Exploring the Mu Ko Chang National Park: Going Hiking, Diving, and Waterfalls!
Let’s swim in the pristine jade waters at the Mu Ko Chang National Park in Koh Chang
Welcome to Koh Chang, a luscious tropical island off the coast of Trat, Thailand! If you’re spending time in Koh Chang one of the best things to do on the island is spending time exploring the Mu Koh Chang National Park.
This sprawling 650km² protected area is where the island really shows off its pure natural wonders. Grand jungle covered mountains, hidden rocky trails that lead to crystal blue waterfalls, and walkways that spans an expansive mangrove ecosystem. If you love adventure and nature there is plenty of things to do and in this blog post I will share everything you need to know about exploring Mu Koh Chang National Park! So let’s get to exploring!
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What is the Mu Ko Chang National Park?
Established back in 1982, this protected area covers more than 650km² of jungle, waterfalls, coral reefs, and 52 islands scattered around the Gulf of Thailand, with 70% of the parks’ points of interest being located in Koh Chang. The park also includes nearby small islands like Koh Rang, Koh Wai, and Koh Mak, each offering their own slice of paradise.
From tropical waterfalls to expansive mangrove forest hiking trails, the Mu Ko Chang National Park is a great park to explore if you love nature and a bit of labour intensive activities. The park also features a plethora of wildlife species to encounter, on land you can witness monkeys, hornbills, and even monitor lizards. Offshore, you’ll find colorful coral gardens around Koh Rang that make snorkeling one of the top activities in Koh Chang.
Mu Ko Chang National Park Entrance Fees & Opening Hours
One of the many waterfalls and hiking trails on Koh Chang Island
For foreigners there is a standard entrance fee of 200 THB for adults and 100 THB for children, that you’ll have to pay before entering any points of interest, and I mean each location has their own ticket you need to purchase. For Thai nationals you’ll be paying 40 THB for adults.
The Mu Ko Chang National Park is generally open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, however at some places like the Than Mayom Waterfall they seem to close around ~4:00 PM or honestly whenever the on site waterfall guard decides it’s the end of his shift.
Things to Do: Hiking & Mangrove Forests
A bit rocky but actually an easy climb
Let’s start off with some walking, shall we? Across Koh Chang Island and the Mu Ko Chang National Park there are about a dozen hiking trails, but some are smaller and quite frankly not worth the trip to visit. A lot of these trails go through dense Mangrove forests which itself are vital for protecting Koh Chang’s coastline as well as providing a safe habitat for fishes and other wildlife species, and it’s interesting to be able to witness nature’s architectural prowess.
The majority of these trails are not challenging, and I’ve even seen a group of elderly people making great time trekking through what I thought was a pretty vertical and rocky hike. Anyways, below are the top hiking trails and Mangrove Forest paths that I honestly think are worth checking out in the Mu Ko Chang National Park:
Salak Khok Mangrove Forest Trail
Almost looks fantastical doesn’t it? I assure you this is what the mangrove forest actually looks like
If you want a gentle walk that still shows off the wild side of the Mu Ko Chang National Park, the Salak Khok Mangrove Forest Trail located on the eastern side of Koh Chang is a great and chill choice. It’s a brisk and easy 1 km walk through a leveled wooden boardwalk that twists and turns through a lush Mangrove Forest ecosystem.
Along the way in this peaceful trail you’ll spot mangrove crabs scuttling in the mud, colorful birds in the trees, and endless views of twisted mangrove roots reaching into the water or into the dirt when the tides are low. While in Salak Khok you can also combine this hike with a nice relaxing Gondola Cruise down the same river that these mangroves grow on.
Details about the Salak Khok Mangrove Forest Trail
Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~1 km wooden boardwalk
Highlights: Mangrove ecosystem, birds, and peaceful views
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours (though I don’t think exploring in the late hours is a good idea)
Khao Laem Mountain Hiking Trail
I cannot see my house from up here
On the opposite end of the difficulty spectrum is the Khao Laem Mountain Hiking Trail, one of the most challenging hikes inside the Mu Ko Chang National Park. The trail is about 3.6 km up to the summit (viewpoint), and it’ll take about 3 hours to complete, only for the way up mind you.
You’ll need to hike up a steep rocky climb through a dense jungle, with the total elevation of 600 meters. Along the way you’ll hear nothing but the sounds of cicadas and rustling leaves, with the occasional monkey or hornbill making an appearance. It’s really tough, but the payoff comes at the top with panoramic views over Salak Phet Bay and the scattered islands surrounding the main Koh Chang Island. Is it worth it? ehhh probably not, but with all hikes, it’s about the journey, not the destination.
With that said, the Khao Laem Mountain Hiking Trail is definitely for experienced hikers, and I strongly recommended to go with a local guide since the path isn’t clearly marked. Bring plenty of water, wear good shoes, and expect to get muddy if you’re hiking during or after the rainy season.
