Hin Lad Waterfall
Tucked into the forested interior of Koh Samui, Hin Lad Waterfall offers a genuine escape from the island's busier coastal attractions. The site comprises multiple waterfall tiers connected by a hiking trail, with freshwater pools where visitors can swim and cool off. Notably, the adjacent Hin Lad Waterfall Temple adds a cultural dimension to the visit, making the experience more than a straightforward nature walk. Compared to other waterfalls on the island, visitor numbers here remain relatively low, lending the site a quieter, more personal atmosphere.
The hike itself is a meaningful part of the experience. Visitors should expect approximately 30 to 45 minutes of walking between the waterfall stages, with sections that are steep and uneven underfoot. The trail passes through dense tropical vegetation, providing shade but also requiring care and appropriate footwear. Those short on time should note that the waterfalls themselves can be taken in fairly quickly — the hike is where the bulk of the time is spent.
Book tours & tickets in Koh Samui
Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Hin Lad Waterfall — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Hin Lad Waterfall, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Awesome 45 minute hike up to the waterfalls. Bring your swim suit to jump into the water to cool off at the top and wear shoes with support. Enjoy!
It’s like a 30 mins hike to get from one waterfall to the other it’s nice and worth it. There is parking for cars and motorcycles so you are good and the road there is good too. Bring water.
It’s worth watching if you have time, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it. I would say you can watch it all in 10 minutes.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 524 reviews on Google.
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Hin Lad Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hin Lad Waterfall worth visiting?
Hin Lad Waterfall holds a 4.4★ rating from 524 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Koh Samui.
When is the best time to visit Hin Lad 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 Hin Lad Waterfall located?
Hin Lad Waterfall is at GXC4+668, Hin Lad Waterfall Path, Tambon Ang Thong, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
GXC4+668, Hin Lad Waterfall Path, Tambon Ang Thong, Amphoe Ko Samui, Chang Wat Surat Thani 84140, ThailandVisitor 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
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 Hin Lad Waterfall
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Nearby Places

Wat Namtok Hin Lad
A working Buddhist temple on Koh Samui set beside Hin Lad Waterfall, blending spiritual calm with natural scenery.

Coconut Museum Samui
A small coconut museum and shop in Ang Thong offering a peek into Koh Samui's coconut industry and local oil production.

Dusit Dheva Cultural Center
A quiet cultural and Buddhist temple site in Lipa Noi, offering a more peaceful alternative to Koh Samui's busier attractions.

Nathon Hainan Shrine
A hidden Hainanese community shrine near Nathon Pier, free to visit and rarely crowded.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand

Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.

Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.

The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Hin Lad 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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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
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