🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Klong Chao Waterfall sits in the middle of Koh Kood, in Koh Kood District, Trat Province, tucked inland from Ao Klong Chao beach — the main accommodation area on the island. The falls are about 10 metres high and drop in tiers, and the most striking part is the lower level: a wide pool deep enough to jump into, so clear you can see little fish swimming near the bottom. It's surrounded by thick, shady jungle, and the sound of the falls mixing with the sounds of the forest is exactly the kind of atmosphere a lot of people say is the charm of Koh Kood.
There are two simple reasons Klong Chao is the most famous of Koh Kood's three waterfalls. First, it's close to Klong Chao beach and most of the accommodation — a few minutes by motorbike or car and you're there. Second, the walk in is shorter and easier than at the other two (Klong Yai Kee and Huai Yai falls); from the parking area it's about a 10-minute walk to the pool. If it's your first time on Koh Kood and you've got half a day, this is the easiest spot to reach and the best value for your time.
The story — a royal retreat and the name "Anam Kok"
Klong Chao Waterfall has another name: Anam Kok Waterfall. Back in 1911 (B.E. 2454), King Vajiravudh, Rama VI, visited Koh Kood and gave the waterfall the name "Anam Kok" in memory of Nguyen Anh (Ong Chiang Sue, the "Lord of Anam Kok"), the Vietnamese king who once took refuge under Siamese protection during the reign of Rama I. That bit of history turns an ordinary jungle waterfall into something with a deeper story — people like to stand and read the sign and snap a photo to remember it.
Want more out of Koh Kood? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Can you actually swim here, and how deep is it?
Yes, you can really swim, and that's Klong Chao's main draw. The lower pool is wide enough for several groups to be in at once. There's a shallow zone where you can stand, good for kids and weaker swimmers, and a deeper zone under the falls that some people like to jump into. The water stays cool and fresh because it flows out of the jungle. In some spots there's a rope to hold onto, and sometimes life jackets to borrow — but those aren't always around. If you're bringing kids or aren't a strong swimmer, bringing your own life jacket or float ring will give you more peace of mind.
Watch out for slippery rocks
The path near the falls and the rocks around the pool get very slippery, especially in the rainy season when the rocks are mossy. Rubber shoes or strap sandals with grippy soles are safer than plain flip-flops. Walk slowly and hold onto a railing or rope.
How to get to Klong Chao Waterfall
The falls are inland from Klong Chao beach. The route turns onto a small road behind the riverside accommodation area, crosses a bridge, and heads into the jungle, passing a few small restaurants and bungalows before reaching the parking area. From there it's about a 10-minute walk through the forest (roughly 500 metres) to the falls themselves.
- Rent a motorbike — the most popular way to get around Koh Kood. You can rent one at guesthouses and shops around Klong Chao, and it's just a few minutes' ride to the parking area. But the island roads are narrow, steep, and winding in places, so ride slowly and take extra care if you're not used to hilly roads.
- Paddle in by kayak/SUP along the river — many places along Klong Chao lend or rent kayaks and SUPs. You can paddle up the clear river through the mangroves toward the source, which has a lot of atmosphere — a favourite for couples and the easygoing crowd.
- Take a hotel car/island taxi — some resorts have a shuttle, or you can flag down a pickup taxi on the island. Handy if you'd rather not drive yourself, but island transport is fairly pricey, so always ask the price before you get in.
Entry fee and opening hours
Klong Chao Waterfall is open daily during daylight hours, with no official entry fee — but there's a donation box where you can chip in toward looking after the area, as much as you like. At times there may be a small parking fee at the lot. There are no shops or restaurants at the falls themselves, so bring your own drinking water and snacks, and carry every bit of your trash back out with you.
Go in the morning for fewer people
Tours and tour groups tend to arrive in the afternoon. If you want the pool to yourself for nice photos and easy swimming, try going from morning to mid-morning — there'll be fewer people and better light too.
When is the water at its best?
Klong Chao Waterfall flows all year, but the volume changes with the season. The water is fullest and the jungle greenest during the rainy season, roughly May to October, when the falls are at full force — but that comes with something important you need to know before you plan.
- Monsoon May–Oct: Koh Kood goes quiet — this is the low season, with strong wind and waves. Some ferry crossings are cancelled or rescheduled depending on the weather, and many hotels and restaurants close for an extended break. Before you go, check the ferry schedule and book your accommodation ahead to be sure.
- High season Nov–Apr — calm seas, all ferries running, the easiest time to visit. The falls may have less water than in the rainy season, but you can still swim in the pool. This is when Koh Kood is most popular.
- Right after fresh rain — the pool water can turn cloudy and flow harder than usual. If you arrive on a day when it's fast or very murky, swim with care or skip the deep zone for now.
Make the most of Klong Chao in one trip
Kayaking on Klong Chao
Paddle the clear river through the mangroves before or after the falls. The water is calm and clear, great for beginners, and riverside stays rent out boats.
Klong Chao Beach
A white-sand beach with clear water right next to the accommodation area. Stroll in the breeze or catch the sunset the same evening.
The Giant Makha Tree
A huge tree, hundreds of years old, deep in Koh Kood's jungle. An easy photo stop along the route through the middle of the island.
Fishing Village
A small fishing community on the island with a pier, wooden houses, and fresh seafood to try the same day.
What to bring
- Non-slip shoes — the rocks around the falls are very slippery, so rubber shoes or strap sandals with grippy soles beat flip-flops.
- Swimwear + towel — you've come all this way, so get in the pool. There's no proper changing room, so it's easier to put your swimsuit on at your accommodation.
- Drinking water and snacks — there are no shops at the falls, so bring your own and carry every bit of trash back out.
- Mosquito spray and a dry bag — it's the jungle, so there are mosquitoes; bring repellent, and keep your phone and wallet in a waterproof pouch while you swim.
- Cash on hand — phone signal and power are limited in spots on Koh Kood, ATMs are scarce, and many shops take cash, so bring enough with you.
Good to know about getting to Koh Kood
Koh Kood is far out — you'll need to travel to Trat and then catch a ferry (a speedboat takes about 1–1.5 hours from Laem Sok pier or the Trat-side piers). Ferry schedules depend on the weather, and crossings drop off during the monsoon, so plan extra time and always book your ferry and accommodation ahead. Don't show up without a booking in the low season.
Plan a full Koh Kood trip
See the Koh Kood travel guide →