Overview
The Na Muang Waterfalls Trail is Koh Samui’s most popular jungle hike — a 3.9 km round trip through the southern interior that visits two dramatically different waterfalls. Na Muang 1 is an easy 100-meter walk to a swimming pool beneath purple-tinted rocks. Na Muang 2 is a genuine adventure — a 30-40 minute uphill scramble with rope-assisted rock climbing (essentially a natural via ferrata) to the island’s tallest waterfall at 80 meters.
You can do either section independently or combine them. The full trail offers the best range of any hike on Samui — from flat family stroll to adrenaline-pumping rock scramble, with swimming at both ends.
Key facts: 3.9 km round trip · 220m elevation gain · Na Muang 1: easy, 5 min · Na Muang 2: challenging, 30-40 min · Swimming at both falls · Free admission · Parking: 60 THB car / 20 THB bike
Trail Details
| Stat | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total distance | 3.9 km round trip (both waterfalls) |
| Elevation gain | ~220 meters (728 feet) for full trail |
| Time | 1.5-2 hours (both waterfalls including swimming) |
| Difficulty | Na Muang 1: Easy · Na Muang 2: Moderate-Hard |
| Trail type | Out-and-back with two distinct sections |
| Markings | Poor — GPS suggested for Na Muang 2 section |
| AllTrails | 219 reviews (Na Mueang Waterfalls), 37 reviews (Namuang 5 Waterfalls) |
| Best months | December through August |
The trail divides cleanly into two halves with completely different characters.
Section 1 — Na Muang 1 (Easy)
The approach
From the parking area, a flat, paved walkway leads 100 meters through a corridor of souvenir stalls to the lower waterfall. This section is accessible to everyone — families with strollers, elderly visitors, anyone in flip-flops.
What you find
Na Muang 1 drops 18 meters over a broad purple-tinted rock face into a large natural swimming pool approximately 5 meters deep. The purple coloring comes from mineral deposits in the stone — most vivid when wet during rainy season.
Time needed
5-10 minutes to walk from parking. Allow 30-60 minutes total including swimming and photos.
Section 2 — Na Muang 2 (Challenging)
The trail
From Na Muang 1, the trail to Na Muang 2 heads uphill through dense jungle for 30-40 minutes. This is where the hike transforms from family outing to genuine adventure.
Terrain breakdown
- First 10 minutes: Concrete steps transitioning to dirt path with tree roots
- Middle section: Natural stony ground, old wooden bridges, steepening gradient
- Final section: Boulder scrambles with installed guide ropes — essentially a natural via ferrata
What you find
Na Muang 2 at 80 meters is the tallest waterfall on Koh Samui — a multi-tiered cascade dropping through dense jungle canopy. The pool at the top is smaller and shallower than Na Muang 1, but the setting is far more dramatic and secluded. A panoramic viewpoint near the top overlooks the island’s interior.
The Via Ferrata Sections
The most unique feature of the Na Muang 2 trail is the rope-assisted rock climbing near the top. Several sections require climbing over steep rock faces using installed guide ropes — a natural via ferrata that adds genuine adventure to what would otherwise be a standard jungle hike.
What to expect
- Steel/rope handholds bolted into rock faces
- Steep cliff sections with loose stone
- 2-3 distinct scramble points over the final 15 minutes
- Wet rocks that are slippery even in dry season
- Drop-offs on either side requiring focused attention
This isn’t technical climbing — you don’t need gear or experience. But you do need reasonable fitness, confidence on steep terrain, and proper footwear with grip. Flip-flops are genuinely dangerous here.
Swimming on the Trail
Na Muang 1 pool
The main swimming attraction — approximately 5 meters deep at center, large enough for proper swimming. Surrounded by flat rocks for sunbathing. Refreshingly cool water. The best pool on any Samui hike.
Caution: Rocks underfoot are sharp in places; water shoes help. Check depth and submerged rocks before jumping.
Na Muang 2 pool
Smaller and shallower — more for cooling off after the climb than serious swimming. The secluded jungle setting makes it atmospheric despite the smaller scale.
Safety for both
- Never swim during or immediately after heavy rain — flash flood risk
- Mossy rocks around pools are extremely slippery year-round
- Supervise children at all times
Wildlife and Jungle
The Na Muang watershed sits in one of Koh Samui’s last significant areas of primary rainforest.
What you might see
- Butterflies — especially abundant near the water
- Monitor lizards basking on warm rocks
- Dusky langur monkeys — more common in early morning in the canopy
- Tropical birds — kingfishers, sunbirds, bulbuls
- Massive ferns, strangler figs, and buttress-root trees along the trail
The trail to Na Muang 2 passes through genuinely wild jungle. The further from the car park, the more likely you are to spot wildlife — especially before 9 AM.
Getting There
Location
Southern interior, off Route 4169 between Nathon and Lamai. The signed turnoff leads to a paved road ending at the parking area.
From different areas
| Starting Point | Drive Time | Taxi Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Nathon | 10-15 min | 400-600 THB |
| Lamai | 15-20 min | 400-600 THB |
| Chaweng | 25-30 min | 600-800 THB |
| Bophut | 30-35 min | 700-1,000 THB |
Transport
- Scooter: Most popular and cheapest. 150-200 THB/day rental. Follow Route 4169 signs.
- Taxi: Negotiate in advance. No meters on Samui.
