Khlong Chao Waterfall (Than Sanuk Waterfall)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 – 18.00

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall, also known as Than Sanuk Waterfall, is one of the most famous natural attractions on Koh Kood in Trat Province. The waterfall has water flowing throughout the year and consists of 3 tiers. The upper tier has the character of a natural stream, while the lower tier forms a large waterfall pool that is especially suitable for swimming and relaxing. Beyond its scenic beauty, Khlong Chao Waterfall is also one of the most historically meaningful places on Koh Kood. In 1911, King Rama VI, King Vajiravudh, visited Koh Kood and gave the waterfall the royal name “Anam Kok Waterfall” in memory of Ong Chiang Sue. This makes Khlong Chao Waterfall both a nature attraction and a historical landmark of the island.

 

Koh Kood is widely known for its clear sea, white beaches, quiet bays, and peaceful island atmosphere. However, the island is not only about beaches. Its inland landscape includes forest, streams, freshwater pools, and waterfalls that give travelers a deeper understanding of the island’s natural character. Khlong Chao Waterfall is one of the best places to experience this side of Koh Kood. It offers a refreshing contrast to the beach, allowing visitors to move from saltwater swimming to freshwater swimming in the same trip.

 

The waterfall has 3 natural levels, each with a different atmosphere. The upper level is more stream-like, with water flowing through shaded forest and rock areas. The middle section connects the flow between the stream and the lower fall. The lower level is the most popular part of the waterfall because it has a large natural pool where visitors can swim, cool down, take photographs, and rest in the shade. This lower pool is one of the reasons why Khlong Chao Waterfall has become a must-visit stop for many travelers staying on Koh Kood.

 

One of the strengths of Khlong Chao Waterfall is that water flows throughout the year. The amount of water changes with the season, but the waterfall remains a key freshwater attraction of the island. During the rainy season and early cool season, the forest becomes greener and the waterfall feels more powerful and refreshing. During the main tourist season, the water level may be gentler, but the site remains popular because travel conditions on the island are easier and the waterfall is convenient to combine with beaches, resorts, and restaurants in the Khlong Chao area.

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall is relatively easy to reach compared with many other island waterfalls. Travelers can go by motorbike, rented vehicle, resort transfer, or local transport to the entrance area, then continue on foot for a short distance. The walking route is shaded and natural, giving visitors a pleasant transition from the island road into the forest. The sound of water and the surrounding greenery make the short walk part of the experience rather than just an access route.

 

The lower pool of Khlong Chao Waterfall is the main swimming area. The pool is broad enough for visitors to relax and cool down, and the water is surrounded by trees and rocks. Travelers should still be careful when swimming, especially after heavy rain or when water flow is stronger. Rocks may be slippery, water depth can vary, and jumping into the pool without knowing the depth is not recommended. Families with children should supervise them closely at all times.

 

The waterfall is suitable for many types of travelers: families, couples, groups of friends, solo travelers, and foreign visitors looking for an island nature experience beyond the beach. Koh Kood has many beautiful coastal areas such as Khlong Chao Beach, Ao Noi, Bang Bao Bay, Ao Phrao, and Ao Yai, but Khlong Chao Waterfall adds another dimension to the island. A good Koh Kood itinerary should include both sea and inland nature, and this waterfall is one of the easiest places to do that.

 

The historical importance of Khlong Chao Waterfall makes it stand out from ordinary waterfalls. King Rama VI visited Koh Kood in 1911 and gave Khlong Chao Waterfall the name “Anam Kok Waterfall” in memory of Ong Chiang Sue. This royal connection gives the waterfall cultural significance and connects Koh Kood with a broader historical context. Visitors who come here are not only enjoying a natural pool and stream but also entering a place linked with Thai royal history and regional memory.

 

The name Khlong Chao is connected with the Khlong Chao area of Koh Kood, one of the island’s most important visitor zones. This area includes the canal, beach, resorts, restaurants, and local travel routes. Because many visitors stay near Khlong Chao Beach, the waterfall is easy to include as a half-day activity. Travelers can visit the waterfall in the morning or afternoon, return for lunch or dinner near the beach, and end the day with sunset by the sea.

