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.
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
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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! 🐸
