inland within a tropical rainforest, so weather conditions are influenced more by rainfall and humidity than by sea conditions. In general, November to April offers the most comfortable weather for visiting, while May to October brings a greener jungle but a higher chance of rain and muddy trails.
This is generally considered the best time to visit the Emerald Pool and Hot Springs. Trails are drier, walking conditions are easier, and the weather is more comfortable for exploring the jungle.
Water levels remain suitable for swimming, and the experience is more predictable overall, especially for travelers visiting Krabi for a short stay.
Temperatures can be high, especially around midday, but this is still a good time to visit since the Emerald Pool offers a refreshing swim and the shaded forest provides some relief from the heat.
It’s recommended to visit earlier in the day, bring water, and wear light clothing suitable for humid conditions.
The rainforest becomes especially lush during this period, and the Emerald Pool often appears more vibrant. However, trails can be muddy and slippery, and rainfall may affect visibility and comfort.
Rain typically comes in short tropical showers, but it’s best to wear proper footwear and keep a flexible schedule if planning a jungle tour during this season.
Emerald Pool & Hot Springs Krabi Tour FAQ
Practical answers about visiting the Emerald Pool, Krabi Hot Springs, Tiger Cave Temple, and what to expect from a jungle day trip in Krabi.
Can you swim in the Emerald Pool in Krabi?
Yes, Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is open for swimming. The water is naturally mineral-rich and stays relatively warm year-round. Visitors can enter the pool and swim in designated areas within the nature reserve.
How hot are the Krabi Hot Springs?
The Krabi Hot Springs Waterfall features natural thermal pools with temperatures typically around 40–50°C. Some pools are hotter than others, allowing visitors to choose a comfortable spot to relax.
How long is the Emerald Pool & Hot Springs tour?
Most Emerald Pool and Hot Springs tours in Krabi are full-day trips lasting approximately 6–8 hours, including hotel transfers, sightseeing stops, and lunch.
Is the Blue Pool open for swimming?
No, swimming is not allowed in the Blue Pool. It is a protected natural spring within the reserve, but visitors can walk to the viewpoint and see its distinctive deep blue color.
Is Tiger Cave Temple included in the tour?
Many tours include a stop at Tiger Cave Temple (Wat Tham Suea). Visitors can explore the temple grounds or climb over 1,200 steps to reach the viewpoint overlooking Krabi’s limestone landscape.
Is the Emerald Pool tour suitable for children?
Yes, this tour is generally suitable for families. However, keep in mind that there is some walking involved on forest trails, and the climb at Tiger Cave Temple may not be suitable for young children or those with limited mobility.
Do tours include hotel pickup in Krabi?
Most organized Krabi jungle tours include hotel pickup and drop-off from areas such as Ao Nang and Krabi Town. Exact pickup zones depend on the tour provider, so it’s best to confirm details before booking.
Is the Emerald Pool & Hot Springs tour worth it?
For travelers looking to experience a different side of Krabi beyond beaches, this jungle tour offers a mix of natural hot springs, rainforest scenery, and cultural highlights. It’s one of the most popular inland day trips in the region.
Check availability for this Emerald Pool & Hot Springs tour in Krabi
If you’re staying in Krabi, this full-day jungle tour is one of the easiest ways to visit the Emerald Pool, relax in natural hot springs, and explore Tiger Cave Temple in one organized experience with transport and lunch included.
Swim in the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
Relax in natural hot springs (40–50°C)
Visit Tiger Cave Temple & panoramic viewpoint
Hotel transfers, lunch, and guide included