Mae Nam · Waterfalls & Nature
Tan Rua Waterfall
Secret Falls
A tall, narrow jungle cascade in the hills above Mae Nam, also marketed as 'Secret Falls'. A short dirt trail (about 5-15 minutes) leads from a hilltop parking area to the falls and a small rocky pool. A commercial zipline park and treehouse cafe operate at the same site (flagged: paid attraction).
- Free
- Mae Nam
- Checked 25 Sept
Insider tips
- Rent a scooter powerful enough for hills
- Combine with Mae Nam Viewpoint nearby
- Do not climb the rocks beside the falls - injuries reported
- Go in the morning for quiet
The story
Tan Rua, known to tourists as 'Secret Falls', is a high, narrow waterfall hidden in the jungle hills above Mae Nam on Koh Samui's north coast. Locally it has long been called Tan Rua; the 'Secret Falls' name became popular after a zipline company (Canopy/Tree Bridge Zipline, a commercial paid attraction) opened at the site. From the hilltop parking/cafe area, a short signposted dirt trail of about 5-15 minutes leads through jungle to the falls.
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The cascade drops over rocky ledges into a small natural pool; space at the base is limited and the rocks make swimming awkward - some visitors dip in small pools below instead. Do not try to climb the rocks beside the falls; visitors have slipped and been injured. The drive up from Mae Nam takes about 15 minutes by scooter or car on a mountain road with very steep serpentine sections, especially slippery after rain; less experienced riders should take care.
Water flow is best after the rainy season and can be low in dry months. One source describes it as the island's third-largest waterfall after Na Muang and Hin Lad (single source, unverified). The waterfall site itself has no ticket gate; the zipline and cafe are separate paid businesses.
5-3 hours round trip) from the Mae Nam Beach side.
Good to know
- Natural site accessible in daylight; the adjacent zipline/cafe have their own business hours
- Free · No formal waterfall entrance fee found in sources; zipline is paid (commercial)
- Morning; best flow after the rainy season (Nov-Jan)
Plan a visit
Free route: you go by your own scooter, car or on foot and we work out the order. Private tour: a local driver picks you up and takes you.
Checked 25 Sept 2026 · 6 sources
Sources and last check
- Last checked
- 25 Sept 2026
- What was checked
- Details checked 25 Sept 2026
- Next check due
- September 2027
Official sources
No official source published yet for this page.
Plus 6 other references and local research.
