Na Muang Waterfall

Also known as the “Purple Waterfalls” because of the color of the rock faces behind them, the Na Muang falls are considered some of the most picturesque in Koh Samui. The natural attraction is a popular spot for families, and many guided tours of the island include a stop here. The lower tier of the falls is suitable for swimming, and the road leading here is lined with food stalls and souvenir vendors.

• You must be reasonably fit to reach the falls on foot.

• The paths can be steep and slippery, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear.

• The hike to the top of the second waterfall takes about 30 minutes, and the trek can be difficult on a hot day.

• Bring a bathing suit and towel if you want to swim.

The Na Muang Waterfall is located in the south of Koh Samui, 1.5 miles (3 kilometers) inland from the island’s coastal resorts. The falls are just off the road connecting Ban Hua Thanon and Nathon Town. The first tier is a 328-foot (100-meter) walk from the parking lot, while the upper tier is another 328 feet (100 meters) along a more challenging path.

To see the waterfalls at their peak, visiting during the wetter months (September–November). There may not be as much water flowing during drier months, but the pools can still be a good place for a dip. The falls are most crowded from December through February.

Another popular natural attraction, the Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks (Hin Yai and Hin Ta) on Lamai Beach are rocky outcroppings that are a popular photo spot thanks to their unique resemblance to male and female genitalia. Legend has it that they are the bodies of a shipwrecked couple who turned to stone. Guided tours of Koh Samui usually stop to see the rocks.