Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui: Falls 1 & 2 Plus Hin Lad, a Local's Guide
Two Na Muang falls, one quiet temple trail, and the timing, fees and footwear that make them worth it.
- Na Muang Waterfall 1 is free, five minutes from parking, and best before 9am.
- Na Muang 2 is the tallest falls on the island, but the climb demands real shoes.
- Hin Lad Waterfall near Nathon is free, shady, and much quieter than Na Muang.
- Visit two to four weeks after heavy rains, or you may find damp rock.
Ask me how to spend a hot Samui morning and, for once, I'll point you away from the beach. Head inland and the island turns green, shady and noticeably cooler. Somewhere in that jungle, the Na Muang Waterfall pours over purple-tinged rock into a pool you can actually swim in, and a little further up the hill sits its big brother, the tallest falls on the island. Then there's Hin Lad, a forest temple trail near Nathon that ends at tiered jungle pools. Chasing these three is one of my favorite things to do in Koh Samui, and here's how to do it right.
Na Muang Waterfall 1: The Easy Swim
Na Muang 1 is the crowd-pleaser, and it earns it. You park, stroll about five minutes, and there it is: roughly 18 meters of water sliding down reddish-purple rock into a wide natural pool. No hiking boots required, which is why every first-timer friend of mine ends up here.
- Entry is free. Parking is about 20 baht for a scooter, a little more for a car.
- Bring small change for the snack stalls and the pay toilets.
- Wear water shoes. The rocks at the pool's edge are slick.
- Ease in feet-first. There are no lifeguards, and depth changes with the rain.
Arrive before 9am and you'll likely have the pool to yourself. By late morning, the tour vans turn it into a cheerful splash party.
Na Muang 2: The Tallest Samui Waterfall
If Na Muang 1 is the appetizer, Na Muang 2 is the main course. At around 80 meters, it's the tallest Samui waterfall, dropping down the hillside in tiers with little pools along the way and a jungle view from the top.
It has its own entrance further along the same road, through the Na Muang Safari Park. Expect about 50 baht per person at the gate (often with a bottle of water), though some days nobody collects. Skip the 100 baht 4x4 ride up: it only drops you at the trailhead, and the road is an easy walk.
Now the honest part. The climb is a steep 20 to 40 minutes with ropes and mossy rock, and people have died after slipping near the top. Wear real shoes, stay back from the edges, and skip it after heavy rain or with small kids. I'd also pass on the park's elephant rides. Those animals don't look like they're living their best life.
If you want to meet elephants the kind way, my ethical elephant sanctuary guide covers the places I actually recommend. And before any jungle climb, make sure your travel insurance covers hiking and outdoor activities.
Hin Lad Waterfall: The Quiet Jungle Trail near Nathon
Hin Lad is where I go for jungle without crowds. It's about 3 km southeast of Nathon, off Route 4172, and the trail starts at Wat Namtok Hin Lad, a peaceful forest temple with little signs of Buddhist wisdom along its paths. Wander the grounds first. It sets the mood.
From there, it's roughly 1.2 km uphill (about 130 meters of climbing) through thick, shady forest, usually 30 to 45 minutes. You finish at tiered pools made for a cool-off swim, and with almost no vendors up there, it feels properly wild.
- Entry is free, with parking along the road near the temple.
- The trail is rooty and muddy after rain, so grip matters.
- Some pools are deeper than they look, so watch the kids.
- A tiny local restaurant at the trailhead does a great post-hike coconut.
It's my favorite easy hike in Koh Samui, hands down.
Ted's Tip
Both Hin Lad and Na Muang fill up with local families on weekend mornings, and parking gets tight. If you can, go on a weekday and arrive by 8:30am for cooler air, easy parking and photos without forty strangers in them.
Which Is the Best Waterfall in Koh Samui? Ask the Rain
These falls depend completely on recent rain. They're at their best two to four weeks after a solid wet stretch, usually during and just after the October to December rains. In long dry spells, especially July and August, I've seen Na Muang 1 shrink to a trickle over damp rock.
So which is the best waterfall in Koh Samui? After good rain, Na Muang 2 wins on drama. In drier weeks, Hin Lad is still worth it for the walk and the temple alone. Before heading out, check photos posted in the last few days or ask your hotel or driver that morning.
For the full picture of when to come, read my Best Time to Visit Koh Samui guide.
Getting There, Fees and What to Pack
Both Na Muang falls sit just off the ring road (Route 4169), roughly halfway between Lamai and Nathon, with clear signs at the turnoff. Hin Lad is closer to Nathon on the west side. A scooter links them fastest if you're comfortable on hills; otherwise, a half-day driver handles the navigating. All in, you're looking at around 50 baht for Na Muang 2 plus 20 to 60 baht for parking.
My waterfall bag always has:
- Shoes with real grip (flip-flops are how ankles get sprained)
- At least 1 liter of water per person
- A dry bag and a quick-dry towel
- Bug spray, plus long socks against leeches in the wet months
And please carry your trash out. Busy weekends leave litter behind, and it breaks my heart.
If bugs worry you, my guide to mosquitoes and dengue on Samui covers what actually works.
Ted's Tip
On a scooter, swim at Na Muang 1 first, then ride the few minutes up to the Na Muang 2 entrance. The easy falls loosen your legs, and you'll start the steep climb before the midday heat kicks in.
Turning It into a Waterfall Morning
- 8:30am, Na Muang 1: Swim first, adding Na Muang 2 if your legs are game.
- Wat Khunaram: A quick stop to see Luang Pho Daeng, the monk preserved in a glass case. Strange and unforgettable.
- Secret Buddha Garden: A mossy sculpture garden up a steep hill road, 30 to 40 minutes from the falls (I've written a full guide on it).
- 12:30pm, lunch in Lamai: Then the whole beach afternoon is yours.
Want to build a whole week around mornings like this? My 7-day Koh Samui itinerary slots the waterfalls in at the right moment.
Final Thoughts
After almost a decade of Samui mornings, these jungle swims never get old. Go early, go after the rains, wear proper shoes and treat Na Muang 2 with respect. Do that, and you'll see a side of the island that beach-only visitors completely miss.
FAQ
Is Na Muang Waterfall free to visit?
Na Muang Waterfall 1 is free, and you only pay around 20 baht to park a scooter. Na Muang 2 is usually about 50 baht per person through the safari park entrance, though some days it's free.
Can you swim at Na Muang Waterfall 1?
Yes, the pool at the base is the main swimming spot. There are no lifeguards, so enter feet-first, wear water shoes and stay out after very heavy rain.
How hard is the hike to Na Muang 2?
It's a steep 20 to 40 minute climb with ropes and slippery rock. Fit adults handle it fine in good shoes, but I wouldn't take small kids.
Where is Hin Lad Waterfall?
Hin Lad Waterfall is about 3 km southeast of Nathon, off Route 4172. The trail starts at Wat Namtok Hin Lad and takes 30 to 45 minutes each way.
When is the best time to see a Samui waterfall in full flow?
Aim for two to four weeks after sustained rain, typically during and just after the October to December wet season. Long dry spells can leave the falls nearly empty.
Are the waterfalls good for families?
Na Muang 1 is perfect for families thanks to the five-minute walk. Hin Lad works for active kids who are steady on their feet. Na Muang 2 is best left to teens and adults.
For more ideas with little ones, see my guide to the best activities for kids in Koh Samui.