One of the most beautiful natural attractions in Thailand are Pala Yu Falls, which are about an hour and a half drive away There is none, in the national park Kaeng Krachan, known as the largest and most impressive nature reserve in all of Thailand, bordering, and even reaching, Until Myanmar (for the western part of the country).
Already during the trip to the falls you can be impressed by the beauty of the charming nature and the special rural area of Thailand, which includes farms and pineapple fields and impressive mountains in the background, towards Burma. The entrance to the national park (after passing the checkpoint) leads directly to a tropical jungle with lovely views, huge rocks, countless colorful butterflies, tropical birds and monkeys. To reach the higher levels of the waterfall, you have to walk along the stream, which passes between rocks and tall trees and offers a wonderful atmosphere, accompanied by the chirping of birds.
Pala Yu waterfall consists of 16 levels. The climb up to the fifth level is relatively easy, but to reach the higher levels, high physical fitness is required, due to the need to climb over the rocks. This is an opportunity to wade in the water of the pools and streams, which reach directly to the upper level.
The path that takes hikers along the first five levels of the waterfall is a marked path. It offers a beautiful walk along the river, which passes between trees and rocks and includes ropes, which make it easier for travelers and are connected directly to the trees. The sounds of the jungle accompany the travelers all along the way and so does the very unique atmosphere of the place. The small pools at the bottom of each waterfall are an attraction in themselves and you can swim in their clear waters and enjoy them, especially when the weather is nice. Travelers with fairly good physical fitness will take around 45 minutes to reach the fifth level, where any climb above the first level is no longer suitable for small children and walking for people with walking difficulties. In any case, it is very important to arrive at the place with closed and comfortable shoes in order to climb comfortably and easily.
The countless animals in the park, and near the waterfalls, add quite a bit to the atmosphere and are a perfect setting, both in terms of appearance and sounds. It is hard not to notice the masses of colorful butterflies, the many monkeys that live there and the unique jungle vegetation.
You can get to the falls throughout the year, but the best time to be impressed by the power and quantity of water is during the rainy season, between the months of May and October, and especially during September and October. Around March and April and towards the end of the dry season the falls are usually less impressive.
Please note - it is forbidden to bring food and drinks into the park. Near the entrance to it there is a special picnic area and even a small restaurant that offers local Thai dishes.
You can visit the waterfalls every day between 08:30 and 16:30. While the park itself is closed during the rainy season between the months of August and October, the Palau Falls remain open to visitors.
