In the middle of Koh Samui, tucked away in the hilly interior, you’ll find the two Na Muang waterfalls. We visited both ourselves, and in this guide we share exactly what to expect at each waterfall and how to best plan your visit.
Besides this excursion there are plenty of others worth your time, check out our article The 10 best excursions from Koh Samui (2026)
Na Muang 1 waterfall: easy to reach
Na Muang 1 is the most visited and easiest to reach of the two waterfalls. From the parking area, a short paved path (less than 10 minutes) leads you to the waterfall, which flows into a natural pool. This makes it one of the few places on Koh Samui where you can swim in fresh water for free (apart from a small parking fee).
Good to know: The path is wheelchair and stroller friendly almost all the way to the water, which makes Na Muang 1 a good option for families with young children or anyone with limited mobility.
Na Muang 2 waterfall: higher, prettier and quieter
If you’re willing to put in a bit more effort, Na Muang 2 rewards you with a higher, more impressive waterfall a little further along. You reach it via a walk of about 30 minutes through the jungle, but the peace and the views make it well worth it. Where Na Muang 1 is often busy with day trippers, we had Na Muang 2 largely to ourselves during our own visit.
Good to know: Wear sturdy shoes, the path is unpaved and can be slippery, especially after rain. There have also been serious accidents at Na Muang 2 waterfall in recent years, so stick to the safe, marked sections and avoid climbing on the rocks near the waterfall.
Best time to visit
Ideally, go during or just after the rainy season (roughly June to November) for the strongest water flow. We noticed ourselves that the difference in flow between the rainy and dry seasons can be quite big. In the dry season (January to April), Na Muang 2 in particular can be a lot less impressive.
Combining with other excursions
Na Muang sits in the same hilly interior as the elephant sanctuary and the island’s ATV routes, which is why most visitors combine these excursions in a single day. We did the same: a morning at the elephant sanctuary, followed by an afternoon at Na Muang, was a perfect combination for us.
Practical information
- Entrance: a small fee for parking/entry, usually a few dozen baht.
- Length of your visit: allow 1 to 2 hours for Na Muang 1 alone, or half a day if you also want to visit Na Muang 2.
- Getting there: your own scooter or a rental car gives you the most flexibility; there are also organized tours that combine Na Muang with other excursions in the interior.
Organized tours that include Na Muang
These tours combine the Na Muang 1 waterfall with other excursions:
Mr.Ung’s 4WD Wild Jungle Safari Tour with lunch
This classic among Koh Samui excursions has been running for years, and its popularity is no accident: you climb into an open ex-army jeep and spend a full day crossing the island, from the coastal road deep into the mountain jungle. Along the way you stop at the famous Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai), visit the mummified monk and cool off with a dip under the Na Muang waterfall, the biggest on the island. Then the four-wheel drive kicks in and you climb up unpaved mountain roads past coconut plantations. That rough stretch is the highlight for many, especially if you manage to grab a spot on the roof of the jeep.
At the top of the mountain, a traditional Thai lunch awaits with a panoramic view over Koh Samui. After lunch you walk through the Secret Buddha Garden, a hidden sculpture garden in the middle of the jungle, and visit Wat Teepangkorn with its large Buddha on the mountaintop. The tour takes around 6 to 7.5 hours and includes hotel pickup, lunch, water, entrance fees and an English-speaking guide (sometimes German too). Expect dust, bumps and the occasional spontaneous water fight between the jeeps. That is exactly what makes this day so much fun, although it does mean the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or people with back problems.
Ready for a day full of adventure? Book the 4WD Jungle Safari and secure your spot in the jeep.
Elephant sanctuary and jungle adventure with lunch
If you want to meet elephants in a way you can feel good about, this is the tour. At the elephant sanctuary you first prepare their food yourself: a nutritious mix of banana, pumpkin, sticky rice and sea salt. You then get to feed the animals and watch them up close, with no riding or tricks. The operator deliberately works only with ethical experiences where the elephants roam free. Earlier in the day you also stop at the Na Muang waterfall, where you can swim in the natural pool beneath the falling water.
The second part of the day takes you into the mountains by 4WD truck, with a Thai lunch at a viewpoint high above the island. Afterwards you explore the mystical Secret Garden with its centuries-old stone statues and visit the temple viewpoint at Wat Teepangkorn, with sweeping views over Koh Samui. The tour takes about 6 hours and everything is taken care of: hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, drinking water, entrance fees and the elephant food are all included. With a score of 4.8 based on more than 2,500 reviews, this is one of the best-rated day tours on the island, and it is also a big favorite among families with children.
Want to meet Koh Samui’s elephants the ethical way? Check availability and book this tour.
Frequently asked questions about the Na Muang Waterfalls
What is the difference between Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2?
Na Muang 1 is easy to reach via a short paved path and has a swimming pond at the bottom. Na Muang 2 lies further away, is higher and more impressive, but requires a 20 to 30 minute walk through the jungle.
Can you swim at Na Muang?
Yes, at Na Muang 1 you can swim in the natural basin at the foot of the waterfall. At Na Muang 2, swimming is less of a given and depends on the water level.
Is Na Muang suitable for families with children?
Na Muang 1 certainly is, thanks to the short, accessible path. Na Muang 2 requires a bit more walking fitness.
When is the water flow at its highest?
During and just after the rainy season, roughly June to November. In the dry season (January to April), Na Muang 2 in particular can carry a lot less water.
Conclusion
The Na Muang waterfalls are among the easiest excursions to combine on Koh Samui: close by, free or cheap, and with options for both a quick stop (Na Muang 1) and a longer walk (Na Muang 2). We recommend combining both with a visit to the elephant sanctuary or an ATV ride in the same area.
Haven’t booked a hotel on Koh Samui yet? Check out our guide to the best hotels on Koh Samui.
