Soi Sawan Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 16.30

 

Soi Sawan Waterfall in Ubon Ratchathani Province is one of the most distinctive waterfalls inside Pha Taem National Park in Khong Chiam District. Located along Highway 2112, about 30 km from Khong Chiam town, the waterfall is known for its 2 streams, Sae Soi and Sae Phai, flowing down from separate cliff faces before joining below. From a distance, the 2 falling streams look like a necklace hanging from a sandstone cliff, which explains the Thai name “Soi Sawan,” meaning a heavenly necklace.

 

Soi Sawan Waterfall gives Pha Taem National Park a different dimension beyond its famous prehistoric rock paintings and Mekong viewpoints. The area combines a waterfall, sandstone cliffs, seasonal wildflowers, dry dipterocarp forest, rock terraces, walking paths, and views of the Mekong-side landscape. This makes it an excellent destination for travelers who want to understand the natural character of eastern Ubon Ratchathani in a deeper way.

 

The most memorable feature of Soi Sawan Waterfall is the meeting of 2 streams at the base of the cliff. One stream drops directly from the cliff face like a vertical curtain, while the other flows across rock channels and terraces before joining below. The result is not a single straight waterfall, but a layered scene of falling water, wet stone, stream channels, natural pools, and forest shade. This gives the waterfall strong visual depth and makes it different from many smaller local waterfalls.

 

The waterfall is part of a wider travel route in Pha Taem National Park. Nearby attractions include Pha Taem Cliff, prehistoric rock paintings, Sao Chaliang rock formations, Thung Na Mueang Waterfall, Saeng Chan Waterfall, Mekong viewpoints, and the Khong Chiam riverside area. A visit to Soi Sawan Waterfall can therefore be planned as part of a full-day or overnight nature route through the national park and Khong Chiam District.

 

To reach the waterfall, visitors travel by road to the parking area and then continue on foot for about 500 meters. This short walk is part of the experience. The route leads gradually from the vehicle area into the forest and waterfall environment. Along the way, visitors can hear the sound of water more clearly, pass through shaded natural areas, and sense the transition from the road to the waterfall landscape.

 

The sandstone terraces around the waterfall are especially attractive from the late rainy season into the early cool season. During this period, small wildflowers bloom across the rock plains and in shallow soil pockets. Their colors add another layer of beauty to the waterfall area. The flowers are small and delicate, but when they appear across the open rock surface, they create a seasonal landscape that is closely associated with Pha Taem National Park.

 

Wildflowers commonly seen in the broader Pha Taem landscape include Soi Suwanna, Dusita, Mani Thewa, Kradum Ngoen, and other small rock-plain species. These flowers survive in thin soil and harsh sandstone conditions. Their short blooming season makes them valuable and fragile. Visitors should stay on marked paths, avoid stepping on flower areas, and take photographs without disturbing the plants.

 

The best season to visit Soi Sawan Waterfall is from the rainy season to the early cool season, especially after fresh rain when the waterfall has stronger flow and the forest is greener. Water is most prominent from around June to December. In the dry season, the flow may decrease, but the sandstone layers, rock surfaces, stream channels, and geological features become easier to see. Each season gives the waterfall a different character.

 

For photography, morning and early afternoon are the most comfortable times. Soft morning light helps reveal the texture of the cliff, water curtain, wet rocks, and forest plants. After rain, the waterfall may look especially fresh, but paths and rocks can be slippery. Visitors should protect cameras and phones from water spray and stand only on stable surfaces when taking photos near the water.

 

Geologically, Soi Sawan Waterfall is a clear example of how sandstone, water, rainfall, and time shape the landscape. The 2 streams do more than create a scenic waterfall. They gradually erode channels, smooth the rock surface, form natural pools, and shape the cliff face. Understanding this process helps visitors see the waterfall not only as a beautiful view but also as a living geological landscape.

