Koh Chang is the second largest island in Thailand and is located in the southeast near the border with Cambodia. Derived from the shape of the island, the name translates as elephant island. In fact, many elephants live here, but as a tourist attraction in the worst conditions. The island has become a popular travel destination in recent years. Nevertheless, you will still find lonely beaches and areas away from mass tourism on Koh Chang. Koh Chang is characterized by beautiful beaches and a dense jungle with high mountains in the interior. This combination makes the island particularly attractive for activities such as hiking in the rainforest, diving with exotic fish, or kayaking on the sea. In this blog post, however, I will show you the 7 spectacular waterfalls on the island. Some of them are well developed for tourists, but for others you have to take an adventurous hike through the jungle. Each waterfall has its own charm and yet they all have something in common: They create an incredible calm from the constant curtain of rays and drops, although there is an extreme dynamic in the water masses. I am very happy that you found my travel blog and I hope you enjoy reading my travelogue.
Discover the beautiful waterfalls on Koh Chang
There are 7 waterfalls in total on Koh Chang. The Klong Plu and Than Mayom are well developed for tourism and are accordingly heavily visited and expensive. The other falls are not very well known and more difficult to reach. For example, not even a path leads to Klong Neung, the highest waterfall on the island. To reach it you must fight your way uphill through the river. Anyway, the best time to visit the falls is October through December. From January the rivers dry up due to the dry season in Thailand until they slowly fill up again from May. On the map you can see the waterfalls and the respective parking options. Have fun exploring these great travel destinations.
1. Klong Plu
2. Than Mayom
3. Klong Jao Leuam
4. Klong Neung
5. Kai Bae
6. Klong Nonsi
7. Khiri Phet
How to get to the island of Koh Chang
The cheapest way to get to the island from Bangkok is by bus or minibus. The buses depart from the Ekamai Bus Terminal, Northern Bus Terminal Morchit and Suvarnabhumi Airport. You can book the buses on site, but in the main season I recommend booking in advance. The minibuses usually go directly to the desired hotel on the island. Buses mostly go only to the ferry pier or to the bus terminal in Trat. It is best to ask beforehand. The journey takes 6-7 hours with breaks.
You are faster with a flight from Bangkok to Trat, which is quite expensive. However, from Trat you can also travel further towards Cambodia.
Bus and train tickets in Thailand can be easily and securely booked online via 12go.asia* It saves you from long searches and inquiries at the bus stations and protects you from rip-offs. The selection is large, and you will find most destinations through the portal.
I have only good experiences with 12go.asia and have bought tickets several times.
If you want to learn more about traveling by bike or public transportation in Thailand, check out my travel blog about Thailand.
Getting around on Koh Chang
There are several ways to get around the island. The easiest way is to rent your own scooter and explore Koh Chang with it. Scooter prices vary between 150-250 Baht for the day. Driving around Koh Chang is easy as there is only one major road around the island.
There are also shared taxis on the island, but most of them do not go to the north side of Koh Chang. You cannot visit some waterfalls like this.
A number of tour operators offer tours to the waterfalls of Koh Chang. However, these tours are mostly limited to the Klong Plu. That’s why you won’t have much choice but to rent your own scooter.
Hotels and accommodations on Koh Chang
There is a suitable accommodation for everyone on Koh Chang. I would just like to mention three special ones that I have stayed in. Journey’s End is located in the south and is interesting for people who want to stay away from the tourists. Here you can rent kayaks and paddle to the next island. Independent Bo Bungalows is a true hippie paradise and is located north of White Sand Beach. Here you can spend the night very easily and cheaply and have your own bungalows right on the beach. A dream location, but certainly not suitable for everyone. Children are not allowed here. Another accommodation for budget travelers is the Tuk Tuk Guesthouse*, which is also located on White Sand Beach. Of course there are other places on Koh Chang where accommodation is available. You can find a selection under the following link.
Klong Plu waterfall – a tourist highlight for the family
The Klong Plu waterfall (also spelled Khlong Phlu) is the most famous waterfall on Koh Chang. Every hotel and tour operator will recommend a trip here. The Klong Plu is accordingly very popular. Therefore, I advise you to visit early in the morning while the tour operators are still collecting the package tourists. The waterfall is easy to get to. From the main road in the west of Koh Chang, an asphalt road leads inland directly to the entrance. Here you will also find a parking lot and some restaurants and shops. The Klong Plu Waterfall is operated by the national park, so you have to pay 200 THB (children 100 THB) to enter. Thais only pay 40 THB. From the entrance a 800 meter long path leads to the waterfall, for which you need 15 to 20 minutes.
At the end of the trail you come to a point where you have a great view of the waterfall. The water falls into a large pool where you can bathe and cool off. Rangers take care that nothing happens here. If you float or put your feet in the water, small fish will come and nibble on you. Anyway, I visited the Klong Plu at the end of June. The water level had filled up again and the place was not overrun. Overall, it was a very nice and relaxed day. I can especially recommend it to families as it is easy to get to, you can swim, and it is a big, impressive waterfall.
