The most beautiful waterfall in Koh Samui, Na Muang Waterfall 2 is a must see while on the island. Overlooked by tourists and situated deep in the jungle, this waterfall is definitely my favorite one in Thailand.
Na Muang Waterfall 1 is extremely touristy since it’s easy to get to it while Na Muang 2 is less touristy and harder to reach. In this article I will talk about my favorite waterfall out of the two – Na Muang Waterfall 2.
Read more about the top 45 waterfalls in Asia here!
1. About Na Muang Waterfall 2
Na Muang Waterfall 2 impressed me with its beauty. We were lucky enough to be the first ones there and have the entire place just for ourselves.
However, there was one thing that made me really sad. Once you park your motorbike or car and start heading towards the waterfall, you will pass by an elephant riding camp. I know that this might be a dream for some of you but riding the elephants is extremely harmful for the animals.
You are basically giving your money to a company which mistreats the elephants on purpose (they beat them, keep them in chains) just to make them more docile. Please think twice before deciding to ride an elephant. There are other options like the Samui Elephant Sanctuary where elephants live happily and you can still spend time with them (feed them, pet them).
Back to the waterfall. Once you will pass by the elephant riding camp, you will have 2 options: you can choose to walk or buy tickets for a 4×4 ride. I totally recommend walking.
It will only take you around 15 minutes to get to Na Muang Waterafall 2 by foot and it’s free! The road is a bit steep from time to time but totally accessible.
At first, you will arrive at the base of the waterfall where you will find a small shop. You can choose to spend your time here and swim or head towards the top of the waterfall – I totally recommend the second option.
While you’re visiting this waterfall, you can also visit other nearby attractions such as the amazing Overlap Stone, gorgeous Silver Beach or the Wat Khunaram Temple famous for its Mummified Monk.
Climb on top of the waterfall
I’m warning you, it’s not an easy ride. You might want to bring some sport shoes with you. We climbed in slippers and it was pretty tough.
To climb to the top waterfall you will have to get on the left side of it, near the shop. There you will see some steps carved in rocks which go up. This is the way to get to the top.
As you already know, the temperatures in Koh Samui are quite extreme. This, combined with the steep climb will make you hate yourself. It will take about half an hour to get to the top but you will be rewarded with one of the best views on the island.
There are two natural pools overlooking the jungle where you can take a dip and reward yourself for all the effort you’ve put in climbing. It all seems like a scene from a movie: countless palm trees, natural pools with fresh water, mountains in the distance.
Check out the best beaches for swimming in Koh Samui here.
You can even lay down on the rocks and get tanned.
If you want to have the place just for yourself, make sure to be there at around 8am.
Na Muang Waterfall 2 entrance fee: 30 baht but it includes a small bottle of water
2. Tips and tricks
- don’t ride the elephants near the entrance of the waterfall, choose an ethical sanctuary
- don’t choose the 4×4 ride to the waterfall. Walk instead
- bring plenty of water and snacks with you
- don’t forget your swimming suit and sunscreen home
- if you want to climb on top of the waterfall, bring some sport shoes with you and a mosquito repellent
3. How to get to Na Muang Waterfall 2
The only thing you have to remember is: do not follow Google Maps!
I know many people, including us, who used Google Maps and didn’t manage to find Na Muang Waterfall 2. The thing is, Google Maps will actually take you on the wrong road.
To get to Na Muang Waterfall 2, set Google Maps to “Namuang Samui Home”. However, instead of turning right to get to Namuang Samui Home, continue forward until you reach the end of the road and a parking spot.
This is the parking spot for the waterfall. From here, you will have to walk a bit more to get to the base of the waterfall and climb through the jungle to get to the top of the waterfall.
Although getting to Na Muang Waterfall 2 is quite difficult and challenging, it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen so far in Southeast Asia. If you manage to get there early in the morning you’ll love it even more because you’ll have the whole place to yourself!
4. Transport to Na Muang Waterfall 2
When it gets to transport, you don’t have that many options. You can either rent a motorbike for around $7-$8 per day or rent a car. I find that renting a motorbike is more convenient and less expensive.
To read more about all the Koh Samui transport options, with prices, click here.
5. Where to stay in Koh Samui
Koh Samui is quite a big island and choosing the best accommodation can be quite confusing. I recommend staying in the Bophut area, where you can find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shopping malls and hotels.
Here are the best hotels, for every budget:
- Budget – Gecko Hotel – great location, clean & spacious rooms, very friendly and helpful owner
- Mid Budget – Ban Mok – beachfront villa, beautiful infinity pool, excellent location, modern & spacious rooms
- Luxury – Sensimar Resort & Spa – rooms with private pool, excellent location on the beach, modern & luxurious hotel, breakfast included
May the travel bug bite you!
More about Koh Samui:
- Koh Samui secret beaches – click here
- The best photography spots in Koh Samui – click here
- A step back in time at Bophut Fisherman’s Village Koh Samui – click here
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Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!