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💦 Nature & Outdoors in Phang Nga

Phang Nga Waterfalls & Clear Pools
Rainbows, Emerald Streams & Cool Forest Swims

Most people arrive in Phang Nga thinking only of the sea and limestone karsts — but tucked inside the forest interior are waterfalls and cool freshwater streams that fly well under the radar. Crystal-clear water you can see the bottom of, deep shade all day, and nowhere near as crowded as the coast. We picked the waterfalls and natural pools that locals actually visit, with exact directions, entry fees, and the best time of year for each.

💦 Swim-friendly waterfalls🌿 Cool shaded streams🚗 Close to Khao Lak & town
Phang Nga Waterfalls & Clear Pools Rainbows, Emerald Streams & Cool Forest Swims

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Phang Nga's waterfalls are spread across several districts — from Takua Pa and Khao Lak in the north, down through Thai Mueang, to Mueang Phang Nga near the provincial capital. Most fall inside national park boundaries, fed by rivers running off well-preserved rainforest hills. What they share: genuinely cold water, heavy tree cover, and shallow pools calm enough to wade in safely. They make a solid half-day side trip from a beach-and-karst itinerary.

About 'Emerald Pool Phang Nga' — clear this up first

Searching for "Emerald Pool Phang Nga" will confuse you — the real Emerald Pool (Sra Morakot) is in Khlong Thom district, Krabi province, not Phang Nga. If you want that turquoise-green water closer to Phang Nga, the local equivalent is Nang Manora Pool (Sra Nang Manora) in Nop Pring sub-district, Mueang Phang Nga — a clear stream over flat rock slabs just a few kilometres from town. We've included it below.

Phang Nga Waterfalls Worth Visiting

1

Sai Rung Waterfall (Pak Weep)

Takua Pa district (Khao Lak) · ~300 m walk from car park

A single-drop waterfall around 60 metres high, sitting inside the Khao Lak area. It's only about 300 metres from the car park — short enough that almost anyone can reach it. The drop hits a wide rock face and creates a shallow pool at the base for wading. The name 'Sai Rung' means rainbow, which is exactly what the spray produces on sunny mornings.

Swim-friendlyShort walk
Parking ฿20 + entry ฿10
2

Tamnang Waterfall

Khuraburi district (Sri Phang Nga National Park) · ~500 m walk

Another ~60-metre cascade, this one inside Sri Phang Nga National Park. The 500-metre forest trail in is dense and genuinely shaded — pleasantly cool even on hot days. On sunny mornings the spray catches the light and you get the rainbow effect again. In wet season the flow is powerful; wet rock near the base can be slippery, so watch your footing when getting close.

Tall dropLight forest hike
National park entry fee applies
3

Ton Chong Fa Waterfall

Takua Pa district (Khao Lak-Lam Ru) · 7 tiers

Seven tiers spread through Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, each level looking quite different from the last. Some tiers have pools deep enough to sit in; one section has tiny fish that nibble your feet — natural fish-spa, no appointment needed. The trail steepens as you climb, but the view at the top opens up considerably for those who make it.

Multi-tierSwim-friendly
National park entry fee applies
4

Lampi Waterfall

Thai Mueang district (Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang NP)

A multi-tier waterfall in Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park where clear water runs over flat rock slabs. There's a suspension bridge over the stream that makes for a good photo, and the car park is large — you can pitch a tent and stay the night. Good choice for families who want to sit by moving water for a few hours rather than do a hard hike.

Camping allowedFamily-friendly
National park entry ~฿70 (2 people + 1 vehicle)
5

Ton Prai Waterfall

Thai Mueang district · Single drop, strong flow

A single strong-flow drop also in Thai Mueang district. During wet season the volume is high enough that mist hangs over the whole area and the air turns noticeably cool. The current is too strong for swimming when the water's up — this one is better for watching and photographing than getting into.

Strong flowBest in rainy season
Free or small maintenance fee
6

Lam Ru Waterfall

Kapong district (Khao Lak-Lam Ru NP)

Inside the Khao Lak-Lam Ru park on the Kapong district side. Water steps down over rock outcrops into pools you can sit in. The forest here is quieter than the main Khao Lak waterfall spots — significantly fewer visitors. If the busier falls feel too crowded, this is a decent alternative.

