Your base for this destination is the tourist destination of Krabi, Thailand. For travel information about Krabi, read the Krabi Travel Guide. To prepare for your trip to Thailand, read the AsiaExplorers Thailand Travel Guide!
Tha Pom (also written Tat Pom) is the name of a canal famous for its crystal clear waters. Also known as Klong Song Nam, which translated means "canal of two waters", Tha Pom is 34 km from the provincial capital of Krabi Town. The unusual colour of Tha Pom's pristinely clear water is the result of seawater meeting freshwater during high tides, resulting in the mixture of salt and fresh water in the canal. Despite being in the middle of a mangrove swamp, the water quality at Tha Pom is little affected by mud, as would usually be the case.
I have visited Tha Pom a few times with different groups of members of AsiaExplorers, whenever I explore the sights on along the southern coast of Thailand. I have always been fascinated by the colour of the water at Tha Pom, and never tire of visiting it.
Crystal clear waters flowing through the mangrove at Tha Pom.
To bring in visitors without damaging the environement, a 2-metre-high wooden bridge has been built along the trail over the forest areas of Tha Pom. This creates a natural classroom for students and adults alike, presenting the forest ecosystem in a sensitive and interesting way.
The natural forest trail of Tha Pom has a total length of about 700 metres and takes around 45 minutes to complete. There are boards along the way at Tha Pom to provide explaination on the relationships between the different species of animals and plants within this specific eco-system. At the end of the Tha Pom trail is a lookout tower where visitors can get a bird's eye view of the nature park. Visitors are encouraged to walk in a circle from the starting point to the end in order not to miss any attraction there.
Picnickers at Tha Pom, the Crystal River.
Boats in the Klong Song Nam river.
The water of Tha Pom shimmers like glass.
Mangrove roots reaching up for air.
Rocks on the riverbed is visible as water flows over them.
Landings along the wooden trail allows for visitors to stop for a dip.
Tha Pom under the canopy of the rain forest.
Flowing through the mangrove swamp, the water retains its clarity.
The wooden walkway negotiates a circular route arouond the Tha Pom Nature Trail.
About the Author: AsiaExplorers is researched and written by Timothy Tye. We take reasonable care to check and verify the accuracy of the content. However, we disclaim any responsibility for any inconvenience, mishap, injury or death resulting from following the advice provided directly or indirectly by AsiaExplorers and the comments on its pages. All the photographs in AsiaExplorers are available for publication. Please contact AsiaExplorers at the following email address for your enquiries:
