Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Activities & Tours
Koh Samui

Khao Yai Waterfall

4.0(271 reviews)

Tucked into the jungle of Koh Samui's Na Mueang area, this waterfall offers a quieter, more natural alternative to the island's beach scene. Unlike the more visited Na Mueang waterfalls nearby, this spot remains largely non-commercial and uncrowded — visitors frequently find themselves alone in the surroundings, with jungle pathways, natural pools, and the sound of cascading water providing a genuine sense of escape. It sits conveniently along the route to Tarnim Magic Garden, making it an easy addition to a half-day inland excursion.

The setting is shaded and noticeably cooler than the coast, with small trails running around the base and steps leading up toward the top of the falls. The atmosphere is relaxed rather than dramatic — reviewers note it is scenic and pleasant without being breathtaking, so it rewards visitors who arrive with realistic expectations. A nearby cafe with free roadside parking makes access straightforward, and durian farms in the surrounding area add a local agricultural character to the visit.

Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Khao Yai Waterfall — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Pair your visit. After Khao Yai Waterfall, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Beautiful and cool after rain, walked down the road from a cafe with free parking on the main road, we were the only ones there. You can walk around it on nice little pathways. Cafe had a pretty good view too and nice deck/garden.

Great waterfall with a little tracking 🙏

Nice waterfall, great for making a break on a hot day (as it's in shadows) on the way to Tarnim Magic Garden. Nice view, but not breathtaking. Don't expect too much.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 271 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Koh Samui

Wat Phra Yai

Wat Phra Yai

4.5(11,423)
H3C6+87P, Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

A 12-metre gilded Buddha, free entry and 360-degree views over the bays: half an hour well spent.

Central Samui

Central Samui

4.4(11,280)
209 209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Air-con when you need it, open-air wings when you don't, and a food court worth the trip on its own.

THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

THE COCOON - SAMUI VIEWPOINT

4.7(10,565)$$$$
33, 67, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Hanging nets over the jungle canopy, sunset timed right, and a live band once it gets dark.

Wat Plai Laem

Wat Plai Laem

4.7(8,388)
Wat Plai Laem, 4171, Thailand, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Free to enter, quick to walk, and the 18-armed Guanyin rising out of the lake is the reason to come.

Khao Yai Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Khao Yai Waterfall worth visiting?

Khao Yai Waterfall holds a 4.0★ rating from 271 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Koh Samui.

When is the best time to visit Khao Yai Waterfall?

The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).

Where is Khao Yai Waterfall located?

Khao Yai Waterfall is at F283+R7F, Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

January – August

Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)

Rainy season

October – December

Avg. temperature

24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: July – August & December

Getting there

Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.

Getting around

  • Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
  • Motorbike or scooter rental
  • Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
  • Grab available in main areas

Where to stay near Khao Yai Waterfall

Find hotels in Koh Samui on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Popular Activities Online

Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

Nearby Places

Mr. Mong Samui View Point
Hidden Gem

Mr. Mong Samui View Point

4.6(144)
29/28 หมู่ที่ 5 Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

A family-run hilltop café in Koh Samui's interior offering sweeping ocean and mountain views alongside coffee, snacks, and ice cream.

Sun Star Viewpoint
Hidden Gem

Sun Star Viewpoint

4.9(153)
Na Mueang, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

A free, well-maintained scenic viewpoint in Na Mueang with sweeping island and ocean views, a small shop, and free parking.

Wang Sao Thong Waterfall

Wang Sao Thong Waterfall

3.6(539)
37/1 ถนนทวีราษฎร์ภักดี Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

A secluded jungle waterfall near Na Mueang, offering natural pools and a short, easy hike inland from Koh Samui's beaches.

Samui Elephant Home

Samui Elephant Home

4.9(2,324)
11, Tambon Na Mueang, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand

No riding, no shows, just feeding and mud with elephants who get to behave like elephants.

Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925)$$$$
2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand

No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.

Safari World

Safari World

4.4(49,417)
99 Panya Indra Rd, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10510, Thailand

A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

4.6(44,338)
Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park

4.5(40,862)
Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.