Khlong Nonsi Waterfall — Attraction in Trat Province

HANDY NOTE! - I didnt realise, and couldnt find any info stating as such, that most of the waterfalls on Koh Chang are closed or made inaccessible between 1st June - 31st of August each year. Those not manned by the ranger service have trees placed over walkways to stop you getting in. BUT THIS IS NOT THE CASE FOR KHLONG NONSI.

Nice small/medium tiered waterfall. A very pleasant spot for a few hours. Accessed by the road at the side of the municipal offices, which has a blue but very faded sign to point the way, you can drive right up to within 50m of the falls.

We went as a family including a 3 and 5 year old and didnt have a problem but they needed assistance to get up to the 2nd tier as there are a few boulders to hop around and over. Dont be tricked by the first tier which you see as soon as you arrive, cross immediately over the river and follow it up to some concrete steps which go to tier 2. We didnt attempt tier 3 as it was raining and the track was slippy, and were already happy with tier 2.

From here you can see down to tier 1 and up to tier 3 anyway so fine for us. The water is fresh and crystal clear. On this level there are 2 pools, one a few feet higher than the other due to a man made dam which creates an artificial 1m waterfall from one pool to the other. The pools are quite rocky with gaps inbetween large rocks so careful with the kids as the water will be 30cm deep on a rock then 1 step away up to 1m drop, the higher pool is deeper.

Kids loved it and I preferred it over the more commonly visited Thanom Mayom and Khlong Plu. But, this one doesnt seem to have the fish as the others do, whether that be the larger ones that just swim around or the small ones that give you a free foot spa. Taking this into account as well as the uneven pool floor and tougher access with kids the children will much prefer one of the other falls. I'd recommend Thanom Mayom due to shallow pools, abundance of fish, really easy access and even pool floor. The only reason I'd say this one over Khlong Plu is the pool there gets pretty deep and tends to be much busier being on the busy East side of the island.

Only other thing to mention is the blue pipes as pointed out in many places. They do disturb the natural look somewhat, can't deny that. I don't mind them personally, a minor point. Knowing that the village nearby is using the natural resource for their home water supply and irrigation is fine by me, I'd prefer that over the stuff that I get through my pipes so fair...

Entrance to either of the two main falls on Koh Chang, Klong Plu on the west coast and Than Mayom on the east requires payment of the National Park entrance fee. However, there are other falls that can be visited easily and free of charge. Klong Nonsi is one of the free waterfalls on Koh Chang. It lies on the northern fringe of Dan Mai village on the east coast of the island.

Head round to the east coast on your rental scooter, past the local hospital on your right and a couple of minutes ride further south you should see a homemade blue sign for the waterfall on your right. On your left, 50 metres south is a small coffeeshop and if you continue another 200 metres or so then you will reach the island’s main police station on your right and a paved road leading down to the old pier at Dan Mai on your left.

Following the sign brings you to a makeshift car park outside someone’s house. A sign requests that you pay 10 Baht for parking your bike, 30 Baht for a car and there is a biscuit tin honesty box for you to drop your coins or note into. From here the waterfall is about 10-15 minutes easy walk through fruit fields.You will pass through Durian, Longan and Mangosteen fields – in that order.

Just follow the obvious well worn path – which is used by local farmers too – to the river. On the way you will pass a couple of handpainted signed one of which is near a narrow concrete footbridge and says the waterfall is only 50 metres away. It isn’t. Once you reach the river bank go down the moss covered steps and cross, you will get your feet wet, then make your way upstream a short distance. The first level is easily visible and a climb up another set of concrete steps by the first fall and this will bring you to the upper levels. Here there are a couple of small pools where you can swim.

The falls aren’t huge but from May to November, when you can be assured that they have plenty of water in them, it makes for a pleasant detour on a trip...

Overview: This waterfall is a stunning natural attraction, perfect for those seeking adventure and scenic beauty. It offers an excellent opportunity for exploration and nature appreciation.

Accessibility: The parking area is conveniently located next to the river. However, accessing the waterfall requires crossing the river, which can be challenging. It’s essential to wear appropriate trekking or trainer shoes for safety.

Experience: Visitors can take the stairs to climb higher and explore more of the waterfall area. However, the climb is steep and demanding, making it unsuitable for everyone. The river is home to fish that naturally nibble on dead skin cells, adding a unique and refreshing experience.

Practical Information: The waterfall is free to visit, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.

Conclusion: This waterfall is a worthwhile destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers. While the climb and river crossing can be challenging, the serene beauty and unique experiences make it an excellent spot for...