Thailand · Tak
Pha Charoen Falls
น้ำตกผาชะเออ
Multiple broad limestone shelves step the Mae Charoen stream down a forested hillside near the remote Thai-Myanmar border town of Umphang, each tier forming its own shallow swimming pool. It sees a fraction of the visitors of Thailand better-known falls thanks to the long, winding mountain drive required to reach it.
Multiple broad limestone shelves step the Mae Charoen stream down a forested hillside near the remote Thai-Myanmar border town of Umphang, each tier forming its own shallow swimming pool. It sees a fraction of the visitors of Thailand better-known falls thanks to the long, winding mountain drive required to reach it.
Pha Charoen Falls drops over a series of steps on the Mae Charoen, inside Namtok Pha Charoen National Park. It is a tiered-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Umphang. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.
Cool dry season gives clear water over the wide limestone shelves.
What you can do here
Swimming
Plunge pools, natural infinity pools and the occasional lip pool you can legally sit in.
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Cool dry season gives clear water over the wide limestone shelves.
Entry: Park entry ~100 THB
Getting there
- Base townUmphang
- CountryThailand
- RegionTak, Asia
- AccessModerate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail
On the map
16.4622, 98.7772
Quick answers
When is the best time to visit Pha Charoen Falls?
Peak flow is January to February and November to December. Cool dry season gives clear water over the wide limestone shelves.
What can you do at Pha Charoen Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: swimming, hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.
How do you get to Pha Charoen Falls?
The usual base is Umphang. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there. Park entry ~100 THB.
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