Khiri Phet Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Khiri Phet Waterfall in Trat Province is a small but charming natural waterfall in the Salak Phet area on the eastern side of Koh Chang. It is not a large waterfall, but it is popular among local residents and travelers who enjoy quiet nature, short forest walks, and a less crowded side of the island. The access trail is not very steep and is generally comfortable to walk. The waterfall lies inland from Ban Salak Phet, and the first section features a small rock cliff about 15 meters high with a small pool where visitors can swim when water conditions are suitable. From this first level, visitors can continue walking about 100 meters to reach the second waterfall section. The surrounding atmosphere is shaded, green, and peaceful.

 

Koh Chang is one of the largest islands in Trat Province and is known for beaches, mountains, waterfalls, mangroves, fishing villages, and local communities. Khiri Phet Waterfall represents the quieter eastern and southern side of the island, especially the Salak Phet area. This part of Koh Chang feels different from the busier west coast tourist zones such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, Kai Bae, and Lonely Beach. Around Salak Phet, visitors find local village life, fishing communities, forested hills, rubber plantations, and a slower travel rhythm. Khiri Phet Waterfall fits naturally into this setting.

 

The waterfall is located before the Ko Chang National Park ranger station Ko Chang 3, also known as the Salak Phet ranger station. Before reaching the ranger station by about 4 kilometers, visitors will find a sign to Khiri Phet Waterfall on the right-hand side. From the turnoff, the route passes through rubber plantation scenery for about 3 kilometers. After that, visitors continue on foot for about 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. This access route gives the visit a distinctly local character because travelers pass through rural and forested landscapes before arriving at the shaded waterfall area.

 

The first waterfall section is modest in size but attractive. A rock face of about 15 meters creates a small fall and a natural pool below. The pool is suitable for relaxing and swimming when the water level is safe. The main appeal of this area is not dramatic scale, but the combination of water, stone, shade, and quiet forest. Travelers who enjoy peaceful places will appreciate the fact that Khiri Phet Waterfall is less crowded than many of Koh Chang’s better-known attractions.

 

From the first level, visitors can continue about 100 meters to the second waterfall area. This upper section has a more natural atmosphere and should be approached carefully, especially after rain when rocks, soil, and tree roots can become slippery. Visitors should stay on safe routes, avoid climbing risky rocks, and assess weather and water conditions before moving beyond the first pool area. The second level is best for careful nature walking and observation rather than rushing or taking unnecessary risks.

 

The name Khiri Phet reflects the mountain and local identity of the Salak Phet area. The word “khiri” suggests mountains or hills, while “phet” can imply something precious or beautiful. As a waterfall name, it fits a quiet natural site hidden in the forested side of Koh Chang. Visiting Khiri Phet Waterfall helps travelers understand that Salak Phet is not only a coastal community but also an area with forest, freshwater streams, and inland nature.

 

The atmosphere around the waterfall is shaded and calm. The trail is not extremely steep, making it suitable for visitors who want a manageable nature walk. The site is good for a half-day visit, especially when combined with other attractions in the Salak Phet area. Travelers can visit the waterfall, rest by the pool, take photographs, and then continue to local communities, temples, mangrove areas, or seafood restaurants nearby.

 

Khiri Phet Waterfall is a good alternative to busier waterfalls on Koh Chang. Many visitors know Khlong Plu Waterfall on the west coast, but Khiri Phet offers a quieter experience in the Salak Phet area. It is suitable for travelers who prefer local routes, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed nature stop. For those driving around Koh Chang, this waterfall can be included as part of an east-coast or southern island itinerary.

 

The best time to visit Khiri Phet Waterfall is generally from the rainy season to the early cool season, when the stream has more water and the forest is greener. During the dry season, the waterfall may have less water, so visitors who want to swim should ask local residents or accommodation staff about current conditions before going. After heavy rain, the trail and rocks may be slippery, and extra caution is necessary.

 

Recommended activities include walking the short nature trail, swimming in the first-level pool when safe, photographing the 15-meter rock face, resting in the shade, and continuing carefully to the second level. Morning and late afternoon are often pleasant times for photography because the light is softer and the forest colors are more natural. Visitors should carry a waterproof bag if bringing phones or cameras near the water.

 

Swimming at Khiri Phet Waterfall should be done with care. The pool at the first level is small, and natural rocks can be slippery. Visitors should not jump from rocks, climb wet surfaces, or enter areas where the bottom cannot be seen clearly. Children should be supervised closely. Even small waterfalls can be risky if visitors ignore water levels, rock surfaces, or seasonal changes.

