Wang Sai Waterfall in Koh Phangan. — Koh Phangan is covered with dense, flourishing jungles, making it an amazing place to trek and uncover some of the island’s hidden natural beauty. If you are planning a trip to the island and wondering which waterfalls deserve a spot on your itinerary, I have you covered. After visiting every waterfall in Koh Phangan, I have narrowed it down to the best five. The list is in no particular order.

*Oh & as always practice sustainable tourism while traveling, please :)* *Be sure to take any trash, plastic, etc. with you when you leave.*

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5 best waterfalls in Koh Phangan

Waterfall Tips:

A beautiful butterfly eating a coconut along the trail to one of the waterfalls in Koh Phangan.

There are so many beautiful butterflies around the waterfalls, so keep an eye out for them!
Pack cash for the entrance fee (Baht). Only 2 of the 5 waterfalls have an entrance fee.
Bring a swimsuit and towel for swimming and drying off. If you are looking for somewhere in the jungle to cool off, you can swim in some waterfalls.
Wear sunscreen. The waterfalls have many shaded areas, but some sections are exposed to the sun.
Bring mosquito repellant—there are so many around and with the mosquito-borne illnesses present, it is best to be safe.
The waterfalls in Koh Phangan tend to dry up outside of the rainy season. They are best visited after rainfall in the rainy season to really see them flowing.
Pack lots of water to stay hydrated. Reusable water bottles are best to help lower the amount of plastic on the island.
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Buy an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way to the waterfalls. I always use Airalo for my eSim.
Wear shoes with a good grip and support, the paths are slippery, and steep, and involve climbing over rocks and tree roots.
Wear loose and comfortable clothing, it is humid near most waterfalls, so you will want breathable clothing that is comfy even when sweating.
All of the waterfalls have a small parking area nearby, so you do not have to worry about looking for somewhere to leave your motorbike or car.

The waterfalls of Koh Phangan may not be as impressive as those in Northern Thailand or Indonesia, but they are still beautiful, smaller natural wonders that are fun to explore and hike through the jungle.

Phaeng Noi Waterfall

Phaeng Noi Waterfall is the first of five waterfalls along a 1.8-mile trekking loop. You do not have to complete the entire loop; you can turn back at any point. The full route will take around 1.5 to 2 hours to complete and can be challenging due to climbing over larger rocks. You can find the full AllTrails route here.

I visited Phaeng Noi Waterfall after rainfall, and it was still just a small trickle of water down the rock face. I had been expecting something more dramatic after seeing the advertised photos. However, it was still a pretty waterfall and one of the tallest on the island. You can also hike down to the bottom of the waterfall for a more impressive and dramatic view.

The next waterfall, Phaeng Yai, was small yet beautiful, with the third, Than Nam Rak Waterfall, offering a great little swimming pool below it. I did not make it to the fourth and fifth waterfalls (Than Song Praeng and Than Kluay Mai) on the trail because I was drenched in sweat and did not want to climb the rocks needed to get to them.

The view from Dom Dilla viewpoint. — The view from Dom Silla Viewpoint.

Dom Silla is a viewpoint along the left side of the loop. You can hike up the right side of the loop to the waterfalls, then turn around and head back down. Then you can hike up the 400 meters or so on the left side of the loop to reach the viewpoint. I found the viewpoint slightly underwhelming compared to others on the island, so you can skip it if you are "viewpointed out."

Location: The waterfall’s official location is here.

Hours: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Entrance Fee: 100 Baht for Adults (just under 3 USD) | 50 Baht for Children (1.50 USD)

The Trek:

To access the first three waterfalls, you mostly walk up wooden stairs (about 40 steps) followed by steps made from tree roots. There are ropes along the way to help you pull yourself up. The waterfalls are all quite close to one another. It was EXTREMELY humid along this route, so be sure to bring lots of water with you. I was soaking wet by the time I left.

As mentioned, the fourth and fifth waterfall requires scrambling up some rocks, which I decided not to do.

If you want to climb to the waterfalls and the viewpoint, but do not want to venture along the entire 1.8-mile loop, you can first, hike up the right side of the loop to the waterfalls. Once completed, head back down and venture up the left side of the loop to the viewpoint. Both small hikes to either side of the loop are quite easy and doable for all fitness levels.

Wang Sai Waterfall

Wang Sai Waterfall consists of a series of cascades flowing over rocks, with a prominent drop where two separate falls spill over a flat rock into a pool below. Afterward, the water continues its journey, flowing over additional rocks and creating a curving, continuous flow.

The entrance here can be confusing, be sure to head to the entrance near Mae Haad along this road. You will enter a zipline/adventure area and even see another pretty waterfall before even beginning the short trek to Wang Sai. There is plenty of signage around to show you which direction the waterfall is, but you will follow the road to the left, under the “skywalk” and over a wooden bridge. From there you will hike up over the rocks until you see the two larger cascades I mentioned. There is plenty of sandy space around the waterfall pool, perfect for laying out a towel and spending the day swimming and reading.

