Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Think of Crystal Pool more as a stopover on your way to Emerald Pool than as a swimming spot in its own right. Located along the 1.4 km nature trail in the Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary in Khlong Thom, just a few hundred meters from Emerald Pool, it owes its name to the clarity of its water – a small, tranquil pool surrounded by dense forest.

Swimming in the nature reserve is only permitted in designated areas, and the Emerald Pool is the only one where swimming is allowed. According to at least one recent guidebook, the Crystal Pool can only be viewed. Therefore, bring swimwear for the Emerald Pool and your camera for the Crystal Pool. The circular route is an elevated wooden walkway and is easy to walk; it is quieter than the direct route from the car park.

The entrance fee for the nature reserve is 400 baht for foreign adults and 200 baht for children. The gates are open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The journey from Krabi Town takes about an hour, and from Ao Nang about 90 minutes. There is no public transport, so traveling by tour or private vehicle is recommended. It's best to do the loop early in the morning before the tourist buses reach Emerald Lake.