- Organized tours: Many half-day island tours include Na Muang as a stop.
Parking
Large lot at the entrance. 60 THB for cars, 20 THB for motorbikes. Walk ~20 minutes from the main road to avoid the fee.
Best Time to Hike
| Season | Months | Trail | Waterfall | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late monsoon | Dec-Jan | Damp but stable | Strong dramatic cascades | ★★★★★ |
| Dry | Feb-May | Dry, safest hiking | Reduced; may trickle by April | ★★★ |
| Early monsoon | Jun-Sep | Increasingly slippery | Building as rains begin | ★★★ |
| Peak wet | Oct-Nov | Slippery, can be dangerous | Maximum flow | ★★★★ |
Best time of day: Early morning (8-10 AM) or late afternoon (3-5 PM) to avoid midday heat and tour groups.
What to Bring
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Sturdy hiking shoes | Essential for Na Muang 2 rope sections — no flip-flops |
| Water (1L+) | Na Muang 2 hike is strenuous in tropical heat |
| Swimwear | You’ll want to swim at Na Muang 1 |
| Insect repellent | Mosquitoes present year-round, worse in wet season |
| Camera (waterproof) | For the pool area and jungle |
| Snacks | Basic food stalls at parking; nothing on the trail |
Safety
Na Muang 1 (low risk)
Flat paved path. Main hazard is slippery rocks around the swimming pool. Suitable for all ages.
Na Muang 2 — base (moderate-high risk)
- Rope sections: They’re installed for a reason — use them. Don’t attempt to climb without them.
- Rain: Do NOT attempt Na Muang 2 in rain. The rocks become dangerously slick. The via ferrata sections are the most hazardous when wet.
- Flash floods: Wait several hours after heavy rain before visiting.
- Footwear: Sturdy shoes with grip are genuinely essential, not just recommended.
- Children: Na Muang 2 is not suitable for young children due to the steep rope-assisted sections.
- Navigation: Trail markings are poor — follow blue arrows painted on rocks. GPS or a downloaded AllTrails map is recommended.
- Solo hiking: Possible but let someone know your plans.
Na Muang 2 — upper tiers (DANGEROUS)
At least 6 tourists have died at the upper tiers of Na Muang 2 since 2019. The rocks at the top are extremely slippery when wet (and they are almost always wet). There are no fences, railings, or barriers at the cliff edges.
Most fatalities occurred while taking selfies at the edges of the 4th and 5th tiers. Recovery operations take hours due to the dangerous terrain.
- The “natural infinity pool” at the 5th tier is the most dangerous spot on the entire island
- Warning signs exist but are routinely ignored
- There is no rescue infrastructure at the upper levels
- We strongly recommend staying at the base of Na Muang 2 — the views and experience are excellent without the life-threatening risk of the upper tiers
The extended “Namuang 5 Waterfalls” trail is currently CLOSED indefinitely due to trail deterioration between the first and second waterfall tiers.
Who Is This Trail Best For?
| Hiker Type | Fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure seekers | ★★★★★ | Via ferrata sections, 80m waterfall, jungle scramble — real adventure |
| Families | ★★★★★ | Na Muang 1 is perfect for all ages; skip Na Muang 2 with young kids |
| Swimmers | ★★★★★ | Na Muang 1 has the best natural swimming pool on any Samui hike |
| Photographers | ★★★★ | Purple rocks, jungle pools, dramatic cascades — especially in wet season |
| Fitness enthusiasts | ★★★★ | Na Muang 2 is a solid workout in tropical heat with rope climbing |
| Budget travelers | ★★★★★ | Free admission, cheap parking, affordable food stalls |
| Casual tourists | ★★★★ | Na Muang 1 alone justifies the visit — 5-minute walk to a stunning swimming hole |
| Mobility limited | ★★★ | Na Muang 1 is flat and paved; Na Muang 2 is completely inaccessible |
FAQ
How long is the Na Muang Waterfalls trail?
3.9 km round trip covering both waterfalls, with approximately 220 meters of elevation gain. Na Muang 1 alone is a 200-meter round trip (5 minutes). Adding Na Muang 2 takes an additional 60-80 minutes round trip.
Is the Na Muang 2 trail dangerous?
Moderate-high risk. The rope-assisted rock climbing sections require reasonable fitness and proper footwear. The trail should not be attempted in rain — wet rocks on the via ferrata sections are genuinely dangerous. Not suitable for young children or those with mobility limitations.
Do I need a guide for Na Muang trail?
No guide is needed, but trail markings for Na Muang 2 are poor. Downloading the AllTrails route map or GPS coordinates is recommended. The Na Muang 1 section requires no navigation at all.
Can I just visit Na Muang 1 without hiking?
Yes — Na Muang 1 is a flat, paved 100-meter walk from the parking area. No hiking required. It has the best swimming pool of any Samui waterfall and is fully accessible for families, elderly visitors, and anyone in casual footwear.
What’s the best time to hike Na Muang?
December to January for the best balance of strong water flow and stable trail conditions. Early morning (8-10 AM) avoids midday heat and tour groups. Late March to May is the worst time as waterfalls can dry to a trickle.
How much does Na Muang cost?
The waterfalls are free. Parking costs 60 THB for cars and 20 THB for motorbikes. Food stalls at the parking area sell Thai snacks for 40-100 THB.
