Top 15 Best Waterfalls in Thailand
Thailand is a prime destination for many travelers, and is constantly growing in popularity. While many people visit for the lively nightlife, shopping, and cultural exploration, nature lovers and adventurers have an abundance of options when visiting the country.
With many national parks, jungle treks, and untouched jungle countryside, Thailand’s many waterfalls are often overlooked or underappreciated.
In fact, Thailand is home to over 50 waterfalls, each unique and beautiful in their own way!
Visitors should take advantage of the proximity many cities offer to beautiful waterfalls. Some are only a short walk to the basin and require no hiking, and some are located in huge natural reserves where you can fully immerse yourself in the local nature.
Spending a day or even a few hours exploring the beautiful sites Thailand has to offer is extremely fulfilling and refreshing from the hustle of the city life. One should not limit oneself to the hotel and nearby attractions, but rather fully experience the beauty the country has to offer.
That’s exactly why we wrote this list of the best waterfalls in Thailand!
Although it is extremely difficult to pick favorites, listed below are our top 15 must-see waterfalls for your next trip to Thailand!
Ready to take notes?
1. Erawan Waterfalls
Erawan Waterfalls is located in the Erawan National Park, just northwest of Bangkok close to the town of Kanchanaburi. Erawan Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in all of Thailand, flowing down 7 tiers into various pools and streams. This waterfall is unique due to its many levels with varying difficulty to access. The first level is easy to get to; the rest require a difficult trek to the top.
You can easily spend the whole day at Erawan Waterfalls alone. You can explore the 7 tiers, swim in the basin pools, and enjoy the shaded jungle area. Beyond the falls, you have a whole national park around you. There are limestone caves, jungle trekking trails, and the Sai Yak Noi Waterfalls nearby.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Erawan Waterfalls would be booking a tour, but if you are looking for a cheaper DIY route book a bus from Kanchanaburi or Bangkok. The bus from Bangkok to Kanchanaburi is just 100 baht, and Kanchanaburi to Erawan Waterfall is only 50 baht.
What to Do Around Here
- Explore the Limestone Caves
- Learn about local flora and fauna
- Visit Hellfire Pass in Kanchanaburi
2. Mae Surin Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Northern region of Mae Hong Son in the Namtok Mae Surin National Park. This waterfall is one of the main features of this spectacular national park. The waterfall is one of the highest in all of Thailand, falling over 80 meters into the large pool basin.
When visiting the waterfall you will find beautiful jungle treks with stunning viewpoints of the powerful falls. The main waterfall streams down into smaller tiered falls until joining the Pai River. This waterfall is a unique attraction due to its massive size and beautiful rugged surrounding jungle.
Beyond playing in the pool basin and exploring the various waterfall viewpoints, visitors can hike down the tiers of the waterfalls and explore the nearby jungle trails. The national park is home to the Pha Bong Waterfall and the Pai River, which are worth checking out as well!
How to Get There
The Namtok Mae Surin National Park is easily accessible from Mae Hong Son. You can rent a motorbike and drive or book a tour. Unfortunately, no public transportation is available to this park.
Driving Instruction: Follow Highway 108 towards Khun Yuam County, then turn off Highway 1263, and the National Park will be ahead in 40 km.
What to Do Around Here
- Water-Rafting on the Pai River
- Hike Doi Pui, the highest mountain in the park
- Explore Mae Hong Son’s various temples like Wat Phra That Doi Kong Mu
3. Mae Ya Waterfall
This waterfall is located only a short drive from Chiang Mai, in the Doi Inthanon National Park. The Mae Ya waterfall is another one of the tallest waterfalls, reaching over 240 meters tall and over 100 meters wide, falling over 30 stories of various tiers and terraces.
Visitors will find the picturesque large waterfall at the top of the trail and can find pools and streams to explore below. The Mae Ya Waterfall is a photographer favorite in Thailand and is unique due to its wide triangular shaped falls. During the rainy season, this waterfall is at its most beautiful, with the strongest flow of water and bright colored flowering trees growing around the area.
