Samui waterfalls. Waterfalls on Koh Samui Where is the Hin Lad waterfall and how to get there
On one of the beautiful warm January days, my friends and I decided to go to one of the waterfalls on Koh Samui. In general, there are eight waterfalls on Koh Samui, not all of them are worth visiting, but this waterfall is Namuang 2, definitely worth a visit đ
This 80 meter high, majestic and beautiful waterfall is located in the south of Koh Samui. If you drive from the beach along the Ring Road to, you will see a sign first to Waterfall 2, and a little further to Waterfall 1.
Waterfall Namuang 2 (Waterfall 2) located on the territory of the Namuang Safari Park entertainment complex. The park hosts shows with various animals (elephants, monkeys, crocodiles, birds, snakes), and there is a small zoo.
You can ride elephants - 700 baht per person, take a photo with an elephant for 300 baht, or feed it with bananas sold here.
You can ride elephants near Namuang 2 waterfall
We parked in the free parking lot near the entrance to the park (where they offer elephant rides), but, as it turned out, you can drive a little further and park closer to Namuang 2 waterfall, near the fork.
From the parking lot we walked up a concrete road for about 15 minutes. You can drive up in a jeep - it seems like 150 baht per person - but we didnât find out.
After parking we go up - a beautiful view opens up and somewhere in the distance you can see the Namuang 2 waterfall We come to a fork from which you can go right - the entrance is 50 baht to Namuang 2 waterfall, here the road up the mountain is easier, but you wonât see beautiful views and some parts of the waterfall, or go left - for free, where the road to the top is much more difficult, but beautiful views open up .
We, of course, went left đ
And immediately, having crossed the wooden bridge, we saw a small waterfall and a crowd of people who were taking pictures in front of it:
We go to the left up the mountain. Sometimes the road goes over rocks. There are ropes attached that you can hold on to:
We go out to a beautiful waterfall, where there are always a lot of people - this is the second stage of the Namuang 2 waterfall:
Second stage of Namuang waterfall 2 Here you can swim or ride on a swing đ
You can climb higher on the rocks:
Let's go left again. There is another small waterfall - water flows over the stones:
Streams of water flow over the stones - very beautiful. And we go up even further to the left đ The road becomes steeper and steeper, we have to hold on to the ropes and tree roots:
As a result, we go almost to the very top of the waterfall, from where beautiful views of the island and the sea open up. Unfortunately (or fortunately đ) the weather is not sunny, there is a slight haze and the island of Koh Samui is not visible in all its glory. But if it had been sunny, we wouldnât have climbed such a high mountain đ
There are no people here at all: not many people get that far đ You can relax, unwind and refresh yourself in the water under the cool running water:
But that's not all! We're going even higher. We go up to the left, but we come to a dead end. It turns out we need to go up to the left, and then, along an almost invisible path, to the right, towards the sound of the water đ And we go out to a very quiet place, where you can swim and not just plunge into the water, but even swim and jump from stones into the water đ
The very top of Namuang Falls 2 - we did it! We climbed it!!! Having rested, we begin our descent along the other (right) side of Namuang 2 waterfall. Here the road is simpler and shorter. And very soon we go down to the place where the waterfall is visible in all its glory and arrange a photo shoot there đ
We go down to the fork. There are water slides (300 baht for an adult ticket for an hour of skiing and 200 baht for a child ticket for an hour) and a cafe. We didn't ride 8-). The water park in Kyiv is enough for me đ
The entire walk through the waterfalls took quite a bit of time. At 11 am we left from Maenam, at 12 o'clock we parked near the waterfall. The ascent, swimming, descent and rest took three and a half hours. And already at about 4 days we had lunch in Lamai, at Bambu rest (where it is) đ
If you need to go to the waterfall, then go to the right of the gazebo and go up the stairs (there will be a sign there). I made a little mistake and first went along the river bed, this was not a very good idea, because I had to walk for several hours.
