Than Mayom Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Than Mayom Waterfall in Trat Province is one of the most important natural and historical attractions on Koh Chang. Located within Mu Ko Chang National Park, the waterfall lies about 500 meters from the park office or the Than Mayom ranger station on the eastern side of the island. The short walking route to the waterfall passes through a shaded natural area and local orchard surroundings, giving visitors a calm introduction to Koh Chang’s inland forest before reaching the stream and waterfall. Than Mayom Waterfall is a medium-sized waterfall with water flowing down in tiers through dark granite channels. The surrounding area is covered with humid evergreen forest, and the atmosphere is cool, shaded, and peaceful. What makes this waterfall especially significant is not only its natural beauty, but also the royal inscriptions found on the rock surface, left by several members of the Thai royal family who visited the site in the past.

 

Koh Chang is one of Thailand’s most well-known islands, famous for beaches, viewpoints, coral reefs, mangrove forests, and mountain scenery. Than Mayom Waterfall shows another side of the island: the forested eastern side, where the atmosphere is quieter than the busy beach zones on the west coast. Travelers who visit Than Mayom Waterfall can experience freshwater streams, forest shade, black granite rocks, and historical traces in a single place. This makes the waterfall suitable not only for sightseeing and relaxation, but also for travelers interested in nature, Thai royal history, and conservation-based travel.

 

The headwaters of Than Mayom Waterfall are associated with the Khlong Mayom area. The water flows through the mountainous interior of Koh Chang before descending through the rock formations that form the waterfall. The site is often described as a medium-sized multi-tier waterfall. Some travel descriptions refer to it as having 3 tiers, while others describe additional upper sections along the stream. For most visitors, the lower part of the waterfall is the easiest and most practical area to access, while higher sections require more caution and should only be visited when conditions are safe and park officers allow access.

 

The natural character of Than Mayom Waterfall is distinctive because of its dark granite channels. Water flows down in stages through black rock grooves, creating a dramatic contrast between clear water, dark stone, and green forest. Some rock faces are steep and almost vertical, giving the waterfall a strong visual identity. The combination of running water, granite rock, and tropical forest makes the site highly photogenic. Visitors can photograph the stream, the rock formations, the forest canopy, and the historical inscriptions, but they should avoid touching or damaging any marked rock surface.

 

The area around the waterfall is humid evergreen forest. This forest environment keeps the air cool and shaded, especially compared with open beach areas. The forest plays an important role in maintaining Koh Chang’s freshwater system. Healthy forest helps retain moisture, supports streams, and provides habitat for wildlife. Than Mayom Waterfall is therefore not only a tourist attraction but also part of the island’s natural water system. Its existence reflects the connection between Koh Chang’s mountain forest, freshwater streams, and coastal communities.

 

The historical value of Than Mayom Waterfall gives it a special place among Koh Chang’s attractions. Several high-ranking members of the Thai royal family visited the waterfall, and their royal initials or names are preserved on the rock surface. These include King Chulalongkorn, King Vajiravudh, King Prajadhipok, and Queen Rambhai Barni, the queen consort of King Rama VII. These inscriptions make Than Mayom Waterfall both a natural site and a historical landmark. Visitors should treat the area with respect and avoid touching, scratching, climbing on, or altering the rock surfaces.

 

Because of these royal connections, Than Mayom Waterfall has a meaning beyond recreation. It is a place where nature and Thai history meet. A visit here allows travelers to understand that Koh Chang has long been more than a beach destination. The island has been a place of royal visits, forest landscapes, local communities, and natural resources. For travelers who enjoy cultural context, Than Mayom Waterfall offers a deeper experience than simply swimming in a stream.

 

The walking distance from the park area to the waterfall is relatively short, around 500 meters. The route is suitable for many visitors, including families, couples, groups of friends, and foreign travelers who want a manageable nature walk. The path passes through shaded areas and local orchard scenery before reaching the stream. Although the walk is not long, visitors should still wear shoes with good grip because surfaces near streams and rocks may be slippery, especially after rain.

 

Visitors should prepare for a natural park environment. Drinking water, mosquito repellent, a waterproof bag, and a small rubbish bag are useful. If traveling with children or elderly visitors, walk slowly and stay in safer lower areas. Higher waterfall sections may require more caution, and visitors should follow all guidance from park officers. Than Mayom Waterfall is best enjoyed calmly and respectfully, with enough time to appreciate both the natural scenery and historical features.

 

Than Mayom Waterfall is suitable for nature walks, short hikes, photography, safe swimming in permitted areas, and learning about Thai royal history. Many travelers visit as part of an east-coast Koh Chang route, especially when they want a quieter alternative to the more developed west coast. The waterfall can be combined with Than Mayom Pier, Salak Khok village, Salak Khok mangrove forest, Wat Salak Phet, and Ao Salak Phet fishing village. This route gives visitors a broader understanding of Koh Chang beyond beaches and resorts.

