Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui – Family Guide & Tips 2025

Is Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui Worth Visiting With Kids?

Yes. Na Muang Waterfall 1 is free, easy to access, and great for families. There’s a natural pool for swimming, a short jungle path, and safe shallow spots for little ones.

Why This Waterfall Should Be on Your Koh Samui List

Looking for a real escape into nature with your kids while staying in Koh Samui? Then you’ve got to visit Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui – or as locals call it, the “purple waterfalls.” It’s an absolute beauty with a high drop, a large natural pool, and a jungle setting.

We’re a family of four, living in Thailand since 2019. We just moved back to Koh Samui (yay!) and are now exploring all the good stuff on the island. We recently visited Na Muang 1 – with my husband, our two girls (3 and 7 years old at the time), and my mother-in-law in her sixties. And let me tell you, this spot is now one of my favorite places on the island.

Our Quick Picks
💦 Best for swimming: Na Muang 1 – easy access, big pool
🥾 Best for adventure: Na Muang 2 – steeper hike, fewer crowds
🍴 Where to eat nearby: Sweet Sisters Café – healthy + local
🏠 Where to stay: Check the best-rated hotels close to Na Muang for easy waterfall access

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Quick Facts – Na Muang Waterfall 1

• Location: About 12 km inland from Nathon Bay, easy to find on Google Maps
• Entrance Fee: Free. Parking is 20 THB
• Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
• Walk: Around 5 minutes from the parking area. Stroller-friendly until it gets rocky near the waterfall
• Facilities: No changing rooms or lockers. Basic public toilets are near the parking area – bring your own tissues and hand sanitizer

A Bit of History First

Na Muang means “purple face” – the name comes from the stunning purple rocks that give the waterfall its unique look, especially when wet. There are actually two waterfalls in this area: Na Muang 1 and Na Muang 2. Na Muang 1 is known as the first waterfall – super accessible, great for families. Na Muang 2 requires a bit of a hike and is more for adventure seekers.

The area around the falls was once home to a respected monk, Luang Phaw Daeng, and there’s a small shrine in the area honoring his memory.

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Getting There – And What to Expect

We visited after two days of heavy rainfall, so the falls were in full glory. We drove from Lamai Beach and followed the main beach road, then turned off towards Ban Hua Thanon into the green hills. You’ll find it marked on Google Maps as “Na Muang Waterfall 1.”

There’s a big main parking lot – we left our car there and paid 20 THB to a Thai guy collecting the fee. Sadly, this parking area is right next to an elephant riding camp. You’ll see the elephants in chains, waiting with saddles on their backs. A heartbreaking sight. I truly hope more people choose to skip these unethical activities. (If you’re curious, check out my other post on ethical wildlife tourism in Thailand.)

From the parking lot, there’s a short, easy walking path lined with souvenir stalls – colourful sarongs, hand-painted coconut bowls, and the usual little elephant trinkets. My girls loved it.

The walk to the base of the falls took us about 5 minutes – even with a 3-year-old in tow. Super easy and stroller-friendly up to a point. Once you reach the base of the falls, though, it turns rocky.

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And oh wow – when you see it for the first time… just majestic. The high-drop waterfall crashes into a pretty natural pool surrounded by jungle.

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Swimming in the Purple Falls

We were ready to swim! We all wore our swimsuits under our clothes (definitely do this – I didn’t see anywhere to change discreetly), and we made our way over the slippery rocks. There are no man-made paths beyond this point – just nature, and a few steps that disappear quickly.

We jumped from rock to rock – some slippery, some totally fine. Our 7-year-old was loving the adventure. Our 3-year-old had to be carried by my husband. And my brave mother-in-law? She made it, with a lot of help and some wobbling.

We found a big rock to park ourselves and our stuff. My husband carried the toddler again, and I helped Lila (our 7-year-old) into the water. There are lots of spots to climb in, but some areas are deceptively deep – once I stepped off the last rock, I couldn’t touch the ground anymore, and I’m 1.80 meters tall (5’11”)!

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Tips for Families

• Toddlers need to be carried – and if they’re not confident in water, bring a float or swim help
• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes – no changing rooms
• Watch your step – sturdy footwear helps a lot (my family wore trainers, I wore plastic slippers with grip)
• Bring a towel, water, mosquito spray, and a little cash
• Leave valuables in the car – you can’t watch your bag while swimming (we once got robbed at a waterfall in Koh Phangan)
• Try to visit after rain, when the waterfall is in full spate – but avoid going immediately after torrential downpours, as rocks can be extra slippery

Check out these Thailand waterfall must-haves:

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When to Go – Best Time to Visit

The wet months (roughly October to January) are the best if you want to see the waterfall at its strongest. But even during the dry season, there’s usually still some flow at Na Muang Waterfall 1 thanks to its location in the island’s green canopy.

We went in April, and thanks to the rainy days before, it was flowing beautifully.

👉 You might also like:
– Koh Samui with Kids: 25 Super Fun Things to Do in 2025
– 10 Best Family Resorts in Koh Samui 2025 – With Prices
– Samui Elephant Sanctuary Review (2025) – Ethical or Not?
– Thailand’s Koh Madsum: Visiting Pig Island

Where to Stay in Samui – Family Favorites

Here are some of my favorite areas to stay—plus a few hotel picks that are perfect for families.

Lamai Beach

Lamai is a great all-rounder. It’s close to Na Muang Waterfall and other nature spots like Hin Lad Waterfall. The beach is wide, swimmable, and less wild than Chaweng.

Bo Phut

Bo Phut has this charming mix of culture and comfort. Fisherman’s Village is full of old Chinese shophouses, cute cafés, and beachfront restaurants. Just be aware, it can get busy—especially on walking street nights.

We loved staying at Anantara Bophut. They have a brand-new kids club (hands down the best we’ve seen so far!).

If you’re looking for luxury with a family-friendly touch, Hyatt Regency Koh Samui is a standout (here’s my personal review). With a kids’ pool, play area, and stunning sea views, it’s stylish yet super-relaxed for families.

Key Takeaways

• Location: 12 km from Nathon Bay, easy access by car
• Entrance Fee: Free; parking is 20 THB
• Walk: 5 minutes; stroller-friendly until the rocky area
• Swimming: Yes, but some parts are deep—keep a close eye on kids
• Best time to visit: Mornings or late afternoons, ideally after light rain
• Facilities: Basic toilets near parking, no changing rooms or lockers
• What to bring: Swimwear, towels, sturdy shoes, mosquito spray

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Final Thoughts on Visiting Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui

Na Muang Waterfall 1 is honestly one of the most beautiful waterfalls on Koh Samui. It’s got everything – a high drop, a natural pool, lush jungle, and just enough challenge to feel like an adventure without scaring the kids (or grandparents… too much).

Ready to plan your trip? Compare the best family stays in Koh Samui here!

Do you plan to visit Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui? Do you have any questions? Please let me know in the comments!

Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day! Yours, Lulu

FAQ About Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui 2025