Details about the Khao Laem Mountain Hiking Trail
Difficulty: Hard
Length: 3.6 km, 600 meter elevation
Highlights: Dense jungle, panoramic views over Salak Phet Bay
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours (though I don’t think exploring in the late hours is a good idea)
Kai Bae Viewpoint Jungle Path
But I can see nearby islands from Kai Bae Viewpoint
Coming back to a more chill hiking trail, the Kai Bae Viewpoint Jungle Trail is only about 1 km long and easy enough for just about anyone, even the elderly. It winds through a small patch of jungle where you’ll often see butterflies floating around. At the end, you’ll come out to a modest viewpoint that gives you a different perspective of the island compared to the popular roadside viewpoints.
What makes this spot even nicer is the small café near the viewpoint where you can grab a coffee in the morning or afternoon after your walk. It’s not as dramatic as some of the other trails in the Mu Ko Chang National Park, but it’s perfect if you only have a short time or want something simple before heading back to the beach.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: ~1 km
Highlights: Leads to a small viewpoint, cafe, lots of butterflies, great for a quick nature escape
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours (though I don’t think exploring in the late hours is a good idea)
Salak Phet Mangrove Forest
Doesn’t look like you’re on an Island does it?
On the southeast side of Koh Chang, is the Salak Phet Mangrove Forest Trail, a short but beautiful 500 meter long trail that is easy to follow but incredibly beautiful. The beginning of the trail winds through a dense mangrove forest but nearing the end the forest canopy opens up to a grandiose ocean of mangrove tree leaves with bright sunny skies and visible distant mountains. If you come here early in the morning you can even catch the morning mist rising from the mountain peaks.
It’s a short and very easy hike but for me, I enjoyed this hike so much and it was one of the highlights of not just exploring the Mu Ko Chang National Park but exploring the entirety of Koh Chang Island as a whole.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: 500 meters
Highlights: Dense mangrove forest, open section with gorgeous views of distant mountains
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24 hours (though I don’t think exploring in the late hours is a good idea)
Things to Do: Diving & Snorkeling
Hello there!
As you expect, being an island, Koh Chang is a great place for diving, snorkeling, and learning about underwater ecosystems. The Mu Ko Chang National Park encompasses multiple islands like Koh Rang and Koh Wai each with their own protected coral reefs and marine life to explore. Here are some of the spots to consider when choosing where you’d like to go diving or snorkeling in Koh Chang:
Koh Rang - The most popular snorkeling destination with clear waters, healthy coral reefs, and abundant reef fish.
Koh Wai - Quiet and easy to access, ideal for beginners and casual snorkelers.
Koh Lao Ya - Shallow reef, perfect for a peaceful snorkeling session away from crowds.
HTMS Chang Wreck - Thailand’s largest shipwreck dive, ideal for advanced divers, very cool to explore.
Hin Luk Bat - A vibrant reef dive with soft corals and schools of fish.
Hin Rap - Colorful coral formations and excellent visibility for underwater photography.
It can be a bit daunting at first to figure out where is the best place for snorkeling in Koh Chang but luckily there are tour operators that will bring you on a guided adventure, such as this Koh Chang: 3/4 Islands Snorkel & Beach Tour by Big Boat with Lunch. Starting at 8:00AM you’ll join an accommodating and professional tour group that will bring you to 4 spectacular dive sites and islands around Koh Chang such as Koh Rang. You’ll also be treated to lunch as well.
Observing Koh Chang’s Marine Life
Such beautiful coral and marine life, careful not to step on the coral
The best diving season in Koh Chang is definitely between the months of November and April, this is when the sea is calm, visibility is high, coral reefs are in full flourish, and ocean life is at its most. You’ll get the chance to see so many beautiful creatures from colorful reef fishes like the parrotfish, angelfish, clownfish, to the larger species of the barracuda, stingrays, and the occasional rare whale sharks.
But as with all things nature, it needs to be protected and preserved, away from the ignorant destruction of man… That means be aware to not touch the coral as that could actually damage or kill them, and remember to use some reef-safe sunscreen, non of that toxic stuff.
Things to Do: Explore Waterfalls
During the rainy season, the water currents can get pretty strong
Koh Chang and the Mu Ko Chang National park is home to 7 main waterfalls. Though 2 are privately owned and you’ll need to pay a separate fee in order to enter. Honestly visiting one is like visiting them all, don’t feel bad if you didn’t have enough time to visit all of the major waterfalls in Koh Chang.
Below are my recommendations for the 4 best waterfalls in Koh Chang that you should definitely visit though.
Klong Phlu Waterfall
The trek to see Klong Phlu waterfall was a bit tough but it’s short and worth it
The most famous waterfall in Koh Chang is without a doubt the glorious Klong Phlu Waterfall, and it’s one of the main highlights of Mu Ko Chang National Park, if you only have time to visit one of Koh Chang’s waterfalls make it this one. The trail to get there is straightforward, though a bit vertical and rocky, it’s about a 15 minute jungle walk that’s easy enough for seniors to traverse, yeah this is where I saw the group of elders hiking, they even went faster than I did.