-
8 am - 4:30 pm
-
200 THB (Child 100)
-
Easy
Than Mayom – The royal waterfall
The Than Mayom is truly a sight on Koh Chang. It is particularly popular with Thais as two previous kings of Thailand visited the site and engraved their initials on the rock. The waterfall is located on the east side of the island and can therefore only be reached with your own motorcycle or car (see map). You can park directly at the entrance, where you have to pay 200 THB entry, as with the Klong Plu. If you visit both waterfalls in one day, you only have to pay once. After that you follow a 300 meter long path towards the Than Mayom waterfall.
The path leads you across the river several times and you sometimes have to climb over slippery wet stones. Therefore, mounted ropes ensure a better hold. I recommend wearing waterproof shoes, even if I went barefoot back then. On the way you can also cross a beautiful bridge, but this route leads into the jungle. At that time, we met a large spider that had stretched its web on this bridge.
The waterfall has several levels that carry huge amounts of water. I visited Than Mayom in November. In other months, however, much less water can flow. The lowest level falls into a large pool, in which you can cool off. There are also small fish here. You get closer to the waterfall over high rocks. However, a large sign and a lifeguard with a whistle warn you against jumping into the water. Than Mayom is much less visited than Klong Plu. I think it was a worth the trip. You can swim, the path is quite easy to negotiate and the waterfall is impressive. But the price is too high in my opinion.
-
9 am - 4:30 pm
-
200 THB (Child 100)
-
Easy
If you are looking for more sights and travel tips for Koh Chang, then take a look at this book. The travel guide gives you a good overview of the entire island. I am sure that it will allow you to discover places that you would not find without this book.
Klong Jao Leuam – One waterfall after the other
The Klong Jao Leuam is unknown and not developed for tourism, but is still an attraction on Koh Chang. It is located on private property and is also known as Khlong Chao Lueam. More precisely, this waterfall contains of several successive waterfalls. These are located in the north of Koh Chang. In the village of Klong Son, directly at 7-eleven, a road leads inland, which you follow to the end. If you pass the Baan Kwan Chang elephant camp (do not visit!), you are close. At the end of the street you have to cross the river, but you can do this by car or scooter. There is private property on the other side that you can park on. The owner will charge you 40 THB and you can make your way towards the Klong Jao Leuam waterfall. You walk uphill through the jungle along the river and finally reach the first level. The waterfall is not particularly spectacular, but still very beautiful. If you follow the path through the dense forest you will come to a dam and after that to the next level. The waterfall has multiple levels, but I didn’t hike to the end.
The path gets narrower and narrower and more and more often you have to cross the river or climb over slippery wet stones. Take good shoes with you and wear sensible socks. Because I ended up with 2 leeches on my ankle. Moreover, I cannot recommend going alone, because there is no phone reception and we did not meet other tourists at the time. If something happens, nobody will be able to help you at first. You are there in the jungle and you should be aware of the dangers that can lurk there besides slippery stones and tree roots. The path is challenging and sometimes adventurous.
I visited Klong Jao Leuam at the end of June when there was already enough water. The waterfalls are not very high, but still worth it. Mainly because you will likely have it all to yourself. In summary, it is a perfect experience for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Only the water pipes that meander along the river destroy the natural image a little.
-
8 am - 5 pm
-
40 THB
-
Medium
On the way back from Klong Jao Leuam there is a small swimming area in the river where you can cool off again. You have to pass the elephant camp (do not visit!) again and after another 1.5 kilometers turn left into an unpaved road. After 300 meters you will reach the river, which can be crossed here by a small dam. It’s a quiet place to swim, but don’t expect anything spectacular. I have marked the bathing area on the map.
Short Facts for your Trip
There is a tropical-monsoonal climate on Koh Chang. The main season is characterized by cool (27°C) but dry weather (November to February). It is very hot from March to May. The rainy season starts at the end of May and brings a lot of rainfall and storms over the island. Accordingly, the waterfalls carry the most water between rainy and high season. Therefore, a visit between October and December is recommended. I was here in November and it was still quiet despite the high season. You will find a climate table on the following page.
Visiting individual waterfalls usually takes no more than a few hours. But since the island has a lot more to offer, you should plan at least 5 days. I was on Koh Chang for a total of 3 weeks and haven’t seen everything.
There is a suitable accommodation for everyone on Koh Chang. I just want to mention two special ones that I have stayed in. Journey’s End is in the south and is interesting for people who want to stay away from the tourists. Here you can rent kayaks, for example, and paddle to the next island. Independent Bo Bungalows is a true hippie paradise and is located north of White Sand Beach. Here you can stay overnight very easily and cheaply, and you have your own bungalows right on the beach. A dream location, but certainly not suitable for everyone. Children are not allowed here.
