Pala-U . Falls

Pala-U Falls is part of Kaeng Krachan National Park, about 60 kilometers west of Hua-Hin near the Burmese border. With 16 floors, it is one of the largest waterfalls in Thailand. The surrounding forest is over a thousand years old and teeming with rare wildlife. The road to the falls cuts through the Thai countryside with its farms and pineapple fields, giving you great views of the mountains in the background towards Burma.

After passing the national park checkpoint, you will enter the tropical forest with beautiful scenery, giant rocks, countless colorful butterflies, tropical birds and monkeys.

To reach the higher levels of the falls, walk along the stream, passing over large rocks and roots while enjoying the serene atmosphere of a forest in wonderful conditions filled with the sounds of species birds and insects. Near the entrance to the park is a fairly basic restaurant and a picnic area.

Pala-U waterfall consists of 16 floors. While the climb to the fifth floor is quite easy, to get to the higher floors the trail is difficult to follow and the climb becomes very difficult. To get to the top floors, you will have to climb over rocks and wade through puddles and streams to continue the way up.

A well-marked trail leads to the first five cascades of the waterfall. It's a beautiful hike along the river, stepping over tree roots, balancing on rocks and hanging from ropes attached to trees while surrounded by the sounds of the forest. After the first few levels, the hiking becomes more difficult. Schools of fish live in small rocks at the bottom of each waterfall. Swim in the crystal clear waters of the pool with schools of fish hovering around you.

The average fairly fit climber will take about 45 minutes to an hour to level five. Passing the first floor, climbing is not suitable for young children and people with difficulty walking. Wear good and sturdy shoes to make climbing a little easier.

Countless animals live in the forest. Most easily seen butterflies with bright colors. Often they will congregate in large herds in wet areas to drink water and minerals. Look out for some monkeys and apes like the white-handed gibbon in the tall trees. The park has many species of birds, although visitors can only hear the song, but it is difficult to observe them in the dense forest vegetation.

Pala-U Falls can be visited all year round, but the falls are most beautiful during the rainy season from May to October, especially during and immediately after September and October, the wettest months of the year. Around March and April to the end of the dry season, the falls are often less impressive because there is not enough water.

No food or drink is allowed in the park. Near the park entrance is a picnic area and a small restaurant offering a limited selection of Thai dishes such as rice with chicken or pork as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Pala-U Waterfall is located at the southern tip of Kaeng Krachan National Park, about 65 km west of Hua Hin. The National Park Checkpoint is located on Road 3218, about an hour and a half drive from Hua Hin.

Opening hours: daily, from 08:30 to 16:30

While Kaeng Krachan National Park is closed during the rainy season from August to October, Pala-U waterfall remains open.

Fare:

Adults: 300 Bath/pax

Children: 200 Bath/pax