Thi Lo Su, the highest waterfall in Thailand
If you want to visit one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand, you have to go to the mountains in the western province of Tak. The Thi Lo Su is located in the protected area of Umphang and is both the largest and highest waterfall in the country. From a height of 250 meters, the water plunges over a length of 450 meters into the Mae Klong River.
Many small lagoons with brilliantly clear water invite you to swim. To avoid the masses of tourists, it is advisable to avoid the weekends. It is possible to spend the night with a tent at the park management.
Other interesting waterfalls are located in Kanchanaburi province with cascading water such as Erawan, Sai Yok Yai and Sai Yok Noi waterfalls. With a climb of up to 750 meters you can visit the beginning of the waterfall and then fall down in seven steps. Again many day trippers from Bangkok, especially at weekends.
Tourists pay 300 Baht entrance fee for both areas, subject to change!
The rainy season in Thailand, which runs from May to October, is usually the best time to visit the falls. During this period, the falls are at their fullest and most impressive due to the abundant rainfall. However, it is important to note that the heavy rain can also make the terrain around the falls muddy and slippery, so it is important to take extra care when visiting. In addition, some waterfalls in remote areas can be difficult to access during the height of the rainy season.
The beginning and end of the rainy season (May-June and September-October) can provide a good balance between adequate water flow and more accessible and safer trails. It's always a good idea to get local advice before heading out as conditions can vary depending on the specific area and current weather conditions.
– Relocated in memory of Lodewijk Lagemaat † February 24, 2021 –
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Keep in mind that it is quite an undertaking to get to Umphang. We have just returned from Umpang today and are now back in Mae Sot. From Mae Sot it is approx. 170 km through the mountains with 1200 (!) bends. Everything is 2 lane. This road is called the deadliest road in Thailand, although we did not experience it that way. However, you must have experience driving in the mountains.
Arrived in Umphang, you can go to the waterfall with a jeep first, that rafting and then walk. With our age of 66, we have decided not to view the waterfall.
You can also get there (outside the rainy season) by car (4×4) (no raft required). The last part is indeed a bit of a walk. I did it with my own pickup truck from Umphang (about 2 hours drive).
I'm 63 myself and thought it was good to do,
How long or how far to walk. And what about accessibility?
I am a 70 year old with 2 knee prostheses. I walk 12 to 15 kilometers every day. But steep slopes and hilly terrain become difficult.
I have a 4X4 SUV
About a 2km walk from parking lot. The last part of it is steep.
Conditionally you will not have any problems if you walk so much every day.
Normally you cannot use private vehicles on that route. Local transport is offered.
I could use my own car, because my girlfriend's parents live in Umphang and it was therefore manageable,
This waterfall is also on my bucket list.
Nice that in this piece about the Thi Lo Su waterfall, the waterfalls in Kanchanaburi are discussed further.
I was told on this blog a few months ago that I cannot go from Kanchanaburi via Sangkhlaburi to Umphang. You can only go to Umphang via Mae Sot.
I have mentioned two different waterfalls, which stand alone, in Thailand. They are therefore two different holiday goals, also because they are far from each other.
fr.g.,
Lodewijk
Beautiful waterfall, but photo taken in rainy season, have been there, only go from mae sot, without driving experience in mountain areas, not recommended ride of 160 km and about 900 bends, trip made with greenwood travel, called umpang jungle trekking
You can book it as a package tour at boonlum tours from Mae Sot :http://ourweb.info/umphang/
highly recommended, the ride to Umphang is ultimately the hardest part of the trip (about 5 to 6 hours)
Then with the raft, is fun for everyone to do, about 2 hours then half an hour with the 4×4 and then a small walk to the waterfall (maximum 2 km) try to go in December or January because there is still the most of the water is , in the rainy season Thi lor su is almost inaccessible
Reading the comments, it seems that the road from Mae Sot to Umphang can be compared to climbing Mount Everest. Toughest section, 1200 turns deadliest road etc. Don't be put off.
In the past, this road was indeed of poor quality with mostly oncoming traffic and many bends.
Today it is a beautiful road (with many curves) through a beautiful landscape. A bit hilly but with a little driving experience best to do. So you don't need to take a rally driving course beforehand.
It's a dead end. So in Umphang it will be turning. As the crow flies, you are not far from the Three Pagodas Pass, on the border with Burma. Some maps show a connecting road, but it ends a few kilometers further in a dead end and the jungle. Don't start!
The waterfall, on the other hand, is a different story. Indeed, it is probably the most beautiful in Thailand but difficult to reach. If you are of age then you have to consider whether you can still do it, and whether it is still worth it to you.
You have to take into account that Thi Lo Su waterfall is often closed. Especially during the rainy season, but also during periods of bad weather. So not accessible by car (4×4) because the nature park is closed.
I also checked whether it is possible to drive a bit through Myanmar.
Even the hassle of crossing the border with a (rental) car left there, I'm not sure whether there are passable roads there.
The border crossing in Umphang is not accessible to foreigners. Umphang can therefore only be reached from Mae Sot. The connection to Kamphaeng Phet province has never been completed and no road connection has ever been planned from Sangkhlaburi. With a dirt bike you seem to be able to drive those routes through the jungle. However, count on a real trek that takes days.
Trying to cross the border as a loner can really forget you. There was a time when you could get a day visa for a fee. Quite a hassle. Unsubscribe Thailand. Register Myanmar and hand in your passport! Back before four o'clock because then the border will be locked. It does not feel pleasant to travel through such a country without a passport.
The part beyond the border at the Three Pagodas towards Mae Sot is dense jungle. There are some unpaved roads that keep coming to a dead end and it is bursting with checkpoints. Which language they speak is still a mystery to me so communication is not possible. Can't really be done, I speak from experience.