Tha Pom
Crystal River of Krabi, Thailand

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Tha Pom

[an error occurred while processing this directive] Tha Pom (also written Tha Poom and Tat Pom) is the name of a canal famous for its crystal clear waters. Also known as Khlong Song Nam, which translated means "canal of two waters", the Tha Pom canal is 34 km from the provincial capital of Krabi Town. It flows through a peat swamp. What makes Tha Pom so famous in Krabi is the unusual colour of its pristinely clear water. This 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.

You can explore Tha Pom without getting your feet wet. This because a network of walkway has been built for nature lovers to explore Tha Pom without actually stepping into the stream. In a way, this has also helped to safeguard the stream from pollutants. Nevertheless, there are places where picnickers may stop and take a deep in the crystal clear waters.

Crystal clear waters flowing through the mangrove at Tha Pom.

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.

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.

Getting there

Tha Pom is located at the village of Ban Nong Chik, Mu 2, Tambon Khao Khram, about 34 kilometers from Krabi town. From Krabi town, take Highway 4 in the direction of Ao Luek. At KM 126, take a left turn and go for another 5 kilometers. For more details, contact the Khao Khram Sub-district Administration Organization, Tel. 0 7569 4165, 0 7569 4198.