Jungle walk No. 10 of 11 by flow
Lat Wanon Waterfall: Free 30-Minute Jungle Hike in Lipa Noi
Lat Wanon Waterfall in Lipa Noi is free, a 30-minute jungle hike off Route 4174, and best Nov-Jan. Directions, trail, swimming and dry-season tips.
Lat Wanon this month October
- Flow
- Rushing
- Good, Oct
- Swim
- Swim OK
- Feb, Mar, Oct
- Island rain
- 295 mm
- over 16 days
This waterfall
Lat Wanon
- Form
- Cascade
- Kind
- Jungle walk
- Walk in
- 20-30 min
- Distance
- 2.5 km loop
- Difficulty
- 2 out of 5
- Surface
- dirt
- Swim
- 3 months Feb, Mar, Oct
- Elevation
- 37 m at the pin
- Facilities
- solitude shade
- Entry Fee
- Free
- Location
- Lipa Noi, west Koh Samui, inland from the Lipa Noi coast (GPS about 9.5005, 99.9602)
- Hike Duration
- 20 to 30 minutes
- Parking
- Roadside, no official lot
- Best Months
- November to January; often dry April to August
- Difficulty
- Moderate (can be slippery)
- Vibe
- Entirely natural and often deserted
Free
At the gate
Overview
Lat Wanon Waterfall (also spelled Wanorn, Lardwanorn or Lad Wanon) is a free, unsigned waterfall in Lipa Noi on Koh Samui’s west side, reached by a roughly 30-minute jungle hike from a roadside parking spot off Route 4174. Unlike the towering vertical drops elsewhere on the island, it is a sprawling series of rapids, cascades and shallow rock pools winding through a boulder-strewn valley. It flows best from November to January and is often dry from April to August.
Lat Wanon is not on many mainstream tourist maps, so it is quieter than Na Muang. There are no souvenir shops, no paved parking lot and no ticket booth. The same valley is also used by ATV and UTV adventure tours from Lipa Noi, so you may hear engines on the approach road; the waterfall itself is a short walk away from it.
The Experience
Visiting Lat Wanon Waterfall feels more like a local exploration than a tourist outing. The journey takes you through the heart of Samui’s agricultural west coast, passing through lush coconut groves and banana plantations before the road simply ends at the edge of the jungle.
The area is a paradise for nature photographers and those who appreciate the smaller details of the rainforest. The way the water has carved deep channels into the massive boulders over thousands of years is a testament to the power of nature. It is a “raw” experience in every sense of the word.
The Jungle Trail
The hike to Lat Wanon is part of the draw for adventure seekers. It is a roughly 1 km trek that follows the stream inland toward the mountains.
- Terrain: The trail is a mix of dirt paths, exposed tree roots, and large stones. It is not a manicured path, and in some sections, you will need to scramble over boulders.
- Atmosphere: The canopy is very thick here, providing deep shade but also trapping humidity. It is a hot, sweaty walk, which makes reaching the water all the more satisfying.
- Navigation: The trail can be faint in places. One local listing describes the original eco-tourist route as abandoned, so expect to pick your own line. If you lose the path, stay close to the sound of the running water and follow the stream upward.
- Longer option: AllTrails lists a Lardwanorn waterfall route of about 4.2 km with a steady climb; see our Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop for the full hike, or the AllTrails route page for its recorded track.
Swimming & Rapids
Lat Wanon is less about deep diving and more about relaxing in refreshing “nature baths.”
- The Rock Pools: As the water flows down the valley, it settles into various basins carved into the rock. These pools are generally shallow (ranging from knee to waist-deep), making them perfect for sitting and cooling off.
- The Hydro-Massage: The rapids sections between the pools create a natural “Jacuzzi” effect. Finding a flat rock to sit on while the cool mountain water rushes over your shoulders is one of the most relaxing experiences Samui has to offer.
- Privacy: Because the waterfall is spread out over a long distance, you can easily find your own private tier far away from the trail entrance.
