Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan

Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan, established on December 31, 1983, spans an area of 39.12 km². The park’s boundaries were expanded to their current size on February 10, 1999. This national park status helps maintain the cleanliness of the waterfall and surrounding jungle, curbing illegal hunting and preventing the kind of uncontrolled development that has affected other parts of the island. Thanks to the presence of a manned National Park office and the efforts of local residents, Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan remains a pristine part of the island.

Historical Significance

Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan is named after the royal visits of King Rama V, who first came to the island to visit the waterfall in 1888 and returned fourteen times over the next 21 years. His initials can still be seen carved in a commemorative rock near the river estuary where the waterfall empties into the sea at Than Sadet Beach. The national park is referred to as both Than Sadet and Haad Sadet.

The Waterfall

Than Sadet Waterfall is one of the most famous waterfalls on Koh Phangan, consisting of a series of beautiful streams and pools. The waterfall holds historical significance, as past and present kings have left their marks here. King Bhumibol also visited the waterfall, and its water is considered sacred, used in royal ceremonies.

Than Sadet Waterfall is not a single waterfall but a combination of three: Thong Nang, Saampon, and Deang, all within easy reach of one another. The waterfall features beautiful streams and pools along with a continuous range of giant boulders, making it unique. With good hiking shoes, you can walk the entire 3 km trail linking the three waterfalls on the boulders themselves, starting from Than Sadet Beach or various locations along the road into Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan.

Than Sadet Beach and River

Than Sadet Beach is a sandy bay divided by a small freshwater estuary that flows from the waterfalls. The larger beach is about 300 meters long. After a relaxing sea swim, you can wash off the salt in the river mouth before leaving. A small wooden bridge crosses the river, leading to a second, smaller beach called Haad Thong Reng, which is about 100 meters long and just a 5-minute walk away.

Gigantic boulders line the path of the Than Sadet River, many of which bear carvings of various kings’ initials marking their historic visits. The river cascades down the steep mountainside to meet the sea beside Mai Pen Rai Resort.

Hiking Trails

Many trails lead over the high ridges on either side of the cove, passing through hibiscus bushes, coconut and banana groves, and mango, papaya, and cashew trees into the dense jungle. Popular hikes include a 25-minute uphill trek to a flat rock offering a superb view of Than Sadet Beach and an hour-long hike to nearby Tong Nai Pan Beach.

Wildlife

Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan is home to a variety of wildlife. Recently, monkeys have started to reappear at the waterfall. Other native creatures include wild boar, deer, squirrels, possums, and harmless, alligator-like giant monitor lizards. Bats, flying foxes, spiders, snakes, dolphins, and turtles are also frequently spotted. Offshore, fish such as red snapper, mackerel, and barracuda can be caught. Songbirds and large birds of prey, including sea eagles, inhabit the area’s lush vegetation and cliffs.

Getting to Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan

Access to Than Sadet National Park Koh Phangan is easy by motorbike or taxi via a concrete road from Baan Tai. You can also arrive by long-tail taxi boat. The entrance fee to the park is 100 THB.