Na Muang Waterfall 1 — the easy swimming fall on Koh Samui (2026)
Na Muang 1 is the lower of the two Na Muang falls and the easier of the pair to reach on foot, with a pool you can swim in when conditions allow. The approach ride includes very steep sections. This page covers how I ride there, when the water is worth it and what to add on the same trip.
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
Park and continue on foot; come early for fewer people, and check the current before swimming, especially in October–December.
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Photo: Balou46, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons WaterfallNa Muang Waterfall 2
Tall upper fall, short jungle trek
The last part is a walk through jungle rather than a ride, so wear shoes with grip, not flip-flops.
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Photo: Thajsko, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons AreaNamuang Safari Park
Elephant camp, ATV, by Na Muang 2
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Viewpoint
Giant Summit Samui
Na Muang hills, cliff balcony panorama
Expect a steeper road up into the Na Muang hills than the waterfall road; go in daylight and only if you are confident on climbs.
Getting there by scooter
Na Muang 1 sits inland in the south-centre of the island, on a short side road off the 4169 ring road. From Lamai, the nearest coast town, follow the 4169 west towards Nathon. Follow the map to the parking area. From Chaweng you add the ride down through Lamai. Expect around 30–40 minutes in normal traffic.
The approach includes very steep sections, so do not treat the easy waterfall walk as a promise of an easy ride. Choose this ride only if you are comfortable on steep climbs and descents.
Leave the scooter at the parking area and continue on foot. Entry is free; scooter parking is reported at about 20 baht. Lock the helmet under the seat and keep the key on you while you swim.
What you get there and how long to stay
This is the lower and easiest of the two Na Muang falls. The water runs down a wide rock face into a pool at its foot, and you can swim in it. There is no trek and no climbing: you walk from the parking and you are there. That is the whole point of Na Muang 1. It is the waterfall with swimming that you can reach in flip-flops.
- Swimming. The pool is fine for a dip. The depth changes with the season, so wade in before you jump.
- Rocks. The rock face looks climbable and people try it. Wet rock with algae is slippery, and shoes with grip help more than you would think.
- Time. 30–60 minutes is enough for a swim, a dry-off in the shade and the ride on.
When to go
Morning is best. Go early for less heat and fewer people. Late afternoon works too, but do not leave it so late that you ride back in the dark.
The water depends on the season. After dry weather the flow may be weaker; rain can make the current stronger and the water murky. October to December is the main rainy season. Judge swimming conditions when you arrive.
Combine it with
Na Muang 1 is a stop on two of my routes. On the waterfalls route (69.3 km) it comes after Khun Si, Hin Lad and Na Muang 2, and before Giant Summit and Wang Saotong. On the one-day classic (54.5 km) it is the swim break in the middle of the day.
Nearby, if you are planning your own trip:
- Na Muang 2 is the taller upper fall, reached by a short jungle trek. Do it first while you are still dry, then swim at Na Muang 1 on the way back.
- Giant Summit is a viewpoint in the Na Muang hills. Its approach is steep, so it suits riders who are comfortable on climbs.
- Namuang Safari Park has an elephant attraction about 0.6 km from Na Muang 2 in a straight line.
Questions
Can you swim at Na Muang Waterfall 1?
Yes, there is a pool at the foot of the fall and people swim in it most of the year. In the rainy season, roughly October to December, check the current and the water level first, because after heavy rain it can be too strong.
How do I get to Na Muang Waterfall from Chaweng by scooter?
Take the 4169 south to Lamai, then keep going west on the 4169 towards Nathon and follow the map to the waterfall parking. It is about 23 km from Chaweng along my route, roughly 35–45 minutes at a relaxed pace, with extra time for the steep approach.
Na Muang 1 or Na Muang 2 — which one should I visit?
Na Muang 1 is for easy access and a swim. Na Muang 2 is taller and needs a short jungle trek. They are close together, but allow time for the walk to the upper fall.
Is there an entrance fee at Na Muang 1?
I have never had to plan the trip around it. Fees can change, so check at the parking when you arrive.
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