Path to the waterfall
Realizing that I wouldnât make it along the riverbed even in the evening, I returned back to the very beginning to the first sign. Looking around, I saw a staircase. Having given a symbolic 5 baht to the donation box and climbed the stairs, I found myself in a real jungle. The path branches several times, but it seemed to me that all the paths still converge and run parallel. In any case, you should stick to the river and walk along it. Along the way you will meet trees with huge roots, vines, palm trees, and dense tropical vegetation. Many more reports mentioned spiders, snakes and lizards, but I didn't meet any! But I didnât really want this, and so, having read horror stories, I walked, looking intently at my feet and shying away from every branch, in case there was a poisonous spider there.
Hin Lad Waterfall
A Thai man sits near the waterfall, selling water and some drinks. The price is reasonable, although he brought his box here by hand. You can also swim here. As far as I understand, in dry times it is easy to approach the waterfall; there are photographs where people are standing right next to them and this waterfall is falling on them. But after the rains it is very problematic to do this, the riverbed is very wide and deep.
However, I wanted to get closer, so on the right, just where the Thai was sitting, I walked further along the stones and path. There's a small stone bag there, right through it. It may well be that people use this route outside of the rainy season, I donât know. Just a few more minutes and only a bowl of bubbling water separates you from the waterfall. Now you canât pass it, but again in the dry season it seems to be shallow. Itâs a little difficult to photograph here, because water dust instantly wets the lens glass.
Closer view of Hin Lad waterfall
lost World
But you want to get even closer, right? Therefore, without stopping, we climb into places where people usually donât climb anymore. Most likely they donât climb, because they walk through that very bowl into the ford, take pictures right next to the waterfall, and it seems like the job is done. In general, I again took a right and climbed up. There is a large stone there, surrounded by a vine, so I moved along it, nothing complicated, just a couple of meters.
And then a secret oasis was revealed to me! Hin Lad falls on the left, another small waterfall on the right, and a sandy beach between them. I am not exaggerating at all; it was precisely the feeling of a lost world that arose in me then. I spent at least an hour there, wandering from stone to stone... True, I also tried to get closer to Khin Lad, and I almost succeeded. Itâs good to come here with friends with a tent for a couple of days and have a picnic.
Where is the Hin Lad waterfall and how to get there
Entrance to the waterfall is free.
The easiest way to come here is by bike or car. You can also take a minibus and get to the intersection where Immigration Samui is located. From here it is a 1.4 km walk to the entrance to the temple territory and the path to the waterfall.
At the very entrance, where the platform and gazebo are, you need to turn to the right of the riverbed, see the concrete staircase and follow it. Next, just follow the path along the river, not paying attention to the forks. Walk for 20-40 minutes depending on speed. It is impossible to pass the waterfall; the path ends there. If you saw some kind of waterfall, but the path went further, it is not Hin Lad, it is just a cascade.
Samui is a very suitable place for lovers of nature, jungle, extreme tourism, trekking and swimming in waterfalls. The island is inhabited by people only around its circumference, and in the center there are pristine mountains, impenetrable jungle thickets and many rivers with waterfalls.
I think that waterfalls are no less a must-see place than beaches and temples, and maybe even more important. After all, waterfalls surrounded by lush green jungle are the real face - wild, alive, pristine.
About Samui waterfalls
The main source of waterfalls on Koh Samui is the rainy season. They pour from November to December, filling reservoirs. Therefore, the best time to visit deep waterfalls is December, January and February. In summer, the waterfalls become smaller, thinner and are no longer so pleasing to the eye.
The history of some waterfalls dates back only a few years from the moment of their discovery. After all, travelers began to explore the island not so long ago.
WATERFALLS ON THE MAP OF SAMUI
Namuang Waterfall No. 1 (Na Muang)
Namuang No. 1 and Namuang No. 2 are the most popular waterfalls on Koh Samui. The word "namuang" is translated from Thai as "purple waterfall". Namuang No. 1 has a height of 18 meters, the water rolls down an almost vertical cliff. A small pool forms below, and many people swim there.
