An easy waterfall
Shallow forest pools.
Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Christophe95 — CC BY-SA 4.0
Koh Phangan's most accessible waterfall, in the forest at the centre of the island a few minutes from Thong Sala pier, within Than Sadet-Ko Pha-ngan National Park. A small fall spills over rocks into shallow pools where visitors dip to cool their feet, surrounded by dense, shady forest. From the falls a forest trail climbs for twenty to thirty minutes to Domsila viewpoint, a large raised rock looking over the island's forest, its west coast and the sea as far as the Ang Thong islands on the horizon, one of the finest views on Koh Phangan. The trail is steep with roots and rocks, but clear. The national park fee for foreigners is about two hundred baht, and it opens in the daytime. The falls are fullest during and after the rainy season and weaken in the dry months. Bring water and suitable shoes. The Gulf of Thailand's heaviest rains fall from October to December, unlike the Andaman coast. A half-day outing for active families; morning is best, before the heat. The view alone is worth the climb.
Shallow forest pools.
A view to Ang Thong.
A clear path among roots.
Centre of Koh Phangan, within Than Sadet National Park
The pools are shallow, better for wading and cooling off than swimming, especially in the dry season. The rocks are slippery, so watch children.