Waterfalls in Thailand

Namtok Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is located inside a wildlife Sanctuary named Ton Nga Chang. This place is named so because of the elephant's tusk appearance of the waterfall below the third level. One can hire a bus from the city to reach here. It has a total of seven levels of cliffs that fall amidst the green jungle of Ton Nga Chang Park. Most of the visitors stop at the third level, but it is said for adventurous people, the view of the levels above that is a pure treat. Entry fee is 200 Baht for foreigners.

The ethereal and famous Erawan Waterfall is a seven-tiered waterfall tucked deep inside the Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi, Thailand. The alluring beauty and crystal turquoise waters of the pool have made it a favorite spot for backpackers and are also the main reason people pay a visit to this national park. The burst of greenery with the Erawan Falls in the center forms a mind-blowing landscape.

Rising 95 meters above its namesake national park, Khlong Lan Waterfall, Kamphaeng Phet cascades in nine levels fed by Ping River. After paying 200 baht per person at entry, hike through virgin rainforests to the waterfall, which is open daily between 9 AM and 5 PM. You can enjoy swimming, quiet picnics, hilly treks, and even come across forest-dwelling monks in meditation.

Among the famous waterfalls in Phuket, the picturesque Bang Pae waterfalls are situated in the east of the city in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Tourists enjoy a nice, relaxed walk to the waterfall and have a good time in the shallow streams. There are also a couple of great seafood restaurants around for having a bite.

This waterfall is not as large as others, but it is an excellent place to chill where 'less is more'. It's one of the few places where you can swim and relax as not many tourists frequent it. Visiting this place in summer is not recommended because the flow is nearly non-existent. You'll find some small local restaurants at the entrance.

Kathu Waterfall is loved by tourists for its many layers of clear, cascading water. The first two layers are relatively easy to climb while reaching the third and fourth are relatively challenging - but still worth it! It is a perfect picnic spot, surrounded by the sound of gurgling water and a green canopy.

Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park tumbles onto a multitude of stepping drops in a massive triangular fan shape. The 100-metre-wide and 40-metre-tall waterfall amidst lush mountains is popular among photographers and families to beat the heat in style and swim downstream.

Inside Mae Ping National Park, Koh Luang is a 20-metre-high limestone waterfall consisting of seven levels. The waterfall charms locals and tourists with its stunning blue-green water, shady picnic spots, and crystalline pool beneath. Fascinating stalactites and stalagmites are found within surrounding lime caves. The park opens daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the admission fee is 200 baht.

Hidden in Lanta’s jungles, Khlong Chak Waterfall’s red sand, turquoise-blue water, and enormous cave are an adventure not to miss. Pay a 300-baht entry fee and follow the trail towards the waterfall beside a stream, mangrove forests, local houses, and farms. You can visit daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM and relish Thai seafood at the parking lot cantinas.

This mesmerizing waterfall is located in Kong Chiam. It's a steep rocky cliff where the water falls from a height of 20 meters. There are many souvenir shops from the car park to the main waterfall area. It is about a 15-minute walk from the nearest car-accessible area, and one has to hike through a small forest to reach the central spot. It is recommended to visit this place in the rainy season when the water flow is high. The entry fee is 400 BAHT, which is quite steep.

Located in the Khao Yai Wildlife Park, this cascade is one of the most popular in Thai tourism. Its height extends to about 20 meters in the peak season and 15 meters in the dry season. The small rocks around the fall allow tourists to sit and enjoy the view. Even though Leonardo DiCaprio jumped from the cliff in "The Beach" movie here, swimming and diving are strictly prohibited here in reality. It is a 30-minute, and 100 steps walk from the main entrance.

Walk through the winding, overgrown trails within the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, discovering different varieties of plants and lichen on your way to the Ton Sai Waterfalls. You might even get to see some pretty spotted deer and gibbon along the way. The small waterfall is a 2km walk within the park and is thus ideal for a bit of nature stroll.

