Kathu Waterfall

The waterfall is the excuse. What you're really coming for is the jungle around it: dense tree cover, fresh air, golden weaver spiders strung up in the branches, butterflies, and the sound of running water instead of Patong's traffic. Anyone expecting a dramatic cascade will be underwhelmed. Anyone who wants two or three quiet hours in the trees will be very happy.

The big pool sits at the lowest level, which is where most people stop. Don't. There's a long staircase up, more pools the higher you go, and a short jungle walk at the top. Local kids swim here, few tourists bother, and the whole place has an unmanicured, slightly abandoned feel that regulars count as the point. No entrance fee, no tickets, nobody selling you anything.

Timing matters more than anything else. Flow drops right off in the dry season, and February visitors have found the rocks close to bare, so aim for the rainy months of May to October or shortly after.