Pala-U Waterfall Hua Hin

If you enjoy nature and walks in the country then why not take a trip to Pala-U Waterfall close by Hua Hin

A trip to Pala-U waterfall, in Kaeng Krachan National Park, makes a great day trip out from Hua Hin. The waterfall is a mere 60 kms away and easily reached by vehicle in 1.5 hours.

Kaeng Krachan National Park is the largest National Park of Thailand and very popular with Thai nationals and tourists all year round.

Many visitors go with a group tour but you may benefit from renting a car and driving to the park yourself. That way you’ll be able to stop off on the way to admire the stunning countryside en-route.

There is plenty of wildlife in the national park so there’s a good chance that you’ll happen upon wild elephants, gibbons, butterflies, fish and varieties of exotic birds.

The waterfall cascades down through 16 stages which can, at points, be difficult to negotiate. Most visitors only get up to level 5 and depending upon the time of year even that can be a difficult trek especially when wet.

A good pair of walking boots is recommended (this is not the place for flip-flops) as the path can at times become slippery as you climb over rocks and uneven challenging terrain. There are ropes in place to aid walking and act as support on some parts of the path but as a whole the route along the falls is untouched and without concrete paths.

Take a Dip

Don’t forget to pack your swimming gear as there is a large, deep pool on the third stage which is a great place to cool off and take a swim.

Enjoy the Atmosphere

Although Pa La-U is considered one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand but don’t go expecting Niagara falls as you’ll be disappointed. Most of the falls are quite small and dependent on how much rain has fallen recently may not appear too impressive. What is nice about a trip to Pala-U is the natural setting and atmosphere, being surrounded by shaded jungle and admiring the wildlife away from the bustle of town.

In an attempt to preserve the park and keep it litter free the rangers don’t allow visitors to take their own food into the park. Luckily there is a small restaurant at the entrance where you can eat and but fish food to feed the trout that you’ll see on your trek.

The Best Time to visit Pala-U Waterfall

Although the park is open all year round it tends to be quietest during the rainy season from June to November when heavy rain can make conditions dangerous and prone to flash flooding.

The best time to visit is from late November to May during the dry season. Early in the year the weather is also cooler which can make for a more pleasant trek.