This is probably the best waterfall to visit with children and for spending the day. It is mostly open to the sun above, so sun protection is essential for those who burn easily. There is also ziplining a skywalk, and a few places to grab a bite to eat.

Location: As mentioned, you want to enter via this location.

Hours: I could not find official operating hours, however, the ziplining is open from 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM, so visiting during these hours may be best.

Entrance Fee: 50 Baht (1.50 USD)

The Trek: This “trek” is quite easy. You will head under the skywalk and along a wooden bridge. From there, you can climb up the rocks, along the waterfall for as long or as little as you want! This one is so short, that I am not even sure of the actual distance.

Pro Tip: There are a few other ways to enter Wang Sai Waterfall, such as through the Dome and a local house and garden, but I reccomend opting for the zipline entrance for the best views of the waterfall.

Than Sadet Waterfall

Than Sadet Waterfall features a series of cascading tiers, flowing over larger smooth boulders with water pooling at each level before continuing its descent further. The best way to describe it is it almost looks like it could be a good natural waterslide, though I do not recommend this. Supposedly the final waterfall pool at the bottom is the best area to lay out and swim. But the waterfall flows continuously down rocks for what seems like forever so I did not find the bottom.

This waterfall is much more popular than the others, making it busier.

Location: The waterfall’s official location is slightly after this entrance into the national park. The entrance is obvious with a large sign and a gazebo next to it.

Hours: The entrance into this section of the Namtok Than Sadet National Park has 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM listed as the operating hours.

Entrance Fee: Free!

The Trek: This is one of the easier waterfall treks, consisting of clear root steps the entire way down. When you arrive at the entrance, you will be greeted by a local selling a few snacks, beverages, and petrol.

Once you trek the quick 5 minutes down to the waterfall, you will come out on the top side of it. You can climb over the rocks to get a better look, and even climb down the waterfall a bit depending on the level of adventure you want and climbing skills you have.

Phu Dang Waterfall

Phu Dang Waterfall is a small waterfall, featuring one long cascade that flows over a series of rocky ledges into pools below, creating a tiered effect. The water spills over the rock face, forming a larger pool below before continuing its descent over the next set of rocks, repeating this pattern.

You could probably swim in the pools below the waterfalls, but I am not sure of their depth.

Location: The waterfall’s entrance is around here. You will see the sign next to the stairs while driving along the road.

Hours: The entrance into this section of the Namtok Than Sadet National Park has 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM listed as the operating hours.

Entrance Fee: Free!

The Trek: The waterfall is pretty easy to get to, consisting of 35 or so concrete steps and a short 100-meter or less walk through the jungle. You climb up the rocks along the waterfall to reach the higher-up cascades but be cautious, some of the rocks are more slippery than they look. I mostly climbed up the right side of the waterfalls to reach each layer above it.

Phu Sam Pan Waterfall

Phu Sam Pan Waterfall is by far the best and most impressive waterfall in Koh Phangan, however, it is the most challenging to reach. The overall “trek” is only 100 meters, but it definitely feels a little longer while you are navigating your way over and around rocks. It only took me about 10-15 minutes to make it to the waterfall. I do not know if I would consider swimming in the pool below the waterfall as it looked quite muddy and I am not sure how deep it is.

Location: The waterfall is located between Phu Dang and Than Sadet. There is an obvious and official sign identifying where the waterfall trail is.

Hours: The entrance into this section of the Namtok Than Sadet National Park has 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM listed as the operating hours.

Entrance Fee: Free!

The Trek: You will first hike straight down tree root steps, followed by a rock face, eventually entering a rocky area sitting in a body of water. From here, there is no designated path but you will want to head right towards the waterfall. I simply climbed over and through rocks figuring out the best way as I went. It is not as hard as it sounds, but you need sturdy shoes and will use all 4 limbs of your body to hop and climb. Beware of spiders lingering about in their webs.

While I was here, I did not see one other person, so I am unsure how many people actually make it to the waterfall or leave confused about where to go. But I do think it was the best waterfall and the most challenging, yet fun trek through the jungle.

I hope you enjoy exploring the waterfalls of Koh Phangan!

While you are on the island, be sure to check out some of the beautiful beaches.

Click here for the best beaches you can’t miss in Koh Phangan!

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General Information: Koh Phangan

How Many Days Do I Need in Koh Phangan?

I suggest spending at least 5 days in Koh Phangan if not more. The island is quite big and has many viewpoints, waterfalls, beaches, etc. to discover. Even after spending over 1 month here, I felt there were still things I had not seen. If you have the time, I think 7-10 days is the perfect amount of time to get a taste of it all.

best time to visit:

Monsoon Season: September - November | High Season: December - April

The best time to visit Koh Phangan is outside of the monsoon season. Accomodation prices will be higher from December to April during the high season and the island much busier with frequent visitors for the famous Full Moon parties. However, if you want cheaper prices on the island, or want to explore the waterfalls, the monsoon season is better for visiting. Waterfalls will dry up without rainfall. I was in Koh Phangan during November, and it was not as bad as I had envisioned. We had a couple of weeks of pure rainfall, but there were always breaks in the rain for exploring and a few days with sunshine. It is important to note, that the weather will be cooler during this time and the roads can flood with large puddles.