How to Get to Lat Wanon Waterfall
Lat Wanon Waterfall is located on the west side of the island, inland from the Lipa Noi coast.
- Directions: From Lipa Noi Beach, follow road 4174 inland toward the Samui Safari Nature Tour. You will pass signs for “Safari” tours, then the road narrows and passes through fruit plantations. From Chaweng or Lamai, expect roughly 25-40 minutes by scooter or car.
- By Songthaew or Taxi: A songthaew heading to Lipa Noi gets you into the area (30-40 minutes from Chaweng or Lamai, per local listings), but the last stretch to the trailhead is easiest with your own scooter or a taxi.
- The Trailhead: The road eventually ends at a small clearing near a stream. This is where you park your vehicle. There is no official parking lot, so ensure you park your scooter or car off to the side to allow local farmers to pass.
- By Scooter: This is the most efficient way to reach the trailhead, and parking is at the roadside. The road is paved most of the way and is not as steep as the roads to the central mountain falls.
Best Time to Visit
Lat Wanon is one of the most seasonal waterfalls on Koh Samui. Its character changes dramatically depending on the month.
| Period | Water Flow | Vibe |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Jan | High | ★★★★★ The best time to see the rapids and swim in the pools. |
| Feb - Mar | Moderate | ★★★★ Still flowing, but pools are shallower. Great hiking weather. |
| Apr - Aug | Low / Dry | ★★ Often just dry boulders; visit for the jungle trek only. |
| Sep - Oct | Rising | ★★★ Flow returns with the early rains; can be very muddy. |
Important Note: If it hasn’t rained for several weeks, Lat Wanon can be completely dry. It is best to check the recent weather before making the trip.
Island rain, mm, above the line This fall's flow below it: strong, good, low; dotted is dry Swim month
January Most dramatic, admire it from the rocks
- Flow: Roaring
- Too strong
- 125 mm over 8 days
- Island crowds high
February The swim months: water to swim in
- Flow: Rushing
- Swim OK
- 65 mm over 4 days
- Island crowds high
March The swim months: water to swim in
- Flow: Rushing
- Swim OK
- 115 mm over 5 days
- Island crowds moderate
April Bare rock: come back after the rain
- Flow: Silent
- Too low
- 85 mm over 6 days
- Island crowds moderate
May Bare rock: come back after the rain
- Flow: Silent
- Too low
- 130 mm over 11 days
- Island crowds low
June Bare rock: come back after the rain
- Flow: Silent
- Too low
- 135 mm over 10 days
- Island crowds low
July Bare rock: come back after the rain
- Flow: Silent
- Too low
- 115 mm over 11 days
- Island crowds moderate
August Bare rock: come back after the rain
- Flow: Silent
- Too low
- 100 mm over 10 days
- Island crowds moderate
September A thin line of water, wade in the pools
- Flow: Trickling
- Too low
- 120 mm over 11 days
- Island crowds low
October The swim months: water to swim in
- Flow: Rushing
- Swim OK
- 295 mm over 16 days
- Island crowds low
November Most dramatic, admire it from the rocks
- Flow: Roaring
- Too strong
- 445 mm over 16 days
- Island crowds low
December Most dramatic, admire it from the rocks
- Flow: Roaring
- Too strong
- 265 mm over 12 days
- Island crowds high
Is It Safe to Swim at Lat Wanon?
Yes in the dry months, with care. The pools are shallow (knee to waist deep), so there is no cliff jumping, but the granite is covered in moss and very slippery. Check the water depth before you step into any basin, wear shoes with a strong rubber grip and do not hike alone or after dark. After heavy rain, stay out of the stream: it can rise fast and turn brown, as in the photo above. The same flash-flood caution applies to every waterfall on the island, see our rainy season guide.
What to Bring and What to Combine
Bring water, swimwear, a towel, mosquito repellent and a small amount of cash, since there are no shops at the trailhead. The waterfall pairs well with a quiet afternoon on the west coast: Lipa Noi has the sunset-facing beach and simple seafood restaurants, and Nathon is the island’s main town for ferries, markets and supplies.
