Bang Max Waterfall — hidden community-run pools with sunset ocean views, near-empty steep short trail and friendly owner rebuilding after the 2024 flood; when to visit
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Bang Max Waterfall — field report from the reviews (rating 4.2/5 from 70 reviews)
Quick take: reviewers describe a small, signposted waterfall that rewards a short, steep walk with cool pools, friendly local staffing and strong privacy — but the site suffered major flood damage in mid-2024 and reports about its condition after that are mixed.
How you get there and what to wear
- Park a car or scooter below the site and follow a concrete path uphill.
- The climb is steep but short; a recent visitor timed the climb at about 15 minutes and advised wearing sneakers or active shoes.
- Signposts guide the route, so getting lost is unlikely if you follow them.
What reviewers actually found at the waterfall
- Several visitors described cool, attractive pools suitable for swimming and a waterfall that feels private because crowds are usually minimal.
- One review highlighted a dramatic alignment where the falls sit between mountain and ocean, offering a strong sunset view.
Facilities, management and local economy
- Toilet facilities are available on site.
- Small local commerce exists: coconut handicrafts are sold to visitors.
- Reviewers repeatedly noted a friendly owner and staff; one visitor reported the owner established facilities to employ friends and family during the COVID period and, at that time, allowed free entry.
Extra activities and natural features reported by guests
- Hiking trails and a few camping spots are present near the falls.
- A viewpoint is mentioned separately from the pool area.
- Guests encountered fruit trees in the area, adding to the natural character.
The critical contradiction you must know about (flood damage vs later praise)
July 2024 reports state the site was washed away in a flood; the owner told visitors he had lost two houses and was rebuilding seating and facilities. Those same reports said small pools remained but raised immediate water-quality concerns. By contrast, a later 2025 review simply describes the place as very nice, implying restoration or workable access by then. This creates a genuine uncertainty: the site may have been partially rebuilt and usable again, or conditions may vary depending on recent repairs and seasonal weather.
Practical, evidence-based advice for visitors
- Before you go, verify current site status through recent online updates, your accommodation host, or local contacts; the reviews show conditions changed dramatically in 2024 and may have changed again.
- If you aim for solitude and good light, target late afternoon into golden hour; multiple visitors reported arriving with few or no other people and praised the sunset alignment.
- Bring basic first-aid and water: reviews mention swimming pools but one explicit account advises caution about water quality immediately after flood events.
- Support the local operation if you can: reviewers highlight an owner-run setup that provides livelihood to nearby families and sells coconut handicrafts on site.
- Footwear and mobility: expect a short steep climb on concrete; pick shoes with grip and plan for a moderate uphill approach rather than a long hike.
Final investigator assessment
Reviewers consistently praise the setting, local hospitality and low crowds, making Bang Max Waterfall attractive for visitors looking for a quiet natural stop. The mid-2024 flood introduced a major variable: the physical layout and water quality changed, and subsequent comments hint at possible repair and re-opening. Use the checklist above to confirm conditions before visiting and to get the type of low-key experience most reviewers enjoyed.
Tip from the field: treat this site as a local, small-scale operation rather than a fully restored tourist facility — plan flexibly and travel with respect for the people rebuilding it.
7.948024, 98.302925
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