Swim in the blue pools below the bridge
After the monsoon the water beneath the Nongriat bridges clears quickly, and by November the pools between the boulders are a startling shade of blue-green, coloured by limestone and depth. The village has designated a few spots for swimming, and on a weekday morning you may share them with only a few others.
The water is cool year-round and cold in December and January, but pleasant on a warm afternoon in March or April. We bring towels and a change of clothes in a dry bag, and your guide points out the safe entry points and the areas to avoid, where currents are stronger or the rocks are slippery.
Respect matters here. Nongriat is a Christian village with clear expectations: modest swimwear, no soap or shampoo in the stream, no litter and no loud music. Following these rules keeps the pools open to visitors, and the village has closed areas before when they were not followed.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Can you swim at the double-decker root bridge?
Yes, in designated pools below the bridge, usually from November to April when the water is clear and calm. Your guide will show the safe spots. Swimming is not advised during or soon after the monsoon, when the stream runs fast and the rocks are slippery.
What should I wear to swim at Nongriat?
Modest swimwear, or shorts and a T-shirt, is appropriate in this Christian village. Bring a quick-dry towel and a change of clothes in a dry bag. Do not use soap or shampoo in the water, and take all rubbish back out with you.
Is the water at Nongriat cold?
It is cool year-round and quite cold in December and January. March and April are the most pleasant months for a swim, when the afternoon air is warm. Many walkers simply cool their feet, which is welcome before the climb back up.
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