Fewer crowdsSwim-friendly
National park entry fee applies
🎟️

Want more out of Phang Nga? 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.

🎟️ See all Phang Nga tours & activities (Klook)

Clear Streams & Natural Swimming Pools

If scaling a tall waterfall isn't the plan and you'd rather sit in cool clear water under trees, Phang Nga has several freshwater streams and natural pools that are easier to reach — good for families with kids or anyone who doesn't want a strenuous trail.

Close to town · Swim-friendly

Sra Nang Manora Forest Park

Nop Pring sub-district, Mueang Phang Nga — only a few kilometres from the town centre. A clear stream runs over flat rock, forming a main pool around 10 metres wide plus smaller pools scattered around. The water is shallow and cold. There's a 2 km nature trail winding through a palm grove and past a fish cave, shaded all the way through.

Short walk · Picnic spot

Ton Pring Waterfall

A small, easy-access waterfall close to the main road with a shallow safe pool for sitting and picnicking. Good for a quick stop between destinations — no long walk required.

Shaded · Family-friendly

Lampi Stream (lower section)

Beyond the main Lampi waterfall, the stream below flows slowly over flat rock with clear water ideal for dangling your legs in. Large trees provide full shade and there's enough flat space for a group to spread out comfortably.

Best Season & What to Bring

  • Rainy season (May–Oct) — Highest water volume. Falls are at their fullest and the mist-and-rainbow effect is most dramatic. That said, rocks are slippery and water can turn murky or run fast on heavy rain days — stay out when it's actively pouring.
  • Late rainy to early cool season (Nov–Jan) — Water still high but starting to clear. Trails are less muddy and rock surfaces are less treacherous. This is the most balanced window for actually swimming.
  • Dry season (Feb–Apr) — Water drops; some falls thin out to a trickle. The pools that remain are very clear and crowds are smaller — still worthwhile if you keep expectations in check.
  • What to pack — Water shoes or sandals with a back strap, a towel, a waterproof bag or case for your phone, drinking water, and insect repellent for the forested sections.
  • Getting there — Most waterfalls are outside the main towns and some access roads are narrow. Renting a car or motorbike is the most practical option. Go in the morning — light is better for photos and you'll be back before afternoon rain.

Swim safely

Always check the national park warning signs before entering water. On heavy rain days, skip the swim — flash water from upstream can arrive quickly with little warning. Choose pools where you can see the bottom clearly and the current is calm. Don't climb wet rocks near the lip of a waterfall. With children, stick to the shallow pools and stay close at all times.

Plan a full day in Phang Nga — sea, karsts, and waterfalls combined

See the Phang Nga travel guide →

FAQ

Which Phang Nga waterfall is best for swimming with a short walk?

Sai Rung waterfall near Khao Lak is about 300 metres from the car park and has a shallow wading pool at the base — easy for most people. Sra Nang Manora Forest Park near Phang Nga town is another good option: a clear stream over flat rock, very close to the provincial centre and safe for kids.

Is the Emerald Pool in Phang Nga or Krabi?

The Emerald Pool (Sra Morakot) is in Khlong Thom district, Krabi province — not Phang Nga. For a similar clear-water experience in Phang Nga, head to Sra Nang Manora in Nop Pring sub-district, Mueang Phang Nga district.

How much does it cost to enter Phang Nga's waterfalls?

Sai Rung charges around ฿20 for parking plus ฿10 entry. Waterfalls inside national parks — Lampi, Tamnang, Ton Chong Fa — charge national park rates; Lampi is around ฿70 for two people and one vehicle. Prices can change, so confirm at the gate.

When is the best time to visit Phang Nga waterfalls?

November to January is the sweet spot: water is still high from the rains but has cleared up, and the trails are less slippery. Rainy season (May–Oct) gives the most dramatic flow but brings slippery rocks and the risk of murky or fast-moving water on heavy rain days.

Are Phang Nga's waterfalls close to Khao Lak?

Yes. Sai Rung and Ton Chong Fa are both in the Khao Lak-Takua Pa area and a short drive from the beach. Lampi and Ton Prai are further south near Thai Mueang. Any of them work well as a half-day break from the coast.

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