🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Na Muang Waterfall sits in the middle of Koh Samui, in the Na Muang sub-district, about a 15–20 minute drive from Lamai Beach and 25–30 minutes from Chaweng. It's the easiest waterfall on the island to reach, which is why nearly every around-the-island tour stops here. The falls split into two tiers a short distance apart. Most people pop into the lower level for a few photos and a quick dip, but if you've got the time and decent legs, hiking up to the upper level rewards you with a prettier waterfall and fewer crowds.
How Falls 1 and Falls 2 differ
Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2 aren't two separate waterfalls — they're the lower and upper tiers of the same stream. The main difference is how easy each is to reach and how impressive the water curtain looks. Pick based on the energy and time you have.
- Falls 1 (lower tier) — only a few minutes' walk from the parking area. There's a wide pool where the water spills over dark-purple rock, easy to swim in, and good for kids and older travellers. Busiest from late morning through the afternoon.
- Falls 2 (upper tier) — taller and prettier, with the water dropping in stages, but you have to hike uphill for about 20–30 minutes. The path alternates between stone steps and dirt track and gets fairly steep. At the top there's a clear pool to soak in, and far fewer people than the lower tier.
- You can walk from 1 up to 2 — there's a jungle trail connecting them, but it's more tiring and more slippery than the main route. If you're serious about reaching Falls 2, going in directly from the Falls 2 parking area is the easier option.
Want more out of Koh Samui? 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.
Entry fee, opening hours, and how to get there
Na Muang Waterfall is open daily, roughly 8am to 5pm. On the entry fee, I'll be straight with you: the figures vary depending on the source. Some entrances only charge for parking, while others (especially the Falls 2 side) charge around 30–50 THB per person, and a few say that includes a small bottle of drinking water. It's easier to keep some small cash on you.
- Entry/parking — roughly 0–50 THB depending on the entrance and time of day. Bring small notes.
- Opening hours — about 08:00–17:00 daily · early morning (8–10am) is quietest with the nicest light.
- Getting there — renting a motorbike (around 200–300 THB/day) or a car from Chaweng or Lamai is easiest · you can also charter a taxi/songthaew or join an around-the-island tour.
- Map pin — Google Maps sometimes sends you down the wrong access road. Try setting your destination to the waterfall point with the most reviews, then follow the signs once you're close.
Take it easy driving on the island
The road to the waterfall runs through the middle of the island, with stretches that are winding and steep. If you're not used to riding a motorbike, keep your speed down, tap the brakes in rhythm going downhill, don't hold the front brake locked, and wear a helmet every time. The roads get very slippery when it rains — skip riding in the rain if you can.
Swimming the falls — fun and safe
The whole appeal of Na Muang is that cool, clear pool to sink into and beat the heat — but the water volume swings hard with the season. In the rainy months (roughly Oct–Dec) there's plenty of water flowing fast, and the curtain looks great, but the pool can turn murky and the current too strong to safely swim. In the dry months (roughly Mar–May) the water drops, and at times it's down to a trickle — fine for photos but not for a proper swim. The sweet spot is just after the rainy season, when there's still plenty of water but it's starting to clear.
- The rocks are very slippery — the stone around the falls is covered in algae and slipperier than you'd think. Walk slowly, hold the railings, and don't run or jump off high rocks into the pool.
- Check the current before getting in — if the water is running fast or murky after rain, just look, don't push it, especially with small kids.
- Wear shoes with grip — sneakers or strapped sandals with treads beat slippery flip-flops, both for the hike up to Falls 2 and for walking on the rocks.
- What to bring — swimwear, a towel, mosquito repellent, drinking water, and a waterproof pouch for your phone, since there are barely any shops around here.
Mornings are worth it
The around-the-island tours usually roll in late morning. If you want the falls quiet and your photos crowd-free, get there around 8–9am — you'll catch the soft morning light and rocks that haven't heated up yet.
ATV and elephants near the falls — which to pick
Around Na Muang Waterfall there are several activity camps, the biggest being Namuang Safari Park, which bundles jungle ATV rides, safari jeep tours, and elephant activities in one place. It suits anyone wanting a hit of adrenaline after a swim — but on the elephants, I'll give it to you straight.
Jungle ATV (Namuang Safari Park)
Ride an ATV along dirt trails through the jungle around the falls, with a guide leading the group. You can choose anything from a short 30-minute loop to a longer route up to a viewpoint. Prices depend on the duration — ask on site or book ahead through a tour platform, which makes it easier to compare prices.
Safari jeep + viewpoint
Ride a jeep up the hills to a viewpoint in the middle of the island, stopping at a fruit orchard and photo spots. Good for anyone who doesn't want to drive themselves, and easier than an ATV if you've got older relatives or kids along.
See elephants without riding (the kinder option)
There's still elephant-back riding offered around the falls, but these days people are choosing feeding and walking alongside the elephants instead. If you want to meet elephants with a clear conscience, head to a sanctuary like Samui Elephant Sanctuary or Samui Elephant Haven, which focus on feeding and watching elephants live their lives, with no riding.
On elephant riding — the honest truth
Riding on an elephant's back (especially with the two-seat saddle) damages an elephant's spine over the long term, and the world is moving away from it. If you want to be close to elephants without harming them, choose a center that leads with no riding / no hook / feeding only — it'll sit easier with you. Decide based on your own values.
A half-day around Na Muang Waterfall
Na Muang Waterfall can be done in half a day, so it pairs well with other spots in the middle or southern part of the island. Try planning it like this.
Waterfall + activities
Cover the central–southern island
Plan a full Koh Samui trip across the beaches, temples, and waterfalls
See the Koh Samui travel guide →