Koh Samui waterfalls by scooter (2026)
My rides cover the approaches to five waterfalls on Samui. All of them sit in the hilly middle of the island, and you reach each one by turning inland off the 4169 ring road. This page puts them on one map, sorts them by how hard the last stretch is, and shows how to see one in an hour or string all of them into a day.
Grey — every road I have ridden; colour — this route. Tap a pin for Google Maps navigation. GPX works in Maps.me, Organic Maps, OsmAnd, Garmin.
Places on the map
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Photo: yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons WaterfallNa Muang Waterfall 1
Easy lower fall with a swimming pool
The lower, easier Na Muang fall has a swimming pool and parking nearby, but its road approach includes very steep sections. Come early for less heat and fewer people.
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Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons WaterfallNa Muang Waterfall 2
Tall upper fall, short jungle trek
Expect a very steep approach above Na Muang 1 and then a walk. Wear shoes with grip, especially after rain.
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Photo: Павел Бондарчук, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons WaterfallHin Lad Waterfall
Jungle trail near Nathon, temple
Leave the scooter near the temple where the trail starts and walk in, ideally in the morning when the jungle is cooler.
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Waterfall
Wang Saotong Waterfall
Quiet falls near Lamai, short hike
A short ride inland from Lamai and a short hike, good as a quiet add-on after the two Na Muang falls.
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Waterfall
Khun Si Waterfall
Remote falls in durian plantations
The approach has steep sections. Inspect any section you are unsure about on foot before riding it, especially after rain.
Which waterfall for which rider
| Waterfall | Area | Last stretch by scooter | On foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| Na Muang 1 | South, inland from the ring road | The lower, easier Na Muang fall, but the approach has very steep sections. | A few minutes. Pool for swimming. |
| Na Muang 2 | Same valley, above Na Muang 1 | Expect a steeper climb | Short jungle trek to a tall fall |
| Wang Saotong | Near Lamai | Side road off the 4169 | Short hike |
| Hin Lad | Near Nathon, west coast | Road to the temple at the trailhead | Jungle trail |
| Khun Si | Central hills | An inland approach with steep sections. | Check on site |
Na Muang 1 is the easier fall to visit on foot, but its road approach still has very steep sections. Khun Si also has a steep approach. Build experience on gentler roads before tackling these climbs. Na Muang 2 sits between the two: the ride is short, but the climb is real.
When to go
A waterfall is only as good as the last few weeks of rain. In the wet season, roughly October to December, the falls are at their fullest. That is also when trails can be slick and sudden downpours can make the approaches harder. In the drier months, in my experience, the smaller falls can shrink to a trickle. Na Muang 1 is usually still worth the ride.
- Time of day. Go in the morning. It is cooler under the trees, the light comes through the canopy, and there are fewer people at the pools. In the rainy season, afternoon storms are common.
- Shoes. Wear sandals with grip or trainers you do not mind wetting. Flip-flops give poor grip on wet rock.
- Riding back. Plan to finish the steep inland approaches before dark. See riding in rain and at night.
Routes that link them
The waterfalls route covers all five in one ride: 69.3 km, rated medium. It starts at Khun Si, crosses to Hin Lad and its temple, then drops south to Na Muang 2 and Na Muang 1. It finishes with Giant Summit viewpoint and Wang Saotong near Lamai. That is a full day, not a morning. Leave by 9 and expect to get your feet wet.
For one waterfall inside a broader day, the one-day classic (54.5 km) stops at Na Muang 1 between the Lamai rocks and the Secret Buddha Garden.
Scooter, licence and the ride down
The hill roads to the waterfalls are where a 125cc earns its rent. A small engine with two people on board will struggle on the steeper climbs. See 50cc or 125cc for why I would not take less.
Thai law requires a motorcycle licence (category A; a foreign one only together with an IDP showing A) and a helmet for rider and passenger. Fines are indicative only, they change, so check locally.
Going downhill is harder than going up. Keep your speed low before the slope, use both brakes gently and in turns, and do not hold the rear brake all the way down. If someone gets hurt on a trail, call 1669 for an ambulance, or 1155 for the Tourist Police if you need English.
Questions
What is the best waterfall on Koh Samui to visit by scooter?
Na Muang 1 is the easier fall to reach on foot and has a swimming pool, but its road approach includes very steep sections. Na Muang 2 is higher up, with a very steep approach and a walk to the fall.
Can you swim in the waterfalls on Samui?
Na Muang 1 has a pool that people swim in. At the others, check the depth and the current on site, especially after heavy rain in October to December.
Are Samui waterfalls worth visiting in the dry season?
The smaller ones can be little more than a trickle by then. Na Muang 1 is the safest bet. Go after a few days of rain if you can.
Do the waterfalls charge an entrance fee?
Some parking areas or trails may ask for a small fee or a donation. Prices change, so check on site and carry some cash.
Can I see all the waterfalls in one day?
Yes. The waterfalls route covers all five in 69.3 km, but it is a full day with walking. For half a day, ride the southern cluster: Na Muang 1, Na Muang 2 and Wang Saotong.
Anton A.
I live on Koh Samui and have been riding the island for several years. Every road on these maps I rode myself — the track is a real GPS log. Spotted an error? Message me on Telegram: @abrameicev