While the tropical paradise of Koh Phangan is best known for its beaches and Full Moon Parties, nature lovers will be pleased to find there is no shortage of waterfalls in Koh Phangan to dip in.
Hidden amidst the verdant forests, these cascading wonders offer a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the island and allow you to cool off in the cold spring waters.
From the majestic Than Sadet Waterfall with its emerald pools to the secluded Phaeng Waterfall surrounded by exotic flora, each waterfall holds its own allure.
If you’re thinking of visiting one of Koh Phangan’s waterfalls but not sure which one to visit, this guide is for you.
Waterfalls in Koh Phangan
1. Than Sadet Waterfall Koh Phangan
Located in Namtok Than Sadet National Park is Than Sadet Waterfall, perhaps one of the most famous waterfalls in Koh Phangan. The waterfall has four sections, each with a small pool for swimming at the bottom.
The waterfalls are small but beautiful, and if you climb over the rocks to get to the highest falls, you’ll be met with the largest and most beautiful pool that’s perfect for swimming in.
To get to the falls you must walk along a nature trail, which has a gentle slope and some steps, as well as some ropes to help you climb up steep sections. It’s not a long walk, but it will require proper footwear and not flip flops.
Halfway to the falls there is a viewpoint with lovely views over the beach.
- How to Get There: drive to Namtok Than Sadet National Park and head towards Haad Sadet Beach, from there it’s a short hike up the river to the waterfall
- Opening Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm
- Entrance fee? 100 baht per person for entrance to the national park, plus 20 baht to park your scooter.
2. Paradise Waterfall Koh Phangan
Paradise Waterfall is an enchanting oasis, tucked away from the bustling tourist spots, which beckons visitors with its serene beauty and tranquility.
The journey to the waterfall adds an element of adventure as you navigate up a steep slope to the base of the falls. If you’re not confident on a scooter, you can park at the bottom of the hill and walk up. Cars will struggle to make it up the hill.
Once there, you’ll be greeted by the mesmerizing cascade of crystal-clear water flowing through picturesque rock walls.
You can take a refreshing dip in the inviting pools or indulge in the thrill of swinging from a rope into the cool waters. There is a restaurant at the entrance too, so if the rope swinging works up an appetite, you can get some good food here too.
Paradise Waterfall is the perfect place to reconnect with your inner child while immersing yourself in the untouched natural beauty of Koh Phangan.
- How to Get There: drive towards Chalok Lam Beach and look out for the entrance on the right.
- Opening Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm
- Entrance fee? 30 baht, and it includes a bottle of iced water
3. Phaeng Noi Waterfall Koh Phangan
Phaeng Noi Waterfall is a remote waterfall located in the dense jungles of Koh Phangan. To reach the waterfall, you need to hike for around three hours along the Domsila Viewpoint Nature Trail, which winds through the jungles, before it opens up to amazing vistas of the island.
The hike is steep and strenuous in places, but it’s worth the effort for the reward of the breathtaking Phaeng Noi Waterfall. The waterfall is one of the biggest on the island and displays huge power as water plummets over the craggy rocks.
Be sure to bring your swimwear and take a dip in the pool below, especially if you’re visiting on a hot day.
As you hike, be sure to look out for the diverse variety of plants and fungi that cover the forest floor. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes, not flip flops, as the trail is overgrown in places.
This waterfall also dries up during the dry season.
- How to Get There: The waterfall is accessible by hiking for about 3 hours along a loop trail.
- Opening Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm daily
- Entrance fee? 100 baht per person
4. Than Nam Rak Waterfall Koh Phangan
The Than Nam Rak Waterfall is another enchanting series of falls nestled in the jungles of Koh Phangan.
As you embark on the trails leading to the Dom Sila viewpoint, you’ll pass the Than Nam Rak falls. It’s also the trail you take to Phaeng Noi Waterfall, but not as far along the trail.
The journey is a bit of an adventure, as the ground is not well maintained and overgrown. Once you arrive at the falls, take a refreshing dip in one of the two inviting pools or simply bask in the tranquility of this natural paradise.
