Thung Teao Forest Natural Park Krabi
Discover Krabi's natural wonders: swim in the Emerald Pool, marvel at the Blue Pool, and hike to breathtaking viewpoints.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park Krabi
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Krabi's natural wonders: swim in the Emerald Pool, marvel at the Blue Pool, and hike to breathtaking viewpoints.
"The view is just so beautiful. Felt like Lion King!"
Wear Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot)
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
Swim in the vibrant, emerald-green waters of this natural pool, surrounded by lush jungle.
+1Blue Pool
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
Marvel at the striking deep blue hue of this mineral-rich pool, a short hike from the Emerald Pool.
+2
Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
Dragon Crest Mountain
Trek to this viewpoint for breathtaking panoramic views of Krabi's stunning landscape.
Tiger Cave Temple
Thung Teao Forest Natural Park
Climb the stairs to this iconic temple for spiritual reflection and expansive views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Gear Up for the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. :droplet:
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving at park opening. :clock:
Check Park Hours
The park closes at 5 PM, plan your descent. :door:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Proper Footwear
Closed-toe shoes are essential for the hike. :athletic_shoe:
Hydration is Key
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. :droplet:
Arrive Early
Beat the crowds and heat by arriving at park opening. :clock:
Check Park Hours
The park closes at 5 PM, plan your descent. :door:
Google Maps Can Deceive
Use detailed reviews for accurate directions. :round_pushpin:
Pitta Coffee Camp
A cute cafe for a relaxing break amidst nature.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty of Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, particularly the vibrant Emerald and Blue Pools. The challenging hike to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint is highly praised for its rewarding, breathtaking panoramas, though it requires good preparation. Some find the park's location a bit off the beaten path, and Google Maps can be unreliable for directions.
"I originally didn’t want to do this walk because I was so tired from the day before but I am sooo glad we decided to go.
Google maps takes you to the wrong place but someone else left a really good detailed review on how to get there, so check it out!
The walk isn’t the hardest we’ve done but we’ve done quite a lot of of nature trail walks. It’s easy at the beginning but then gets realllyyyy hard once you reach the stairs. There’s a little bench at the top of the stairs to have a little sit down before you continue. But after the stairs which is near the beginning it’s actually an alright hike. Few rocks you need to climb towards the end but nothing too hard. All very worth the effort when you reach the top. The view is just so beautiful.
We managed to complete it in 1.5 hours the way up and an hour the way down. We walked quite fast though as we were limited for time because we arrived at 2 and had to get back down for 5 as that’s when the national park closes. It’s actually really good, they have staff at the bottom who write your details down and give you a phone number incase you need help when you’re up there. There’s a little shop that sells snacks too to buy before your hike. Make sure you have at least 2 litres of water per person thought because it gets hot and tiring. Eat a big meal beforehand too.
This national park is also FREE which is amazing. Opening times are 10-5 if I remember correctly so make sure you leave enough time to come back down before 5.
Love love loved this walk and view. Felt like lion king! Haha"
Melissa
"If you wish to do something else beside the beach you should come here. The forest is beautiful with all the plants looks like a jungle. The path is well maintained till the top where you have an amazing view. Prepare with closed shoes and enough water!"
Zsófia Balatoni
"Beautiful track (rural). We are used to hiking and needed with taking pictures 90 min up (in afternoon) and 70 min down in the dark with head lights. Better have good shoes and if you want, Take a little bath for cool down in the end. Sunset is nice but better is propably the sunrise."
Tobias Jesche
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Ao Nang, you can hire a taxi or rent a scooter. The drive to Thung Teao Forest Natural Park takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. Some travelers mention that Google Maps can sometimes lead to the wrong location, so it's advisable to cross-reference with detailed reviews or ask locals for precise directions.
Yes, it's about a 55 km drive from Krabi Town. You can arrange for a taxi or rent a motorbike. The journey typically takes around an hour.
Public bus options are limited for direct access to the park. Hiring a private car or scooter is generally the most convenient way to reach the park.
The Blue Pool is a short hike, about 15-20 minutes, from the Emerald Pool. Follow the well-maintained trail.
