Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today

Tan Rua Waterfall

A jungle waterfall on Koh Samui's northern coast, offering swimming, light hiking, and a natural escape.

4.3(767)
Directions

Plan your visit

Hours
Open 24 hours daily

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.

Details

Full opening hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Is this your business?Feature it

Why go, and how to do it well

Tucked into the hills near Mae Nam on Koh Samui's quieter northern coast, Tan Rua Waterfall draws visitors looking to trade the island's busier beach strips for a more natural setting. Surrounded by dense jungle vegetation, the waterfall offers cascading pools suitable for swimming and cooling off, along with natural trails that make for a straightforward and rewarding exploration on foot.

The atmosphere here is noticeably more peaceful than Koh Samui's commercial attractions, attracting travelers who prefer outdoor scenery over resort amenities. The surrounding terrain is well suited to light hiking, and the lush greenery creates a pleasant environment throughout the warmer months. The site carries a solid reputation among visitors and serves as a genuine highlight for those spending time on the island's northern side.

The waterfall is accessible throughout the day and open every day of the week. Water flow is significantly better during or shortly after the wet season, which runs roughly from May to November, so visits during this period offer the most rewarding experience. In drier months, flow can reduce considerably, so it is worth checking conditions locally before making the trip. Sturdy footwear is recommended for the natural paths, and visitors should bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and plenty of drinking water. No website is currently available, so directions are best confirmed through a local map application using the Mae Nam area address.

Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026

Stay within reach of Tan Rua Waterfall

Sponsored

Search Koh Samui hotels with your dates. Filter for free cancellation if you want to hold a room and decide later.

See hotels near Tan Rua Waterfall

Opens Booking.com with your dates

Also compare on Expedia · Trip.com

GXQR+2C5, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Open in Google Maps

More activities & tours nearby

All within 1.9 km of Tan Rua Waterfall.

Tree Bridge Zipline Samui

Tree Bridge Zipline Samui

180 m walk4.6(2,366)
12/79 หมู่ 1แม่น้ำ แม่น้ำ Tambon Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Guided zipline runs through proper jungle canopy in Mae Nam, and first-timers get looked after.
Menam Viewpoint Koh Samui

Menam Viewpoint Koh Samui

880 m walk4.2(40)
Unnamed Road, Tambon, GXHQ+XCW ตำบล แม่น้ำ อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84320, Thailand
A rugged hilltop viewpoint offering sweeping panoramas over Mae Nam and out toward Koh Phangan.
View point
Hidden Gem

View point

1.4 km away4.5(104)
Unnamed Road, GXGV+5J9 ตำบล บ่อผุด อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84320, Thailand
A scenic hilltop viewpoint on Koh Samui offering panoramic island views, accessible by foot or cart.
WILDACTION SAMUI atv/quad & buggy tours

WILDACTION SAMUI atv/quad & buggy tours

1.9 km away4.9(73)
HX3R+P99, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
Off-road ATV, quad, and buggy tours through Koh Samui's most scenic and rugged terrain.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

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.

Tan Rua Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tan Rua Waterfall worth visiting?

Tan Rua Waterfall holds a 4.3★ rating from 767 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Koh Samui.

What are the opening hours of Tan Rua Waterfall?

Tan Rua Waterfall is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Tan Rua Waterfall?

The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – September, 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 Tan Rua Waterfall located?

Tan Rua Waterfall is at GXQR+2C5, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.

Also popular in Koh Samui

Mr. Kai Kitchen

Mr. Kai Kitchen

4.8(1,599)$$$$
17 28, Tambon Bo Put, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84320, Thailand
Cheap, cooked-to-order Thai in Bophut where the wait can hit an hour and people still come back.
Wat Namtok Hin Lad

Wat Namtok Hin Lad

4.3(346)
Moo 2, Tambon Ang Thong, Amphoe Ko Samui, Surat Thani, 84140, ตำบล อ่างทอง อำเภอเกาะสมุย สุราษฎร์ธานี 84330, Thailand
A working Buddhist temple on Koh Samui set beside Hin Lad Waterfall, blending spiritual calm with natural scenery.
Maenam Beach

Maenam Beach

4.4(671)
Maenam Beach, 2 Tambon Mae Nam, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
A long, quiet stretch of sand and palms on Samui's north coast, facing Koh Phangan, with calm dry-season water and the Pralarn ferry pier in the village.
Mae Nam Afternoon Market

Mae Nam Afternoon Market

4.5(663)
HXGM+2WQ, Mae Nam, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand
A daily local food market in northern Samui where 4pm is the sweet spot and dinner costs pocket change.

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
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary's Kathu camp and Phuket office, with programs from a one-hour feed to half days of feeding, a mud spa and bathing.
Phaeng Noi Waterfall Koh Phangan

Phaeng Noi Waterfall Koh Phangan

4.2(940)
Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Pha-ngan District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand
A refreshing jungle waterfall in Koh Phangan's interior, open daily for a cool escape from the beach.
Alangkarn Waterfall
Hidden Gem

Alangkarn Waterfall

4.5(142)
Thailand, Bangkok, Khlong San, Bangkok, 6th Floor
A striking indoor waterfall installation on the 6th floor of IconSiam mall, free to enter and open to all.
Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park

Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park

4.7(7,457)
หมู่ที่ 8 ตำบล แม่หอพระ อำเภอแม่แตง เชียงใหม่ 50150, Thailand
A waterfall you climb up rather than look at, and the limestone grips your feet the whole way.