Khlong Chao Waterfall: The Ultimate Jungle Oasis in Koh Kood
Koh Kood is almost impossible to write about. The moment you put pen to paper, your mind drifts off into a daydream and you instantly crave being back. This tropical island lets you fully disconnect from the world and focuses your attention on the simple pleasures of life: sun, sea and living free. Imagine riding scooters through sleepy roads lined with palm trees where the only dilemma you face is where to go swimming next.
The trip to Khlong Chao Waterfall is exactly like that. Here you’ll find the most popular waterfall on the island - a hit with travelers due to its raw beauty and easy access. The jungle trail is short and sweet. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll be standing in front of a beautiful cascade and natural pool. Some would argue it’s a better swimming spot than the beaches and they might be right. You won’t get sand everywhere and the freshwater is lovely.
Tranquil roads of Koh Kood
Khlong Chao Waterfall
How to Get to Khlong Chao Waterfall
Khlong Chao Waterfall is situated about halfway down Koh Kood and can be reached easily no matter which end of the island you’re coming from. If you approach it from the north (like we did), you’ll cruise past an estuary at the northern end of Klong Chao Beach where the river meets the sea. This is a gorgeous little stretch of coastline that quickly connects up with a collection of shops. The waterfall is then signposted the rest of the way, although the sign is spelt funny: look out for “Klongjao Water Fall”.
From there, you turn left at the junction by Koh Kood Divers and follow the narrow road down to the parking area. All that’s left to do now is park your scooter, make a small donation if you’re feeling generous (entry is free), and wander down the jungle path. The trail is flat pretty much the entire way, starting off paved but transitioning to a dirt track. It can literally be completed in 10 minutes if you walk fast or 15 minutes for a more leisurely stroll. There’s even a couple of small shrines and Buddha statues to see right before you emerge out of the trees and onto the exposed rocks.
Signs for the waterfall
Jungle trail
Little Buddha statue
Is Khlong Chao Waterfall Worth Visiting?
We visited Khlong Chao Waterfall at the beginning of March which meant the walk up was very dry, except for a few small pools in certain places. The final “obstacle” was climbing over boulders and keeping our balance with ropes, until the waterfall came into view. We then spent the next few hours standing under the falls and getting sprayed, and trying our luck on the rope swing. Admittedly, the swimming hole looked murky from a distance, but as we dived in we realized how clean and refreshing it was.
The waterfall itself was more like a trickle at the end of the dry season, however the overall scene was picturesque. We arrived at 10:30 AM and only a handful of others were there. Going earlier in the morning will give you a better chance of having the entire place to yourself. All in all, we think Khlong Chao Waterfall is worth visiting. It’s an ideal spot to cool down on a hot day, the freshwater is a nice contrast to the seawater, and combining it with the nearby Klong Chao Beach makes for the perfect day in Koh Kood.
Rope swing
Khlong Chao Waterfall
Relaxing at Klong Chao Beach Afterwards
We recommend walking down Klong Chao Beach afterwards and popping into one of the resorts for lunch. It can be expensive but you can’t put a price on a setting as stunning as this. After sunbathing, swimming in the turquoise waters, and taking photos of the iconic “Twin Palms”, you can continue down to the estuary where the landscape goes from pristine to rugged. To cap off the day, head to one of the local massage shops in the area for a relaxing massage. Kat opted for a foot massage and it was divine.
Read more: 20 Best Things To Do in Koh Kood: A Tropical Paradise
Klong Chao Beach
“Twin Palms”
Estuary
Massage in Koh Kood
What to Know Before You Go
Khlong Chao Waterfall is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We suggest getting there early, say 9:00 AM, to beat the crowds. As mentioned, there’s no entrance fee but popping a few 20 THB notes into the donation box is always appreciated. It’s best to get changed into your swimwear before you go, because the toilets and changing rooms are a bit dirty and shabby to be honest. Also, bring a day bag with a hat, towel, sunscreen and bug spray, and wear decent sandals or water shoes for the slippery rock sections.
FAQs for Khlong Chao Waterfall
When is the best time of year to visit?
The best period to visit Khlong Chao Waterfall is November-December, just after the monsoon season. You’ll see a healthy amount of waterflow, the surroundings are still lush following months of rain and the sun starts to shine more regularly. If you’re planning on going during the rainy season, just be mindful of flash floods and muddy trails. Typically, you should wait a few days after a heavy downpour and ensure the forecast is looking good.
Is Khlong Chao Waterfall suitable for families?
Khlong Chao Waterfall is perfectly set up for a family adventure, especially in the dry season when the water levels are low. The trail is short which means even young kids can do it with ease. They’ll just need to be supervised at the swimming hole and when climbing the rocks. It might be wise to bring a lifejacket for children who aren’t strong swimmers. On the other hand, teenagers should be fine and will love the rope swing.
Can you visit the waterfall without a scooter?
You don’t even need a scooter or motorbike to visit the waterfall, as it’s literally a 30 minute walk from Klong Chao Beach. This is a great option for those staying at one of the beachfront resorts. Another mode of transport you could consider is hiring a local songthaew from your base in Bang Bao Beach, Khlonghin Beach or Ao Jark Bay, and getting the driver to drop you off and then wait for you at the parking area until you’ve finished.
