Khao Lak: The Best Waterfalls In Khao Lak
Khao Lak is a haven blessed with abundant natural beauty. Away from the seemingly endless white sandy beaches there are also lush tropical rainforests and rugged mountainous terrains. The mountainous regions give rise to several spectacular waterfalls, most of which are within National Parks. Read on to discover the best waterfalls to visit in Khao Lak.
THAILAND: KHAO LAK
You can visit the waterfalls in Khao Lak year round, although they are most spectacular from June – October when there is the most rainfall.
The best time to visit the waterfalls in Khao Lak is early morning when it is cooler and before too many visitors arrive. Weekdays are preferrable as on weekends the waterfalls can be quite busy with locals.
You can easily find the best waterfalls in Khao Lak yourself using Google Maps and most guided tours will include a stop at a waterfall for a refreshing dip. Some waterfalls are close by and some are 30 minutes to an hour’s drive away. Visiting a breathtaking waterfall is always worth the ride.
With all waterfalls we recommend non-slip water shoes as the surrounding rocks can be slippery. For waterfalls with hikes (Ton Chong Fa and Ton Prai Waterfalls) you might want to consider walking shoes with grip. Insect repellant is definitely recommended.
As the waterfalls are popular places to relax for Thai families remember that Thai people are very polite and conservative, they do not expose their bodies and usually swim fully clothed. Be respectful and don’t wear anything too skimpy.
The Best Waterfalls In Khao Lak
Waterfalls are so relaxing, almost therapeutic, and if you have kids, imagine their excitement!
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Who doesn’t like spectacular waterfalls surrounded by natural beauty? Get that jungle feeling and swim at a waterfall right here in Khao Lak. All waterfalls in the area are safe to visit and to swim at. We are going to recommend the six we have visited, but keep an eye out for more!
Sai Rung Waterfall (Rainbow Waterfall) - Pak Weep
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: 08.00 - 17.00
Admission: Free (Parking THB20)
Levels: 1
Recommended For: Easily accessibility and a refreshing dip
Located in Pak Weep after a winding road through rubber tree plantations is Sai Rung Waterfall or Pak Weep Waterfall. The local name for this waterfall means Rainbow, and the vibrant colors of its surroundings will captivate you.
This narrow but high waterfall is very easily accessible. It’s a very short hike (2 minutes) over a narrow footbridge and along a natural track to reach the swimming area. You’ll hear the sound of the water falling before you see the waterfall.
At about 20m, this is an impressive waterfall with a clear swimming pool at the bottom. Swimming in the pool is safer than at Lampi Waterfall as it is not as deep.
The area is very relaxing and usually not that crowded, making it a charming location for a picnic or an afternoon of relaxation. There’s a restaurant and you can have lunch with tables prepared in the shallow stream. Ever had lunch like that? Be truly at one with nature, while having delicious Thai food.
During the evening at Sai Rung Waterfall you might witness a beautiful wedding taking place in a clearing in front of the waterfall.
Sai Rung Waterfall is 15Km North of La On and is easily located using Google Maps. A refreshing dip at this waterfall is often included in some guided tours.
Ton Chong Fa Waterfall - Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: 08.00 - 16.30
Admission: THB200 (National Park)
Levels: 5
Recommended For: Hiking, nature and swimming
Ton Chong Fa Waterfall is the closest waterfall to Khao Lak. Due to its close proximity to Khao Lak, it is the most popular waterfall in the area and is included on several day tours from Khao Lak.
You can easily find Ton Chong Fa yourself using Google Maps (7Km from Thanon Phet Kasem, the main highway connecting Phuket with Ranong) The road winds through the hills to the National Park entrance. As Chong Fa Waterfall is in the Khao Lak Lam Ru National Park there is a fee of THB200 to visit. The entrance fee also includes visiting the coastal area of the National Park and the beautiful Nature Trail, but only on the same day.
Chong Fa waterfall originates from Khlong Bang Niang and cascades down over 5 spectacular levels, the main fall is a 10m high drop. It is possible to swim in some pools, the power and amount of water will depend on the season. During monsoon months the water flows so hard that the waterfall is sometimes closed due to dangerous flash floods.
From the parking area it is a 1km walk along a narrow dirt track to the first level of the waterfall. Halfway along this path you will find a fish spa, where you can enjoy the fish nibbling the dead skin cells from your feet in the middle of nature.
Most of the levels of the waterfall are moderate and it is worth checking out the higher levels. You can pause at each level to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and swim, the water will be deeper in monsoon season. The first three levels have places to get wet and have a waterfall shower depending on the time of year. The second level is the best place to swim during the whole year.
As the waterfall lies within the National Park there are railings or ropes to help you and the area is not ruined with litter. To the highest fifth level is a challenging jungle path but you will be rewarded with the highest drop waterfall. The entire hike from the parking area to the highest tier and back is 4.9km and it took us 1.43 hours, pausing for photographs along the way. Bring your own water as there are no shops here.
There are toilets here at the start and one just before the first level.
Ton Pling Waterfall
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: Anytime
Admission: Free
Levels: 1
Recommended For: Very easily accessible and lush natural beauty
Ton Pling Waterfall is a great little waterfall at the South end of Khao Lak. The best thing about this waterfall is that it is very easily accessible right, next to the parking area without the need for a hike through the rainforest to get there.
We walked from The Khao Lak Merlin Resort, a distance of 1.3km.
Once you cross the highway the road is small and quiet and there are lots of different types of flowers and birds to enjoy as the road gently ascends to the waterfall. It is quiet and peaceful here with lots of lush greenery all around.
There is a small waterfall drop and cool clear water cascading over numerous boulders. You can take a dip in the water and climb over the rocks for photographs. We recommend wearing water shoes and be careful as the rocks are slippery.
