The Na Muang waterfalls are the most visited falls on Koh Samui, set in forest in the south of the island’s interior. The name is usually explained by the purplish tint of the rock face (“muang” means purple in Thai).
Na Muang 1 is around 18 metres high and falls into a natural pool that is an easy few minutes’ walk from the car park. Na Muang 2, further up the valley, is much taller — roughly 80 metres in several tiers — and takes a steeper, rougher uphill walk of around half an hour.
Top things to do at Na Muang Waterfalls
Swim at Na Muang 1
The pool at the foot of the lower fall is the easiest wild swim on the island. The rocks are slippery and the depth varies, so enter carefully and do not dive.
Hike to Na Muang 2
The path climbs through forest over roots and rocks; wear proper shoes rather than flip-flops and carry water. There are smaller pools on the way up.
See more of the interior
A 4WD jungle safari links the falls with hill viewpoints and the Secret Buddha Garden in one day.
How to get to Na Muang Waterfalls
- By road: signposted off the ring road (Route 4169) in the south-west, about 12 km from Nathon and around 30–40 minutes from Chaweng. Each fall has its own access road and car park.
- On a tour: included in most safari and round-island tours.
Insider tips
- The falls are most impressive from about October to January, during and after the rains. By the end of the dry season they can shrink to a trickle.
- Entry to the falls has traditionally been free, with small charges for parking — check locally.
- Elephant-riding operations work around the access roads. We suggest giving them a miss; see our note on ethical elephant visits.
Best tours & tickets for Na Muang Waterfalls
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Na Muang Waterfalls:
Jeep safari from €42 Koh Samui: Mr. Ung’s 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with Lunch
The best-reviewed land tour on the island. An open-backed 4WD climbs tracks that ordinary rental cars and scooters should not attempt, linking the sights of Samui’s mountainous middle in one day. Expect a bumpy, dusty, fun ride; check the listing for the exact stops on your date.
- Open 4WD up steep tracks into the island’s interior
- Typically includes a waterfall, hill viewpoints and the Secret Buddha Garden
- Lunch included
Sightseeing tour from €22 Koh Samui: Half-Day Highlight Tour + Elephant Camp Option
A quick, inexpensive orientation loop of the ring road’s best-known sights, ideal for your first or second day. We would skip the optional elephant-camp add-on and visit one of the island’s observation-only sanctuaries separately instead.
- The island’s main landmarks by air-conditioned minivan
- Temples, viewpoints and the famous rocks in one loop
- Low price and thousands of reviews
Adventure activity from €48 Samui Zipline Fly & Fun Tree Bridge Jungle Cafe & Waterfall
A half-day in the hills for anyone who has had enough of the sunlounger: a series of ziplines and hanging bridges, with a café and a waterfall to cool off at afterwards. Check the listing for minimum age and weight limits.
- Zipline course through the forest canopy
- Tree bridges and a jungle café
- Waterfall stop
