Krabi jungle tour: Emerald Pool, hot spring and temple

Swim in an emerald-colored pool fed by underground springs, then soak in naturally heated water

A full-day jungle tour in Krabi takes you to the Emerald Pool for a swim in its naturally green water, then to hot springs where warm mineral water flows year-round, and finishes at Tiger Cave Temple with a walk through Kiriwong Valley. The tour runs with a minimum of six travelers and includes an English-speaking guide, lunch, fruit, water and round-trip hotel pickup; the itinerary may shift depending on weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Emerald Pool and Hot Springs

• Travel to Khlong Thom District
• Swim in Emerald Pool
• Walk to Phut Pool source
• Stop for lunch
• Soak in hot waterfalls and streams
• Visit Wat Tham Sua temple
• Worship monk and goddess Quan Yin
• Walk Kiriwong Valley nature path
• Return to accommodation

The Experience

The day starts at 9:30 with a drive to Khlong Thom District, home to the Emerald Pool. The water gets its color from minerals and the pool sits at the source of an underground spring system. If you have time, you can walk uphill to Phut Pool, where the spring originates—the walk stays short and the pool above is even more secluded. You'll swim in both if the group moves at a steady pace, then break for lunch at noon.

After eating, the tour heads to the hot waterfalls—natural hot springs that flow warm year-round, created by geothermal activity underground. The water temperature stays comfortable for soaking, and you're free to spend as long as you want in it. By 3 p.m. you're on the road to Wat Tham Sua, the Tiger Cave Temple. The temple sits on a hillside and the grounds include a nature path through Kiriwong Valley, where thousand-year-old trees grow and small caves dot the forest. You'll walk the path, visit the main temple to pay respects, and be back at your hotel by 5 p.m.

The tour operates in English with a live guide and requires a minimum group of six travelers; if fewer people book, the operator reschedules you to another day. Weather can shift the order of stops or change the route entirely, so the itinerary is flexible. Children from age one are welcome, though infants must sit on an adult's lap during the drive.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• round-trip hotel pickup.
• lunch with fruit and water.
• accident insurance.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Thailandlocaltour.com

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you'll follow the commentary throughout the day without needing translation—book this one if you want to understand what you're seeing at each stop and don't speak Thai.

Top questions

What is the Emerald Pool actually like when you get there?

The Emerald Pool is a natural swimming hole fed by underground springs; the water appears bright green because of minerals in the spring water. It sits in a jungle setting and you can wade or swim in it, and if time allows, walk uphill to Phut Pool at the spring's source.

How much time do you actually spend swimming and soaking on this tour?

You'll have time to swim in the Emerald Pool in the morning, break for lunch at noon, then soak in the hot springs in the early afternoon—roughly two to three hours of water time across the day, depending on how long the group spends at each stop.

What happens at Tiger Cave Temple and is there a lot of walking?

Tiger Cave Temple sits on a hillside and includes a nature walk through Kiriwong Valley where you'll see old-growth trees and small caves. The walk is part of the temple grounds and stays moderate in pace; you'll also visit the main temple building to pay respects.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

Lunch, fresh fruit and water are included. The lunch stop happens at midday, between the Emerald Pool and the hot springs.

What if I book but fewer than six people sign up?

The tour requires a minimum of six travelers to run. If fewer people book, the operator will reschedule you to another departure date instead of running a smaller group.

Is this tour suitable if I have mobility concerns or a back injury?

The tour includes walking on nature paths and swimming, so it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries. It's suitable for all other fitness levels, and children from age one can join.