Many visitors spend the day connecting with nature, playing in the pool basin, and enjoying the cool shaded jungle area. Beyond the waterfall and its many pools and streams, there are an abundance of jungle trails to explore. The park is also home to Doi Inthanon, the highest peak in Thailand reachable by hike or drive.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the park is by renting transportation or booking a tour to the Doi Inthanon National Park, as there is no public transportation available. Once in the park, it is only a ten-minute hike to the waterfall.
What to Do Around Here
- Explore the Kiew Mae Pan Nature Trail
- Hike Doi Inthanon
- Visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the best temples in Chiang Mai
4. Thi Lo Su Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the central region of Thailand, residing in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the greatest protected forest area in all of Thailand, along with several national parks and other sanctuaries. This waterfall is claimed to be the biggest in all of Thailand, falling over 300 meters.
The waterfall is separated into 3 segments, each level varying in waterfall height, width, and pool basins. Visitors will find many large pools for swimming and relaxing, and many different vantage points to view the waterfall in its entirety.
This waterfall is unique for its large size, and lack of tourists. Even though this waterfall boasts of stunning beauty, it is rarely seen by many tourists due to its difficulty to reach. However, this spot is popular among Thai locals.
Around the waterfalls, there are large untouched nature reserves perfect for learning about local flora and fauna. There is an abundance of nature trails, camping opportunities, and river spots to explore.
How to Get There
To get to the Umphang National Park, you must travel 47 km from Mae Sot to the entrance. The best way of transportation is by renting a car or motorbike or booking private transport.
Once reaching the sanctuary headquarters/ entrance, the waterfall is ahead 1.5 km by a marked boardwalk trail. The waterfall is only accessible by road from November through May, during other seasons you must access the waterfall by water rafting.
What to Do Around Here
- Book a river-rafting tour
- Camp at the various campsites around the nature reserve
- Take a jungle survival course
- Visit the local minority villages
5. Haew Suwat Waterfall
The Haew Suwat Waterfall is located in the central region of Thailand in the Khao Yai National Park. This waterfall is small but stunning, featuring 2 falls: one thin and the other wide. The drop is 20 meters, into a large pool basin where you can spend the day swimming in the cool waters.
The Haew Suwat waterfall is easily the most popular in the Khao Yai National Park. This waterfall is a unique attraction due to its large swimming hole basin and its easy access. The waterfall is only a 15-minute walk from the entrance and is within close proximity to a camping site.
There are a few trails leading to different viewpoints around the waterfall, and even a trail leading above the waterfall looking down on the pool. There is a small limestone cave behind the waterfall as well if you are brave enough to swim to it!
Around the waterfall itself, there is not much to do except explore the various viewpoints, nature trails, and the flowing stream beyond the waterfall. However, the Khao Yai National Park holds a number of natural attractions to explore.
How to Get There
To get to the Khao Yai National Park, you must first get to Pak Chong (the closest town). There are several buses that leave from Bangkok’s Mo Chit Station to Pak Chong. From here, various tours are available, or you have the option to hire private transportation. From the entrance of the National Park, the waterfall is a 30-minute walk along a marked path.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit Haew Narok Waterfall
- Swim in the Ban Tha Chang Hot Springs
- Visit the Khao Yai Art Museum
6. Koh Luang Waterfall
Koh Luang Waterfall is located in Lye County in Lamphun Province, just an hour from Chiang Mai. The waterfall is one of the main attractions of the Mae Ping National Park. The waterfall consists of several different tiers and is 20 meters high. The waterfalls into a large pool basin, famous for its turquoise water.
This waterfall is unique and attracts many visitors to see the limestone stalactites making up the waterfall tiers. You can view the waterfall from several viewpoints, or take a swim in the pool and view the waterfall up close. However, you will be required to wear a life jacket in this pool.
There are several picnic areas and places to relax in the shade near the waterfall, making it the ideal relaxing day trip. Nearby there are several limestone caves, jungle trails, and river spots to explore.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Koh Luang Waterfall is by hiring private transportation or by booking a tour. To reach Mae Ping National Park, begin at Lamphun and take highway 106 south until you reach the town “Li”, then transfer to highway 1087. You will find the National Park headquarters at the 20 km mark. The waterfall is located 20 km from the national park entrance and is accessible by car or motorbike.
