PA LA-U WATERFALL
Pa La-U Waterfall!
Náam dtòk bpàa-lá-oo (น้ำตกป่าละอู) Pa La-U Waterfall, is located in the South West corner of Thailand's largest national park, Kaeng Krachan (แก่งกระจาน). The park covers an area of 2,914 km² in both Petchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces and the area surrounding the waterfall is approximately 437km².
Pa La-U is a rock waterfall consisting of 16 tiers in two parts; Pa La-U Yai and Pa La-U Noi. The name Pa La-U is derived from the Karen language, with La-U meaning bamboo, as the area surrounding the falls is rife with bamboo. Generally, only the first 5 cascades are accessible to most visitors due to the slightly more arduous and unmarked trail above level 5, although those who are able may trek all the way to the larger falls above. At certain times of the year, the falls are closed, however, due to heavy rains, which make visiting far too dangerous.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand indicates the best times to visit Pa La-U Waterfall is between November and April, though other sites indicate between May to October. These images of the falls were shot in the dry season.
Attractions
The Huai Sat Yai area surrounding Pa La-U Waterfall has a variety of attractions. Naturally the falls themselves, but also a number of Karen villages, dairy farms, 5 elephant watching towers and a cotton weaving centre. There are also orchards growing durian, mangosteen and rambutan.
The Huai Pa Lao Checkpoint opens daily at 8:30am.
Please note that you are not permitted to enter the park on motorcycle, bicycle or on foot and only pickups and SUVs with 4WD are allowed to drive up past certain points in the park.
Accommodation
Should you wish to stay closer to the falls themselves, Baan Pa La-u (ป่าละอู) is a great option. It is a village in the Tambon (sub-district) of Huai Sat Yai, where around 250 families of Thai and Karen descent live. This lush valley is surrounded by the Tanao Sri Mountain Range (ทิวเขาตะนาวศรี)). The southern section of this extensive chain of mountains runs along the Isthmus of Khra and into the Malay peninsula, almost reaching Singapore.
Village life is simple, often following ancient traditions and wearing traditional costumes. There are a number of homestays in Huai Yat Sai, allowing guests to visit the falls, trek in the forests enjoying the local wildlife and hopefully catch a glimpse of the critically endangered Asian elephants. In 2013, there were only around 250 living in the park; now, that number is much less due to poaching.
Kaeng Krachan Info
Kaeng Krachan National Park is situated in 2 provinces; both Prachuap Khiri Khan and Phetchaburi. The park itself is about 75 km from Hua Hin and 60 km from Phetchaburi.
Declared a national park in June 1981, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in July 2021. It is one of Thailand's most popular national parks, whether it is hiking, camping, wildlife or simply the spectacular viewpoints you are after.
Baan Krang campsite and the Pa-Lau-U Waterfall are generally open all year round, but the Phanoen Thung campsite is closed from August to October each year due to the rains. There are also some times when the rains have made the Pa La-U Waterfall too dangerous to visit. Always check during the rainy season.
The road between Baan Krang and Phanoen Thung is far too steep and narrow to allow 2 way traffic, therefore traffic is scheduled only one way between certain hours.
Declared a national park in June 1981, UNESCO listed it as a World Heritage Site in July 2021. It is one of Thailand's most popular national parks, whether it is hiking, camping, wildlife or simply the spectacular viewpoints you are after.
Baan Krang campsite and the Pa-Lau-U Waterfall are generally open all year round, but the Phanoen Thung campsite is closed from August to October each year due to the rains. There are also some times when the rains have made the Pa La-U Waterfall too dangerous to visit. Always check during the rainy season.
The road between Baan Krang and Phanoen Thung is far too steep and narrow to allow 2 way traffic, therefore traffic is scheduled only one way between certain hours.
The Huai Pa Lao Checkpoint is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm
Only cars, pickups and SUVs are permitted into the park
From Baan Krang Camp to Phanoen Thung: 5am to 8am & 1pm to 3pm
From Phanoen Thung to Baan Krang Camp; 9am to 11:30 am & 4pm – 5pm