Of all the things to do in Koh Phangan, waterfalls likely aren’t on most people’s radar. They come for the beaches, the parties, and whatever else happens when you’re barefoot on an island. But tucked away in the island’s jungles, there are waterfalls worth seeking out. Paradise Falls is one of them.
Paradise Waterfall Complete Guide
Paradise Waterfall might just be one of the best spots to cool off on Koh Phangan. It’s got a little trail running up alongside the falls, leading to its upper levels where water flows down the mountainside through a rocky ravine.
Like most waterfalls on the island, its flow depends on the season. Paradise Waterfall is known to only flow during wet season and needs consistent rain to do so. Wet season begins in June but I wouldn’t count on it consistently flowing until October or November. We visited Paradise Falls during February, right at the start of the dry season and it was still flowing.
The pools at the base of the waterfall are clean, refreshing, and perfect for a swim. When we were there, plenty of people were splashing around and having a great time.
Besides swimming, you can hike the trail to explore the upper reaches of the falls and sit in the river, letting the cool cascade wash over you while you take in the scenery.
- Paradise Waterfall entry fee: 30 baht per person
How to get to Paradise Waterfall
Paradise Waterfall is located on the northern side of Koh Phangan, just outside Chaloklum. It’s a little ways off the main road up a hillside but that makes the journey there an adventure in itself.
The best way to reach Paradise Waterfall is by motorbike, though the road leading to it is notoriously steep and in poor condition. If you’re not confident on a motorbike, park at the base of the road and walk the rest of the way. We saw a few others do this.
To find the waterfall, use the map location below for navigation. The marker points to the turn-off, which is easy to spot thanks to a large sign for Paradise Waterfall. Once you make the turn, follow the road up until you reach the parking area near the base of the falls.
Paradise Waterfall: Our Experience
From Ban Tai, we rode up the center of the island toward Paradise Waterfall. I didn’t know much about it, but what I did know is that it’s one of those waterfalls that dries up without rain. We were visiting in February, at the start of Koh Phangan’s dry season. Would it still be flowing? Only one way to find out.
We spotted the sign for Paradise Waterfall and turned off the main road onto a narrow, bumpy driveway going up into the forest. The road was a wild ride. It was bad enough that it went straight up a hill, but the road was so busted that I had to weave around rocks and holes. But despite the road’s sketchiness, it was nice to be under the forest canopy and out of the sun.
At the top of the hill, we reached the parking area, paid the entry fee, and headed in. The walk to the waterfall’s basin was short, and we could already hear the rush of water. To my relief, the basin was full, creating a swimming hole. Families with kids were splashing around, and overall it was a chill vibe.
We got into the cool water to wash off the heat and dust from our ride. But my curiosity got the better of me when I spotted a little trail going up alongside the stream.
We started up the trail, taking it slow since it was a bit steep. A blue pipe ran alongside the path, following the hillside up along the stream. I joked that the pipe might be pumping water back to the top to keep the waterfall flowing. Honestly, who knows? Maybe it was.
We spotted the upper stream through the trees and stepped off the trail onto the rocky riverbed.
I was about to snap a photo of the waterfall when Chloe noticed something and told me to hold off. There, sitting beneath the cascade, was a woman—completely topless—enjoying the waterfall’s rush. Next to her was a man sipping from a coconut with a huge smile on his face, both of them locked in an embrace. Despite clearly noticing us before we noticed them, they weren’t startled or disturbed in the slightest. Our presence didn’t interrupt them one bit.
Chloe politely explained that we’d be taking some photos and would keep them out of the frame. To our surprise, the woman cheerfully said, “No, please take a photo of us!” For me, the situation was a little awkward, but for them, it couldn’t have been more natural. After snapping their picture, she gave us her contact info, and a few days later, we sent her the photo. She was thrilled to have a memento of their time at the falls. I won’t share the photo here, though. You’ll just have to use your imagination.
We explored the upper areas of the falls and found it both fascinating and precarious. The stream flowed freely down the rocky riverbed, carving little cliffs along its path. I had to tread carefully to avoid slipping too close to the edges. Its definitely not a place to lose your footing.