What to Do Around Here
- Birdwatch for various species of colorful tropical birds around the park’s forested areas
- Explore the nearby caves
- Raft down the Ping River, or relax on the riverside.
7. Pha Dok Siew Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Doi Inthanon National Park, just outside of Chiang Mai. This waterfall is found on one of the most popular nature trails in the park and requires a bit of a trek to reach.
The waterfall is large and powerful and cascades down several tiers and the stream follows the majority of the trail. When arriving at the falls, you will find several pools where you can swim and a large bamboo bridge over the basin. The bridge is the perfect photo opportunity!
This waterfall is a unique attraction because it is off the beaten tourist path. This waterfall is one of the least visited attractions in Chiang Mai, let alone the park due to its 3.5 km hike. You are guaranteed a slice of silence and solitude when visiting this waterfall.
Along this nature hike, you can explore the rice field terraces, the Doi Inthanon Royal Chrysanthemum Project, and the local tribe minorities. The nature trail takes you along the untouched raw jungle, and across a series of smaller waterfalls as well.
How to Get There
To get to Doi Inthanon National Park, you can hire private transportation or take a tour. Songthaews leave from in front of the Chiang Mai University daily, and only cost 140 baht each way. Once arriving at the park, it is recommended to hire a local guide for 200 baht. The guide will take you on the trail and around the village, along with educating you along the way.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit Mae Klang Luang, a local minority village
- Explore the rice terraces, strawberry, and coffee fields
- Visit Doi Inthanon and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
8. Pha Charoen Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park in Tak Province. The waterfall is stunning, known for its 97 different tiers. Yes, you read that correctly, nearly 100 tiers! The waterfall is in the midst of a lush shady jungle setting and is perfect for photo capture.
When visiting the Pha Charoen Waterfall you will find a few pools and streams in which you can swim and cool off in. There is a steep pathway leading up to the top of the waterfall which allows you to examine some of the tiers more closely, and explore the higher less populated pools.
This particular waterfall is known well with the locals and is incredibly unique due to its size, and of course, its huge number of levels to explore. Beyond the waterfall, you can explore the nearby mountainous jungle with the park’s many nature trails, leading to several caves and various other waterfalls.
How to Get There
The Namtok Pha Charoen National Park is easily accessible by the Death Highway, making it a very popular spot to stop. The park entrance is located just after the 36 km marker on Highway 1090 towards Umphang. The waterfall is directly inside the entrance and well-marked, making it hard to miss.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit the nearby waterfalls of Namtok Pa Wai, Namtok Sai Fa, and Namtok Sai Rung
- Climb to Doi Kia Overlook to get a glimpse of Myanmar
- Explore the nature trails and learn about local flora and fauna.
9. Khlong Lan Waterfall
The Khlong Lan Waterfall is located in the central region of Thailand, in the Khlong Lan National Park. The waterfall begins as a few small streams that eventually join to create the large 90-meter cascade of water. The waterfall is broken into a few separate terraces, breaking up the forceful downpour and creating a misty surrounding.
When visiting the Khlong Lan Waterfall, you will find a small shallow pond as the fall basin ideal for those looking to relax and cool off in the water. There is also a large shaded forest area surrounding the waterfall. This waterfall is unique because it is one of the largest attractions in the Khamphengphet area and is easily accessible. The waterfall is located only 200 meters from the park entrance.
Many visitors spend the day relaxing in the pool basin and bring a nice picnic to enjoy in the cool shaded forest. There are many uncut forest trails to explore around the area leading to various viewpoints and even another waterfall, Khlong Nam Lai.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach this waterfall is by hiring private transportation or booking a tour. The Khlong Lan National Park is easily accessible from Kamphaeng Phet, via Highway 1117. Once reaching the National Park entrance, the waterfall is easy to find with a well-marked path.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit the sister waterfall of Khlong Nam Lai
- Explore the jungle paths and viewpoints
- Visit Mae Wong National Park
10. Pi Tu Gro Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Tak Province of Umphang, Thailand. It is located in a remote jungle area and is not often visited by tourists unless it is part of a trekking tour. The waterfalls are nicknamed the “Heart Waterfalls” due to the two streams converging into one waterfall.