There are no specific shuttle services within the park. You will be walking between attractions like the Emerald Pool and the Blue Pool.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The national park is free to enter, which is a significant plus for budget travelers.
The park is typically open from 10 AM to 5 PM. It's crucial to plan your visit to ensure you have enough time to explore and descend before closing.
No advance booking is usually required for the Emerald Pool or Blue Pool as the park entry is free. However, it's always good to check for any seasonal changes or special event closures.
While the Tiger Cave Temple is located within the general vicinity, access to the temple itself is typically free. Donations are appreciated.
Swimming is permitted in the Emerald Pool, but it's generally advised not to swim in the Blue Pool due to its mineral content and delicate ecosystem.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The hike can be demanding, especially the stairs section. It's a well-maintained trail, but can be rocky towards the end. Allow 1.5 hours for the ascent and an hour for the descent.
Yes, swimming is allowed and encouraged in the Emerald Pool. The water is clear and refreshing.
The Blue Pool is known for its stunning, deep blue color caused by mineral content and sunlight reflection. While beautiful to observe, swimming is not recommended.
Yes, there are facilities available, including restrooms and a small shop selling snacks and drinks before your hike.
The park offers beautiful nature and the Emerald Pool for a refreshing dip, making it enjoyable for families. However, the hike to viewpoints can be challenging for very young children.
📸 📸 Photography
The Emerald Pool with its vibrant green water and the Blue Pool with its striking blue hue are prime photo opportunities. The panoramic views from Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint are also spectacular. +2
Morning light often provides the best conditions for capturing the vibrant colors of the Emerald Pool without harsh shadows.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with park authorities upon arrival to ensure compliance with local rules and respect for the natural environment.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the lush forest and expansive views. Waterproof protection for your camera is advisable if you plan to swim in the Emerald Pool.
Many visitors highlight the unique colors of the Emerald and Blue Pools as must-capture moments. The summit of Khao Ngon Nak offers a 'Lion King' like vista.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1While the hike to the Blue Pool is relatively short and manageable, the trek to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint might be challenging for very young children due to its steepness and length. Consider the energy levels of your kids when planning the full itinerary. The park also has a small cafe, Pitta Coffee Camp, which can be a nice spot for a family break.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Adventure Seekers
Beyond the main viewpoints, exploring the trails around the Emerald and Blue Pools offers a chance to immerse yourself in the lush jungle environment. The park provides a good mix of accessible natural beauty and more challenging physical activities.
+1📸 Photographers
+2Capturing the panoramic vistas from Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint at sunrise or sunset can yield spectacular shots. The dense, tropical foliage also provides ample opportunities for macro photography and capturing the essence of a true jungle environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Emerald and Blue Pools
+1The Blue Pool, a short hike away, is equally mesmerizing with its intense, deep blue color. This striking hue is a result of the water's mineral composition and how sunlight interacts with it. While incredibly beautiful to behold, swimming in the Blue Pool is generally discouraged to preserve its delicate ecosystem.
+3These pools are formed by natural streams and are a testament to the park's unique geological makeup. The surrounding lush greenery and the tranquil atmosphere make them a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers alike.
+1The Hike to Khao Ngon Nak Viewpoint
The trail is well-maintained but can be challenging, particularly the steep section with stairs. It's advisable to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes and carry ample water, as the climb can be strenuous and the climate hot. The effort, however, is richly rewarded with breathtaking views from the summit, often compared to the iconic 'Lion King' landscape.
Plan your hike to allow sufficient time, as the ascent can take around 1.5 hours, and the descent about an hour. It's also worth noting that the park closes at 5 PM, so ensure you start your descent well before then, especially if you plan to hike in the afternoon.
Tiger Cave Temple: A Spiritual Ascent
The temple is famous for its challenging climb of over 1,200 steps leading to a stunning golden Buddha statue and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The ascent is a significant physical undertaking, but the spiritual atmosphere and the rewarding vistas make it a worthwhile experience for many visitors.
It's a place that offers a different kind of natural beauty and cultural insight, complementing the natural wonders of the pools and viewpoints within the park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit