How to Visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, Thailand – 2024 Guide

Have you heard that Emerald Cave (also known as Morakot Cave) in Thailand is an overrated tourist trap and difficult to reach? Well, that’s not entirely true. It’s actually quite accessible and definitely worth visiting!

Emerald Cave, located on Koh Mook, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Thai Andaman Coast, attracting massive crowds every year. Swimming through the dark cave to reach the hidden lagoon is a truly unique experience.

You can easily travel there from Bangkok, Phuket, or even from Malaysia. While there are several ways to visit Emerald Cave, most people opt for an organized one-day boat trip.

Personally, I recommend staying longer on Koh Mook, as we easily fell in love with the island and enjoyed every moment spent there.

Read on to hear about our firsthand experience visiting Emerald Cave and learn all the essential information you need to know before your trip!

Where is Emerald Cave located?

Emerald Cave is located on Koh Mook island in the south of Thailand on the Andaman Sea. Koh Mook is part of the Trang islands, which also include Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan and Koh Libong.

This stunning region is known for its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Emerald Cave is also a part of Hat Chao Mai National Park, a protected area that spans both land and sea. It’s conveniently located near other popular destinations like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta, and not far from the Malaysian island of Langkawi.

When should you visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

Before planning your visit to Emerald Cave, it’s important to note that it is closed to tourists for a few months each year. This popular spot on Thailand’s Andaman coast can only be visited during the “high season,” which runs from the beginning of October to the end of May. 

Emerald Cave is closed to tourists from June 1 to September 30.

Additionally, consider if your visit coincides with popular holidays like Christmas or Chinese New Year. While it’s possible to visit during these times, the cave might be more crowded than usual.

How to get to the Emerald Cave in Thailand?

To visit Emerald Cave, you don’t have to stay on Koh Mook. Although we highly recommend it, Koh Mook is a charming island, 100% worth visiting!

You will find plenty of island-hopping tours all around southern Thailand that include visiting this famous spot. 

If you are staying on Koh Mook, the only way to get to the Emerald Cave is by boat or kayak. You can’t hike there, as the cave and the lagoon are surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. 

Getting to Emerald Cave from Bangkok

The fastest way to get to Emerald Cave from Bangkok is to fly to Trang town on the mainland. From Trang Airport, you need to get to the Khuan Tung Ku Pier, where boats depart for Emerald Cave.

To get from Trang Airport to the pier, you can take a taxi or shared mini-van.

It’s also possible to travel from Bangkok to Trang town by bus or train, but keep in mind that this trip will be much longer than flying.

Booking “Island hopping” tour

One of the most popular and convenient ways to visit Emerald Cave is by booking a shared or private island-hopping tour. The most popular tour is called the “4 Island Tour”, and it’s sold on every bigger island along the Andaman Coast, like Koh Lipe or Koh Lanta.

This tour can be even booked from as far away as Krabi, and sometimes it will include traveling by land to Khuan Tung Ku Pier and then taking a ferry to Emerald Cave.

The “4 Island Tour” includes visiting other Trang islands, like Koh Ngai or Koh Kradan, making it a great whole-day activity. Besides visiting the cave, you can enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach.

The itinerary and price depend on the tour agency, so it’s worth checking a few to compare and negotiate.

Rent a Kayak on Koh Mook

If you’re staying on Koh Mook, you can easily rent a kayak on Charlie Beach and paddle to the entrance of Emerald Cave. However, note that kayaking through the cave is not allowed. There are signs stating this rule, so please respect the local regulations.

When you reach the entrance of Emerald Cave, you’ll need to find a place to safely leave your kayak and then swim to the cave. Keep in mind that there are many boats, ferries, and swimmers in the area, which can seem chaotic. Make sure to stay safe and bring a life jacket.

If you’re visiting Emerald Cave on your own, without a tour or guide, you’ll also need a torch (as it gets very dark inside the cave) and a waterproof dry bag for your valuables.

Get a private longtail boat

Renting a private longtail boat from Koh Mook is a great way to explore Emerald Cave. It’s how we visited Emerald Cave, and I will share more details about our experience below.

What to expect when visiting Emerald cave? – Our Experience

To be honest, visiting Emerald Cave wasn’t the reason why we stayed in Koh Mook. However, as we were so close to this famous spot and even went kayaking nearby once, it quickly became a “must-do” activity for us.

Initially, we wanted to keep it simple and book a group tour. But since we couldn’t find a shared trip on our preferred date, we opted for renting a private longtail boat.

Our package included visiting Emerald Cave, snorkeling, and spending a few hours on Koh Kradan’s pristine beach.

We were provided with fruit, water, life jackets and snorkeling equipment. But what I appreciated most was having a dedicated tour guide who helped us safely swim to the cave and showed the best snorkeling spots.

The trip cost us 1200 baht for two people, plus an extra 400 baht (200 baht each) for entry to Hat Chao Mai National Park. We also paid for a lunch in a restaurant on Koh Kradan.