When visiting this waterfall, you can experience a completely untouched jungle with little to no visitors. The Pi Tu Gro Waterfall is unique due to its difficulty to reach, and very little accessibility. The best way to reach this waterfall is through guided tours, otherwise, you run the risk of getting very lost.
Around the area is nothing but a lush dense jungle. There are not even any paths around the area, that is how remote this waterfall really is! But if you love to trek and explore the jungle, this is the perfect waterfall for you!
How to Get There
To reach this waterfall you must book a guided tour from the nearby town or ask for a local’s guidance. The waterfall is accessible to those who love wilderness jungle trekking and are experts at jungle survival, however, if this is not you, book a trekking tour.
What to Do Around Here
Because Pi Tu Gro Waterfall is located in the remote jungle, there is not much to do around the area beyond enjoying the uncut raw jungle surroundings.
11. Pam Bok Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Mae Hong Son province, in the town of Pai. The waterfall is nestled in a narrow canyon and drops 40 meters into a freshwater pool below. The Pam Bok waterfall cascades into the first large pool and then flows down several tiers into a large basin by the entrance. You will find several rock jumping pools, but make sure the water is deep enough before jumping in.
When arriving at the waterfall, you will find Pam Bok to be the least touristic of the waterfalls in the area, and you will most likely find you have it all to yourself. This waterfall is unique due to being completely closed in by canyon walls, making the area shady and cool.
There is a little known secret path above the Pam Bok waterfall that leads to several empty pools, and a trail to follow further upstream. To find the secret path, simply turn right before the entrance to the canyon. Many tourists spend the day relaxing, swimming in the cool water, and exploring the nearby forested area. There are a few attractions close to the waterfall, all requiring a drive.
How to Get There
The easiest and most accessible way to reach the waterfall is by renting a scooter, however, you can also book a tour or taxi by songthaew. The Pam Bok waterfall is located 9km out of the town of Pai and is marked on the 1095 Highway.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit the Land Split
- Explore the Bamboo Bridge
- Find the Pam Bok Secret Trail
12. Saeng Chan Waterfall
The Saeng Chan Waterfall is located in the Pha Taem National Park, 20 km from Khong Chiam, and over 80 km from Ubon Ratchathani. This waterfall is one of the most unique in all of Thailand. Instead of the water cascading over rocks, or off the side of a cliff, Saeng Chang flows down through a hole in the rock.
Around 11 am everyday sunlight streams through the hole with the flowing water and creates a magical movie-like glow. Saeng Chan might mean “moonlight” but the daytime glow is far more magical. Visitors will be able to explore the shallow pool below the waterfall and the surrounding areas.
The best time to visit the waterfall is during the rainy season when the water is flowing at its strongest. This site is unique because of the interesting hole in the rock, but also due to its close proximity to other nearby waterfalls such as Thung Na Mueang Waterfall. Visitors can spend the day relaxing in the cool shaded area, marvel at the fantastic natural feat, and explore other areas of the vast national park.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the Pha Taem National park is by renting/ hiring public transportation or booking a tour from Khong Chiam as there is very little public transportation. Once arriving at the park, to get to the Saeng Chan waterfall, you must drive 19km into the park from the entrance. Take Highway 2112 to Ban Na Pho Klang until you find the road leading to the attraction.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit the Nearby Waterfalls like Thung Na Mueng
- Contemplate the ancient 3,000-year-old paintings on the Pha Taem cliffside
- Explore the Sao Chaliang rock formations
13. Klong Plu Waterfall
This waterfall is located on the island of Koh Chang, in the Mu Koh Chang National Park. The waterfall is a stunning 120-meter drop into a deep freshwater swimming hole. This waterfall is the tallest on the island and is also one of the most popular. The Klong Plu Waterfall also boasts of easy accessibility.