 

Khiri Phet Waterfall is connected with the wider natural and protected landscape of Koh Chang. Visitors should avoid littering, using soap or shampoo in the water, damaging plants, or disturbing wildlife. Because the waterfall is not very large, the area can be affected easily by irresponsible behavior. Keeping the site clean helps preserve its quiet local character and protects the natural stream environment.

 

Getting There starts with taking a ferry from mainland Trat to Koh Chang. Once on the island, travel by road toward Ban Salak Phet on the eastern side of Koh Chang. Before reaching the Ko Chang National Park ranger station Ko Chang 3, or Salak Phet ranger station, by about 4 kilometers, there is a sign to Khiri Phet Waterfall on the right-hand side. Follow the route through rubber plantations for about 3 kilometers, then continue on foot for around 20 minutes to reach the waterfall. The route can be traveled by car or motorbike, but drivers should be careful during rain or on wet surfaces.

 

Motorbike riders should be confident because roads on Koh Chang include curves, slopes, and sections that may become slippery. Helmets should always be worn. Families or visitors who prefer not to drive may arrange local transport or a resort transfer. A morning visit is recommended because it allows enough time to walk, swim, rest, and continue to nearby attractions without rushing.

 

Food options near Khiri Phet Waterfall are mainly found in Ban Salak Phet, Ao Salak Phet, and nearby community areas. Visitors can find local restaurants, seafood restaurants, and resort dining options in the Salak Phet zone. It is better to plan meals before or after visiting the waterfall because the waterfall itself is not a large commercial area with many shops. Eating in Salak Phet also gives travelers a chance to experience the local fishing community and the quieter east side of Koh Chang.

 

Accommodation choices depend on the travel style. Visitors who want a quiet local atmosphere can stay around Salak Phet or Salak Khok. These areas are suitable for travelers who want to avoid the busy west coast and focus on nature, fishing villages, mangroves, and slow travel. Travelers who prefer more restaurants, cafés, shops, and beach services may stay on the west coast, such as White Sand Beach, Klong Prao, or Kai Bae, and visit Khiri Phet Waterfall as a half-day or full-day trip.

 

Khiri Phet Waterfall can be combined with nearby attractions such as Ban Salak Phet, Wat Salak Phet, Ao Salak Phet, Salak Khok mangrove forest, and Bang Bao fishing village. A good itinerary can start with the waterfall in the morning, continue with seafood or a local meal in Salak Phet, and then explore mangroves or coastal communities in the afternoon. This route is suitable for travelers who want to see Koh Chang beyond the main beaches.

 

For foreign travelers, Khiri Phet Waterfall is a useful place to experience the local side of Koh Chang. It offers a small waterfall, a short forest walk, a rubber plantation route, a local village setting, and a quiet atmosphere. It is not a dramatic waterfall, but it is meaningful for travelers who enjoy slow travel and natural places away from crowds. The visit helps show that Koh Chang is not only a beach destination but also an island of forest, freshwater, and community life.

 

Khiri Phet Waterfall is therefore a worthwhile natural stop in the Salak Phet area of Koh Chang. It is small, shaded, peaceful, and accessible by a manageable walk. The first waterfall level has a 15-meter rock face and a small natural pool, while the second level is only about 100 meters farther. With proper preparation, careful walking, and respect for the environment, a visit to Khiri Phet Waterfall can add quiet variety and local character to a Koh Chang travel itinerary.

 

 

A: Khiri Phet Waterfall is located in the Ban Salak Phet area of Ko Chang Tai Subdistrict, Ko Chang District, Trat Province, on the eastern side of Koh Chang.

 

A: No. It is a small waterfall. The first level has a rock face about 15 meters high and a small pool suitable for swimming when conditions are safe.

 

A: Travel toward Ban Salak Phet. About 4 km before Ko Chang National Park Ranger Station Ko Chang 3, turn right at the waterfall sign, pass through rubber plantations for about 3 km, then walk about 20 minutes to the waterfall.

 

A: Yes, visitors can swim in the small pool at the first level when water conditions are suitable, but they should be careful of slippery rocks and changing water levels.

 

A: The fee follows Mu Ko Chang National Park rates: Thai adults 40 baht, Thai children 20 baht, foreign adults 200 baht, and foreign children 100 baht.

 

A: The rainy season and early cool season usually provide better water flow and greener forest, while the dry season may have lower water levels.

 

A: Yes, it is suitable for families who enjoy quiet nature, but children should be supervised closely near the pool, rocks, and walking trail.

 

A: Nearby places include Ban Salak Phet, Wat Salak Phet, Ao Salak Phet, Salak Khok Mangrove Forest, and Bang Bao Fishing Village.