Thararak Waterfall (Pha Chan Waterfall)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Thararak Waterfall, also known as Pha Chan Waterfall in Tak Province, is a beautiful and easily accessible natural waterfall located in Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, Ban Chedi Kho, Maha Wan Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province. Set close to Highway 1090, the Mae Sot – Umphang route, the waterfall is visible from the roadside area around kilometer marker 26, with a short access road of about 700 meters leading to the waterfall area. This makes Thararak Waterfall one of the most convenient waterfall stops for travelers driving between Mae Sot and Umphang.

 

The waterfall is known for its limestone cliff, falling water, upper and lower pools, and peaceful natural setting. Water flows down a steep limestone face into a lower pool area, creating a refreshing scene surrounded by forest shade and greenery. The name Pha Chan, meaning steep cliff, reflects the character of the waterfall’s vertical rock formation. The sound of falling water, cool mist, and shaded surroundings make the area suitable for relaxation, photography, and short nature visits.

 

Thararak Waterfall is also geologically interesting. The area is associated with limestone terrain and underground water sources, which help support year-round water flow. Water seeps and flows through limestone formations before gathering into a stream and dropping over the cliff. Because of this, the waterfall remains active throughout the year, although water volume changes by season. The surrounding environment includes streamside vegetation, dry evergreen forest along the watercourse, mixed forest, and plants that thrive in humid conditions.

 

The biggest advantage of Thararak Waterfall is its accessibility. Visitors traveling from Mae Sot can follow Highway 1090 toward Umphang. Around kilometer marker 26, a sign leads to the waterfall. After turning onto the concrete access road for about 700 meters, visitors reach the parking area. From there, it takes only a short walk to the waterfall. This makes the site suitable for families, casual travelers, photographers, and anyone who wants to enjoy a waterfall without a long trek.

 

The lower area of the waterfall has been developed for visitor use with a pool area, small bridges, walking paths, pavilions, and a spacious parking area. These facilities allow visitors to walk around the waterfall, take photographs, rest in the shade, and enjoy the water in safer areas. The setting is more convenient than many remote waterfalls in Tak Province while still retaining the feeling of a natural limestone waterfall within a protected landscape.

 

Near the upper part of the waterfall, visitors can find a large pool and a small chedi, adding a calm and spiritual element to the scenery. The combination of falling water, limestone cliff, pool, trees, and the small chedi creates a distinctive atmosphere. Visitors should walk carefully in this area because rock surfaces can be wet and slippery, especially during the rainy season or after heavy rainfall.

 

Thararak Waterfall is a good destination for a half-day trip from Mae Sot. Visitors can come in the morning, enjoy the waterfall, relax beside the water, take photographs, and continue to other nearby attractions on the Mae Sot – Umphang route. It can also be combined with Pha Charoen Waterfall, Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, Doi Muser, Mae Sot town, Rim Moei Market, and the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 1.

 

As a natural attraction inside a national park area, visitors should follow conservation practices. Rubbish should be carried out, soap and shampoo should not be used in the water, and visitors should not climb dangerous rocks or disturb plants and wildlife. The waterfall is easy to reach, but it is still part of a natural watershed and protected environment. Responsible behavior helps keep the site clean, safe, and pleasant for future visitors.

 

The best time to visit is generally in the morning or early afternoon. Morning light makes the waterfall and limestone cliff look especially beautiful, and the atmosphere is usually quieter. The rainy season and the period after the rains often provide strong water flow and lush greenery, but visitors should be cautious because wet rocks and changing water levels can increase risk. During heavy rain, visitors should follow park staff instructions and avoid unsafe areas.

 

Swimming or playing in the water should be done only in safe areas where the water is calm and not too deep. Visitors should avoid jumping from rocks, entering strong-flowing water, or going into the water after heavy rain. Children should be closely supervised at all times. Families should choose resting spots where adults can clearly see the water area and should avoid slippery edges.

 

Getting There is straightforward. From Mae Sot town, drive along Highway 1090 toward Umphang. At around kilometer marker 26, look for the sign to Thararak Waterfall or Pha Chan Waterfall. Turn left onto the concrete access road and continue for about 700 meters to the parking area. The waterfall is only a short walk from the parking area. Travelers can also search for “Thararak Waterfall Mae Sot” or “Pha Chan Waterfall Ban Chedi Kho” on navigation apps.

 

For travelers planning a full-day route, Thararak Waterfall can be the first stop before continuing to Namtok Pha Charoen National Park and Pha Charoen Waterfall. Those staying in Mae Sot can combine the waterfall with cultural and border attractions such as Wat Thai Wattanaram, Rim Moei Market, and the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge. This makes the waterfall a useful part of a mixed itinerary that includes nature, local culture, and border-town experiences.

 

Visitors should bring non-slip shoes, a change of clothes if they plan to play in the water, a towel, a waterproof bag for phones, insect repellent, drinking water, and a small trash bag. Although the site has basic facilities, personal preparation helps make the visit more comfortable and safer, especially for families with children or elderly travelers.

 

In summary, Thararak Waterfall or Pha Chan Waterfall is one of the most convenient and attractive natural stops near Mae Sot, Tak Province. Located in Ban Chedi Kho within the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park area, it offers limestone waterfall scenery, a cliffside water drop, pools, a small chedi, walking paths, rest pavilions, and easy road access from Highway 1090. Open daily from 08.00 to 17.00, it is suitable for relaxation, photography, safe water play in designated areas, and a refreshing stop along the Mae Sot – Umphang route.

 

 

A: Thararak Waterfall, also known as Pha Chan Waterfall, is located in Ban Chedi Kho, Maha Wan Subdistrict, Mae Sot District, Tak Province, within the Namtok Pha Charoen National Park area.

 

A: Thararak Waterfall is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: From Mae Sot, take Highway 1090 toward Umphang. Around kilometer marker 26, turn left and drive about 700 meters to the parking area, then walk only a few minutes to the waterfall.

 

A: Yes. The waterfall is suitable for families because it has convenient access, a parking area, rest pavilions, walking paths, and a pool area. Children should still be supervised near wet rocks and water.

 

A: Visitors can play in the water only in safe areas where the water is calm. Swimming after heavy rain or in strong-flowing sections should be avoided.

 

A: Its key features include a limestone cliff, falling water, upper and lower pools, a small chedi near the upper area, walking paths, rest pavilions, and easy access from the Mae Sot – Umphang route.

 

A: Visitors should bring non-slip shoes, a change of clothes if swimming, a waterproof bag, insect repellent, drinking water, and a trash bag.

 

A: Nearby places include Pha Charoen Waterfall, Namtok Pha Charoen National Park, Doi Muser, Mae Sot town, Rim Moei Market, and the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge No. 1.