 

The natural environment around the waterfall is shaded and refreshing. Trees, stream water, rocks, and forest humidity create a cooler atmosphere than open beach areas. Photography is also rewarding here. Visitors can capture the waterfall pool, the stream, the rock surfaces, the walking route, and the green forest surrounding the water. Morning and late afternoon usually provide softer light, while midday can be brighter and warmer.

 

Safe swimming is important at Khlong Chao Waterfall. Visitors who are not strong swimmers should stay in shallow or safer areas. Children should always remain close to adults. Wet rocks should be treated with caution, and visitors should not climb or jump from high points without full knowledge of the water depth and local conditions. After rain, extra caution is needed because the flow and surface conditions can change quickly.

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall is also a place where responsible travel matters. Visitors should not leave rubbish behind, should not use soap or shampoo in the water, should not damage plants, and should not disturb wildlife or other visitors. Koh Kood’s beauty depends on the health of its natural environment. Keeping the waterfall clean and peaceful helps preserve the experience for future travelers.

 

Getting There begins with traveling to Koh Kood, usually by boat from Laem Sok Pier in Trat Province. After arriving on the island, visitors can travel to the waterfall by resort transfer, local vehicle, rented motorbike, or rented car. Khlong Chao Waterfall is located on the western side of Koh Kood, not far from the Khlong Chao Beach area. After reaching the entrance area, visitors park and walk a short distance to the waterfall. Comfortable footwear is recommended because the path is natural and may be slippery after rain.

 

Travelers staying around Khlong Chao Beach, High Season Pool Villa & Spa, Peter Pan Resort, Tinkerbell Resort, Wendy The Pool Resort, or nearby resorts can reach the waterfall conveniently. Visitors staying farther away, such as around Ao Salat, Ao Yai, or Ao Phrao, should allow more travel time because Koh Kood roads include slopes and curves, and there is no dense public transport system like in cities. Renting a motorbike is common, but it is best for riders with experience on island roads.

 

The area near Khlong Chao has many restaurants, cafés, and resorts compared with quieter parts of the island. This makes it easy to combine the waterfall with meals, beach time, and other activities. Travelers can visit the waterfall in the morning, have lunch in the Khlong Chao area, relax on the beach in the afternoon, and enjoy sunset in the evening.

 

The best time of day to visit is from morning to early afternoon. The weather is usually more comfortable, and visitors have enough time to swim and rest without rushing. Afternoon visits are also possible, but travelers should leave the natural area before dark because some island roads have limited lighting. During the monsoon season, visitors should check conditions before going because access may be restricted for safety.

 

For foreign travelers, Khlong Chao Waterfall is one of the places that shows why Koh Kood is more than a beach destination. The island has quiet bays, clear sea, tropical forest, freshwater streams, royal history, and local communities. A visit to Khlong Chao Waterfall adds depth to a Koh Kood trip and gives travelers a fuller experience of the island’s natural and cultural identity.

 

Khlong Chao Waterfall, or Than Sanuk Waterfall, should be included in a Koh Kood travel plan for anyone who enjoys freshwater swimming, shaded forest scenery, natural pools, and meaningful historical places. With proper preparation, respect for nature, and enough time to enjoy the site slowly, this waterfall can become one of the most memorable experiences on Koh Kood, Trat Province.

 

 

A: Khlong Chao Waterfall is located in Ko Kut Subdistrict, Ko Kut District, Trat Province, on the western side of Koh Kood.

 

A: Yes. It is also known as Than Sanuk Waterfall and has the royal name Anam Kok Waterfall.

 

A: Khlong Chao Waterfall has 3 tiers. The upper tier is stream-like, while the lower tier forms a large natural pool suitable for swimming.

 

A: King Rama VI visited Koh Kood in 1911 and gave the waterfall the royal name Anam Kok Waterfall in memory of Ong Chiang Sue.

 

A: Yes. The lower natural pool is a popular swimming area, but visitors should be careful of slippery rocks, water depth, and stronger flow after rain.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee.

 

A: Morning to early afternoon is recommended because the weather is more comfortable and there is enough time to swim and return before dark.

 

A: Travelers take a boat from Laem Sok Pier to Koh Kood, then use a local transfer, rented car, or motorbike to reach the waterfall entrance and walk a short distance to the waterfall.