Spilling down from the island's highest points, this is the first of two waterfalls – close to each other – that are lovely in full spate, pouring frigid water into rock pools as they crash downhill towards the blue sea. The larger of the two, at 18m in height, this is the most famous waterfall on Samui. During the rainy season, the water cascades over ethereal purple rocks, to land in a superb, large pool for swimming at the base.
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Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Hat Khuat
22.66 MILES
This lovely, secluded cove has a stretch of soft sand overlooked by green hills and is a superb choice for a relaxing day of swimming and snorkelling…
Nam Tok Phaeng
18.57 MILES
Nam Tok Phaeng is protected by a national park and is a pleasant reward after a short but rough hike. After the waterfall (dry out of season), it's a…
Shrine of Our Lady Guanyin Phangan
20.78 MILES
This colourful Chinese temple cascades down a serene jungle-covered mountainside overlooking the Island's green canopy. Dedicated to Guanyin, the Buddhist…
Yang Na Yai Tree
16.71 MILES
Thrusting 54m into the heavens near Wat Pho, Ko Pha-Ngan's tallest Yang Na Yai (dipterocarpus alatus; ยางนา), said to be over 400 years old, is an…
Wat Phra Yai
8.85 MILES
At Samui’s northern end is Wat Phra Yai. Erected in 1972, the modern golden Buddha (sitting in the Mara posture) stands 15m high surveying an area…
Wat Phu Khao Noi
18.37 MILES
The oldest temple on the island, Wat Phu Khao Noi or 'temple of small mountain', near the hospital in Thong Sala, is believed to have been founded by…
Wat Khao Tham
16.71 MILES
With resident female monks, Wat Khao Tham, near Ban Tai, sits in shade among the trees high up on a hill. A bulletin board details meditation retreats at…
Hin-Ta & Hin-Yai
3.91 MILES
At the south end of Hat Lamai, you’ll find these infamous genitalia-shaped stone formations (also known as Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks) providing…
Nearby Ko Samui attractions
1. Na Muang Waterfall 2
0.61 MILES
The smaller of the two Na Muang waterfalls is a challenge to access for the young and elderly, but those that make it are rewarded with stunning views and…
2. Wat Khunaram
1.62 MILES
The mummified remains of the temple's former abbot who foresaw his own death in 1973, Luang Phaw Daeng, is the key reason worshippers visit this small…
3. Nam Tok Wang Saotong
1.63 MILES
This high-drop waterfall is just north of the ring road near Ban Hua Thanon and visitors love exploring the trail leading up to it. There are signs…
4. Nam Tok Wang Saotong
2.27 MILES
The high drop at Nam Tok Wang Saotong is in the hills above Ban Hua Thanon. There are signs warning visitors not to climb the falls as there have been…
5. Magic Alambic Rum Distillery
2.61 MILES
The only rum distillery in Thailand produces Caribbean agricole-style spirits (distilled from fresh, fermented sugarcane juice) in a variety of all…
6. Wat Samret
2.68 MILES
Wat Samret, west of Ban Hua Thanon has several standout features, a Mandalay sitting Buddha carved from solid marble, common across India and northern…
7. Guan Yu Temple
3.14 MILES
The shrine of the 3rd-century Chinese general, Guanyin (also called Yunchang), worshipped as a bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism, is dominated by a…
8. Ban Hua Thanon
3.16 MILES
This vibrant little village is home to Ko Samui's historic Muslim community, where the headscarf and pâh sîn (male sarong) count peaks. You get a genuine…