Than Sadet Waterfall

About this place

A stream and falls in the forest of Koh Phangan's east coast, within Than Sadet National Park, whose name means «stream of the kings», because Thai kings have visited since the late nineteenth century, starting with King Rama V, and carved their initials on a large rock that still stands beside the water. The stream tumbles through a series of small falls and pools among smooth granite boulders and trees until it spills onto quiet Than Sadet beach, so visitors combine forest and beach in one trip. You can walk a path beside the stream up from the beach, or come down to it from the road. Entry is usually free, and it is visited in the daytime. The falls are fullest and loveliest during and after the rainy season and may dwindle in the dry months. The rocks are slippery, so wear suitable shoes and watch children. The Gulf of Thailand's heaviest rains fall from October to December, unlike the Andaman coast. The road to the east coast is steep and mountainous, so a four-wheel drive or local taxi is best, or come by boat from other beaches.