Namtok Pha Charoen National Park

History & Significance

Namtok Pha Charoen National Park is a protected area covering parts of Phop Phra and Mae Sot districts in Tak Province. The park's landscape is dominated by mixed deciduous forests, pine forests, and rich natural flora, making it a vital ecological site in western Thailand.

Highlights & What to See

The park features several remarkable natural attractions:

• Namtok Pha Charoen (Pha Charoen Waterfall): A stunning limestone waterfall fed by multiple creeks and mountain springs. It cascades down in numerous tiers (ranging from 37 to 97 tiers depending on the classification) and flows year-round. During the rainy season, from July to early September, a vibrant field of orange wild siam tulips blooms beautifully in front of the waterfall.
• Huai Nam Nak Hot Spring: A large natural, sulfur-free hot spring with a temperature of approximately 60 degrees Celsius. It is open year-round and offers mineral bath services, restrooms, and relaxation pavilions.
• Namtok Pa Wai (Pa Wai Waterfall): A limestone waterfall surrounded by dense rattan (Wai) forests. Visitors can hike from the bottom to the top tier. About 30 meters further, there is a unique 10-meter-wide volcanic-like crater where water flows down into the opening.
• Namtok Nang Khruan (Phop Phra Waterfall): A medium-sized waterfall flowing in small tiers amidst a shady forest, fed by a canal next to the roadside fields.
• Namtok Sai Fa and Namtok Sai Rung: Waterfalls with year-round flow where the water spray catches the sunlight to create beautiful rainbow effects.
• Namtok Thararak (Chedi Kho Waterfall): A small, single-tier waterfall with a 30-meter-high cliff and a large reservoir at the top, located near Phop Phra district town.

Visitor Information

The park is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Currently, there is no admission fee collected. Facilities include parking, two bungalows, and tents with bedding available for rent. For inquiries, contact the National Park office at 0 5503 0178 or the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation at 0 2562 0760.

How to Get There

Located at Moo 6, Mae Sot-Umphang Road, Chong Khaep Subdistrict, Phop Phra District, Tak Province. The park's attractions are spread out along the main highways, specifically Route 1090 (Umphang-Phop Phra) and Route 1206 (Mae Sot-Phop Phra).