Na Muang Waterfall 2 — the ride in and the hike up (2026)

Getting there by scooter

Na Muang sits inland in the south of the island, in the hills between Lamai and the west coast. From Chaweng I ride south on the 4169 through Lamai and stay on it as it turns inland. From Lamai, it is about 10 km along my route. Na Muang 2 is higher in the hills; walking access is available from the Na Muang 1 area or via the safari park. In a straight line the two falls are less than a kilometre apart, but the road between them is not straight.

The approach has very steep pitches. I would only ride it with experience on hills and a scooter in good condition, especially with a passenger. Go slowly on the way down and brake before the bends, not in them. Wear a helmet: the law requires it.

Choose your walking approach before setting off: from the Na Muang 1 area or via the safari park. If you end up at Na Muang 1, expect a longer uphill hike from there. A charge of about 100 baht is reported on the safari-park side, but reports differ; check the charge and keep small cash.

The hike and how long to stay

From the parking the trail climbs through jungle over roots, rocks and rough steps cut into the slope. Allow time for an uphill walk, depending on your fitness and how wet the ground is. Take your time coming down and watch every step.

At the top is a tall fall over a rock face, much higher than Na Muang 1, with a small pool at its base. Swim only if the water is calm and you can see the bottom. After heavy rain the current is strong and the rocks around the pool are slick.

• Wear shoes with grip. Flip-flops are not enough for this trail.
• Carry water up with you. Do not count on anything being sold along the trail.
• Plan 1.5–2 hours in total for parking, the hike, time at the fall and the walk back.

When to go

Go in the morning. By midday the climb is hot and humid even in the shade, so I prefer an early start. If you arrive by 9–10 you get a cooler walk and a quieter pool.

The rainy season, roughly October to December, is when the fall is at its fullest and also when the trail is at its worst. Mud, wet roots and slippery rock make the descent the risky part. The hill roads in and out get slick too, so after a downpour wait under cover until conditions improve before riding. In dry weather the flow can drop. The walk is easier then, but the fall is less impressive.

What to combine it with

Na Muang 2 is one of the stops on my waterfalls route, a 69.3 km ride that strings together Na Muang, Hin Lad and Wang Saotong. If you want one long day of falls, follow that route, and do Na Muang 2 first while your legs are fresh.

For a shorter half day, stay in the Na Muang hills:

• Na Muang 1: the lower fall. Swim there after the hike to cool down.
• Giant Summit: a viewpoint about 600 m east of the upper fall in a straight line, with a separate, steep road approach. It is a good stop to rest and look over the hills you just rode through.
• Secret Buddha Garden: a jungle sculpture park a little north, up on Pom Mountain. The access road is steep, so only go if you are confident riding hills, and not on a wet day.

Questions