Purple rocks
A first fall to swim beneath.
Koudkeu — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Balou46 — CC BY-SA 3.0 · yeowatzup — CC BY 2.0
Samui's best-known waterfall, in the forest of the island's south-central interior, with two levels: Na Muang 1 near the road, dropping about eighteen metres over distinctive purple rocks into a broad pool where visitors swim, and Na Muang 2, higher and lovelier at about eighty metres, reached by a forest trail. The trail to the second fall takes about half an hour uphill among the trees, with some steep, slippery sections and ropes on the hard parts. Around the site are simple restaurants, parking and paid activities such as zip lines. Entry to the waterfall is free, and it is visited in daytime. The water is fuller and lovelier in the rainy season, but the trail is more slippery, and in the dry season the falls may weaken. Bring suitable shoes and swimwear, and come in the morning before the heat. The first fall alone suits families and children; the second is for those with good fitness.
A first fall to swim beneath.
About eighty metres in the forest.
The first level is close and easy.
South-central Samui, about 10 km west of Lamai
With children, stick to the first, close to the road and fun to swim in. The second is lovelier but needs a slippery half-hour climb.