Exploring Krabi, Thailand: Emerald Pools, Hot Springs and Stunning Phang Nga Bay Views
Krabi Province in southern Thailand is famous for its beautiful beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs, but there is so much more to discover away from the coast. During our latest Thailand adventure on Brits Living in Spain, we hired a private vehicle to explore some of the area’s incredible natural attractions, including the Emerald Pool, Blue Pool, Khong Thom Nuea Hot Stream Waterfall and the spectacular Khaothong Hill viewpoint.
From turquoise waters hidden in tropical rainforest to breathtaking panoramic views across Phang Nga Bay, this was a day full of unforgettable scenery.
Discovering the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool in Krabi
One of the highlights of our day was visiting the famous Emerald Pool (สระมรกต), a natural pool tucked away in the lush tropical rainforest of Krabi.
The Emerald Pool is known for its beautiful green-blue water, creating a striking contrast against the surrounding vegetation. It is a fantastic place to experience Thailand’s natural beauty and see a different side of Krabi beyond its beaches and busy tourist areas.
We also visited the Blue Pool, another remarkable natural attraction in the same area. Its vivid turquoise-blue colour makes it particularly impressive and gives it a completely different appearance from the Emerald Pool.
Surrounded by tropical forest, these pools are well worth considering if you’re planning a trip to Krabi and want to explore some of southern Thailand’s natural wonders.
Khong Thom Nuea Hot Stream Waterfall
Our next stop was the Khong Thom Nuea Hot Stream Waterfall in Krabi, another fascinating natural attraction surrounded by tropical greenery.
This area is known for its naturally warm flowing water, where the stream winds through the forest and over the rocks. It offers a different experience from the usual beach and island excursions that many visitors associate with Krabi.
The combination of warm water, jungle scenery and the peaceful natural surroundings makes this an interesting stop for anyone who enjoys exploring Thailand’s outdoors.
If you’re planning a visit, remember to allow enough time to enjoy the area rather than rushing between attractions.
Khaothong Hill: Stunning Views Across Phang Nga Bay
We finished our day at Khaothong Hill (ร้านอาหารเขาทองฮิลล์), a restaurant and viewpoint offering spectacular panoramic views across Phang Nga Bay.
This was one of the real highlights of our Krabi adventure. The scenery is absolutely stunning, with lush green landscapes, dramatic limestone formations and islands rising from the beautiful waters of the bay.
Phang Nga Bay is one of southern Thailand’s most recognisable landscapes, and seeing it from an elevated viewpoint gives you a fantastic perspective of the surrounding scenery.
Khaothong Hill is a great place to stop for refreshments or a meal while taking in the views. It’s also an excellent location for photographs, so make sure your camera is ready!
For us, it was a wonderful way to round off a day exploring some of Krabi Province’s most memorable locations.
Exploring Krabi by Private Hire Vehicle
To visit these attractions, we hired a private vehicle for the day. This gave us the flexibility to travel between the different locations without having to rely on public transport or organise separate transfers.
When visiting several attractions spread across Krabi Province, arranging private transport can make the day much easier to manage. You can plan your own itinerary, spend more time at the places that interest you and enjoy the journey through the surrounding countryside.
If you’re considering a similar trip, check journey times and opening arrangements in advance, as travel distances and conditions can affect how much you can fit into one day.
Is Krabi Worth Exploring Beyond the Beaches?
Absolutely! While Krabi is well known for its beaches, boat trips and island excursions, our day out showed just how much more the province has to offer.
The Emerald Pool and Blue Pool provide an opportunity to discover Thailand’s tropical rainforest, Khong Thom Nuea Hot Stream Waterfall offers a unique natural experience, and Khaothong Hill delivers some truly memorable views across Phang Nga Bay.
These attractions make a great addition to a Krabi holiday, especially if you want to explore beyond the usual tourist hotspots.
Whether you’re staying in Ao Nang, visiting Krabi Town or using the area as a base for exploring southern Thailand, consider setting aside a day to discover some of these incredible locations.
Watch Our Krabi Adventure on YouTube
Join us on Brits Living in Spain as we explore Krabi Province and discover these beautiful locations for ourselves.
From the turquoise waters of the Emerald Pool and Blue Pool to the natural hot stream waterfall and the breathtaking views from Khaothong Hill, come along for a closer look at some of Thailand’s most impressive scenery.
Watch our video, enjoy the views and let us know in the comments which of these places you’d most like to visit!
Exploring KRABI video
KRABI adventures