Getting a private tour meant we could choose the time of departure. We decided to go around 9 am, which was a great decision because we avoided the huge crowds, as the hour was still relatively early (though there were still plenty of people).

If you want to have the Emerald Cave to yourself, go as early as you can!

Swimming Inside the Cave

The entrance to Emerald Cave is usually crowded with boats and ferries. Be careful when getting off the boat; jumping is not allowed, and you need to watch out for other people swimming and floating around.

You will find a rope to help with the initial part of swimming to the cave. Our guide had fins and showed us a safe way to swim swim. He also carried a waterproof dry bag with our phones.

With the guide, life jackets, and lifebuoy to share, we felt very safe and taken care of. That being said, going inside the Emerald Cave can be a little scary (it was for me!), but also very adventurous.

The water is quite deep, so you won’t be able to touch the sea bottom and will need a lifejacket. I haven’t seen people swimming there without any equipment.

Personally, I am not a confident swimmer (especially in the deep waters outside of the swimming pool), so I really appreciated the help from our guide.

At some point, we went so far into the cave that no light reached us, and we needed a torch. Luckily, our guide lit the way and showed us the direction to go.

It is probably not possible to get lost in the cave, but you will need to watch out for other tourists floating in both directions (if you are claustrophobic and can’t swim, this might not be the experience for you).

It takes around 10-15 minutes to slowly float through the cave, while keeping save distance from other people. It will depend on your speed, as the distance to swim is only 80 meters.

After a few minutes of swimming in total darkness, we saw the light again and finally reached the hidden Emerald Pool.

Admiring the Emerald Lagoon

The Emerald Lagoon consists of a shallow pool and little beach surrounded by huge limestone walls with a small jungle growing on top.

The name ‘Emerald’ comes from the color of the water, which at certain times of the day resembles a vivid green emerald.

Honestly, there’s not much to do there, but admire this natural phenomenon. You will spend lovely time strolling around the tiny beach, and taking nice pictures.

That’s why you need to carry a phone when swimming through the cave. The trick is to take great photos without other people in the background.

When walking around the beach, you can find an information board that explains how Emerald Cave was created by the collapses of the huge limestone formations, resulting in a chimney with a beach and small pool at the bottom.

Emerald Cave was first discovered by local people who came here looking for swallows’ nests. It is also said to have been a place where pirates used to hide their treasures!

Snorkeling Near the Emerald Cave

If you choose to go on one of the popular tours to the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, you will most probably also go snorkeling near the neighboring islands.

That’s exactly what we did, and I can’t recommend it enough. We visited one of the best snorkeling spots I have seen in Thailand!

After visiting the famous Emerald Cave, we headed to explore snorkeling spots around Koh Kradan.

I didn’t expect much from this part of our trip, as Emerald Cave was supposed to be the highlight, but I was pleasantly surprised. We snorkeled in the warm, crystal clear water and saw many fish species and other sea creatures.

Fortunately, we didn’t encounter any jellyfish, which are very common in Thai waters!

Our tour guide went swimming with us and showed us the best spots where the fish were hiding. We weren’t in a rush and could enjoy observing underwater life within the coral reef.

After snorkeling in two different spots, our boat docked on the Koh Kradan beach. We stayed for around 3 hours, had lunch (not included in the price), and enjoyed sunshine on the pristine, sandy beach.

What to Bring on a Trip to Emerald Cave?

When preparing for a trip to Emerald Cave it is important to pack all necessary items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here’s a list of must-have things that you will need on your trip:

• Life Jacket: It should be provided by your ferry, speed boat, or even a rented kayak. Don’t forget to wear it if you are not a confident swimmer. The water near the cave is deep, and having a life jacket gave me a lot of emotional support.

• Waterproof Bag: If you want to take pictures from inside the lagoon, you will need to put your phone in a safe and dry waterproof bag. I usually put my phone in a plastic case before placing it in the waterproof bag. Our bag was provided by the guide, but if you won’t be on a private tour, it’s worth bringing your own waterproof bag.

• Torch: It gets very dark in the cave, and a torch is absolutely necessary if you are planning on swimming through the cave on your own. There will likely be other people around, some with torches lighting the way, but it’s not guaranteed, so better be prepared.

• Swimwear: You will obviously need a swimsuit to swim comfortably through the cave. The water during the high season is very warm, and I was perfectly comfortable wearing a bikini.

• Sun Protection: Before embarking on a trip to the Emerald Cave, don’t forget to use sunscreen. It is also advisable to reapply it after you get out of the water, especially if you plan to spend the whole day snorkeling and visiting other places.

• Hat: Just like sunscreen, a hat is a must when visiting hot Thai islands. You might not need it in the cave, but it will be useful during your boat trip to the destination.

• Towel: Although it’s really hot in Thailand, sitting wet on a boat might not be the best experience for everyone. A towel will also be handy if you visit the beach and don’t want to take a mat with you.