I don’t think there are any cliff jumping opportunities at Paradise Waterfall. The pools we saw below the falls were too shallow for that. But the waterfall is still worth the visit if you’re looking to cool off or take a short hike to explore the upper reaches of the falls.
Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
Although Koh Phangan is a small island, choosing where to stay isn’t straightforward, especially for first-time visitors. The island has several areas, each offering different experiences.
During our 10 days in Koh Phangan, we stayed in four different areas and covered all sides of the island. This gave us a solid understanding of what each location has to offer in terms of accommodation, atmosphere, and accessibility.
Here’s our take on the different areas to stay in Koh Phangan and what to expect from each one.
- Haad Rin: Home to the infamous Full Moon Party, Haad Rin is the place for nightlife. The entire area revolves around the party scene, with bars, clubs, and hostels catering to those looking to drink and dance until sunrise. If you’re looking for a social, high-energy atmosphere, Haad Rin is the place to be.
- Baan Tai / Thong Sala: Baan Tai and Thong Sala are centrally located to the rest of the island and are the most convenient base if you plan to explore Koh Phangan by motorbike. While Baan Tai and Thong Sala don’t have much in terms of sightseeing, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, markets, and essential services there.
- Thong Nai Pan: If you’re looking for a quiet, upscale retreat with great food, Thong Nai Pan is the best area to stay. It’s a peaceful place ideal for couples and families looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It’s far from the party madness and has calm, scenic beaches and a laid-back vibe.
- West Koh Phangan: The entire west coast of Koh Phangan has a free-spirited vibe. It’s a popular gathering place for expats who live on the island. This is where you’ll find yoga retreats, meditation centers, and vegan cafes, making it the island’s hub for health and wellness. It also happens to have some of the island’s most beautiful beaches.
What to Pack for Koh Phangan
Here are some of our must-have items you might not have thought of when packing for a trip to Koh Phangan.
- Crocs: During our time in Koh Phangan, we visited 15 beaches, and almost all of them had one thing in common: rocks in the water! I was so glad to have Crocs to protect my feet when swimming.
- Sunscreen: We ran out of sunscreen while in Koh Phangan, so we went to the store to buy it and it was super expensive! Don’t be like us. Bring plenty of sunscreen because you will need it!
- Dry Bag: With all the sand, salt, and water flying everywhere during our adventures in Koh Phangan, I was so glad to have a dry bag to keep all my things safe from the elements!
- Travel Towel: In my opinion, a travel towel like this one is super necessary for a trip to Koh Phangan! It packs down nicely and was there for me anytime I went swimming, or just needed to brush sand or dirt off.
Our Free Koh Phangan Google Maps Locations
Do you need a handy map with all our Koh Phangan locations? We’ve got a Google Map with all the Koh Phangan locations in this post (plus a LOT more). Sign up in the box below and we’ll deliver it right to your inbox, plus our top tips to help you plan your Koh Phangan adventure.
Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
Are You Following Our Koh Phangan Blog Series?
We spent 10 days in Koh Phangan and found so many things to do there—from waterfalls to beaches, temples, and hikes. To help fellow adventurers, we’ve put together guides to the best places we found. You can check them out by clicking the links below.
- Our Ultimate Guide to Koh Phangan: 16 Incredible Things to Do in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan accomodation/area guide: Where to Stay in Koh Phangan
- Our Koh Phangan Beach Guide: The 15 Best Beaches in Koh Phangan
- How to plan your trip to Koh Phangan: 3 Days in Koh Phangan: The Perfect Koh Phangan Itinerary
- The Bottle Beach Viewpoint is Koh Phangan’s most epic vantage point
- We did the Haad Rin to Haad Yuan Hike over a mountain to a secluded beach
- Our favorite temple in Koh Phangan is the Kuan Yin Chinese Temple
- Our favorite waterfall in Koh Phangan: Pho Darng Waterfall
- How to get to Koh Phangan: Surat Thani to Koh Phangan by Ferry
I hope you enjoyed our guide to Paradise Waterfall in Koh Phangan! Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions. 🐸
