Is Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui Worth Visiting With Kids?
Yes, absolutely. Na Muang Waterfall 1 is free to enter, takes just 5 minutes to walk to from the parking lot, and has a large natural swimming pool that’s safe for young kids and grandparents alike. We visited with our two girls (aged 3 and 7) and my mother-in-law in her sixties, and it’s now one of my favorite spots on the whole island.
Na Muang Waterfall 2 is a bigger challenge: a 30-40 minute jungle hike to reach one of Koh Samui’s tallest cascades, best for kids aged 7 and up. Either way, this is one of the most beautiful natural spots in Koh Samui and completely worth the trip.
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 that feels worlds away from the beach strip.
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
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 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.
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.
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”)!
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:
TFJH E Long Sleeve Girls Swimsuit (UPF 50+) – $18.99
Eunzel 2 Pack Microfiber Beach Towel – $26.99
Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion – $36.98
VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes (Unisex, Slip-On) – $9.55
ALVABABY Reusable Swim Diapers (2-Pack) – $9.99
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.
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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.
Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort
- From $140 (€128) per night (Family Suite with Bunk Bed)
- Beachfront resort with kids’ pool and family activities
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!).
Anantara Bophut Resort
- From $250 (€232) per night (Premier Room)
- Lush gardens, calm beach, close to the Fisherman’s Night Market, read my review here!
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.
Hyatt Regency Koh Samui
- From $230 (€212) per night (Family Room)
- Read my honest review here!
Na Muang Waterfall 2 – Is the Hike Worth It?
Na Muang 2 is the quieter, wilder sibling. It sits higher up in the jungle and requires a proper hike to reach it. The trail takes around 30 to 40 minutes one way, is steep in sections, and gets muddy after rain. It’s not stroller-friendly.
That said, the reward is real. Fewer crowds, a taller cascade, and a more ‘into the jungle’ feel. If your kids are 7 and up and reasonably active, it’s doable. Under 7? Stick to Na Muang 1.
A few things to know before you hike up:
- Wear proper shoes. Not flip flops. Not sandals. Trainers or trail shoes only.
- Bring water. There are no stalls on the way up.
- The trail starts near the parking area for Na Muang 1. Follow the signs.
- Visiting after heavy rain makes the falls spectacular but the trail slippery. Use your judgment.
For families with mixed ages, a good plan is to swim at Na Muang 1 first, then let the older kids (and adventurous adults) hike up to Na Muang 2 while the little ones rest.
When to Go and Which Months to Avoid
The best time to visit Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui is in the morning, ideally between 8:30 AM and 11:00 AM. You’ll beat the tour groups and have the pool mostly to yourselves.
For the strongest waterfall flow, visit during or just after the wet season. On Koh Samui, that runs roughly from October through January. We went in April after a few rainy days, and it was absolutely thundering. Even in the dry season (February to September), Na Muang 1 usually still flows thanks to the jungle canopy.
As for which months to avoid: October and November bring the heaviest rains and occasional storms on Koh Samui. The waterfall itself will be at its most powerful, but sea conditions can be rough and some roads flood. If you’re visiting Koh Samui for beach time too, late November through early December is when things start to calm down. January to April is widely considered the best overall window for the island.
How to Get to Na Muang Waterfall Koh Samui
The falls are about 12 km inland from Nathon Bay and well-signposted once you leave the coast road.
- By car or scooter: Head towards Ban Hua Thanon on Route 4169, follow the brown tourist signs uphill. The drive from Lamai takes around 15 minutes; from Chaweng, allow 25 minutes.
- By songthaew: Shared songthaews run from Nathon market towards the interior. Ask the driver for “Nam Tok Na Muang” and expect to pay around 50-80 THB per person.
- By Grab taxi: Easiest option if you don’t have a scooter. Search “Na Muang Waterfall 1” in the Grab app. Most rides from the main beach areas cost 150-250 THB.
- By tour: GetYourGuide and local agencies offer half-day and full-day tours that include Na Muang. Good if you want transport sorted without any hassle.
Parking on-site is 20 THB. The lot is large and rarely full on weekday mornings.
Na Muang Waterfall 1 vs Na Muang Waterfall 2: Which One Is Right for You?
| Feature | Na Muang 1 | Na Muang 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Walk from parking | 5 minutes | 30-40 minutes (one way) |
| Trail difficulty | Easy, mostly paved | Steep, muddy after rain |
| Stroller-friendly | Yes (until rocky base) | No |
| Height | n/a | ~80 metres |
| Swimming pool | Yes, large natural pool | Small pool |
| Crowd level | Busier | Fewer crowds |
| Best for | All ages, toddlers, grandparents | Kids 7+, active adults |
| Entrance fee | Free | Free |
Both falls are in the same general area, but they’re very different experiences. Here’s the short version.
- Na Muang 1 is the one most families visit. It’s a 5-minute walk from the parking lot, the pool is swimmable, and it’s accessible for grandparents, toddlers, and anyone in between. This is the one I’d recommend as a first stop.
- Na Muang 2 sits higher in the jungle and stands around 80 metres tall, making it one of Koh Samui’s highest waterfalls. The trail is 30-40 minutes one way, steep in sections, and gets muddy after rain. Fewer tourists, more jungle, and genuinely spectacular if you put the effort in.
For mixed-age families, the best plan is to swim at Na Muang 1 first, then send the older kids and adventurous adults up to Na Muang 2 while the little ones rest at the bottom.
Key Takeaways
- Free entry. Parking costs just 20 THB, that’s roughly $0.55.
- Na Muang 1: 5-minute walk from the car park, large swimmable natural pool, accessible for all ages.
- Na Muang 2: Around 80 metres tall, 30-40 minute steep jungle hike, best for kids aged 7 and up.
- Best time to visit: Early mornings (before 11 AM) and after light rain for the best flow.
- No changing rooms. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, you’ll thank yourself later.
- Water shoes are essential. The pool is deeper than it looks in places, I’m 1.80 m tall and couldn’t touch the bottom.
- January to April is the best overall window for visiting Koh Samui, including this waterfall.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Na Muang Waterfall?
Na Muang 1 is a 5-minute walk from the parking lot on a mostly paved path. It’s stroller-friendly until the last rocky section near the base of the falls. Na Muang 2 takes around 30 to 40 minutes one way on a steep jungle trail. It’s not stroller-friendly, and I’d recommend it only for kids aged 7 and up.
Is Na Muang Waterfall free?
Yes. Entry to Na Muang Waterfall 1 and Na Muang Waterfall 2 is completely free. The only cost is parking, which is 20 THB (roughly $0.55 or 0.50 EUR). No tickets are needed.
What is the difference between Na Muang Waterfall 1 and 2?
Na Muang Waterfall 1 is easy to reach (5-minute walk), has a large natural swimming pool, and is great for all ages including toddlers. Na Muang Waterfall 2 sits higher in the jungle at around 80 metres tall, requires a 30-to-40-minute steep hike, has fewer crowds, and feels more adventurous. Na Muang 1 is the better choice for families with young children.
Which month should you avoid visiting Koh Samui?
October and November bring the heaviest rainfall and occasional storms on Koh Samui, making beach time difficult. The waterfall is at its most powerful during these months, but sea conditions are rough and some roads flood. For the best overall experience, visit between January and April.
