Waterfalls are known locally as 'nam tok.'
But the word 'nam tok' in Thai can also refer to a popular
northeastern dish, normally included in a menu set comprising
somtam (papaya salad), grilled chicken and sticky rice.
So be careful when you say 'nam tok;' make it clear what
you are talking about. It really is surprising that many
waterfall attractions all over the country tend to have
local food vendors who sell this traditional northeastern
food in front of the entrance to the falls.
Hual Khamin Waterfall
The Huai Khamin falls ('Nam Tok Huai Khamin'),
which tumble into the Si Nakharin reservoir, are among Thailand's
most powerful and beautiful waterfalls. Located in the Si
Nakharin National Park, the water cascades over an ochre-stained
limestone rock face, earning the falls the Thai name 'Huai
Khamin' or 'Turmeric Stream'. The little-visited falls have
formed deep pools that are ideal for swimming. The surroundings
are very peaceful with dense jungles and occasional sightings
of elephants and other wildlife.
The best way to get to the falls is by long-tailed
boat from Ban Tha Kradan or Si Sawat on the eastern side
of the reservoir. Hiring a boat can be expensive unless
you go as a larger group (up to 20 people). It's also possible
to get there by motorcycle or off-road vehicle from Erawan
but the road is treacherous and this route is not recommended.
Erawan National Park and Waterfall
With its spectacular seven-tiered waterfalls, Erawan
National Park is one of the most popular natural attractions
in the country. Located about 65 km northwest of Kanchanaburi
town along Route 3199, the 550-sq-km park is situated in
the Tenasserim Hills running along the Thai-Burmese border.
Mixed species deciduous forests with occasional stands of
bamboo characterize the park. More than 80 species of bird
have been sighted, as well as gibbon, slow loris, macaque
and rhesus monkey.
The highlight of the park is undoubtedly the multi-level
waterfall, one of the most powerful and beautiful in the
country. The various tiers have deep pools, ideal for swimming,
and the area abounds in ferns, orchids and other wild plants.
To fully appreciate the beauty of the falls, you should
take the winding trail up to the top and most magnificent
level. The seventh tier is said to resemble the shape of
Erawan, the three-headed elephant of Hindu mythology, and
from which the park draws its name.
A number of limestone caves within the park are worth visiting.
The Phrathat Cave, 12 km northwest of the visitors' center,
is encrusted with monumental stalactites and stalagmites,
and swarms with bats. Wang Badan, with its multiple chambers
and a subterranean stream, is located in the west of the
park.
Accommodation is available in the National Park bungalows
or you can pitch a tent nearby. Buses to Erawan depart Kanchanaburi
town from 8.00 am. The trip takes about two hours. The last
bus back from Erawan leaves at 4.00 pm. As with other waterfalls,
Erawan is best visited during the rainy season when the
falls are in full volume.
Sai Yok Waterfall and National Park
Sai Yok Waterfall ('Nam Tok Sai Yok'), located
104 km northwest of Kanchanaburi town, is the most popular
attraction in the 500-sq-km Sai Yok National Park. Popularized
in poetry and a classic Thai song, the Sai Yok and Sai Yok
Noi falls cascade directly into the Khwae Noi River, close
to the National Park headquarters to the west of Highway
No 323. A wire rope suspension bridge has been strung across
the river opposite the falls to give visitors a clear view.
The sand bar on the opposite bank from the falls also affords
a direct view.
Other attractions in the Sai Yok National
Park include fascinating limestone caves, which are home
to the Kitti's hog-nosed bat, discovered in 1973 and reckoned
to be the world's smallest mammal at just 3 cm (1 inch)
in length. Wildlife in the area includes 67 bird species,
barking deer, slow loris, gibbons, porcupines, serow and
wild elephants. Tropical broad-leaved evergreen forests
cover most of the park, while bamboo and mixed deciduous
tracts can be found in the lowlands and foothills.
Sai Yok was the site of a Japanese army
barracks during the Second World War and traces of the soldiers'
camps and the abandoned Death Railway can still be seen.
Most of the rails and sleepers of the railway have been
claimed by local villagers
Rafts can be hired from Sai Yok to explore
the limpid Khwae Noi and to get to the Daowadung (to the
north) and Lawa (to the south) caves with their exquisite
stalactites and stalagmites. Some of the unforgettable Russian
roulette scenes in the film 'The Deer Hunter' were shot
on the river in this area.
Accommodation in the form of raft houses
and National Park bungalows is available close to the park
headquarters. The place is popular at the weekend so expect
to pay more than in the week. Sai Yok National Park can
be reached by bus or car from Kanchanaburi or by train to
Sai Yok and then bus. It's also possible to charter a boat
from Kanchanaburi for the 100-km trip upstream.
