When television or feature films are set on paradise tropical islands, one of the common features is a dramatic waterfall. Waterfalls evoke exotic feelings in the minds of the viewer; something purely natural and intrinsically beautiful. The combination of deserted beaches, rich blue tropical seas and lush tropical forest with the mystical waterfall is presented on screen as the paradise idyll; exceptional in its rarity and almost unattainable in reality. Although such places are indeed rare, these earthly natural paradises do exist in real life and one of the best examples is on the Thai island of Koh Chang.
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{timg title:=”Klong Plu Waterfall Koh Chang” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-klongplu-1.JPG” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-klongplu-1-b.JPG” gal:=”gallery-content”} Koh Chang is a jewel of an island nestled close off shore on Thailand’s eastern seaboard. It is in typically associated with pristine sandy beaches and crystal blue seas, but look inward and the island also offers some of the best and easily accessible natural rainforest. Koh Chang’s interior is blanketed with virgin mountain rainforest, criss-crossed with rivers and dotted with some stunning waterfalls. {timg title:=”Tourist enjoying Klong Plu Waterfall” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-klongplu-2.JPG” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-klongplu-2-b.JPG” gal:=”gallery-content”} Visitors to Koh Chang who are prepared to leave their beach loungers and do a bit of hiking can visit a number of spectacular waterfalls. The most popular is Klong Plu, and to reach these falls is an easy 20 minute hike on a well-used trail. The waterfall is three-tiered, which makes for spectacular photo opportunities, especially if visited early in the morning before other tourists begin to gather. Klong Plu has the easiest accessibility from the beach resorts and for that reason can get quite crowded later in the day.
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{timg title:=”Than Mayom Waterfall Koh Chang” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-Than-Mayom.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-Than-Mayom-b.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} Visitors are less likely to visit Than Mayom falls as the 45 minute hike requires a higher level of exertion. However a visit is worth it not just for the spectacular series of waterfall but also for the breathtaking views. It is possible to camp at Than Mayom falls and tents are available for hire. Many people find a camping is worth it for the legendary sunrises from Than Mayom. {timg title:=”Klong Nueng Waterfall Koh Chang” thumb:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-Klong-Nueng.jpg” img:=”images/stories/srv/blog/Waterfall-Klong-Nueng-b.jpg” gal:=”gallery-content”} The truly adventurous who wish to escape having to share nature’s bounty with others head for Koh Chang’s tallest waterfall, Klong Nueng. It is possible to find guides who will take visitors to Klong Nueng, but truly intrepid explorers can make the journey themselves by heading for the village of Salakphet. Klong Nueng is set in some spectacular forest with towering, lichen covered cliffs. It takes about an hour of fairly challenging hiking to reach Klong Nueng. The route to the foot of the falls is not well marked and some trial and error is involved. The way is blocked by a large boulder which needs navigating by either climbing over the top or finding a route around. The reward is worth the considerable effort; Klong Nueng is the epitome of the paradise waterfall as portrayed in film and television. The waters foam and spray as they plunge down the mountain into a tropical pool that is so clean and pure it takes your breath away. NB. Visitors who do explore Koh Chang’s interior by themselves are strongly advised to notify someone of their intended destination and take a telephone and reliable contact number before setting out in the event of an emergency.
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