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Is Hin Lad Waterfall worth visiting?

Is Hin Lad Waterfall worth visiting?
Quick answer

Yes. Hin Lad is a free jungle walk to a waterfall with swimming spots at the top and an art café at the bottom, about 35 to 40 minutes from Bo Phut. It takes around 30 minutes to reach the top. The waterfall is at its best after rain, and the swimming spots are worth the walk whatever the weather.

Hin Lad Waterfall: a jungle walk with a swim at the end

Hin Lad is an easy half-day out. There's no entry fee and nothing to book, so you can simply turn up. The walk through the jungle takes about 30 minutes to the top, and there's a swim and a café to look forward to. It isn't an easy stroll, but it isn't a challenging hike either, and most people of average fitness manage it happily.

Bridge at bottom of Hin Lad Waterfall
The bridge at the bottom.
Banyan tree on walking route up to Hin Lad Waterfall
A banyan tree on the walk up.
View of Hin Lad Waterfall
Hin Lad Waterfall.

Good for

A free outing with a jungle walk, a swim and a café at the end. Walkers of average fitness, and families whose children can manage a steady uphill path.

Think twice if

Anyone in your group finds uneven ground hard, or you're bringing a buggy.

The walk

The path is a jungle track with rocks and roots, so it's worth wearing proper footwear, although plenty of people do it in flip flops. Take water and mosquito repellent. At the foot of the steps, a small shop run by a lovely family sells drinks, so you can stock up before you climb.

The swimming spots

There are two places to swim at the top. The first is just as you reach the water. The second is a short climb up the rocks to the foot of the main waterfall. The climb isn't overly challenging, but the rocks can be wet, so take your time.

The best time to go

The waterfall is at its best after rain. In a dry spell it can stop completely, as it did in August, but the swimming spots at the top still had water to swim in. If seeing the waterfall running matters to you, check the recent weather first. If a swim and a walk are the aim, it's worth the trip at any time.

Visiting with families

Families can enjoy Hin Lad too. Children aged 3 to 5 have made the walk to the waterfall, and it took about an hour, roughly double the adult time. It isn't suitable for a buggy. Younger children won't manage the scramble to the second pool, so the first pool is the place for them. If part of the group would rather not walk, the fish at the bottom are a favourite with children. Fish food is sold for a small fee, and Mi Casa is next door, where children can enjoy the art supplies.

Mi Casa: the art café at the bottom

Mi Casa is a welcome reward after the walk. Go through the café and out the back to a seating area overlooking the jungle. It's also a lovely place to wait if anyone prefers not to walk. It works well with children too, as art supplies are available to use for a small fee.

Mi Casa, Nathon

Mi Casa

Nathon
Best for a break after the walk · Art café at the foot of Hin Lad Waterfall, jungle views from the back

Mi Casa is an art café at the foot of Hin Lad Waterfall. Walk through the café and out the back to a seating area overlooking the jungle. It's a welcome reward after the walk, and a good place to wait if anyone prefers not to walk up.

Getting there and parking

From Bo Phut it takes roughly 35 to 40 minutes by car. Park on the road, with no charge. There are stalls at the entrance for drinks and snacks.

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