Waterfalls on Doi Inthanon
Mae Ya Waterfall: The North of Thailand is famous
for its many waterfalls and one of the most beautiful in
Chiang Mai province is Nam Tok Mae Ya. This waterfall is
thought to be the highest in Thailand and is well worth
the extra effort to get there.
Nam Tok Mae Ya is a beautiful, fanning cascade,
dropping down an ever-widening series of steps. The water
tumbles down a 100 m cliff in a series of spectacular leaps
and National Park officials estimate that the Mae Ya River
plunges more than 250 m at this point. At the bottom is
a cool pool where children can swim and enjoy the pleasant
picnic area. It is without a doubt, a photographic favorite
for most visitors.
The 14 km route to get to Nam Tok Mae Ya
begins in Chom Thong village. Mini-buses labeled in English
Doi Inthanon Park can be hired at either Chom Thong or Mae
Klang for the trip to the summit; the cost is about 500
baht for the round trip.
Mae Klang Waterfall
The Nam Tok Mae Klang Waterfall lies 66 km southwest of
Chiang Mai city at the foot of Doi Inthanon Mountain. This
unusual waterfall has been visited by Thai people for many
years and is easily Chiang Mai's most photographed waterfall.
Visitors continue to come in large numbers on any sunny
day in the year to swim or simply unwind in this beautiful
natural setting.
The waterfall is reached via Highway 108
to km 57 (just 1 km before the village of Chom Thong). Turn
right onto Highway 1009 and continue 8 km to where the road
forks. Mae Klang is 300 m straight ahead. The summit road
forks to the right, reaching Park Headquarters near km 31
and the summit of Doi Inthanon at km 48. Once there, the
waterfall provides a picturesque setting for picnics and
relaxation. The area is fast becoming popular with many
international visitors as well as local Chiang Mai families
who own homes along the riverside.
The rapids and waterfall spill over a wide
exposure of granite and can be approached closely. Rocky
paths climb up beside the 30 m high falls and if you reach
the top there is a fine view. Visitors are asked to exercise
caution around the waterfall area and while swimming either
above or below the falls. There are food, drink and souvenir
stalls at the entrance and below the main falls. Across
the bridge are the beautifully laid out gardens of the northern
branch of Wat Chai Monkon, a famous Bangkok temple. In the
grounds is a spectacular chedi containing a lift. There
is also an enormous Buddha statue made out of one piece
of Canadian greenstone. A well-maintained trail leads up
the side of the waterfall and continues to the Visitor Center
and beyond.
Mae Sa Waterfall
The Nam Tok Mae Sa Waterfall is 26 km from Chiang Mai city
and is located at km 7 on the Mae Rim - Samoeng Road. This
eight-tiered delightful waterfall occupies a natural setting
among gigantic towering trees and always impresses visitors.
Wachirathan Waterfall
Nam Tok Wachirathan waterfall is on the route to Doi Inthanon
and is a thirty-minute drive from Nam Tok Mae Klang. It
is a beautiful scenic spot for picnics and is reached by
a short, easy trail from the parking area. Nam Tok Wachirathan
tumbles down a granite escarpment, creating a misty veil
of great beauty. Visitors should be very cautious, as three
people have tragically fallen to their deaths while taking
photographs.
Just a short distance on the main road beyond
the waterfall is the small Karen hill tribe village of Ban
Sop Had. If you turn right just past the bridge you will
find the village a few hundred meters up the dirt access
road.
Siriphum Waterfall
Access to the Nam Tok Siriphum Waterfall is via the road
intersecting with the main summit road on Doi Inthanon at
km 30.4. The waterfalls are actually twins: two parallel
plumes named for His Majesty King Bhumibol and Her Majesty
Queen Sirikit. An excellent view of the waterfalls can be
enjoyed by walking along the track that forks left from
the main road - just beyond the entrance to the guesthouse
compound.
Pha Sua Waterfall and Forest Park
Located 26 km from Mae Hong Son, on highway 1095 to Pang
Ma Pha, is Tambon Mok Cham Pae, which is home to a forest
park. There is an impressive six-tiered waterfall in the
park, including the popular Pha Sua (Pha means cliff and
Sua means mat).
This name is derived from the fact that as the water cascades
down to the flat stones below, it takes on the appearance
of unfolded mats. Usually, tourists are recommended to visit
this cascade during August and September, when the water
levels are high.
Mae Surin Waterfall
About 30 km away from Khun Yuam district, Nam Tok
Mae Surin is located in National Park that covers some areas
of Mae Hong Son city and Khun Yuam. Over 100 m in height,
Mae Surin is considered one of the highest waterfalls in
Thailand, and flows down a cliff into the valley below.
Mae U-Kho Waterfall
Found in 1987, this waterfall (Nam Tok) is located at Doi
Mae U-Kho, and can be reached via a branch road. This one-tiered
waterfall, measuring 30 m high, cascades down a huge stone
crack, and is located near a clearing, which can be hiked
through, that offers some truly spectacular views of the
falls.
