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The Top 10 Waterfalls in Thailand

Posted by Mark Philip

Image by Khunkay sourced from wikimedia commons

Waterfalls can be found across many provinces in , especially those with vast areas of natural beauty — which this country is certainly not short on.

Some of these waterfalls are high, others are small but wide, and some are multi-tiered. Many are difficult or even close on impossible to access.

There are cold-water geyser waterfalls, hot spring falls, and many stunning, luscious, almost other-worldly tropical havens — especially in Thailand’s south, which is hugely popular for its beaches and other outdoor-type activities.

So you get the picture – Thailand has a fair few waterfalls scattered around the country.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

It may be possible to find what seems like a heavenly oasis in which to refresh yourself and find surcease from the relentless heat in the most unlikely of places, through a bit of adventurous trekking, seeking out undiscovered territory and all that…

However, it’s probably much better to have some kind of ‘heads up’ on where some of the best ones are located. And then, perhaps with a little careful planning regarding just how much trekking you would likely be doing to get to some of these places…well, there might be the need of a local tour operator involved in many of them.

Rather than just focusing on the lush, tropical areas of the south of Thailand though (which do tend to be pretty rife with waterfalls), we’ve tried to include a few here from various regions around the country, although doubtless there are a couple in there from the southern regions.

While there are no admission charges for locals, foreigners can be expected to pay 100-200 baht entrance fees for the majority of these places, as is the way of things in Thailand.

So here we go with 10 of the best waterfalls to be found in Thailand.

1. Khlong Lan Waterfall, Kampaeng Phet

The Khlong Lan Waterfall seems as good a place as any to begin – certainly in terms of its size.

Kampaeng Phet is located in the lower northern regions of Thailand, and this particular Thai waterfall comes in at 100 meters tall and 40 meters wide, making it one of the largest waterfalls on our list, but it is still only about half the size of the biggest.

Image by Khunkay sourced from wikimedia commons

Established as a beauty spot and tourist attraction since 1985, this impressive waterfall in Thailand is about five hours north of Bangkok, situated in Khlong Lan National Park, which is a natural area of over 400 km² in size.

: Khlong Lan Patthana, Khlong Lan District, Kampaeng Phet 62180

: 8.30 am-4.30 pm

: 

Website: http://WWW.DNP.GO.TH/NPRD/PROJECT/KLONGLAN.PHP

2. Ti Lor Su Waterfall, Tak

Not exactly the most accessible on the list by any means, but for those exotic scenario Instagram fanatics willing to make the fairly rugged trip, this almost otherworldly Thai waterfall in the north-western region of the country is well worth a visit.

In fact, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, there are only two viable means of accessing the falls – or at least certain regions of it – by rubber boat or on foot.

Image by Thomas Belardy sourced from wikimedia commons

Tak is a province around 3 hours from the main northern city of Chiang Mai, and the Thi Lo Su Waterfall is actually considered to be the largest and highest waterfall in Thailand, at 250 metres high and almost 450 metres wide.

This veritable tropical jungle oasis is found on the Mae Klong River, which flows down into the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. The rubber boat that provides the means of arrival starts from the Umphang district, takes about 3 hours, and is then followed by a hike that is somewhere in the region of 10km!

Sanctuary is the right word here too, as once discovered, this ancient waterfall comes across as some obscure, jungle fairy lagoon. Like many of the falls on this list, this one can apparently best be seen in its fullest glory during the rainy season as it roars down the cliffs.

: 250 m

:  , 

3. Erawan Waterfall, Kanchanaburi

Image by Pulperm Phungprachit sourced from wikimedia commons

Kanchanaburi is a region a few hours northwest of Bangkok, not too far from the Myannmar border, and it is home to the famous Erawan National Park.

This is where the 7-tier, Erawan Waterfall is to be found, amidst a plethora of rock caves in a natural expanse. There are many different levels and trails in and around the park, which is also home to a variety of Thai wildlife including elephants and deer.

The park is actually accessible by bus from Kanchanaburi town centre us station, otherwise it will be driving – but like the majority of destinations on this list, a local tour operator is likely the best option for all but the extremely adventurous types.

: Tha Kradan, Si Sawat District, Kanchanaburi 71250

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: 8 am-4:30pm

4. Mae Ya Waterfall, Chiang Mai

Doi Inthanon is the National Park located about one or two hours away from the Northern Thai capital of Chiang Mai.

