Best Waterfalls in Thailand
Thailand's mountains, forests, and monsoon rains combine to produce some of Southeast Asia's most beautiful waterfalls — from turquoise multi-tiered cascades to thundering single drops taller than a 20-storey building.
Quick Answer
What are the best waterfalls in Thailand?
Thi Lo Su in Tak province is Thailand's largest waterfall by volume and arguably its most spectacular — 200 metres wide and 80 metres tall. Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi is the most accessible and popular, with seven emerald-green tiers and natural swimming pools. Huay Maekamin near Kanchanaburi has nine stunning tiers in a pristine jungle setting. In the north, Pha Dok Siao near Doi Inthanon and the falls within Khao Yai National Park are outstanding.
The Most Spectacular Waterfalls
Thi Lo Su Waterfallin Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province, is Thailand's most powerful waterfall — an 80-metre curtain of water 200 metres wide that thunders into a vast turquoise pool. Getting there requires a 4WD journey on dirt roads through a wildlife sanctuary and is typically arranged through Umphang-based tour operators. The journey makes it an adventure; the falls are genuinely breathtaking.
Erawan Fallsin Kanchanaburi (see dedicated guide) is Thailand's most famous waterfall — seven tiers of turquoise pools in a pristine national park. Easily accessible from Bangkok as a day trip or overnight stay. The natural swimming pools at levels 2 and 3 are exceptional; fish nibble at your feet as you swim.
Huay Maekamin Waterfall in Sri Sawat district, Kanchanaburi, has nine tiers spread over 2.5km and is dramatically less crowded than Erawan. The falls wind through dense forest with swimming possible at multiple levels. Most visitors combine it with Erawan in a two-day Kanchanaburi itinerary.
Northern Thailand Waterfalls
Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park (Chiang Mai) is a broad, 280-metre cascade considered by many to be the most beautiful in northern Thailand. Access is straightforward along a maintained trail in the national park. Wachirathan Waterfall, also in Doi Inthanon, is a single powerful drop easily reached from the main road.
Tat Ton Waterfallin Chaiyaphum province is the northern heartland's most impressive cascade — a series of wide, shallow drops through sandstone formations. Khao Yai National Park (see dedicated guide) in the east has several notable falls accessible on day hikes.
Flash Flood Safety
South Thailand Waterfalls
Southern Thailand's waterfalls are less visited by tourists but rewarding for those who seek them out. Bang Pae Waterfall in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park on Phuket is a pleasant forest waterfall accessible from the main island. Na Muang Waterfall on Koh Samui has two cascades within a single park — the lower fall has a natural pool; the upper requires a hike.
Ton Nga Chang Waterfall (Elephant Tusk Falls) in Songkhla province is one of the south's most impressive — seven tiers over 40 metres with strong flows year-round. Khao Sok National Park in Surat Thani has several waterfalls within the park accessible on jungle treks, best combined with a lake stay at Cheow Lan reservoir.