 Pala-U
is a 15-level waterfall along a creek stretching out to the Burmese border.
It's about 60 km west of Hua Hin. It's in the south end of Kaeng Krachan
national park (Thailand's biggest national park), so if you're not a Thai
citizen you have to pay an entrance of 200 Bath.
There is also an elephant camp, at the left side of the park entrance.
This is a better deal than the ones in Hua Hin, since the jungle is more
genuine. You don't have to pay the park entrance fee to do this ride.
Most visitors are turning back after the third level. I recommend you to
keep on going as far as your physics allow you to.
Watch out for; slippery stones, muddy track during rain, mosquitoes,
leeches. I was also told there are tigers and black panthers in the area. I
don't know if that's true.
To get there; rent a car or a motorbike, get a taxi or let the hotel
staff arrange the trips. The touts along the Hua Hin streets are overpriced.
Bring water for this trip, you'll need it. And, keep the park clean!
Tourist Places around Pa La Au Waterfall
Located at Kaeng Krachan National Park, there are 2 routes to get there.
Coming from the park headquarter, enter Song Pee Nong Village, pass Yang
Chum Village, Nong Pub Village. Then go further to La Au Forest by following
the signs. The total distance is 80 kilometers.
If coming from Bangkok, enter Petkasem Road, pass Petchaburi city, Ta
Yang district, to Cha Am-Panburi By-Pass Road, turn into Houy Mong Kon
Village at a junction, then go along on Royal Road Number 3218-3219 (Hua Hin
district-Pa La Au route) for 19 kilometers, you won’t miss Pa La Au
Waterfall. Below, there are 4 tourist attractions around Pa La Au Waterfall.
1). Pa La Au Waterfall
This 15-tier waterfall flows all year round. Each tier is unique in
beauty. Especially, at 15th tier, it was explored by just a few people, but
everybody said the same thing “ never been, never know what the utmost
beauty is like”.
2). Chonlanark Waterfall
Even though it is a 3-tier waterfall, its cliff stands the tallest in
Kaeng Krachan National Park. The height is about 150 to 200 meters. Located
in proximity to Pa La Au Waterfall, it usually takes about 6 hour walking
and requires one night stay over. Sound is hard, isn’t it?
3). Nature Route
800 meters long of the nature route starts at a parking lot and ends at
the 1st tier of Pa La Au Waterfall. With signs along the route and walking
on a hanging bridge, it offers the most memorable nature learning.
4). Houy Pa Lao Reservoir
Here is one of the best bird watching points in Kaeng Krachan National
Park.
Talk about accommodations. Unfortunately, there is no guesthouse and
restaurant offered around Pa La Au Waterfall. Therefore, tents and easy to
cook or semi cooked food must be brought if wanting to stay over. Prior to
trek into the forest, you are recommended to obtain some important
information at the station of Houy Pa Lao Protection Center. Speed is
limited and caution is in need, because elephants often cross the route. It
opens for visitor from 8 am. to 5 pm.
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