Which Samui Waterfalls Are the Alternatives?
If Lat Wanon is dry or you want an easier walk, Na Muang Waterfalls (parking 20 THB motorbike, 60 THB car; entry free per recent reports) are the most accessible. Hin Lad Waterfall near Nathon is a jungle trail with a forest temple, and Tartain Waterfall is an interior hike near the Secret Buddha Garden. The month-by-month flow comparison is in our waterfalls and hikes guide.
Practical Tips
Since Lat Wanon is remote and lacks facilities, preparation is key:
- No Amenities: There are no shops, toilets, or food stalls at the waterfall or the trailhead. Bring everything you need, including plenty of water.
- Footwear: Do not attempt this hike in flip-flops. The rocks are often covered in moss and are incredibly slippery when wet. Wear shoes with a strong rubber grip.
- Mosquitoes: The still pools and humid jungle make this a hotspot for mosquitoes. Apply a high-quality repellent before you start the hike.
- Leave No Trace: Because there is no trash collection here, it is vital that you carry out everything you bring in to preserve this pristine environment.
FAQ
Where is Lat Wanon Waterfall? Lat Wanon Waterfall is in Lipa Noi on the west side of Koh Samui, inland from the Lipa Noi coast. From Lipa Noi Beach, follow Route 4174 toward the Samui Safari Nature Tour, park at the roadside and walk about 30 minutes.
Is Lat Wanon Waterfall open all year? Yes, there is no gate or fixed hours, but flow depends on rain. It runs best from November to January and can be dry from April to August, so check recent weather first.
Is Lat Wanon Waterfall good for families? Only for families with older children who enjoy a bit of a challenge. The trail requires balance and some climbing over rocks, which may be difficult for young children or the elderly.
Can I swim at Lat Wanon? Yes, but it’s more about wading and sitting in the pools than swimming laps. The water is shallow but very refreshing.
How long should I spend there? Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours in total, including the hike and time to relax at the pools.
Is it easy to find? It can be tricky as the signage is minimal. Using GPS coordinates or a reliable offline map is recommended to find the exact end of the road where the trail starts.
Is there an entry fee? No, Lat Wanon is currently free to visit and does not have an official entrance gate. It is one of the last few “wild” waterfalls on the island.
Before you go
Where this water comes from
The water comes down from 595 m of hillside
Lat Wanon sits 11 of 11 by height. Rain on the slopes above reaches the pool before the sky over it turns: watch the hills, not the pool.
Rule one: Rising flow
If it rains upstream, get out of the water
Rain upstream can lift a fall's flow within the hour, well before it starts raining where you're standing. Watch for water that turns brown, rises or gets louder, and take the way down slowly.
-
Wet rock
Granite turns slippery within seconds of getting wet, shaded patches included. Move slowly near any ledge.
-
Never dive
Pool depth shifts with the season and the rock underneath is often out of sight. Wade in, don't jump.
-
Wear real shoes
Flip-flops slide on wet stone. Closed shoes or grippy sandals make every one of these walks safer.
-
Leeches after rain
The jungle falls can carry leeches on the trail right after rain. Long socks help more than repellent does.
-
What dry means
A dry month here means bare rock, not a smaller waterfall. There is no trickle to see, only stone.
-
Carry it out
None of these trails have bins along the way. Whatever you bring in, fruit peel included, leaves with you too.
Nearby Places
Bearings from the pool
What else is close
Beaches
- Tong Yang Beach 2.8 km WNW, 284°
- Lipa Noi Beach 3.2 km WSW, 258°
Temples
- Wat Namtok Hin Lad 2.3 km NNW, 348°
- Wat Nara Charoen Suk 2.8 km WSW, 252°
Hikes
- Tartain Waterfall Trek 1.3 km SSE, 159°
- Lardwanorn Waterfall Loop 2.3 km WSW, 248°
Waterfalls
- Tartan Waterfall Koh Samui (Tartain) 1.3 km SSE, 159°
- Hin Lad Waterfall 2.4 km NNE, 18°