In the interior of Samui Island are a number of waterfalls that can make an interesting change of pace when you tire of the beach scene. The most popular of these are the Na Muang falls, so called because the rock face is purple.
Na Muang Waterfall is located between Hua Thanon and Nathon in the Southwest sector of the island just off a concrete road at Ban Thurian, making it easily accessible to visitors.
The lower tier is 30 meters high with water cascading over a sheer rock face into a deep pool that can be nice for swimming if there aren't too many other people.
Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase leading directly to a large pool at the base of the waterfall. Be careful when diving or swimming in the pool, however, as shallow, sharp rocks are obscured by the frothing falls.
Along the path leading to the falls from the parking area are several souvenir stalls as well as some food stalls that can prepare 'real' Thai food at quite reasonable prices compared to many of the island's restaurants.
Just off the parking lot is a place where you can get an elephant to take you up to the other set of falls, or elsewhere in the interior. Further down the access road from the falls is the self-styled 'Namuang Safari Park' offering elephant rides, monkey shows, and just about anything else to make a buck. Its a bit cheesy but might be good fun if you have children with you.
Na Muang Waterfall actually consists of two waterfalls: while the one accessible by road is 18 meters high, Na Muang 2 is about 80 meters high and can only be reached by a 30 minute walk. The waterfalls are the most scenic on the island and well worth a visit to Samui's "interior". |
Samui Hotels - Attraction > Waterfall
