Namuang Waterfall 1 vs 2: Which to Visit, Swimming & Safety Tips

Namuang Waterfall (also spelled Na Muang or Na Mueang) is the most visited waterfall on Koh Samui. In fact it is two waterfalls on the same stream in the island’s south-central hills. Namuang 1 is a short walk from the road and has a swimming pool at its base. Namuang 2, further up, is much taller and more dramatic. Getting there means a steep hike, and several people have died in falls there.

Quick answer: Go to Namuang 1 for an easy, family-friendly stop with a pool to cool off in. It drops about 18 metres and is roughly a 5-minute walk from the car park. Pick Namuang 2 (about 80 metres, several tiers) only if you are fit, have proper shoes on and don’t mind a steep 30–40 minute climb. At both, keep off the rocks above the falls and never stand near an edge for photos.

Namuang Waterfall 1 vs 2 at a glance

Heights and walking times come from Thailex, Wikivoyage and Thai Holiday Guide (reviewed July 2026). Fees change, so take them as a rough guide.

Namuang 1: the easy one

Namuang 1 is just off Route 4169, the road across the south of the island. A short, easy walk from the car park brings you to a wide curtain of water pouring over dark, purple-tinged rock into a broad pool. In the wetter months it is loud and powerful. Late in the dry season the flow can drop to something much gentler.

Swimming at Namuang 1

• The depth changes suddenly. One step off a submerged ledge and you can be well out of your depth with no warning. Weak swimmers and children should stay in the shallows or wear a life jacket.
• Keep away from the falling water when the flow is strong. The current and churn are stronger than they look.
• Watch your footing. Algae make the rocks at the edge slick.
• Don’t climb the rock face beside the falls to take photos or jump.

Since it is close to the road, Namuang 1 is the one to pick in wet weather. It is on our list in the Koh Samui rainy day guide, and one of the easier nature stops in our guide to Koh Samui with kids.

Namuang 2: higher, harder and riskier

At around 80 metres, Namuang 2 is the taller of the two, and it comes down in a series of tiers. The trail up is steep and uneven, with roots, mud and stretches where you may need ropes or your hands for balance. Most adults take 30–40 minutes to get up, longer when it’s wet. Wear proper shoes with grip. Flip-flops won’t do.

Take the warnings seriously

Several visitors have died at Namuang 2 after slipping on wet rock, some of them while taking photos near an edge. In November 2019 a tourist fell to his death trying to take a selfie at a spot that had already been cordoned off with warning signs after an earlier death that July (CBS News, November 2019). In January 2026 another young tourist died after slipping on the upper tiers (Khaosod English, January 2026).

• Stay behind ropes and signs. They are there because people have fallen from those exact spots.
• Never climb above the falls or walk along the top of a tier.
• No selfies at the edge. Take the photo from a safe, flat spot.
• Turn back in heavy rain. UK government travel advice warns that currents near waterfalls can be extremely strong, especially in the rainy season (GOV.UK).
• Don’t go alone, and let someone know where you are heading.

When to go

The falls look their best during and just after the wettest months. Koh Samui’s heaviest rain usually comes from about mid-October to early December, and the flow often stays strong into January. That is also when the rocks are at their slipperiest and the trail to Namuang 2 is at its muddiest. In the drier months the water is calmer and swimming is easier, though the falls are less dramatic. Our month-by-month weather guide goes through the seasons.

Time of day counts as well. Come in the morning to beat the heat and the bigger groups, or late afternoon for softer light.

Getting there

Namuang is in Na Mueang sub-district in the south-central interior, off Route 4169, roughly between Lamai and Nathon. Drive or take a taxi to the Namuang 1 car park. You can walk up to Namuang 2 from Namuang 1 (about 30 minutes) or use a separate car park higher up, where people report paying a small parking fee. On a scooter, wear a helmet and go carefully on the hill roads.

Namuang pairs well with other sights in the south, such as the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks (Hin Ta and Hin Yai) near Lamai. Our list of things to do in Koh Samui puts the south’s highlights together.

What to bring

• Swimwear under your clothes and a quick-dry towel
• Shoes with grip for Namuang 2, and water shoes for the rocks at Namuang 1
• Insect repellent and drinking water
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
• Small cash for parking, fees, drinks or snacks
• A cover-up if a temple is also on the day’s plan

Visiting on our 4×4 island day

Namuang Waterfall 1 is one of the stops on Samui Journey’s Explore the Real Samui 4×4 Island Safari, after lunch with a view. You get time to cool off in the pool before a rubber-tapping demonstration and the Grandfather and Grandmother Rocks. Earlier in the day the trucks call at the Big Buddha, a village workshop, Wat Sawang Arom, a durian orchard and Wat Teepangkorn. The itinerary may change with the weather and conditions on the day.

FAQ