Hidden in the mystical jungle of Krabi’s Nature Reserves is a series of freshwater ponds and hot springs that are probably some of the most fun places to visit aside from the beaches in the area! Some of those special places are the Blue Lagoon, supplied by a hot underground spring, and the Emerald Pool, a natural turquoise blue swimming pool!
Also see: Krabi Hot Springs – Unique Thailand Experience
Blue Lagoon & Emerald Pool – How to Get There
Located in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, about 65 km or 1-hour ride from Krabi Town, this is how you can visit the Blue & Emerald Lagoons:
Hop on a Guided Tour
A tour is usually the easiest way to visit any destination as everything will be taken care of for you. The downside is that you’ll probably arrive with the crowds… We only opt for tours when the logistics of doing something on our own are too difficult or if the experience is authentic enough. In case we do opt for a tour, Get Your Guide is our go-to platform to book activities as they offer great pricing and the most authentic experiences!
Get a taxi from Krabi Town
You can get a taxi to the National Park from Krabi Town. The two-way journey should cost around 2,500 to 3,000 Baht (around 70-85 EUR) and it can be shared with up to four passengers. This is not the cheapest way to visit but if you want to get there before the crowds it’s a good option (make sure to leave at around 7 AM).
DIY and drive there on a scooter
Probably the cheapest way to visit and our chosen option! You can rent a scooter for as little as 200 Baht per day in Krabi and expect to spend around 80 Baht in fuel to get there and back.
Since we had a scooter, we opted to do Krabi Hot Springs on the same day and highly recommend this day tour combination! It’s one of the nicest experiences in Krabi in our opinion.
Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
The park is open every day from 8 AM to 5 PM although the Blue Pool is only open from 10:00 AM. The entrance fee is 200 Baht per adult and 100 Baht per child.
Important: the Blue Pool is closed from May to October to give local birds undisturbed time during their breeding period. Especially for the Gurney‘s Pitta (small birds with a blue head or yellow head) which are on the red list of endangered bird species.
Other than that you should expect to pay a 10 Baht fee to use the bathroom; the parking fee is 20 Baht for a motorbike and 30 Baht for a car.
Note: Drones are strictly forbidden here. Food and drinks are also not allowed to protect fauna and flora. Note that your bag is checked upon arrival.
Blue Lagoon & Emerald Pool
Get your swimsuit ready, pack a towel and sunscreen, and let’s dive into these hidden gems!
Once you reach the Natural Reserve and get your tickets, there are two paths: one dirt road heading straight and a narrow wooden path through the forest. The second option is definitely the nicest option! This nature trail is around 2.7 kilometers long and it leads you through the forest, waterfalls and streams, crystal clear lagoons, and more until reaching the Emerald Pool.
The Emerald Lagoon, also known as Sa Morakot, is the only spot in the reserve where you’re allowed to swim, so enjoy its natural turquoise blue water to cool down!
Also read: Where to Stay in Krabi in 2023 – The Best Areas & Hotels
Note: be aware that the limestone rocks here are quite slippery so we recommend using the wooden stairs to get in and out of the pool.
Once the Blue Pool opens at 10 AM, you can reach it by taking the wooden path again for another 600 meters further upstream.
The Blue Lagoon is an impressive phenomenon: it is supplied by a hot underground spring, with temperatures reaching up to 50° C, a quicksand bottom, and a high mineral deposit which causes the deep blue hues of the lagoon.
You are not allowed to swim here, and there is always a guard around to ensure it, but you can clap your hands loudly to see bubbles coming from the hot spring!
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