Sivatara Waterfall: Lamai's Scenic Adventure Hub

Overview

Sivatara Waterfall (often spelled Siva Tara) is one of the most accessible and activity-rich nature spots on Koh Samui. Located in the heart of Lamai, it serves as the centerpiece of a privately managed adventure park that includes the famous Lamai Viewpoint, the Valentine Stone, and a thrilling canopy zipline. Unlike the raw, hidden falls of the central mountains, Sivatara is a manicured destination designed for a full half-day of family-friendly exploration.

The waterfall itself is a graceful cascade that tumbles down a series of boulders into a series of man-made and natural pools at the base of the Lamai hills.

The Valentine Stone

At the entrance to the park, just before you reach the waterfall, you will encounter the Valentine Stone. This is a massive, naturally formed granite boulder that bears a striking resemblance to a heart.

• The Legend: Local folklore suggests that couples who touch the stone together and make a wish will be blessed with eternal love.
• Photography: It is one of the most Instagrammed spots on the island, especially for couples and honeymooners.
• The Garden: The stone is set within a beautifully landscaped tropical garden filled with colorful hibiscus and orchid plants.

The Waterfall & Fish Spa

The Sivatara Waterfall provides a constant, cooling mist to the lower garden area. While it is not a massive vertical drop like Na Muang, its tiered flow is very picturesque.

• The Pools: At the base of the falls, you’ll find specialized pools for a fish spa experience.
• The Experience: For a small fee, you can sit on the edge of the pool and let hundreds of tiny “doctor fish” (Garra Rufa) nibble the dead skin from your feet. It’s a ticklish and refreshing way to start your visit.
• Swimming: While there are basins at the base, they are primarily used for the fish spa and viewing; for a traditional swim, the nearby Lamai Beach is a better option.

Lamai Viewpoint Hike

For those with a bit of energy, the hike from the waterfall to the Lamai Viewpoint observation deck is a must-do.

• The Path: The trail is a paved concrete walkway with handrails. However, it is incredibly steep.
• The Climb: It takes about 10 to 15 minutes of steady climbing to reach the top.
• The Reward: Once you arrive at the upper platform, you are treated to one of the most stunning panoramic views of Lamai Bay and the sparkling Gulf of Thailand.
• The Cable Car: If the heat is too much or you have limited mobility, there is a funicular-style “pink cable car” that can whisk you to the top for an additional fee.

Zipline & Adventure

Sivatara is also a prime location for thrill-seekers. The park operates a high-speed zipline that glides directly over the jungle canopy.

• The Ride: You soar from the high viewpoint back down toward the waterfall area.
• The View: As you fly, you get a unique bird’s-eye perspective of the Sivatara cascades and the palm-fringed coastline.
• Safety: The equipment is modern and the staff provides a full safety briefing before every flight.

Dining & Refreshments

You won’t go hungry or thirsty at Sivatara. The park features two distinct dining areas:

1. Tara Bistro: Located at the base near the waterfall and Valentine Stone. It’s a casual spot for fruit shakes, ice cream, and quick Thai snacks.
2. Viewpoint Bar & Restaurant: Perched at the very top of the hill. There is nothing quite like enjoying a cold beer or a fresh coconut while sitting in one of their hanging “nest” chairs overlooking the ocean.

Getting There

Sivatara Waterfall is located on the eastern side of the island.

Open the full map

• Location: It is tucked just behind the main Ring Road (Route 4169) in Lamai.
• Landmark: Look for the Lamai Post Office. The turn-off for the waterfall is directly opposite or adjacent to the post office area, marked by large signs for “Valentine Stone & Waterfall.”
• Parking: There is a large, shaded parking area for both scooters and cars at the entrance.

Sivatara month by month

Each column is a month: the island's rain rises above the line, this fall's own flow hangs below it. Pick a month to read the water, the swim and the verdict.

Rain above, the fall below

Jan 125 Rushing Feb 65 Rushing Mar 115 Trickling Apr 85 Trickling May 130 Trickling Jun 135 Rushing Jul 115 Rushing Aug 100 Rushing Sep 120 Rushing Now Oct 295 Rushing Nov 445 Rushing Dec 265 Rushing

Island rain, mm, above the line This fall's flow below it: strong, good, low; dotted is dry

January Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 125 mm over 8 days
• Island crowds high

February Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 65 mm over 4 days
• Island crowds high

March A thin line of water, wade in the pools

• Flow: Trickling
• No pool
• 115 mm over 5 days
• Island crowds moderate

April A thin line of water, wade in the pools

• Flow: Trickling
• No pool
• 85 mm over 6 days
• Island crowds moderate

May A thin line of water, wade in the pools

• Flow: Trickling
• No pool
• 130 mm over 11 days
• Island crowds low

June Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 135 mm over 10 days
• Island crowds low

July Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 115 mm over 11 days
• Island crowds moderate

August Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 100 mm over 10 days
• Island crowds moderate

September Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 120 mm over 11 days
• Island crowds low

October Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 295 mm over 16 days
• Island crowds low

November Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 445 mm over 16 days
• Island crowds low

December Running well: the best months to see it

• Flow: Rushing
• No pool
• 265 mm over 12 days
• Island crowds high

Sivatara and three other falls

Each card shows a fall's year, with this month marked, so you can see which one fits your day.

• 

  You are here

  Sivatara

  Rushing

  Walk

  10-15 min

  Gate

  100 THB / 300 THB

  Kind

  Managed park

  Flow rank

  No. 5 of 11
• 

  Na Muang

  Roaring

  Walk

  5-40 min

  Gate

  60 THB, parking only

  Kind

  Roadside

  Flow rank

  No. 6 of 11
• 

  Wang Sao Thong

  Roaring

  Walk

  15-20 min

  Gate

  30 THB, parking only

  Kind

  Jungle walk

  Flow rank

  No. 11 of 11
• 

  Khao Yai

  Roaring

  Walk

  5-10 min

  Gate

  20 THB, parking only

  Kind

  Roadside

  Flow rank

  No. 7 of 11

The full list and the year of every fall

Entry Fees

The park uses a tiered pricing system (as of 2026):

• Waterfall & Valentine Stone Only: 100 THB (includes a free bottle of water).
• Viewpoint Access (Hike): 300 THB.
• Viewpoint Access (Cable Car): 400 THB.
• Zipline Packages: Usually start around 800-1,000 THB and include all other entry fees.

FAQ

Is Sivatara Waterfall real or man-made? It is a natural waterfall that has been enhanced with stone steps and landscaping to make it more accessible and visually appealing for visitors.

How long does it take to see everything? If you are doing the hike to the viewpoint and stopping for a drink, allow for about 1.5 to 2 hours. If you add the zipline, allow for 3 hours.

Is it accessible for people with knee problems? The lower area (Waterfall and Valentine Stone) is flat and very accessible. For the viewpoint, we highly recommend paying the extra fee for the cable car rather than attempting the steep hike.

When is the best time to visit? Late afternoon (around 4:00 PM) is ideal. The heat has subsided, and the lighting over Lamai Bay is perfect for golden hour photography.

Can I bring my own food? While you can bring snacks, the on-site restaurants offer a great selection and the prices are reasonable considering the spectacular location. Outside alcohol is generally not permitted.