Since this place is quite touristy, you can eat in a cafe nearby, buy some water or fruit. Prices in the cafe are 30-40 percent more expensive than in inexpensive cafes along the road.
Entrance to the waterfall is free, you only need to pay for parking a motorbike 0.5 dollars (20 baht) or for a car 1.5 dollars (50 baht).
How to get there
Finding Namuang No. 1 is quite easy - there are signs everywhere. The waterfall is located in the south of the island. On the main road, look for a blue sign that says NAMUANG WATERFALL.
Itâs best to go by motorbike, but you can also take a tuk-tuk, but youâll have to walk a lot more. Tell the driver the magic word "Namuang" and he will stop at the right place. There are, of course, excursions to waterfalls if you donât want to bother. You can get them from any travel agency, of which there are many on the island.
Google coordinates: 9.466431, 99.983930
Namuang Waterfall No. 2
Namuang No. 2 is even more spectacular and popular than Namuang No. 1. Almost all travel agencies take you here on excursions. Its height is 80 meters, it is located near Namuang No. 1.
The waterfall has several steps: as long as you have the strength to climb up, you can see as many waterfalls. All tourists usually climb up to the second step, where the water flows beautifully over the rocks. But that is not all. If you go higher, you will find another amazing waterfall and several small waterfalls. The higher you go, the more difficult the road is - a real climb in the jungle. Okay, still not real. The path is trodden, and there are ropes along it that you need to hold on to.
Entry to the waterfall is free, and parking is also free. True, there is some kind of road, for which you have to pay 1.5 dollars (50 baht). In front of it there is a sign with a price tag.
How to get there
You can find your way, again, using numerous signs. First along the road there will be Namuang No. 1, and further along the road - Namuang No. 2. The crowd usually goes towards the latter, so itâs hard to make a mistake.
Google coordinates: 9.472752, 99.989963
Khun Si Waterfall
Another waterfall that is easy to get to. It will appeal to those who don't like crowds of tourists. It is much quieter here than on the popular âNamuang brothersâ.
The waterfall is not very large, but it forms a deep plunge pool. There is also a small bay where children can swim completely safely. So the waterfall is definitely worth a visit for families with children.
How to get there
The two points of the ring road - "Maenam" and "Lamai" - are connected by a path through the jungle, a kind of chord. On the map: the top point is Maenam, the bottom is Lamai, in the middle there is a waterfall.
This road is paved and a dirt road branches off from it to the waterfall. You need to navigate by following the signs; they are posted everywhere and show the right road. You need to get to the very end, park and go down to the waterfall. The road goes through a durian plantation. Of course, the plantation has an owner, so picking a durian means stealing.
Google coordinates: 9.523052,100.015401
Hin Lad
The easily accessible waterfalls are over, the waterfalls for those who like it hot have begun. After all, trekking through the jungle is a pleasure and adventure in itself. Although, if you go to the waterfall on a hot afternoon, then the adventure is not pleasant. So itâs better to leave in the morning.
Getting to Hin Lad will take 40 minutes through the jungle. The road starts at the white Thai temple. Near it there is a sign for Entrance to waterfall ("Road to the waterfall") and a box for collecting money for entry - $0.06 (2 baht). Although no one will watch.
Then the path goes through a beautiful jungle with hanging vines, trees with strong roots and lush vegetation. I advise you to carefully watch your step so as not to run into snakes or poisonous insects. Not that they are necessarily there, but a jungle is a jungle.
The waterfall itself has several levels. The first level is not very impressive, but if you go higher, it becomes more interesting. In the natural pool formed by the waterfall, you can swim and take cool photos under the streams of water.
How to get there
The waterfall is located deep in the jungle between Nathon and Lipa Noi beach. The turn from the roundabout onto the road to the waterfall will be opposite the Immigration office.
Google coordinates: 9.520894,99.955502
Secret Falls
This waterfall is called Tan Rua by the Thais, but tourists nickname it Secret Falls for its secluded location. Now the locals call it that too.
