Pho Darng isn’t your typical towering waterfall. Instead, it’s a small cascade flowing through a rocky basin, creating a series of natural pools where you can sit and relax. At the base of the falls is a larger pool where you can swim.
In this guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know about visiting Pho Darng Waterfall, including how to get there and what to expect when you arrive.
Pho Darng (Phu Dang) Waterfall Complete Guide
Pho Darng (also called Phu Dang) Waterfall is one of the few waterfalls in Koh Phangan. It’s a unique spot because rather than a single large cascade, the waterfall is made up of several cascades that flow through a rocky basin. It’s an easy-to-access spot and a fun place whether you’re exploring alone or with a group.
We visited Pho Darng in February just after the wet season and the waterfall was flowing. We saw plenty of people swimming in the waterfall’s basin and relaxing in the little pools carved into the rocks.
One of the best things about Pho Darng Waterfall is that it’s completely free to visit. There’s even a convenient paved parking lot just across the road from the entrance, making it one of the most hassle-free spots on the island.
How to get to Pho Darng Waterfall
Pho Darng Waterfall is located in Than Sadet National Park on Koh Phangan’s east side. It’s best visited as a stop before or after visiting Haad Sadet, or while visiting other areas in Than Sadet National Park.
Since Pho Darng Waterfall is relatively far from most of Koh Phangan’s main accommodation hubs, the best way to get there is by motorbike. The ride from Thong Sala takes about 30 minutes. The road to Pho Darng is paved but has steep sections, so drive safely.
If you’re driving to Pho Darng Waterfall, navigate to the Waterfalls Parking Area. It is a free parking area across the road from the Pho Darng Waterfall trail entrance. From there, it’s just a short walk down the trail to the falls.
Pho Darng Waterfall: Our Experience
While Pho Darng technically isn’t a waterfall, it still qualifies as a spot where you can swim under rushing water inside pools of rock. Close enough for me.
After parking our motorbike in the paved parking area, we crossed the road and started down the trail to the falls. The path was a short hike down some stairs and into the forest. It didn’t take long until we started hearing the rushing sounds of water from the falls.
When we finally reached the waterfall, we found a few others exploring it too. The waterfall was built into the river, surrounded by massive boulders that gave it a rugged look.
We climbed up the rocks toward the top of the falls. The water flowed through a crack in the rocky surface, creating pools on each level as cascaded down. At one point, a woman walked by us and went right into one of them. It seemed like she knew exactly where her favorite spot was.
Walking along the falls felt a little nerve-wracking. The slippery rocks and the rush of water required my full attention. One misstep meant a surprise ride down the river.
I followed the falls up the stream until I got to the top. Iust when I thought I reached the end, the stream seemed to keep going and going up into the wilderness.
I turned around and went back down the falls. My attention went to the rocky face as I looked down at the pool below. Normally, I’d be tempted to jump in, but I couldn’t see what was under the surface. The last thing I wanted was to land on hidden rocks.
Instead, I made my way back down and eased into the pool from below. The water was surprisingly chilly. It was the perfect way to cool off after the climb and take in the beauty of the waterfall.
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 Pho Darng Waterfall in Koh Phangan. Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any questions! 🐸