Placed discreetly in Cape Panwa, a small faded sign (which is sometimes hard to notice) will indicate a waterfall nearby. However, the path to the waterfall can be misleading as similar ways exist. Along the one leading to Ao Yon Waterfall, you will come across small huts, local villagers, and even a few buffaloes wandering about. Next, walk across a little stream that will lead you to the waterfall. The drop pools are not large but are big enough for swimming.

Located close to Khao Lak, the area around Lampi Waterfall is now a commercial site, though the waterfall remains untouched. This location is also an ideal picnic spot, as there are several food stalls around the waterfall. You could either take a walk on the bridge and get a good look at the falls or swim under the bridge in a large, cold pool (though not significant enough for paddling). Though not so deep, the water will be cold, perfect for cooling off in the summer heat.

Phaeng Waterfall is quite possibly Koh Phangan's greatest waterfall and is located right in its centre. It is a part of the Thansadej National Park and is made up of two separate falls, the Phaeng Noi Waterfall (small waterfall) and the Phaeng Yai Waterfall (big waterfall). You will come across Phaeng Noi just fifty meters past the entrance to the park. Beyond that, you must embark upon a steep two-hundred-and-fifty-meter trek to arrive at Phaeng Yai, but it is well worth it.

The Thaan Sadet waterfall was first visited by the Thai Royal Family back in 1988. A rock inscription left there by King Rama V remains there till this day. It is rumored that he visited the same spot over ten times during his reign, and it wouldn't be without reason; Thaan Sadet is one of the most scenic waterfalls in all of Thailand. Water collected from here is used in some sacred Royal Ceremonies. The waterfall is made up of huge granite boulders and some freshwater pools where you can take a dip.

If you have visited Thailand a couple of times, the name Sramonara will probably sound quite familiar. That's because you would have heard of the legendary parties that are held here. The all-night-long techno fests have been times perfectly, just before and after the famous full moon party at Haad Rin; they have placed this waterfall firmly on the map. Of course, you can visit Sramonara Falls during the day, but unlike most other waterfalls, you can also visit the falls at night. The crystal clear water glistening under the moonlight is a truly breathtaking sight and romantic, too. The five-hundred-meter walk from the car park to the falls goes through the jungle and is beautiful on its own.

Just north of the ring road, close to the Ban Hua Thanon, lies Wang Saotong waterfall. This serene waterfall is quieter and smaller compared to the others, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon drive and swimming away from the buzz of the tourists.

Located in one of the most picturesque points in Samui, a short walk through uneven stone steps past the Mae Nam Viewpoint brings you to the gorgeous Tan Rua Waterfall. Nestled amongst hills, tall trees and vines, it will strike you with its awe-inspiring view, filled with surprises through the journey to this serene spot.

Located in the Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi, this waterfall is the source of many rivers. The flow of this waterfall is good all around the year. You will find many fish species and clearer water than other waterfalls here. This attraction extends to about three levels of the waterfall. The falls hold a long history of the Thai Queen and her lover's tragic yet magical story, which is the reason why this fall still attracts more local visitors, for which there is also a memorial near the falls.

Bua Tong Waterfalls in Chiang Mai is one of those places where you will encounter nature at its purest and rawest form. Also known as the Sticky Waterfalls, this location is just about an hour and a half away towards the north from the old city of Chiang Mai. Bua Tong is a scenic waterfall made from deposits of limestone and various other minerals. The waterfall also derives its nickname ‘sticky waterfall’ as the limestone generate plenty of friction to prevent you from slipping over the watery rocks. This makes it an easy task to climb to the top of the waterfall with the support of ropes.

Mae Sa Waterfall is an eight level waterfall set amidst the lush rainforests of Mae Sa. Visitors can picnic near the lower waterfalls, or trek upwards to the higher tiers which are uncrowded and peaceful. There are several vendors around who sell local street food delicacies that tourists can enjoy. The surrounding Mae Sa valleys also offer opportunities for adventure activities.