Who can resist the charm of a waterfall surrounded by wild nature? There are a few places near Khao Lak where you can get a real jungle feeling and often even bathe or shower under the waterfall. It’s a safe pastime that the locals also enjoy – you often see families making trips here. Occasionally you also see women washing their clothes in the river.
Here are our Top Ten waterfalls in the Khao Lak area:
Sai Rung (Rainbow)
Sai Rung or Rainbow Waterfall, sometimes also called Pakweep Waterfall after the location. It is located about 15 km north of La On on a side road off the Pakweep road to Takua Pa (old town). There is parking at the waterfall, which costs, as it is on the property of the restaurant here. The restaurant serves fine food, snacks and drinks as well as fish food for the fish in the stream below the waterfall. It is an easy walk to the falls themselves, just a few minutes. The waterfall is narrow and medium high and in the sunlight the spray occasionally really does form rainbows.
Ton Chong Fa
The Chong Fa waterfall is located inland directly behind Bang Niang. The road to it starts at the traffic lights in Bang Niang, past the white temple on the left and leads directly to the waterfall after a few kilometers. It is usually easy to drive on by car or bike – unless there is construction traffic. You have to walk a bit to get to the waterfall (down and up hills). The waterfall has 5 steps; you can swim here, let the fish nibble on you or go to the steps further up.
Ton Pling Waterfall
The small waterfall is located south of the Hill Lak and is part of the Lamru National Park – although there is no entrance fee. It is an easily accessible destination, popular as a stopover on tours. Single-stage, but divided into three parts, with a massive stone in the water directly in front of it. You can splash around in the pool directly in front of the falls – it is not deep.
Lampi Waterfall
Located 30 minutes south of Khao Lak, this is an easily accessible waterfall where you can also swim in the large pool at the lower level. The water gets deeper towards the waterfall. This makes it a popular destination for local visitors at weekends. A suspension bridge on the way to the waterfall leads to the left side, from where you can climb to the next level.
Ton Prai Waterfall
Ton Prai is the waterfall that lies just a little further south than Lampi. It has three levels and can be reached after a somewhat strenuous (but only 700 m long) walk through the jungle over roots, bamboo bridges and stones. The waterfall is relatively quiet and not as busy as Lampi – and you can also swim under it.
Lam Ru Waterfall
The pretty Lam Ru waterfall is located around 35 km from Khao Lak near the town of Kapong. It is part of the Lam Ru National Park, which stretches from the coast to here. The seven-tiered waterfall has water all year round. A narrow footpath on the right-hand side takes you to the top tier, where you can also swim. This tier is completely horizontal and is reminiscent of a paddling pool.
Tam Nang Wasserfall in Si Phang Nga National Park
The waterfall in Si Phang Nga National Park is located about 40 minutes north of Khao Lak. According to the park website, the Tam Nang waterfall is 63 meters high – the highest in the area and an impressive sight. You can swim in the pool under the waterfall – with fish nibbling at you. It is a truly fantastic waterfall that is worth the trip. You have to walk a bit to get to the waterfall from the car park.
Sa Nang Manora Waterfall Forest Park
Down near Phang Nga you will find this „forest park“ (not a national park) with waterfall, places to swim, toilets and a jungle path. Only a few tourists find their way to the Sa Nang Manora Park, the path to the waterfall goes up the mountain and the exotic vegetation gives the impression of a jungle path. According to new reports, the path is now almost overgrown – but you don’t have to walk all the way up: you can slide on the lower (low) limestone steps and swim in the pools.
Mae Yai Waterfall
This is the only waterfall in Khao Sok National Park that you can reach without walking far. Maybe that’s why it’s called „Grandmother“. The waterfall is next to the Suratthani-Takuapa road. There are no signs for it, but you can drive off the road and park your car there. The waterfall is only one tier, but it’s about 30 meters high. It doesn’t have a lot of water in the dry season, but it’s still worth a stop. You can’t swim here, though.
Ton Kloi Waterfall
The single-stage waterfall on the Sok River is located about 7 km from the Khao Sok National Park headquarters. The route to it is the main trekking path. The first 3 km can be walked without a guide. The next 4 km after the checkpoint lead to the fall on small paths through the jungle. Along the way there are smaller falls (Wing Hin, Bang Hua Rat), a swimming spot (Wang Yao Pool) and small side paths along the river.
Bang Pae (Phuket)
The Bang Pae waterfall is supposedly the largest waterfall on Phuket. It is worth a visit, especially in the rainy season, or if you are travelling in the north of Phuket. A little behind the Gibbons Project at Khao Phra Taeo Wildlife Park, the path leads to the Bang Pae waterfall. The narrow footpath leads over hill and dale up to the relatively small waterfall in a narrow mini-gorge.
Even more tips and information can be found in our travel guide Discovering Khao Lak Compact. It is regularly revised and kept up to date. The book is available from amazon and bookstores (ISBN 978-3033075955) and as ebook.
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