Mae Ya Waterfall, another one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand; can be found here. It is around 260 metres tall and 100 meters wide, with multiple tiers which really add to its natural beauty. And at the bottom there is a pool where bathing is possible and of course popular.

Image by Chaiyatat sourced from wikimedia commons

A car of some sort will be required to get to the actual site, and there is a 500-metre walk from the car park to the falls.

Get those cameras ready for another amazing Thailand photo opportunity!

Location: Ban Luang, Chom Thong District, Chiang Mai, Thailand

5. Namtok Ton Nga Chang Waterfall, Hat Yai

‘Elephant Tusk Waterfall’ (Namtok Nga Chang) is situated in the southern regions of Thailand’s Hat Yai province.

This is another stunning, 7-tiered waterfall area. The 3^rd level is actually where the waterfall stream splits into two, giving it the appearance of something resembling two elephant tusks, hence the name.

Image by khun sirisan sourced from wikimedia commons

The park and waterfall can be accessed quite easily by car from Hat Yai town centre.

Location: Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, Amphoe Hat Yai, Hat Yai Thailand

Tel: +66 862999493

6. Phlio Waterfall, Chantaburi

Image by KAlexey sourced from wikimedia commons

Chanthaburi an eastern Thai province approximately four hours away from the capital, and it is home to yet another national park by way of the Namtok Phlio National Park.

The park is worth a visit anyway, but the Phlio Waterfall is one of the high points. This waterfall has lots of swimming holes filled with fish that visitors can swim with, and many people like to have picnics along the banks of these falls.

Location: 41 Moo 12 Laem Sing, Chanthaburi

7. Soi Sawan Waterfall, Ubon Ratchathani

Translated as ‘Waterfall Heaven’, Soi Sawan comes pretty close to living up to its name.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

Found in the northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani, this waterfall is somewhat unique with its array of natural pools that look like individual jacuzzis – get that camera ready!

Location: Na Pho Klang, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani 34220

: 10 am-6 pm

8. Saeng Chan Waterfall, Ubon Ratchathani

Another magical Ubon Ratchthani spot, Saeng Chan is where you can take a moonlight dip if the mood takes you.

The scenario here is quite different as the water actually flows through a hole in the rocks, and when the sun (or the moon) shine through it looks like real magic.

Another location best experienced during rainy season, this is a truly enchanting Thai waterfall!

: Na Pho Klang, Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani 34220

: 10 am-6 pm

9. Hot Spring Waterfall, Krabi

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Maybe not what everyone is looking for when they are in a tropical and humid climate like that of Thailand, but in the breathtakingly scenic southern regions of Krabi can be found ht springs.

In the amazing, deeply southern regions of the country, the therapeutic springs are located about 70 kilometres from Krabi town, in a small jungle enclosure near the Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve.

The soothing Krabi Hot Springs are almost like natural ‘hot tubs’ hollowed out naturally from smooth rock. The water flows from deep- rooted thermal springs situated deep n volcanic chambers.

The temperature of the water averages around 35-40 degrees Celsius, and apparently it is fairly chock-full of natural mineral salts believed to bring cures and relief from all manner of ailments.

The uniquely-relaxing vibe is of sinking into a bath tub naturally hollowed out and surrounded by lush, tropical rainforest. There is also a somewhat cooler stream which is perfect for dipping and diving into when you have finally had enough heat for one day.

The same reserve is also home to other attractions of this area in the form of the Emerald Pool and Thung Teao Forest Natural Park.

With that in mind, a combination of the different eco-spots makes for a great and complete day out. To get there you can drive, take a taxi or private car (try Grab) or you could even take a bus if you fancy from the town centre.

Location::Khlong Thom Nuea, Khlong Thom District, Krabi 81120

Hours: 7 am-6 pm

10. Lampi Waterfall, Phang Na

Still deep in the southern regions of Thailand’s idyllic coastline can be found a waterfall close to the beach with its own large swimming pool to boot.

Image sourced from creativecommons.org

The pool is both wide and deep, and the waterfall area is quite close to a beach with a run of restaurants.

Needless to say, this is a popular spot, especially with families.

Location: : Thai Mueang, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga 82120

: 8 am-6 pm