Pala-U Waterfall

Waterfall with 16 levels in the jungle

At about an hour from Hua Hin is Pala-U, a beautiful waterfall with 16 levels. Pala-U is located in Kaeng Krachan national park, Thailand’s largest nature preserve that extends all the way West into Burma. The park is home to unspoiled rainforest with enormous trees and many species of birds and mammals.

On the way there driving through the Thai countryside with farms and pineapple fields you will have great views of the mountains in the background towards Burma.

Tropical jungle

After passing the national park checkpoint, you will step into the tropical jungle with beautiful scenery, huge boulders, countless colorful butterflies, tropical birds and monkeys.

If you like hiking, read Pala U Waterfall Walk on HikerHero

To get to the higher up tiers of the waterfall take a beautiful hike along the stream stepping over rocks and roots of large trees while enjoying the serene atmosphere of a forest in excellent condition full of the sounds of birds and insects.

Near the park entrance are a fairly basic restaurant and a picnic area.

16 Levels of Pala-U waterfall

Pala-U waterfall consists of 16 levels. While the climb to level five is fairly easy, above it the trail is hard to make out and the climb becomes very challenging. To get to the highest levels you will have to climb over rocks and wade through pools and streams to continue on the path up.

The Kuha Karuhas Royal pavilion in Phraya Nakhon cave

Also visit:
Phra Nakhon Cave

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Trail along the first five levels

A fairly well marked trail leads up to the first five levels of the waterfall. It is a beautiful hike along the river stepping over tree roots, balancing on rocks and hanging on to ropes attached to the trees while being surrounded by the sounds of the jungle. After the first few levels the hike becomes more challenging.

Schools of fish live in small rock pools at the bottom of each waterfall. Take a swim in the pools’ clear waters with fish hovering around you.

The average fairly fit climber will take some 45 minutes to an hour to get to level five. Over level one the climb is not suitable for small children and people with walking difficulties. Wear good sturdy shoes to make the climb a little easier.

A white handed gibbon in the jungle

Butterflies, birds & monkeys at Pala-U

Countless animals live in the forest. Easiest to see are the countless butterflies in bright colors. Often they will gather in large groups in wet soil drinking water and minerals. Look out for several species of monkeys and gibbons like the white handed gibbon high up in the trees. The park houses many species of birds, although they are easier heard than seen in the thick jungle vegetation.

Best time to visit

Pala-U waterfall can be visited all year round. The falls are at their best during the rainy season from May through October, especially during and just after September and October, the wettest months of the year. Around March and April towards the end of the dry season, the falls are usually less impressive.

Food & drink

Bringing food or drinks into the park is not allowed. Near the park entrance are a picnic area and a small restaurant that offers a limited choice of Thai dishes like rice with chicken or pork as well as soft drinks, tea and coffee.

Location and how to get there

Pala-U waterfall is located at the South tip of Kaeng Krachan national park about 65 kilometers West of Hua Hin. The National Park checkpoint is on road 3218, about an hour drive from Hua Hin.

Opening hours

The waterfall can be visited daily from 8.30 am until 4.30 pm.
While Kaeng Krachan National Park is closed during the rainy season from August to October, Pala-U remains open.