Khlong Phlu Waterfall Guide: Koh Chang’s Hidden Gem
Khlong Phlu Waterfall
If you’re wondering what to do on Koh Chang Island beyond its famous beaches, a visit to Khlong Phlu Waterfall is an absolute must. Tucked away in the lush Mu Ko Chang National Park, this stunning three-tiered waterfall offers a refreshing escape into nature, just off the main road and a short jungle trek away. Khlong Phlu Waterfall cascades dramatically into a clear, calm plunge pool where fish swim gently around you as you wade through the cool water.
This hidden gem is perfect for immersing yourself in Koh Chang’s unique natural beauty and spotting local wildlife. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Khlong Phlu Waterfall, including the best time to go, how to get there, and what to bring for an unforgettable experience.
Khlong Phlu waterfall is just one of the many amazing sites that Koh Chang has to offer, so considering checking out my Koh Chang Island Guide, which has everything you need to know to book the perfect itinerary!
When to Visit Khlong Phlu Waterfall
The best time to visit Koh Chang Island is generally during the cool and dry season, from November to February. That said, don’t let the time of year hold you back from experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Khlong Phlu Waterfall. I visited in early May (during the rainy season) and still had an amazing time, possibly even more so thanks to the smaller crowds in the off-peak season.
Regardless of when you go, my top tip is to visit as early as possible, ideally around opening time at 8:30 AM. With fewer people around, you’ll be able to enjoy a peaceful trek through the jungle path and soak in the breathtaking waterfall views (and even go for a swim) without feeling crowded.
Late afternoon visits (around 3–4 PM) can also be a good way to dodge the peak midday crowds. However, we personally skipped this time slot, as it rained almost every afternoon during our visit, which would’ve made the jungle trail slippery and more difficult to navigate.
Opening Hours
- Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily
- Pro Tip: Arrive early! We got there at 10 AM and nearly had Khlong Phlu Waterfall to ourselves. By the time we left around 11:30 AM, it was noticeably busier and far less peaceful.
How to Get to Khlong Phlu Waterfall
The easiest way to reach Khlong Phlu Waterfall is by motorbike or car. Located on the west side of Koh Chang Island, it’s clearly signposted along the island’s main coastal road. The turn-off leading to the waterfall becomes a little narrow and tight for two cars, but ideal for motorbikes.
Taxis can also be arranged to drop you off if you’re not confident riding yourself.
Once you’ve followed the narrow path, you’ll arrive at a small ticket kiosk where you’ll pay the entrance fee before beginning your short jungle trek to the waterfall.
If you’re wondering how to get to Koh Chang Island more generally, check out the information on my other guides here:
How Much Does It Cost to Enter?
Entrance fees for Khlong Phlu Waterfall are as follows:
- 200 baht per adult
- 100 baht per child (over 2 years old)
- Free for children under 2
- 30 baht parking fee for vehicles
💵 Make sure to bring cash, as card payments are usually not accepted at the ticket booth.
Where to Park at Khlong Phlu Waterfall
After passing the ticket boom gate, you’ll find a small official parking area right in front of the Khlong Phlu Ranger Station, with space for around four cars (plus one accessibility spot) and a few motorbikes.
If that lot is full, there’s an unofficial parking area set up by locals a little before the entrance, clearly marked with signage. It’s a basic grass clearing where you can park your car or bike for a small fee. We didn’t see a formal ticket kiosk for this parking, so it’s unclear exactly where or how you pay. Luckily, we arrived at Khlong Phlu Waterfall early enough to grab one of the last car spots at the official lot.
Once you’ve collected your ticket and found parking, head to the Khlong Phlu Waterfall Nature Trail sign. This marks the start of a short but scenic jungle walk that leads to the waterfall.
Before entering the trail, you’ll notice signs in both Thai and English outlining the park rules to protect the area’s natural beauty
Rules
- No food or drink
- No feeding the fish
- No pets allowed
- Keep noise to a minimum
- No littering or waste disposal
- No polystyrene materials
- Fires only in designated areas
- Do not touch or feed wildlife
- Do not collect plants or wood
- No vandalism or graffiti
- No smoking or alcohol
- Always respect nature and keep the environment clean
Being mindful of these rules ensures that Khlong Phlu Waterfall remains a beautiful, peaceful place for all to enjoy.
Hiking Through a Tropical Jungle
Reaching Khlong Phlu Waterfall requires a short 600-meter “walk” through lush tropical forest alongside a river. I use the term “walk” generously, don’t underestimate the terrain as it’s more of a moderate jungle hike, and not recommended for visitors with limited mobility.
We visited in decent weather, wearing proper footwear and activewear, yet still found parts of the trail surprisingly steep, rocky, and slippery.
The path is almost entirely shaded, which is a welcome reprieve from the sun. Still, expect to work up a sweat in Thailand’s humidity. Despite the effort, the hike to Khlong Phlu Waterfall is beautiful and rewarding, especially if you visit early before the crowds. The trail follows the river that flows directly from the waterfall, making for a relaxing soundtrack and immersive backdrop as you walk.
🌿 Wildlife at Khlong Phlu Waterfall
We spotted a group of monkeys across the river just a few minutes into the trek, a real highlight of our morning. The area is part of Mu Ko Chang National Park, home to all kinds of fascinating birds, insects, and reptiles.
🪨 Pro tip – Embrance the Detour
Along the way, the trail occasionally branches off toward open spots along the riverbed. Don’t be in a rush to get to Khlong Phlu Waterfall, and spend some time exploring these quiet little riverbanks. You’ll discover mini waterfall cascades and calm pools filled with fish in a truly untouched setting that makes the detour worthwhile.
Exploring Khlong Phlu Waterfall
Just when you start to wonder if trekking through a tropical jungle in 30-degree heat is worth it, you’ll hear the roar of Khlong Phlu Waterfall before it finally comes into view behind the large orange sign, confirming you’ve arrived.
Once there, you’ll find an undercover viewing area to your right, with bench seating. This is great for those who are happy appreciating Khlong Phlu Waterfall from a far and with shelter from the elements.
For the more adventurous, strip down to your swimmers and reward yourself with a refreshing dip in the cool waters of the Khlong Phlu Waterfall’s plunge pool. It’s much cooler than the ocean water around Koh Chang Island’s beaches, and is a welcome relief from the heat.
Although our GoPro footage shows the basin is quite deep, jumping or diving isn’t recommended. The dark water makes it hard to judge depth or spot hidden rocks. Plus, there’s a local lifeguard stationed on the far left side of the waterfall, keeping an eye on safety and ensuring no one ventures too high or far where it’s slippery and dangerous. Trust me, you’ll hear the lifeguard blow his shrill whistle if you get too reckless.
You’ll also notice a few small fish swimming calmly around the many visitors in the waterfall pool, adding to the natural charm of the spot.
Checklist before going!
- Sunscreen to protect your skin during the trek and while relaxing
- Reef shoes or sturdy water shoes for navigating and swimming through the rocky and pebbly waterfall basin
- Swimmers for a refreshing dip in the waterfall pool
- Camera or waterproof camera to capture stunning views
- Bug spray to protect against insects in the jungle
- Cash for entrance fees and any local vendors
- Comfortable clothes to walk in
- Appropriate walking shoes are highly recommended but apparently not essential as proved by the many people we saw doing the walk in their flip flops
Thanks for reading!
I hope you found this guide helpful so you can explore one of my favorite spots on Koh Chang Island. Khlong Phlu Waterfall is such a worthwhile and underrated spot!