Best visited during the monsoon season as that time of the year sees the maximum flow and greenery near the waterfall.
There are no facilities here.
Khanim Waterfall
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: Anytime
Admission: Free
Levels: 1
Recommended For: Easily accessibility and photography
Khanim Waterfall is breathtakingly stunning. With one high level and a small shallow stream running away at the bottom.
There are no services here at all however the area has a natural beauty and ambiance like no other waterfall. This is the most non-touristy waterfall we came across. It is only a short distance from Lampi Waterfall and worth a stop.
Best visited during the monsoon season as it dries up almost completely during the hot dry season. Easily located with Google Maps.
Lampi Waterfall – Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: 08.30 - 16.30
Admission: THB100 (Parking THB30)
Levels: 3
Recommended For: Swimming and natural beauty
Lampi is an impressive large waterfall with three stunning levels. If you only have time to visit one waterfall in Khao Lak, make it this one.
Lampi Waterfall is approximately a 30-minute drive south of Khao Lak and it is totally worth it. You can easily locate it with Google Maps and some guided tours include a stop here.
Lampi Waterfall is located within the Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park and there is a charge of THB100 to enter. The good news is, your ticket also includes entrance to Ton Prai Waterfall and the beautiful coastal section of the National Park beside Thai Mueang, but only on the same day.
Lampi was our favourite and most satisfying waterfall in the nearby region. This gorgeous three-level waterfall is ideal to swim at with a large pool at the bottom and the top two levels have deep pools. We spent two hours here playing in all three levels and admiring the stunning scenery.
By taking a right turn beside the visitor centre, you can view all three levels and enter the lower pool. You will spot lots of fish in the bottom pool.
This waterfall is ideal for swimming and safe to do so but be aware that the top two pools are deep and the current can be quite strong. The water is pretty deep the closer you get – you won’t be able to stand. It’s great fun to try and swim into the waterfall!
The hanging bridge which crosses to the opposite side of the river affords great views of the waterfall and the trail leads up to the two higher levels.
Tip: There isn’t a restaurant here yet but you can buy some snacks, drinks and ice creams in the car park and at the entrance to the Park.
There are toilet and shower facilities here as well as a camp site for a night of adventure right on the riverbank.
Ton Prai Waterfall - Khao Lampi - Hat Thai Mueang National Park
Quick Facts:
Opening Times: 08.30 - 16.30
Admission: THB100 (Parking THB30)
Levels: 1
Recommended For: Jungle experience and Nature Trail
This is the waterfall for you to experience jungle tranquility and beautiful nature. The waterfall is a 650m walk along a nature trail through the jungle. The trail varies from jungle track with roots and boulders, to gravel paths and concrete steps. There are a few up and down sections to navigate. The path follows a stream where we saw lots of fish and also many butterflies. Most of the trees have name plates and the Buttress Root trees are amazing.
Ton Prai Waterfall is approximately a 35-minute drive south of Khao Lak and it is totally worth it. You can easily locate it using Google Maps or you could choose a guided tour.
Ton Prai Waterfal is also located within the Khao Lampi – Hat Thai Mueang National Park and there is a charge of THB100 to enter. The good news is, your ticket also includes entrance to Lampi Waterfall and the beautiful coastal section of the National Park beside Thai Mueang, but only on the same day.
There is a wading pool after 500m and the waterfall is a little further on.
There are toilet and shower facilities at the car park along with a shop selling snacks, drinks and ice creams.
The waterfall itself is impressive and it was great to cool off after the jungle walk. The pool at the bottom is just deep enough for a quick dip.
Where To Stay In
Khao Lak
With a series of small villages stretched over 20 km of beautiful coastline it can seem daunting to choose where to stay.
Broadly speaking the three main areas of Khao Lak are Bang La On, Bang Niang, and Khuk Khak.
Bang La On is the most developed area with many resorts and tourist facilities.
Bang Niang is a bit more laid-back and North of Bang La On.
Khuk Khak is the most rural of the three villages, North of Ban Bang Niang.
On Khao Lak South Beach you will find the Lam Kaen area which is the original Khao Lak village, south of the Khao Lak mountain.
For a quiet getaway choose Ban Bang Niang, Khuk Khak or Lam Kaen.
Further North there are 3 more areas considered to be within the Khao Lak region.
Right after Khuk Khak you will enter Pakarang, mainly a fishing village with some resorts and the popular Pakarang Cape and Pakarang Beach.
The villages of Pak Weep and Bang Sak are just beyond Pakarang and have the most secluded beaches. THey are are much smaller than Ban La On, Bang Niang or Khuk Khak, but they offer a more authentic Thai experience. Stay in Pak Weep or Bang Sak if you like it quiet and don’t mind spending most of your time at a luxurious resort.
We stayed at The Khao Lak Merlin Resort which was absolutely amazing. The Khao Lak Merlin Resort is an award wining natural eco resort where the rainforest meets the sea.
The resort is set in an enchanting rainforest and no trees were removed during building.
There is an abundance of wildlife here including birds, water monitors and slow loris. Guided nature walks place place within the hotel grounds early morning and at night for a chance to glimpse stunning birds and the nocturnal Slow Loris.
Our kids loved the Khao Lak Merlin Resort as it is set right on the beach so there's the option of pool or beach. There's a small games room for kids with a pool table, dart board and board games.
The Stamp Ralley was fun family activity and we learned more about the plants and wildlife in the gardens.
Find out more about this leading eco-resort and check availability here.
We were extremely lucky to see four Slow Loris on a night walk and we had a tree frog visit our room!
There's lots of space here and no stampede for sunbeds.
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