Between Hua Thanon and Nathon in the Southwest sector of the island, this waterfall is just off a concrete road, making it easily accessible to visitors. Rocks and tree roots form a natural staircase leading directly to a large pool at the base of the waterfall. Be careful when diving or swimming in the pool, however, as shallow, sharp rocks are hidden by the frothing of the fall.(map K6) 

Na Muang 2 Waterfall

Take the concrete road to the left, south of Na Muang 1 on the 4169 and follow it until it becomes a track. Continue to the end. A lovely 10 minute walk up a rocky path will bring you to the base of the most beautiful waterfall on the island.(map K6)

On the north side of the 4169 ring-road, this rock holds a precarious perch over a daunting cliff top high over Lamai. One kilometre west of Hin-Yai.(map P5)

These two stones, called Grandmother and Grandfather respectively, have been naturally crafted by the elements to resemble male and female genitalia. It is a favourite tourist destination and visitors young and old can be seen admiring these natural wonders. The road leading to the sights is lined with some nice gift shops. This is the best place to buy the beautiful bowls and vases made of Samui’s local coconut palm wood. You can recognize it by its grain, which looks like the stripes of a tiger or the spots of a cheetah, depending on how it is cut. This is also one of the few places to buy Samui’s answer to candy bars. You will see long slender palm leaves warming on a grill. Inside they are a delicious mixture of coconut, palm sugar sticky rice. Not to be missed. Follow the 4169 ring road Southwest of Lamai, and watch for the signs.(map R5). Visitors often throw their cigarette buts on the ground here, please make sure you dispose of you trash properly.

Cool down after an enjoyable 2km walk along a jungle path by taking a dip in a beautiful swimming pool under this waterfall. Tough shoes are recommended for the walk, but the swim makes it well worth it. Check the water before diving, as there are many rocks just below the surface. Packing a picnic will allow you to spend a couple of hours here and really enjoy the solitude. At the foot of the falls is Hin Lad monastery, which is worth seeing as well. The tranquil feel of the grounds and the Buddhist sayings that line the path are especially worth noting if you have just arrived on Samui from a hectic job. The falls are on the eastern end of route 4172, 2km south of Nathon.(map H11) 

Beyond Samui
There are a number of other islands within Samui’s gravitational pull that also offer natural wonders worth exploring.

Koh Taen

This island off the southern shore has excellent hiking trails for an easy stroll or a serious all day trek through the jungle. The island is largely uninhabited, with no dogs and nature study points maintained by the Koh Taen Conservation Club. You can arrange long tail boat transport to Koh Taen from Tong Krut Bay on Samui’s southern shore.

Angthon National Marine Park

The park is a series of mostly uninhabited islands west of Samui. There is good snorkelling, diving, hiking and even camping on some of the islands. You can arrange to have a speedboat take you to the park or book a tour with one of the many tour operators that frequent the park.

Koh Nangyuan

This is a spectacular little place. Three small islets are connected by an incredible beach. There are no roads and so no motors on the island, making it a blissfully quiet place. There are some upmarket bungalows and dive tour operators on the island so you can take a couple of days to check out the island’s sea life. Since there is almost no infrastructure on the island, bungalow owners request that you do not bring plastic or trash to the island, since it is difficult to dispose of.

Important: Wherever you wander, be sure to pack out your own trash (especially water bottles) and do everyone a favour by picking up trash others may have left before you.

Bangkok Airways