KOH KONG
Exploring Tatai Waterfall in Koh Kong Province
Tatai Waterfall is a popular attraction in Koh Kong Province. Located on the Tatai River at the edge of the Cardamom Mountains, the waterfall cascades over rocky tiers into clear pools that are perfect for swimming and relaxing. And on weekends, locals head there to enjoy the pools, picnic huts and relax in hammocks.
We visited the waterfall by motorbike from Tatai, where we had camped the night before. Most people arrive at the waterfall by boat, and the road is not officially signed (probably to encourage you to arrive by boat), but it’s easy enough to follow on Google Maps.
The Road to the Falls
There’s a checkpoint on the way in, but we simply said we were heading to the waterfall and continued through without any issues. From the highway, it’s only about 2 km, though the final stretch can vary depending on the season. In the height of the wet season, a stream crossing halfway may require getting off and walking the last kilometre or so. We also had all our camping gear strapped to the bike, which made the rocky and steep final section a little more challenging. It costs 8,000៛ ($2) for foreigners and is free for locals, paid just before you reach the parking area.
You can hire a boat for 120,000៛ ($30) from under the bridge in Tatai town. Boats arriving at the waterfall stop at the other side of the river and drop you at the lower section of the falls. From there, you can climb the rocks and cross the river to the wooden huts and shaded platforms where you can enjoy the river views, order food, or lie in a hammock. Or find a calm pool of water to swim in.
Exploring Tatai Waterfall
The waterfall itself has two levels, one smaller drop followed by a larger one that’s about 10 metres high. We were there in the dry season but I imagine the amount of water coming over in the wet season makes it a spectacular sight, although probably not the best time for swimming.
There are lots of huts and people selling food around the edges of the waterfall and you could easily spend an afternoon here swimming, eating and relaxing in a hammock.
We arrived shortly after breakfast, so it was still quiet and we didn’t feel like ordering food or staying long. We didn’t end up swimming, although the pools looked inviting and shallow enough in places to sit and relax in, all in the sun though, so make sure you bring a hat and sunscreen.
A Random Abandoned Dome Resort
As a little side stop, on the main road towards Tatai, there is what appears to be an old abandoned resort. A cluster of old dome structures is slowly decaying, giving the whole place a strange, almost post-apocalyptic feel, like walking through the set of a forgotten film. We enjoyed wandering around for a few photos.
Tatai Waterfall is well worth stopping at if you’re travelling through Koh Kong Province. Whether you arrive by boat or by road, it’s an easy place to spend a few relaxing hours swimming or enjoying lunch by the river. If you’re staying in Tatai or Koh Kong town, it’s one of the area’s highlights and an easy addition to your itinerary.
We visited Tatai in December 2025
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