- How to Get There: The waterfall is accessible by hiking for about 1 hour
- Opening Hours: 8.00am – 4.00pm daily
- Entrance fee? 100 baht per person
5. Wang Sai Waterfall Koh Phangan
Wang Sai Waterfall beckons adventurous souls to immerse themselves in its natural splendor.
Hidden away from the bustling tourist areas, this secret gem offers a tranquil escape into the lush tropical rainforest.
As you explore the short trail leading to the waterfall, you’ll be captivated by the crystal-clear water cascading down different levels, creating a mesmerizing sight.
Take a refreshing dip in the inviting pools or simply bask in the serenity of this pristine oasis.
- How to Get There: drive to the gate located near Mae Haad Beach and from there it’s a 150 meter walk to the falls.
- Opening Hours: 9.30am – 6.00pm
- Entrance fee? Free
Related Reading: The 11 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
6. Sramanora Waterfall Koh Phangan (Waterfall Party)
If you’re looking for something a little livelier than the relaxing waterfalls mentioned on this list, then head to Sramanora on the South side of the island, near to Haad Rin.
This waterfall is well known for its “Waterfall Parties” which takes place twice a month – two days before the Full Moon Party and two days after.
As well as being a location to dance the night away, the waterfall is also beautiful, with two sections and two refreshing pools below.
The good thing about this waterfall is that it’s really accessible to visit, only being a 500 meter walk from the car park to the falls, making it one of the most accessible waterfalls on Koh Phangan.
To get to the upper falls, you need to climb a bit of a hill and cross a river to reach it.
Although famous for its Waterfall Party, you can visit Bancha Sramanora in the daytime as well.
There is also a restaurant where you can purchase snacks and refreshments, and you can stay at the Bancha resort where the waterfall is located (which apparently grants you free access to the Waterfall Party if you stay there).
- How to Get There: drive to Bancha Sramanora Resort and park there. From here, there are signs directing you to the falls.
- Opening Hours: N/A
- Entrance fee? N/A
7. Thong Nai Pan Waterfall Koh Phangan
Perhaps one of the more off-the-beaten-track waterfalls on the island is Thong Nai Pan Waterfall.
Surrounded by the lush beauty of the national park, this enchanting waterfall offers a tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas.
The trail to Thong Nai Pan Waterfall is a short 10-minute walk, where at the end you’ll be rewarded with a mesmerizing view that will leave you in awe. The path is clear and easy to follow.
The cascading water, amidst the serene surroundings, creates a truly magical experience.
- How to Get There: Drive towards Thong Nai Pan Beach, and park the scooter at the end of a wide road where there’s a house. The path is near the house and leads into the jungle.
- Opening Hours: N/A
- Entrance fee? Free (not in the national park)
8. Namtok Than Prawet Waterfall Koh Phangan
Namtok Than Prawet Waterfall iis another hidden gem waterfall near to Thong Nai Pan Noi Beach.
This picturesque waterfall offers a serene escape into nature. As you follow the snaking chutes of the waterfall, you’ll be captivated by its beauty and tranquility.
Take a leisurely hike along the short trail, immersing yourself in the lush surroundings. Once you reach the falls, continue on for another 800 meters or so and you’ll find a bigger and more impressive falls than the one at the bottom.
- How to Get There: You need to find the trail near the Tipi Cantina restaurant. If you can’t find the trail, ask for directions in the shop here.
- Opening Hours: N/A
- Entrance fee? Free
Map of Waterfalls in Koh Phangan
To help you plan how to get to each waterfall, here is a map that plots the location of each of these waterfalls in Koh Phangan…
Best Time To Visit The Waterfalls in Koh Phangan
The best time to visit the waterfalls in Koh Phangan is in October and November, after the rainy season, when the water power is at its most impressive.
Depending on which waterfall you visit, it’s not advised to visit during the rainy season as the trails can become treacherous with landslides and falling trees.
During the warm months of April – June, you will find that the waterfalls pretty much dry up.