How To Get There:

The closest airports to the island of Koh Phangan are Surat Thani (URT) and Koh Samui (USM). Both of which are international airports. From either airport, you will have to take a ferry to the island. From Surat Thani, the ferry is around 2-3 hours, and from Koh Samui, the ferry is around 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Head here for a complete guide on how to get to Koh Phangan from Koh Samui and Surat Thani!

If you are coming from Koh Tao, head here for a ferry guide to Koh Phangan.

the best area to stay:

As mentioned, the island is quite big, so choosing where to stay on it, is essential. I reccomend staying on the west side of the island between Mae Haad to Haad Ban Tai to be within the best proximity of the top restaurants, beaches, waterfalls, gyms, etc. The southern portion of the west coast, near Thong Sala and Haad Ban Tai, is known as the backpacker section of the island, whereas Mae Haad and Srithanu are more of an expat, laid-back area. I prefer to stay between Srithanu and Thong Sala. I spent a few weeks at My Home Resort and one week at The Zohan Resort, both of which I really enjoyed. They have kitchens in the rooms.

Best Accommodation Options For Every Traveler:

Backpacker/Hostel Option: Puk’s Palace (Dorm, I stayed here my first time in KP and loved that it was right on the beach)
Best Low-Budget: Colorful Hut or The Nidhra Boutique Resort
Best Mid-Budget: Angkana Bungalows (Adults Only) or Zama Resort Koh Phangan
Best High-End Budget: Nibbana Bungalows or Buri Rasa Village Phangan
Best Luxury Budget: Zee Luxury Boutique Hotel or Somewhere Only We Know Resort

You can also find hotel deals at Agoda and Hostel World! You can help support my travel blog by clicking and booking through the links!

How Do I travel around the island?

I will always believe the best way to travel around the island is by motorbike. HOWEVER, I suggest asking a local or friend for a lesson before hopping in the driver’s seat and making sure you are a confident driver. Accidents happen all of the time because of new drivers, speeding, and lack of attention while driving. Always be on alert, especially around the Full Moon party time to avoid drivers under the influence, and always wear a helmet— it will save your life.

If you are 2 to 1 bike, I would reccomend getting a higher-powered bike rather than a scoopy. There are some larger hills along Koh Phangan that you may struggle to get up. My boyfriend and I (around 275 pounds together), did struggle slightly up some of the hills for reference.

The motorbike should be around 180 baht per day for longer-term rental outside of the high season. During the high season, motorbikes can start at 200-250 baht per day depending on the bike type. Long-term rentals will give better discounts. I like to rent my motorbike from Pajampo. You will have to leave 3,000 baht plus your passport as a deposit.

You can, of course, opt for renting a car and can find the best options on the island here. I do not reccomend this because it is more expensive and enclosed so you will see less of your surroundings while you ride through the island. If you do rent a car, be sure to watch for street dogs while driving— you could save their life.

Do you have gluten-free or vegan restaurant recommendations?

Of course, here are a few:

Phangan Food Court (The cheapest option)
Night Market, Cafe Vintage (A cuter version of the above & slightly more expensive)
What’s Cup (For epic views)
Ahaara Veda Indian Restaurant (Indian cuisine)
Kia Ora (Although very expensive)
Seeds and Smiles Bakery (Gluten-free bread, pizza crust, & more!)
Sunbowl Cafe & Matcha Bar (The best smoothie bowls)
Friendship Concept - Meatless Grill (For when you are craving a burger, gluten-free bun available)
Terra Market (For snacks, superfoods, and cooking essentials)
Licks (Icecream)

Is it safe?

I have always felt safe in Koh Phangan, but I do not drink or consume any substances. I recommend staying up to date with your country’s travel advisories. Follow basic rules of safety while traveling in addition to:

Always triple-check vaccination requirements and recommendations for countries. Some potential illnesses include Typhoid and Hepatitis A.
Pack mosquito spray to protect yourself from Dengue and Malaria. There has been a recent uptick in cases of Dengue on the island.
Wear your helmet when riding your motorbike. So many people do not wear helmets, which could save your life.
Watch for street dogs while driving!
DO NOT drink the tap water. Keep your mouth closed in the shower and even use bottled water for toothbrushing, especially if you have a sensitive stomach like me!
Mistakes can happen, especially when trekking and walking around slippery areas, so I recommend always having some form of travel medical insurance. Safety Wing is by far the best travel medical insurance. It has saved me numerous times by covering hospital visits when I was sick during my travels in Asia.
Get an eSIM—so you do not get lost navigating your way. I always use Airalo for my eSims.
Emergency Contact Number: Police: 191 | Fire: 199 | Ambulance: 1669
- You can find a complete list of Thailand’s Emergency #’s here .