You’ll be hiking along the river of which the waterfall’s water flows. Along the way, you’ll pass through shaded forest before reaching the waterfall itself, which cascades into a large plunge pool. The water is cool and refreshing, making it a perfect place to swim after exploring the island’s beaches.
There’s parking available, a ranger station for tickets, and even small food stalls nearby if you need snacks or drinks, and because of its easy access, it’s the most popular waterfall on Koh Chang, so arriving early in the morning is the best way to enjoy the area without the crowds.
Than Mayom Waterfall
Don’t mind me, I am not very photogenic
The most historically significant waterfall in Koh Chang, the Than Mayom Waterfall is known not just for its natural beauty but also for its royal connections. The Thai Kings Rama V, Rama VII, and Rama IX all visited this site and you can even see their inscriptions carved into the rocks by the falls, a cool little side quest is to find these carvings, they’re like video game easter eggs.
The waterfall itself is multi-tiered, with the first level being the easiest to reach on a short jungle walk. However, the second level is a bit more challenging. You’ll need to get your legs wet and cross a fairly deep river (up to your waist at some points). It’s even more challenging if you are visiting during the rainy season when the flowing water is stronger. Fortunately there is a rope that you can cling on to, still be careful though.
Compared to Klong Plu Waterfall, it’s less crowded, so it feels more peaceful and authentic. Entry tickets are as previously mentioned, 200 THB for adults, definitely worth adding to your Koh Chang Itinerary.
Klong Nonsi Waterfall
Hello there! how’s the water?
A very nice and quiet spot is the Klong Nonsi Waterfall, which I think is a hidden gem in Mu Ko Chang National Park. Unlike the bigger and busier waterfalls on Koh Chang, this one is small and peaceful. The trek here isn’t difficult, and you’ll find several tiers of falls with little pools where you can dip your feet and just enjoy the calm tropical jungle surroundings.
While it’s’ not the most eye catching or amazing waterfall on Koh Chang, I think it’s still quite charming for what it is. the Klong Nonsi Waterfall feels more like a hangout spot for locals and less like a major tourist attraction, so you’re more likely to have the place to yourself. It’s a great spot to relax, listen to the sound of running water, and take a break from beach hopping.
Klong Nueng Waterfall
Bright sunny weather is perfect for a quick jump into the waterfall
If the previous section about hiking isn’t enough for you well then let me introduce you to the Khlong Nueng Waterfall, the tallest waterfall in Koh Chang and one of the most rewarding treks in Mu Ko Chang National Park. Warning though, I recommend you are at least somewhat experienced in hiking.
Getting here isn’t as easy as other waterfalls, the overgrown and almost abandoned hiking trail takes around 45 minutes through thick tropical jungles, vertical rocky cliffs, and uneven wet and muddy terrain. There’s a fairly large boulder near the end of the hike that can prove to be a challenge, I recommend you go around it rather than over it as it’s safer. When you reach the end you’ll be treated to the sight of the waterfall set in a narrow and scenic crevice about 3 meters wide and 15 meters long. Here the water flows in a zig-zag fashion.
The great thing is, since this hike is quite difficult and time consuming, few tourists reach here, so you get peace, solitude, and the pure bliss of nature all to yourself. On a clear day, you can even glimpse Koh Mak and Koh Kood in the distance. Just make sure to wear proper shoes, bring water, and ideally go with a buddy or a guide, you’ll want to be prepared for exploring this waterfall.
Tips for Visiting Mu Koh Chang National Park
Don’t ask for more feet pics you weirdo
Ok, now that I’ve shared with you about the many things to do in the Mu Ko Chang National Park, I wanna share some tips that will hopefully make your adventures more enjoyable. For a lot of these locations and activities, you don’t need to prepare much but for things like hiking and exploring waterfalls for example, a little bit of preparation goes a long way. Here aer some tips for exploring the Mu Ko Chang National Park:
Bring cash - For the entrance fee (200 THB for adults, 100 THB for children)
Mornings are best - Start early in the morning to avoid the scorching midday heat and the bigger crowds
Good shoes are a must - For hiking especially as the trails can be steep, muddy, and slippery
Proper swimwear - For waterfalls, and a towel as well
Insect repellent - Your in the tropics, lots of mosquitoes and insects
Beware of malaria - On the topic of insects, though rare diseases like Dengue and Malaria are also a risk so beware
Avoid Rainy Season - Unless you like sticky humid weather and wet hiking trails, also waterfalls are mostly closed for swimming as the currents are too strong
Respect Wildlife - Please don’t be dumb and feed the monkeys, don’t litter as well or I’ll personally slap you in the face with a 7-11 plastic bag.
More Information and Details About Traveling in Koh Chang
Koh Chang Travel Guide - My ultimate Koh Chang travel guide, things to do, places to eat, transportation guide, best beaches, and much more, all you need to travel in Koh Chang!
Best Hotels in Koh Chang - My recommendations for the best resrots and hotels in Koh Chang
Best Restaurants in Koh Chang - My favorite places to eat in Koh Chang for delicious Thai seafood!
How to Get to Koh Chang - My updated 2025 guide on how to get from Bangkok to Koh Chang
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