Koh Phangan is home to many beautiful waterfalls. One of them is Wang Sai Waterfall in the north of the island. We’ve lived on the island since 2019 and visit this waterfall often.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about Wang Sai Waterfall and its short hike—how to get there, the best time to visit, and tips to make your trip even better.
About Wang Sai Waterfall
Wang Sai Waterfall in Koh Phangan is one of the island’s lesser-known waterfalls. And that’s a good thing— even in high season, it’s not crowded with tourists.
The name “Wang Sai” means “Beautiful Palace,” which is a perfect fit for this peaceful spot on the island.
Getting to Wang Sai Waterfall
Location
Wang Sai Waterfall is located in the northwest of Koh Phangan. Take the road toward Mae Haad Beach and Koh Ma. On the way, you’ll see the entrance to the waterfall on the left side. Here’s the Google Maps link.
Transportation Options
You can get there by Songtaew, an open island taxi, which costs 200 THB (about $5.50 USD) one way within the west side of the island.
Or you can drive yourself by car or scooter. Be aware that part of the road isn’t paved and can have lots of potholes, especially after rain. Drive carefully and slowly.
There’s a huge parking area right at the entrance.
Entrance and Opening Hours
- Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 50 THB per adult (around $1.40 USD), 20 THB per child (around $0.55 USD). You can pay with cash or via Thai bank transfer.
- Parking Fee: Free
Hiking Details
- Duration: 10 minutes each way (20 minutes total)
- Distance: 0.5 miles (800 meters)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (depending on the season and the amount of slippery rocks)
- Pet Friendliness: Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash
After paying your entrance fee, simply follow the beautiful nature trail lined with palm trees. Soon, you’ll spot the river on your right and arrive at a large area with a pond in the middle. Here, you have two options:
- Go right, through an arch made of branches and across stone steps over the river, passing by a charming little tea house.
- Or take the left path, which leads you over a wooden bridge for a more relaxed route.
After the wooden bridge ends, follow the water straight ahead. Sometimes, you’ll walk on rocks, other times on a natural trail to the right. Keep going, passing several small pools, until you reach the main pool and the impressive waterfall.
For those feeling adventurous, there’s a thick rope to help you climb further up. This leads to more small pools above the main waterfall.
Best Time to Visit Wang Sai Waterfall
Waterfalls in Thailand can be a bit unpredictable. Their flow mostly depends on the season, recent rainfall, and the weather.
For the best experience, visit Wang Sai Waterfall during or just after the rainy season (August to December), especially after heavy rains. My best visit so far was after several rainy days at the end of November—that’s also when the photos in this blog post were taken.
During dry periods, even Koh Phangan’s waterfalls can be underwhelming. By late March, when the dry season begins, many waterfalls dry up completely.
It’s also a great idea to visit early in the day. With Koh Phangan’s average temperatures around 86°F (30°C) year-round, mornings are the most comfortable for outdoor adventures.
Tips for Families Visiting Wang Sai Waterfall
Wang Sai Waterfall is a favorite spot for families with kids on the island. Many kids’ camps and professionally guided children’s hikes often include this waterfall in their activities. So, no matter how old your kids are, make sure to visit!
Our 7-year-old daughter can easily do the trail on her own. However, our 3-year-old needs to be carried in some places. Keep that in mind if you’re visiting with younger children.
What to Bring for Your Visit to Wang Sai Waterfall
The trail to Wang Sai Waterfall is simple and doesn’t require special gear. I’ve even done it in plastic slippers, and my husband and daughters managed barefoot! Still, a few essentials can make your trip more comfortable:
- Flip-flops or sandals: Hiking boots aren’t necessary. Casual footwear is perfect for this easy trail.
- Light clothing: Shorts and a T-shirt work great. Long pants are optional but can help protect against mosquito bites or scratchy plants.
- Water bottle: Stay hydrated! Half a liter (about 17 ounces) per person should be enough.
- Sunscreen: Apply it before starting. Even in shaded spots, the sun can sneak through.
- Mosquito spray: Those little pests are persistent. Spray your clothes too for extra protection.
- Swimwear: Wear it under your clothes to easily enjoy the waterfall pools.
- Optional dry bag: If you’re carrying sensitive items like electronics, this can protect them from rain or splashes. Personally, I’ve never needed one, but it’s a good backup!
Where to Stay on Koh Phangan
When visiting Koh Phangan, staying in a central location is the way to go. Though the island isn’t huge, getting from one side to the other can take longer than expected. The eastern side is primarily covered by national parkland, with no direct roads cutting through (which is actually part of its charm).
To make your trip more convenient, consider booking accommodation in areas like Thongsala, Hin Kong, Sri Thanu, Haad Yao, Chaloklum, or Madue Wan. These spots are well-connected and great bases for exploring the island. Check the map below for the best hotels in Koh Phangan!
Things to Do Near Wang Sai Waterfall
There’s plenty to explore both on the waterfall grounds and nearby.
- Tea House: Right by the first pond of Wang Sai Waterfall, you’ll find the Tea House, a charming spot with hundreds of adorable tea cups. Some say it serves the best tea on the island.
- Phangan Zipline Experience: Just across from the Tea House is the Phangan Zipline Experience, offering ziplining with views of the falls, a 30-meter Via Ferrata climb, and the Sky Bike for cycling above the jungle. You can also enjoy fresh fruits and juice at the Sky Table. Kids aged 4-11 can join the fun with a legal guardian.
- Mae Haad Beach: Just a 2-minute drive from Wang Sai Waterfall, you’ll reach Mae Haad Beach, one of Koh Phangan’s most beautiful beaches. During low tide, a sandbank connects the beach to the small island of Koh Ma, which is perfect for exploring. Snorkeling is great here, too—my husband even spotted a sea turtle once! You can enjoy a fresh coconut and a delicious Thai dish at a simple beachfront restaurant.
- Chaloklum Town: Only about 5 minutes away by scooter, Chaloklum is a quaint fishing village where you can experience the authentic charm of Thailand. Watch fishermen head out in their boats and enjoy a variety of amazing restaurants. My favorites are Foods & Roots for high-quality vegan food, Kaif for fantastic pastries, and Caffee della Mocca for delicious pizza.
👉 Here are some other articles about Koh Phangan that might be helpful for your trip:
31 Best Things to Do in Koh Phangan
Navana Water Healing Center Koh Phangan: Honest Review
Koh Phangan Elephant Sanctuary – Is it Worth it? (2024)
Koh Phangan Cost of Living 2024 – Complete Guide
Final Thoughts
Wang Sai Waterfall is one of Koh Phangan’s hidden gems—a beautiful location for a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, it’s an easy and rewarding hike that doesn’t need much preparation.
Just keep in mind that during the dry season or if it hasn’t rained in a while, the waterfall might not be very full. But don’t let that disappoint you—the trail and the surrounding area are still absolutely worth visiting!
If you have any questions or want to share your experience, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading and for making me part of your day. Yours, Lulu
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