It is very beautiful and really worth a visit. Located deep in the jungle, the road to it is an adventure! Somewhere nearby there are tourists flying on a bungee, so you will periodically listen to their squeals and squeaks.
Secret Falls consists of several rapids, the water flows over the rocks. A small lake has formed below, in which you can swim, but only carefully.
How to get there
To get to the waterfall, you need to start from Maenam Beach and turn onto Soi 5. At this point 9.544506, 99.991538 you need to turn onto a secondary road. Next, follow the signs.
Google coordinates: 9.5385,99.9910
Tartain Waterfall
This waterfall is located deep in the jungle and getting there is not easy. In some places the road turns from concrete to dirt, and after rains it is very washed away. Therefore, traveling by car and bike is very difficult. The best way, of course, is in an SUV.
I wouldn't say that this waterfall is super beautiful. Just a small low waterfall. And the road to get there is too difficult and long. But if you get there, you will most likely be swimming completely alone.
Entrance to the waterfall is paid - 2.5 dollars (100 baht).
How to get there
Khow Yai Waterfall
This waterfall is very nice. The water falls from several tiers, there is a bright wet jungle around and a lot of living creatures. I was there during the rainy season and the waterfall was rushing with dirty brown water. After the end of the rainfall, the water clears and becomes clear. There is a staircase going up along the left side of the waterfall. So you can admire it from below, from the side, and from above. 
Above, a staircase leads into the jungle and to an observation deck overlooking the island. In the jungle there are many, many centipedes, snails, beetles and probably other creepy creatures. So you have to walk carefully.
Entrance costs $0.5 (20 baht). There are almost no people, so you can enjoy the solitude, take photos and take a peaceful walk. If you wish, you can cool off under the streams of the waterfall, but it is too shallow for swimming.
How to get there
The waterfall is located in the south of the island. You need to drive along the roundabout and look out for the sign to the waterfall.
Google coordinates: 9.466333,100.002966
There are many waterfalls on Samui, if you want to visit the very best, choose two Namuang, Secret Falls and Hin Lad. These are the most impressive and beautiful. The rest of the waterfalls are smaller, but they have their own charm, and there are fewer tourists in the area. For example, I liked the Khow Yai waterfall, although it is not very popular.
If you are planning to visit the waterfalls on your own:
- wear comfortable closed shoes; light trekking sneakers are best;
- take a hat for sun protection;
- take enough water with you;
- take insect repellent;
- watch your step, as in the jungle you can easily encounter some kind of living creature;
- take a swimsuit, you can swim in many waterfalls;
- use sunscreen;
- Always be careful when stepping on rocks as they can be very slippery;
- always step carefully into the water, there may be sharp stones there;
- in general, be careful, accidents happen at the waterfalls from time to time.
Have a nice trip!
Waterfalls on Koh Samui- this is one of the good reasons why you should tear yourself away from the sofa, get out of your slippers and go on a trip to exotic Thailand. There are as many as eleven of them on the tiny island. You can get to some of them without hassle or special physical effort. Only prepared travelers can get to others. On the way to them, not only mountains, but also weather conditions can stand in the way. If you prefer to go to them by dry land, from January to April, when there is practically no rain, then you probably will not be able to find them at all - from turbulent streams they turn into pastoral streams, the murmur of which is barely audible.
Na Muang 1
Among tourists they call it âPurpleâ, but they themselves call it differently â Royal. Members of the royal clan often come to admire this natural phenomenon. It is called purple for the color of the surrounding mountains, it is not too high - 18 meters, but very beautiful. The water falls into a round picturesque bowl formed in the rocky base. You can swim in it.
You can drive almost right up to the waterfall; only a not too wide security zone is left so as not to trample on the fragile beauty. Next to the parking lot there is a traditional Thai market (), where souvenirs and simple food for a quick snack are offered. If you are not afraid of walking, then you can get to this waterfall by minibus that runs between the city of Nathon. It stops at a distance of one and a half kilometers from him. When dry, Purple Falls is uninteresting; it almost completely dries up.
