Rating: 4/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall lies within Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park, Rayong Province. It’s a nature spot known for crystal-clear, cool water coursing through pristine evergreen forest. The stream runs for roughly 3 kilometers from the park headquarters, shaded by tall trees—ideal for quiet relaxation and nature study for anyone who wants a calm, unspoiled forest experience.

 

This is one of the park’s beautiful waterfalls. The water descends from Khao Chamao, cascading over tiers of rocks before pooling into emerald-green basins. Several freshwater species live here, especially schools of large Barbonymus (pla phuang) commonly found in this area. Visitors can watch them from wooden walkways or rocks without entering the water.

 

The surroundings are lush and filled with natural soundscapes—the rush of water over rocks, birdsong, and the cool, humid scent of evergreen forest. Common flora include Dipterocarps such as yang na and takhian, jamun trees, as well as ferns and wild orchids—clear signs of a healthy ecosystem.

 

Near the falls you’ll find a short nature trail with plant name signs and scenic rest points along the way. Visitors can safely swim in the shallow natural pools and may feed the fish using vegetables sold by the park (e.g., yardlong beans). To keep the place clean and the ecosystem balanced, food and drinks are strictly not allowed in the waterfall area.

 

The broader area around Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall includes other attractions. Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park spans about 83.68 square kilometers, protects rich forest, and serves as a vital headwater area for Rayong. Nearby is Khao Chamao Waterfall (also called Than Nam Sai), a multi-tiered cascade with highlights such as Wang Matcha, Wang Morakot, Pha Kluai Mai, and Nam Tok Hok Sai.

 

Also close by is Pha Sawan, a viewpoint above Than Nam Sai reached by a 900-meter forest path, where you can see Khao Laem Ya and the Koh Samet archipelago on clear days. In Chanthaburi, Khao Wong Cave complex sits about 18 kilometers from Na Yai Am Market and features more than 80 caves—such as Tham Phra, Tham Lakorn, and Tham Chedi—each with distinct beauty and largely untouched formations.

 

The name “Khlong Pla Kang” comes from the stream once teeming with pla kang (small freshwater fish), which became the name of both the stream and the waterfall—reflecting how local life and nature are woven together here.

 

Getting There From Bangkok, several routes are possible. Highway 3 (Sukhumvit) runs via Bang Pu, Bang Pakong, Chonburi, Si Racha, Pattaya, and Sattahip into Rayong (about 220 km). Alternatively take Highway 34 (Bang Na – Trat) and connect to Highway 3 at Bang Pakong for a similar total distance. Highway 36 (Chonburi – Rayong bypass) totals about 210 km, while Highway 7 (Bangkok – Chonburi Motorway) connects to Highway 36 into Rayong for roughly 175 km overall.

 

From Klaeng District in Rayong, drive toward Chanthaburi for about 10 km and watch for signs to Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park. Turn left and follow the paved road for about 4 km to the park headquarters, then continue roughly 3 km along the stream to reach Khlong Pla Kang Waterfall. Roads are fully paved and suitable for private cars.

 

Facilities at the park include parking, restrooms, a campground, shops, and a visitor center. Park staff can advise on trails and safety, and accommodation is available for those wishing to stay overnight in nature.

 

Visitor guidelines: do not bring food into the waterfall area; do not litter or use single-use plastics; do not catch or harm aquatic life; and use only the drinking containers provided by the park. These simple steps help protect water quality and keep the ecosystem in balance.

 

The best time to visit is June – October during the rainy season when water volume is high and the forest is at its greenest. In the hot season, water levels drop but remain clear—good for a quiet day by the stream.

 

Many visitors note the deep sense of calm here—the sound of water over stone, birds in the canopy, and cool forest breezes offer a rare reset from city life. Khlong Pla Kang is not just a nature spot but a place to unwind and reconnect with the living forest.

 

Though not the largest waterfall in the East, its clarity, healthy forest, and peaceful atmosphere make it a worthy destination for first-time hikers, photographers, and families seeking an easy, close-to-nature escape.

 

 

A: It’s inside Khao Chamao – Khao Wong National Park, Klaeng District, Rayong, about 3 km from the park headquarters.

 

A: Yes, it’s open year-round. Check weather conditions before visiting, especially during heavy rain.

 

A: Around 3 – 4 hours by car via Sukhumvit (Highway 3) or Bang Na – Trat (Highway 34), with other options via Highways 36 or 7.

 

A: Enjoy short nature walks, swim in shallow pools, take photos, and feed the fish using vegetables provided by the park.

 

A: No. Food and snacks are not allowed in the waterfall zone to protect water quality and keep the area clean.

 

A: The park offers a campground and accommodation near the headquarters.

 

A: June to October, when the flow is strongest and the forest is lush.

 

A: Khao Chamao (Than Nam Sai) Waterfall, Pha Sawan viewpoint, and Khao Wong Cave complex in neighboring Chanthaburi.