Than Sadet, Koh Phangan — Royal River, National Park & Trail

BY MARLA SINGER 25-10-31 07:59
Than Sadet (Ko Pha-ngan): history of the Royal River, National Park status and a valley trail guide

Contents

1) What is “Than Sadet” — the name and meaning

The Thai word ธารเสด็จ (Than Sadet) literally means “royal stream”. The main valley forms a 2.5–3 km cascade running from the central ridge to the eastern bay of Ao Than Sadet.

2) King Rama V and the birth of the Royal Valley (1888–1909)

2) King Rama V and the birth of the Royal Valley (1888–1909)

On 31 August 1888, King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the waterfall, gave it its name, and returned up to 14 times until 1909. His carved monograms (จปร) and dates remain on the rocks near the stream and at the mouth. Nearby cascades — Than Prawet and Than Praphat — were named by the King himself. The visits had both spiritual and symbolic value, asserting Siam’s sovereignty in the south during colonial times.

3) Traces of later kings and monograms

Successors — Rama VI, Rama VII (with Queen Rambhai Barni), and later Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej) — continued the royal tradition. Their monograms (วปร, ปปร, ภปร) are still visible along the riverbed. Records mention the visit of Rama IX on 23 April 1962.

4) Sacred water and local memory

For Phangan residents, the Than Sadet waters are sacred. The stream’s mouth at Ao Than Sadet Bay is where fresh and sea water meet — a symbolic place still revered as the “Royal River”.

5) From forest park to National Park (1960s–2018)

Local monks and villagers promoted forest protection as early as the 1960s–70s (Pheng Waterfall Forest Park). After decades of surveys, the area gained full protection.

By royal decree on 22 November 2018, Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park became Thailand’s 132nd National Park, covering about 26 866 rai (≈43 km²). Boundaries were published in the Royal Gazette.

6) Boundaries, terrain, and natural features

The park spans the central mountain forest (including Khao Ra, 635 m — the island’s highest peak), the Than Sadet valley, and eastern/northeastern coastal zones with small offshore islets. Inside — a long cascade divided into Thong Nang, Sampon, and Daeng sections, several viewpoints, and the Ao Than Sadet beach with a wooden footbridge across the outlet.

7) Than Sadet in culture and tourism

Once a new road reached the east coast, visitor numbers rose. A small resort area appeared near the river mouth, while the “royal” section of the valley remained largely natural — a green core with visible monograms, forest paths, and light tourism infrastructure.

8) Mini-trail: from upper pools to the beach

Format: a linear route along the stream — start from the upper access road or from the beach at Ao Than Sadet.
  1. Upper entrance → Thong Nang — 15–25 min through forest and granite slabs.
  2. Thong Nang → Sampon — 20–30 min with alternating cascades and calm pools for bathing.
  3. Sampon → Daeng → river mouth — 25–40 min down to the beach bridge and lagoon.

Difficulty: moderate; slippery after rain. Bring: non-slip shoes, water/snack, repellent, dry bag.

9) Park map and royal monograms

  • Official map: Royal Gazette attachment shows park contours around Ko Phangan.
  • Monograms: notably Rama V’s จปร on rocks near the river mouth and upstream; later kings VI/VII and IX also left carvings.
  • Photos: available via open archives and Wikimedia Commons categories.

10) Visiting tips: seasons, safety, and etiquette

When to visit

  • Rainy season: impressive water flow but slippery surfaces.
  • Dry season: gentler pools, easier hiking.

Etiquette & safety

  • The stream is sacred — respect the carved monograms; do not touch or trace them.
  • Swim only in safe pools; avoid cliffs and fast water after rain.
  • Wear good grip shoes — wet granite is slippery.

11) Short timeline

  • 1888 — first visit by Rama V; waterfall named Than Sadet.
  • 1888–1909 — ~14 royal visits; monograms carved in rock.
  • 1962 — visit of Rama IX; new monograms recorded.
  • 1967–1977 — local forest park initiatives.
  • 2018 — royal decree establishes Than Sadet–Ko Pha-ngan National Park (№132, ~43 km²).

Find more

FAQ

Why is it called the “Royal River”?

The Thai name “Than Sadet” means “royal stream”. Since 1888, multiple kings have visited and engraved their monograms on the rocks.

Where can I see the royal monograms?

Main inscriptions are at the river mouth (Ao Than Sadet beach) and along the trail upstream. Do not touch or trace them

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