Na Muang 2
â one of the most beautiful, the highlight of the program for those who visit Namuang Park. It is not only high - 80 meters, but also very picturesque. The stream of water rushes down, overcoming several steps. You can reach its top on foot along an equipped trail. This will take about half an hour. Just evaluate your strength before you start climbing. The hot rays of the sun can seriously tire you and ruin your mood. It is much more convenient to use it, and if you are an extreme sports enthusiast and a lover of exotic things, you can try and ride on its back to the Na Muang 2 waterfall through the dense jungle.
You can visit the largest waterfall, Na Muang 2, as part of a jeep safari sightseeing tour. The tour program is very large and covers all the main ones in one day. You can book an excursion on the website of the travel agency Samui Tours.
Hinlad (Hin Lat)
Hin Lat waterfall on Koh Samuiâ itâs more like a stormy mountain river. Donât be so quick to be disappointed â itâs very picturesque. The stream of water either goes around huge boulders, or calms down in small pools where fish are found. It ends with a large pool, across which there is a bridge leading to a Buddhist temple. The landscape around her is very similar to Japanese prints.
This waterfall is close to (Lipa Noi area). To get to it, you need to take highway 4169, then turn onto 4172 and follow it to the end. The main thing is not to miss the turn signal.
Tarmin
Tarmin Waterfall on Koh Samui are called differently. Mostly very pompous and pompous: âSky Gardenâ, âMagic Tarnim Waterfallâ.
But this is rather a reflection of the mentality of the aborigines, who tend to find beauty and sublimity in every flower, tree or unusually curved branch. In the park you will see a small stream, which is really very picturesque and adds a certain philosophical meaning to the Rock Garden - a traditional type of landscape design for Indochina.
Siva Tara and Love Stone
Siva Tara waterfall and Valentine Stone (Love Stone) on Koh Samui- This is the main attraction. There is a small shady park around them where you can just take a walk. A stream of water flows over a small rock and ends in a pond. Near it there are two fenced observation platforms. The Stone of Love is more of a tourist attraction than a truly remarkable natural object. There is a special type of entertainment in the park - SPA massage performed by fish. There is an entrance fee and there is a restaurant.
Khao Yai
Some tourists consider it the most impressive. Probably because of the statue of a beautiful girl at its top. It is quite tall and consists of several cascades. Along the way to the top there are observation platforms and gazebos for relaxation. During the rainy season it is supplemented by several more picturesque streams. It offers direct access to Tarnim Waterfalls and
Hin Lad Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions of the Thai island of Koh Samui. The waterfall is located two kilometers east of the island's capital, Nathon, and is very popular among tourists.
Hin Lad is located in the interior of Koh Samui and is surrounded by a dense ring of tropical jungle. You can get to the waterfall along a picturesque path laid right through an exotic forest. The entire journey takes about half an hour. Hin Lad itself is unusually aesthetic. Here the water flows down from a height of 80 meters, and the stepped slope of the waterfall forms beautiful rapids. Eventually the water flows into a small clear lake where you can swim and refresh yourself after a walk through the jungle.
Overall, Hin Lad is one of the most beautiful places on Koh Samui. The waterfall attracts many tourists, but it is worth keeping in mind that the appearance of this attraction greatly depends on the season - during the dry season, Hin Lad does not look as impressive as after a good rain.
Namuang Waterfall
Namuang Falls (translated from Thai as âpurpleâ) is a waterfall on the rocks with purple stones, considered the most picturesque on Samui.
In fact, Namuang consists of two waterfalls, 18 and 80 meters high. Entire families come here to swim, ride elephants through the jungle, and stop near a waterfall to relax and refresh. The safari park is located just between two waterfalls, where a monkey show is also offered for children as entertainment.
The road leading to the falls is completely free, but the paths can be quite steep and slippery. Therefore, locals advise tourists to wear comfortable shoes for the trek and be careful when walking.
The high water season at the waterfalls is from September to November. At this time, there are most visitors here who want to look at one of the pearls of Thailand.