Inland from the coast in the Thung Teao Forest Natural Park, near Khlong Thom about an hour southeast of Ao Nang, the Emerald Pool (Sa Morakot) is a jewel-coloured, spring-fed basin in the middle of lowland jungle, warm and clear enough to swim in and coloured an unreal green by the mineral-rich water. A gentle forest trail leads deeper to the Blue Pool (Sa Nam Phut), a startlingly deep blue spring where swimming is not allowed but the colour is worth the short walk, though it sometimes closes in the wet season. The surrounding forest is a birdwatcher's patch, part of the last habitat of the rare Gurney's pitta, and nearby hot springs let you soak in warm natural pools. It is an easy half-day when paired with transfers, and best reached early in the morning before the tour groups arrive, when the pool is calm, cool, and almost to yourself. Water shoes help on the paths.
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