 

Swimming is possible only in safe and permitted areas. Some pools may be deep, and water flow can change with the season. Rocks can be slippery due to water and algae. Visitors who are not strong swimmers should stay close to companions, and children should always be supervised. Jumping from rocks or entering water without knowing the depth is not recommended. As with all waterfalls, safety should come before photography, climbing, or swimming.

 

The best season to visit Than Mayom Waterfall depends on both water level and weather. From the rainy season to the early cool season, the forest is greener, the water flow is stronger, and the waterfall feels more alive. During the dry season, walking conditions may be easier, but water volume can be lower. Visitors should check weather conditions and park announcements before traveling, especially after heavy rain when flash floods or slippery surfaces may create risk.

 

Facilities around Than Mayom Waterfall are more developed than those at remote waterfalls because the site is near a park office area. Visitors can find parking, walking access, rest areas, toilets, and national park facilities depending on local conditions. However, this remains a protected natural area, not a commercial entertainment zone. Visitors should respect park rules, keep the area clean, and avoid behavior that may disturb nature or damage historical evidence.

 

Getting There starts with taking a ferry from mainland Trat to Koh Chang. Visitors can bring a private car across by ferry or use local transportation on the island. Once on Koh Chang, travel along the island road toward the eastern side and the Than Mayom ranger station area of Mu Ko Chang National Park. From the parking or park area, continue on foot for about 500 meters to the waterfall. The route is suitable for private cars, rental vehicles, motorbikes, and arranged local transport, but drivers should be careful because Koh Chang roads include curves, slopes, and forested sections.

 

Travelers staying on the west coast, such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, or Bang Bao, should allow more travel time to reach Than Mayom Waterfall. The east coast is quieter and less commercial, which makes the journey worthwhile for travelers seeking a different side of the island. Visiting in the morning is recommended because visitors will have time to walk, swim in safe areas, take photographs, and continue to other east-coast attractions in the afternoon.

 

Food options near Than Mayom Waterfall are mostly local and less concentrated than in the main west-coast tourist areas. Visitors can find simple local restaurants, roadside food, or resort restaurants along the east coast, but choices are more limited than at White Sand Beach or Klong Prao. Travelers who want more dining options can plan meals before or after visiting the waterfall in Dan Kao, Salak Khok, Salak Phet, or other nearby community areas.

 

For accommodation, travelers who prefer quiet surroundings may stay on the east coast near Dan Kao or nearby coastal areas. These locations offer a peaceful atmosphere and easier access to Than Mayom Waterfall and east-coast attractions. Travelers who prefer more restaurants, cafés, nightlife, and tourist services may stay on the west coast and visit the waterfall as a half-day trip. The best choice depends on whether the trip focuses on quiet nature or convenient beach tourism.

 

Responsible travel is especially important at Than Mayom Waterfall because the area contains both natural and historical values. Visitors should not leave rubbish, use soap or shampoo in the stream, write on rocks, touch or damage royal inscriptions, or climb dangerous areas. Keeping the site clean and respectful helps preserve it as a natural and historical landmark for future visitors.

 

For foreign travelers, Than Mayom Waterfall offers a deeper understanding of Koh Chang. It is not only a tropical island with beaches and resorts, but also a place with evergreen forest, black granite streams, freshwater pools, protected national park land, and royal historical evidence. Travelers interested in nature, history, culture, and soft adventure should consider Than Mayom Waterfall one of the most meaningful inland sites on Koh Chang.

 

Than Mayom Waterfall is therefore one of the essential attractions of Koh Chang, Trat Province. Its stream flowing through dark granite, cool evergreen forest, short walking route, royal inscriptions, and national park setting make it suitable for relaxation, safe swimming, photography, learning, and conservation-minded travel. With careful preparation, respect for park rules, and enough time to appreciate the site slowly, a visit to Than Mayom Waterfall can become one of the most memorable experiences on Koh Chang.

 

 

A: Than Mayom Waterfall is located in Ko Chang Subdistrict, Ko Chang District, Trat Province, within Mu Ko Chang National Park on the eastern side of Koh Chang.

 

A: It is a medium-sized waterfall with water flowing through dark granite channels, surrounded by cool evergreen forest and historical royal inscriptions on rock surfaces.

 

A: Several members of the Thai royal family visited the waterfall, and their royal inscriptions are preserved on the rock surface, including those associated with King Rama V, King Rama VI, King Rama VII, and Queen Rambhai Barni.

 

A: The walking distance is about 500 meters from the park or ranger station area, passing through shaded natural surroundings and orchard scenery.

 

A: Yes. The national park fee is 40 baht for Thai adults, 20 baht for Thai children, 200 baht for foreign adults, and 100 baht for foreign children.

 

A: Swimming is possible only in safe and permitted areas. Visitors should be careful of slippery rocks, deep pools, and changing water flow.

 

A: The rainy season and early cool season offer greener forest and stronger water flow, while the dry season may provide easier walking conditions with lower water volume.

 

A: Nearby places include Than Mayom Pier, Ban Salak Khok, Salak Khok Mangrove Forest, Wat Salak Phet, and Ao Salak Phet Fishing Village.