When visiting Klong Plu waterfall you will often find the large swimming hole bustling with visitors and locals looking to cool off. This waterfall is a unique attraction due to its cascading pools in a small but lush jungle valley. You might even get lucky and see some locals bringing the elephants for a bath!
Visitors usually come and spend a few hours exploring the various tiers and swimming holes, and even bring a picnic. Around the Klong Plu waterfall, there are not many cultivated paths, but there is still the option of exploration. You can climb the rocky cliffside up the mountain, or take a calmer route around the jungle.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Klong Plu Waterfall is by rented motorbike or by booking a tour. Follow the main road along Klong Prao for about 2km until reaching a concrete road with markers leading to the Marine Park Office. From the entrance, the waterfall is about 500 meters ahead.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit a nearby waterfall, such as Khlong Nonsi
- Explore the White Sand Beach Food and Night Market
- Take a swim in Klong Prao Beach
14. Namuang Waterfall 1 & 2
What’s better than a waterfall? How about 2 waterfalls in one day trip! Namuang 1 & 2 are located on the island of Koh Samui, both found just a short walk upstream of the other. Namuang 1 does not fall off the edge of the cliff but runs 80 meters down a series of tiered rocks into a natural pool at the base. Further up the trail is Namuang 2, a smaller 18-meter waterfall with another pool to swim in.
These waterfalls are considered to be the most attractive out of all the waterfalls on the island, so there is often a large crowd. Within the short walk from the parking lot to the site, you will find a few shopping stalls and restaurants, but once you arrive you will be surrounded by uncut jungle.
These waterfalls are a unique attraction because of the easy accessibility to multiple waterfalls, and their large natural swimming pools. You can find many people trekking to the top of the falls, to then relax in the pools and enjoy the views on the way down. A whole day could be spent here, swimming, exploring, and hiking around the area.
How to Get There
The Namuang Waterfalls are easily accessible and easy to find. You can easily rent a scooter on the island, book a tour, or take a form of public transport like a songthaew. The location is well marked on Route 4169, between Nathon and Lamai Beach.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit nearby waterfalls, such as Khao Yai and Wang Sao Thong
- Explore Koh Samui’s many beaches and bays
- Visit Wat Khunaram
15. Phliu Waterfall
This waterfall is located in the Namtok Phliu National Park in the central-eastern region of Chanthaburi. This waterfall flows down 3 levels of rocky tiers into a large pool of clear fresh water.
Within the pool basin, there are plenty of large fish to swim with. The fish native to the area are soro brook carp and reach up to 2 feet long. Many locals spend the day relaxing on the shore instead of swimming, but the fish can do no harm.
This waterfall is unique not only for its large fish but also the nearby temple that has been overgrown by the surrounding jungle. The small chedi and pyramid built by King Rama V acts as a royal memorial. The memorial site is only a short walk from the waterfall and the park’s entrance.
Beyond the waterfall and memorial, visitors can spend the day exploring the nearby jungle trails, discovering local flora and fauna, and accessing various viewpoints around the park.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach the national park is by renting a motorbike or hiring private transportation. Yet, there is also the option of taking a songthaew from Chanthaburi for 35 baht.
When leaving from Chanthaburi, take Route 3 outside of the city for about 13 km until reaching Phlio Waterfall Road. Follow this road until you reach the destination.
What to Do Around Here
- Visit Khao Sa Bap National Park
- Visit nearby temples such as Wat Mangkon Buppharam and Wat Chak Yai
- Chanthaburi Nong Bua Walking Street
Final Thoughts
Thailand is home to many stunning waterfalls nestled within dense jungle areas and natural reserves. The waterfalls around the country come in different shapes, sizes, tiers, and pools, and no matter what you will find the perfect waterfall destination to add to your itinerary.
These waterfalls make for the perfect relaxing day trip away from the tiring scheduled sightseeing, or bustle of the city life. Visitors can spend the day swimming, relaxing in the shade, and connecting with nature.
The ultimate waterfall to put on every travel itinerary is the Erawan Waterfalls. You can easily spend the whole day exploring the waterfall’s tiers and pools alone, not to mention the surrounding park! The Erawan Waterfall is the perfect photo opportunity and is the envy of any waterfall lover!