Waterfalls and giant trees

A trio of waterfalls and two notably impressive old-growth trees will show you the majesty of Ko Kut’s rainforest. All of these spots are free to visit, but don’t expect to see much water flowing from February through May.

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Khlong Chao Waterfall Once visited by King Rama VII, this is the most popular waterfall on Kut and it gets especially busy with Thai visitors who flock in on holidays and weekends. The trail in leads you past gnarly boulders before emerging at a wide oval pool with the falls churning over a six-metre cliff and a shelf reachable after a climb (only when the falls aren’t too strong). Vines and branches dangle over a rope swing for tumbling yourself into the cool water.

Khlong Chao can get busy, but we were in luck. Photo taken in or around Waterfalls and giant trees, Ko Kut, Thailand by David Luekens.

Khlong Chao can get busy, but we were in luck. Photo: David Luekens

The waterfall is situated a few kilometres west of Khlong Chao Beach with signs marking the way. You can also kayak or employ a private boat for a cruise through the mangroves on the actual Khlong Chao waterway, and then walk to the falls from a little docking area nearby.

Khlong Yai Ki Waterfall This little-visited waterfall is located in northern Ko Kut on the way to Soneva Kiri and Bann Makok—look for signs pointing right into the car park. From there it’s a fairly steep climb down a stairway before you reach a streambed near the falls, which look a lot like a smaller version of Khlong Chao Waterfall.

Blissfully deserted at Khlong Yai Ki Waterfall. Photo taken in or around Waterfalls and giant trees, Ko Kut, Thailand by Stuart McDonald.

Blissfully deserted at Khlong Yai Ki Waterfall. Photo: Stuart McDonald

Khlong Yai Ki has a deep pool for swimming along with smooth rock surfaces for sunbathers who could use a break from the beach. It can be combined with a day trip that also includes kayaking from Bann Makok to the sublime Khlong Yai Ki Beach. Otherwise, it’s no big deal to give this one a pass.

Huang Nam Kaew Waterfall Our favourite of Ko Kut’s three waterfalls thanks in large part to the deep-jungle setting, Huang Nam Kaew has three tiers of water cascading over short cliffs with forest towering overhead. The short but steep trail drops you at the middle tier, and from there it’s an easy hop up to the slightly larger upper tier. To get a full view of the lowest tier you’ll have to climb down a steep section that should be manageable for casual rock ... please log in to read the rest of this story.