Shared taxis, so-called songthaew, operate on the island, which will take you to your destination together with other passengers. However, these rarely go to the east coast, as it is not worthwhile due to the few tourists. The best option is to rent a motorcycle or scooter. You can find providers on every street corner, so that it is worth comparing prices and quality. Usually, the price on Koh Chang is between 150 and 300 THB per day.
Especially at the waterfalls in the jungle, you should wear sturdy shoes and, if possible, long pants. The probability is very small, but poisonous snakes like the king cobra could cross your path here. I also recommend waterproof shoes and socks against leeches. Sunscreen and insect repellent should be standard in the tropical climate of Thailand. Due to slippery rocks and unsecured paths, first aid material cannot hurt either.
To get the full splendor of the waterfalls in your picture, it’s best to take a wide-angle lens with you. If you want a smoothing effect on the water in your pictures, consider a travel tripod and ND filter. It is recommended to use water protection for your camera equipment.
Klong Neung – The tallest waterfall on Koh Chang
Although the Klong Neung is the highest waterfall on Koh Chang, it is the least visited. Because there is no official way to get there, you have to fight your way through the river. However, these efforts are rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. The Klong Neung is located in the south near the village Salakphet. Shortly before the village, you turn into a road towards the interior. After another 30 meters you have to turn right again. The narrow, paved road leads through picturesque coconut bushes and ends after about 1.5 kilometers with a small parking lot. From here a small path leads down to the river on the left. At the end you stand in front of a concrete dam and have to hike the rest of the way up through the river. You have to overcome many obstacles such as tree trunks or high boulders. You will often find the right path only after several attempts. The route is not long, but arduous and exhausting. Shortly before the goal, a huge boulder awaits you, which is best avoided on the left.
The waterfall falls from over 100 meters into a narrow water-filled gorge. You can also go swimming here but expect hundreds of watercourses. Moreover, the high rock walls in the narrow gorge gave me an oppressive feeling while swimming. Nevertheless, the Klong Neung impressed me very much. I visited the waterfall in November, so it had a lot of water. The path is strenuous and sometimes dangerous due to wet rocks and unsecured boulders. I can only recommend the Klong Neung to experienced and capable people with a thirst for adventure. You will probably not meet anyone and are on your own. So only go out in pairs or in a group. In short, it was the best waterfall experience on Koh Chang for me.
-
24 hours
-
Free
-
Hard
If you prefer to travel in a group, there is a possibility to join a guided tour. You don’t have to worry about transportation, excursion planning, or food, but you can completely focus on the beauty of Koh Chang. I recommend booking a tour through Viator portal, where countless activities around the world can be booked easily and safely.
Kai Bae Waterfall – Jungle experience in the center of Koh Chang
Unfortunately, I did not visit the waterfall in Kai Bae. It is not very well known in Koh Chang as it is not very easy to get to. In Kai Bae you have to turn into a narrow lane inland at the 7-Eleven. The Meechai elephant camp is also located here (do not visit!). At the end of the street you come to a private property with several bungalows. The owner will ask you for 20 to 40 THB and then you can follow a path towards the jungle. This narrow path takes you along the river for 15 minutes and finally ends at the waterfall. Here you can swim and enjoy the sounds of nature. The path is sometimes very slippery, and it is said that snakes often are seen here. Therefore, do not go alone and wear sturdy shoes.
-
24 hours
-
20 - 40 THB
-
Medium
If you’re looking for a travel guide to Thailand, check out this book. The authors give travel tips especially for individual and low-budget travelers. In addition, not only the popular sights are described, but also less well-known places are mentioned. This has enabled me to discover great travel destinations that I would not have found without these books.
Klong Nonsi Waterfall – Four levels up the river
This waterfall is located near Than Mayom. As soon as you see a soccer field on the side of the road, turn into a narrow, paved road and drive to the parking lot. The way is signposted. From there it is only 50 meters to the first level of the Klong Nonsi waterfall. A path on the left leads to the second level where you can bathe. Most people do not know that you can hike even higher. A more strenuous path leads you to the third level. To reach the fourth level, you must fight your way up the river. I have not been to this place myself. When I get back to Koh Chang, I will definitely take this adventurous route on myself. Few visitors, free entry and an exciting route make the Klong Nonsi very attractive to me.
-
24 hours
-
Free
-
Medium
Khiri Phet Waterfall – The alternative to Klong Plu
The Khiri Phet waterfall is easy to reach and a well known sight by tourists. In the south of Koh Chang in Salakphet, an asphalt road leads directly to the parking lot. There you have to follow the left path. This is easy and manageable for everyone. At the end you come to several pools where you can also swim. I did not visit the Khiri Phet as its description sounded rather boring. However, I am happy to be taught better. In short, it’s a free, but smaller, alternative to the Klong Plu waterfall.
-
24 hours
-
Free
-
Easy
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about the waterfalls of Koh Chang. On my Thailand Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Thailand and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Thailand. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Thailand.
The references marked with an asterisk (*) are so-called commission links. If you click on such a referral link and buy something, I get a small commission from the provider. For you, the price does not change! I see it as a small thank you for my work and look forward to any support.