• Flip Flops: I recommend taking lightweight summer shoes as they will probably get wet quite easily. Flip flops, sandals, or other similar shoes will work.

• Water: It is always a good idea to pack water and some snacks with you. If you opt for an organized trip, you should probably expect to get water, but it’s always worth keeping hydrated and having your own supply, especially in the Thai heat.

• Snacks: Don’t expect any shops or food stalls at the Emerald Cave; it’s just a cave and lagoon, 100% surrounded by nature. If you plan to get there by kayak and explore less touristy places, you will need some snacks to keep your energy up for paddling through the sea. An organized tour will most likely provide some snacks, and you might also stop somewhere for lunch.

Where to Stay when visiting Emerald Cave?

If you are planning to visit Emerald Cave, remember that it’s located in southern Thailand and the trip from the north or Bangkok will be quite long. The best places to stay should be located near the island. You can stay on:

• Koh Mook: This is the island where Emerald Cave is located, and it is very easy and convenient to reach the cave by boat or even by kayak. Koh Mook is one of our favorite islands in Thailand. You will find many places to stay, most of which are small hotels and bungalows.

• Other Trang Islands: If not Koh Mook, you can stay on other neighboring Trang islands like Koh Ngai, Koh Kradan, and Koh Libong. They are all inhabited and easily reachable by speedboat. Koh Libong is the largest of them and offers the most accommodation options.

• Koh Lanta: Another convenient place to stay is Koh Lanta, located a bit further north. This island is very well connected to all popular spots in the south. You will find many accommodation options there, and it is usually cheaper than the smaller islands in the south. Booking a ferry or organized tour to visit Emerald Cave won’t be a problem. Just keep in mind that you will need transport to the Koh Lanta Pier, as the island is rather large and not very walkable.

• Mainland: Emerald Cave is actually located quite close to the Thai mainland. Consider staying near the Hat Yao Pier for convenient transport options to Koh Mook island.

Is Emerald Cave worth visiting?

Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, Thailand, is definitely a place worth visiting! However, it’s also a popular tourist spot, which can make your experience feel a bit less authentic due to the crowds. 

For us, swimming through the dark cave to reach the hidden Emerald Pool was incredibly exciting, and having a guide helped us feel safe along the way. 

Our best tip for visiting the Emerald Cave is to get there early in the morning to beat the crazy crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this stunning spot!

To be honest, I actually enjoyed snorkeling more than visiting the cave. The beauty of underwater life and crystal-clear waters around Koh Kradan provided an unforgettable experience.

However, both the cave and the snorkeling offer unique and memorable adventures, making them must-visit activities when you are in Koh Mook.

FAQs about visiting Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, Thailand

• How can I get to the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

You can get to the entrance of Emerald Cave by boat, ferry or kayak, but you need to swim or float through the cave. 

• What’s the easiest way to visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

The easiest way to visit Emerald Cave is to book an organized tour, which can be shared or private. It can be purchased from many places in southwestern coast of Thailand and online. The most popular trip that will get you to Emerald Cave is called the “4 Island Tour”.

• What is the best month to visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

You can visit Emerald Cave from October to May. Choose the best month according to your plans. Keep in mind that December to February are months very popular with tourists. 

• How much does it cost to visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

Cost of your visit to Emerald Cave depends on how you get there. The cheapest shared trip from Koh Mook cost around 500 THB. If you visit the cave on your own, renting a kayak costs about 100 THB per hour. Additionally, you will need to pay an entrance fee to the Hat Chao Mai National Park, which is 200 THB per person.

• Can you hike to the Emerald Cave if you are staying in Koh Mook?

No, you cannot hike to Emerald Cave, even if you are staying on Koh Mook, as it is surrounded by huge limestone cliffs. The only way to get there is by sea.

• Is Emerald Cave in Koh Mook, Thailand crowded?

Yes, due to its popularity, Emerald Cave is often very crowded with tourists.

• How to avoid the crowds when visiting Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

To avoid large crowds, visit Emerald Cave as early in the morning as possible.

• Can I visit Emerald Cave in Koh Mook if I can’t swim?

Yes, non-swimmers can visit Emerald Cave as everyone joining organized tours receives a life jacket, making it easy to float through the cave.

• Can I snorkel in the Emerald Cave in Koh Mook?

While you can try snorkeling in the Emerald Cave, the water is quite murky. There are some fish at the entrance, but you can find better snorkeling spots nearby.

• When is Emerald Cave in Koh Mook closed for tourists?

Emerald Cave is closed to tourists from June 1 to September 30.

• Is visiting Emerald Cave in Koh Mook safe?

Visiting Emerald Cave is safe if you join an organized tour. You will receive a life jacket and a lifebuoy if needed, and a guide will light your way through the dark cave. If you decide to go to the cave on your own, remember to take necessary equipment like a life jacket, waterproof bag, and torch.