Thakow Waterfall – Koh Yao Noi’s Jungle Falls

Tucked away just meters from the main road circling Koh Yao Noi lies the island’s hidden gem – Thakow Waterfall. Albeit not the biggest or most impressive waterfall, it has a jungle setting that makes the place dynamic for photography and fairytale-esque.

Our adventure began after a dramatic monsoon downpour (lesson learned about visiting Thailand during the rainy season!). With puddles still glistening on the road,  we headed off on our scooter to find the waterfall. Just a short 15-minutes from the main town we found the Thakow waterfall sign. 

The timing of our visit proved perfect as the recent storm had transformed Thakow into a powerful torrent of rushing water. Before we left our host told us it’s less impressive in the dry season, it almost completely dries up

Below we share the best time to visit Thakow Waterfall, how to get there and what to expect. This attraction on Koh Yao Noi may seem small but this seemingly modest attraction is an essential stop on your Koh Yao Noi scooter expedition.

Where Is Thakow Waterfall?

Thakow Waterfall is located on the island of Koh Yao Noi in Thailand. This small island is perfect to explore by scooter, and the waterfall sits on the eastern side near Tha Khao Pier.

How To Get To Thakow Waterfall?

The easiest way to get around Koh Yao Noi is by scooter. Taxis are expensive, and with the heat, walking isn’t ideal.

Scooter rentals cost around 300 THB per day, and since Koh Yao Noi is one of the quieter tourist islands, it’s a great place to learn if you’re a beginner.

The drive from the main town to Thakow Waterfall takes about 15 minutes. On Google Maps, it’s listed as Tha Khao Waterfall, rather than Thakow Waterfall. 

The path is only a 2-mintute walk making this waterfall super accessible.

What To Expect At Thakow Waterfall 

Once you arrive, follow the “Thakow Waterfall” sign up the road. Keep an eye out for a small dirt path that veers off to the left, this is your entrance to the waterfall trail, and it’s completely free. To get on the correct path, you’ll need to step over some visible blue water pipes, originally we went too far up the concrete path but turned back and spotted the trail. The walk from here is incredibly short, around 2 minutes, and more of a gentle stroll than a hike.

If it’s rained recently, you’ll likely hear the soft rush of water before you even see the falls. The trail winds just 30 meters through lush jungle, with tropical foliage pressing in on both sides. Then, almost suddenly, Thakow Waterfall reveals itself, flowing gently out of the greenery like something from a fairy-tale. It’s not a towering cascade, but it’s peaceful, secluded setting, makes it a perfect backdrop for photos.

We don’t recommend swimming in the pool at the base of the waterfall, our local host warned us about possible venomous snakes that sometimes linger in the undergrowth or near the water’s edge. Better safe than sorry! If you’re looking to cool off, Tha Khao Beach is just a short ride away and far more inviting for a dip.

There’s no official car park, but you can easily leave your scooter parked on the side of the road without any issues. This is a quick stop that only takes around 5-10 minutes.

The best time to visit is during the rainy season, especially after a storm, when the waterfall is at its most impressive. During the dry season, the flow slows significantly, and the pool can become stagnant, with just a small trickle of water remaining.

After our visit to the falls we headed to Stella Restaurant, one of our favourite on the islands. The tables overlook the seafront with a view classic to Thailand of limestone cliffs. Of course, the Pad Thai and Spring Rolls are delicious! One tip: always carry a small amount of cash. When we visited, the lady at the scooter rental didn’t have any change, but she kindly trusted us to head to a nearby shop, buy something, and return with the money later. Just one of the many reasons we love Thailand!

Final Thoughts on Thakow Waterfall 

Although a quick stop we think visiting Thakow Waterfall is worth it especially after a rainstorm. The waterfall is hidden in the lush jungle making it the perfect backdrop for some amazing photos. We recommend visiting the waterfall on your way to Tha Khao Pier or Beach as they are just next door!