Koh Chang's mountains catch the monsoon and pour it down through the jungle. These are the falls worth the ride, what they cost and when they are at their best.
Koh Chang is one of the wettest places in Thailand, and its spine of forested mountains turns all that rain into rivers. The result is a set of waterfalls within easy reach of the beaches, each with its own character: one for a classic swim, one on the quiet east coast, and a couple in the wild south-east that cost nothing at all.
At a glance
| Waterfall | Where | Hours | Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Klong Plu | West coast, Klong Prao | 08:00 to 16:30 | ฿200 for foreign visitors |
| Than Mayom | East coast | 09:00 to 16:30 | Same ticket covers both on the same day |
| Klong Neung | South-east, Salak Phet area | Daylight hours | Free |
| Khiri Phet | South-east, near Salak Phet | Daylight hours | Free |
Klong Plu: the classic swim
The island's most visited waterfall is on the west coast at Klong Prao, around half an hour's ride north of Lonely Beach. A path follows the river through the forest to a high fall dropping into a deep, cool pool, which is exactly where you want to be on a hot afternoon. It is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, open 08:00 to 16:30, and foreign visitors pay ฿200. Keep the ticket: it also gets you into Than Mayom on the same day.
Go early. The first hours after opening are the quietest, with the softest light on the pool.
Than Mayom: the east coast fall
Than Mayom sits on the island's quieter east coast and opens 09:00 to 16:30. The trail climbs through the forest beside the stream, with rock pools along the way. It is a good reason to see the other side of Koh Chang: combine it with the mangroves at Salak Khok or seafood in Salak Phet and make a full day of it.
From Lonely Beach the east coast is a longer ride around the north of the island, so set off in the morning.
Klong Neung: the wild one
In the Salak Phet area of the south-east, Klong Neung is free to visit and feels far more remote. Expect a longer, rougher walk, slippery rocks and very few people. Wear proper shoes, take water, and do not go alone or late in the day. Ask locally about trail conditions before you set off, especially after heavy rain.
Khiri Phet: the easy one
Near Salak Phet in the south-east, Khiri Phet is free and an easy walk from the road, which makes it a relaxed stop for families or anyone who wants jungle and water without a trek. Pair it with a seafood lunch over the water in Salak Phet.
When the waterfalls are at their best
Waterfalls follow the rain. During and just after the rainy season, roughly July to November, they are full and powerful. By the end of the dry season, in March and April, some slow to a trickle. Very heavy rain can make trails slippery and pools unsafe, so on stormy days admire them from a distance or choose another day.
Practical tips
- Cash. Bring baht for park fees and drinks.
- Shoes. Sandals with grip or water shoes. Wet rocks are slippery.
- Swim smart. Check the depth before you jump, and stay out when the water runs brown and fast.
- Leave no trace. No soap or shampoo in the pools, and take your rubbish with you.
- Repellent. The forest is home to mosquitoes, especially in the green season.
- Getting there. Rent a motorbike if you are experienced, or ask the team to arrange a taxi or a tour.
Quick answers
How much does it cost to visit Klong Plu waterfall?
Foreign visitors pay a ฿200 national park fee. Klong Plu is open 08:00 to 16:30, and the same ticket also covers Than Mayom waterfall on the same day.
Can you swim at Koh Chang waterfalls?
Yes. Klong Plu has a deep pool at the foot of the fall that is popular for swimming. Check the depth before jumping in and stay out after heavy rain, when the water runs fast and brown.
Are there free waterfalls on Koh Chang?
Yes. Klong Neung and Khiri Phet, both in the Salak Phet area in the south-east of the island, are free to visit.
When is the best time to see Koh Chang waterfalls?
During and just after the rainy season, roughly July to November, when the flow is strongest. By March and April some falls slow to a trickle.
