Surrounded by pristine jungle and mountains on the east coast, near Haad Than Sadet Beach, Than Sadet Waterfall consists of gorgeous streams and clear pools.

In 1888 King Rama V (Chulalongkorn) and his royal family visited the waterfall first and left an inscription on a giant granite boulder as a memorial. He loved it so much he returned 14 times over the next 21 years (some records say 16 times).

His initials can still be seen carved in a commemorative rock near the estuary where the river empties into the sea at Than Sadet Bay. Several other Chakri kings – Rama VI, VII, IX (Bhumibol) and Queen Rampaipannee – also visited and inscribed their titles and dates on the stone.

Than Sadet means “Royal River” in Thai. The water of Than Sadet Waterfall is considered sacred and used for all royal ceremonies. The current King Bhumibol took water from it for royal rituals. The park is named after this royal visit and was established as Than Sadet-Ko Pha Ngan National Park in 1983.

East coast of Koh Phangan, close to Haad Than Sadet Beach, not far from the road leading to the beach.
Inside Than Sadet National Park. Surrounded by mountains and pristine jungles. Best reached by 4×4, motorbike (experienced), or boat + short hike.

• Biggest waterfall on Koh Phangan – multiple tiers, huge granite boulders
• Clear natural pools for swimming and refreshing
• Historic royal inscription rock – see Rama V initials
• Where waterfall empties into sea at Than Sadet Bay – beautiful estuary
• Jungle trail – pristine part of island, unspoiled scenery
• Combine with Than Sadet Beach – small, quiet, sacred beach

• Best in rainy season Aug-Nov – waterfall full, pools deep
• Dry season Mar-Apr may be small but pools still nice
• Bring trekking shoes, water, no flip-flops – rocks slippery
• Respect sacred site – no loud party, keep clean
• No entrance fee for waterfall, national park free
• Can combine with Bottle Beach, Thong Nai Pan tour