 

Pha Taem National Park is Thailand’s 74th national park. It covers areas of Khong Chiam, Si Mueang Mai, and Pho Sai districts in Ubon Ratchathani Province. The landscape includes plateaus, cliffs, open dry forest, sandstone plains, waterfalls, and viewpoints along the Mekong River. Because Soi Sawan Waterfall is located inside this protected area, visitors can easily connect the waterfall experience with the park’s other natural and historical attractions.

 

The waterfall shows a side of Ubon Ratchathani that differs from the better-known Mekong River viewpoints and Sam Phan Bok rock formations. Here, the atmosphere is more shaded, moist, and forest-based. Visitors can experience flowing water, mossy rock, small stream channels, and seasonal flowers, while still remaining within the broader sandstone and Mekong landscape that defines this part of northeastern Thailand.

 

Plants around the waterfall create a cooler and more sheltered atmosphere than the open rock plains elsewhere in the park. Although much of Pha Taem National Park has dry, open forest, the waterfall area has more moisture. This allows streamside plants, small shrubs, and trees to grow more densely near the water. The contrast between open sandstone plains and moist waterfall vegetation is one of the reasons the site feels so refreshing.

 

Soi Sawan Waterfall is suitable for travelers who enjoy light nature walking. The walk from the parking area is not extremely long, but it still gives a real sense of entering a natural area. Visitors should allow enough time to walk slowly, listen to the waterfall, observe the rocks and plants, and enjoy the surroundings instead of rushing directly to the main viewpoint.

 

Safety is important. Visitors should not climb cliffs, walk on wet sloping rocks, approach strong currents, or enter restricted areas. During and after heavy rain, water levels and current strength can change quickly. The safest way to enjoy the waterfall is to follow the official path, observe warning signs, and listen to national park staff.

 

The waterfall is suitable for many types of visitors. Families can enjoy a nature outing, photographers can capture the 2 streams and sandstone cliffs, students can learn about geology and seasonal ecosystems, and international travelers can see a quieter, greener side of Isan. It is a meaningful place for visitors who want more than a quick viewpoint stop.

 

For international travelers, Soi Sawan Waterfall explains the natural identity of Ubon Ratchathani well. The province is not only about the Mekong River, sunrise cliffs, or ancient rock paintings. It also has seasonal waterfalls, wildflower plains, dry forest, and sandstone formations. Soi Sawan Waterfall brings many of these elements together in one accessible location.

 

A full-day itinerary can begin from Khong Chiam town, travel to Soi Sawan Waterfall in the morning, continue to Thung Na Mueang Waterfall or Saeng Chan Waterfall, and return toward Pha Taem Cliff or Sao Chaliang later in the day. Travelers staying in Khong Chiam can also combine the waterfall with the Two-Color River, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, and riverside restaurants.

 

The rock plains near the waterfall are particularly interesting for visitors who love seasonal wildflowers. These flowers grow in fragile soil pockets over sandstone. Visitors should avoid walking across flower areas, even when the plants look small. The beauty of the wildflower season depends on careful visitor behavior and respect for the national park environment.

 

Some viewpoints around the broader waterfall area allow visitors to appreciate the forest, cliffs, and Mekong-side terrain. In clear weather, the landscape toward Laos can be seen from parts of the Pha Taem route. This gives the trip an additional geographical dimension, as travelers can understand how the waterfall sits within the larger borderland landscape of Thailand and Laos.

 

Basic facilities are available around the protection unit and parking area, including parking, toilets, food or small shop services in some periods, and a camping area. Services may vary by season and visitor volume, so travelers should prepare drinking water and essential supplies before entering the waterfall area. Planning is especially important during weekends, holidays, and the rainy season.

 

The entrance fee follows the Pha Taem National Park rate: Thai adults 40 Baht, Thai children 20 Baht, foreign adults 200 Baht, and foreign children 100 Baht. Camping costs 30 Baht per person per night. Visitors should prepare a suitable payment method and follow the instructions of park staff at the entrance or service point.

 

Getting There from Khong Chiam town is straightforward by private car or rental car. Take Highway 2112 toward Pha Taem National Park and the waterfall route. The distance from Khong Chiam is about 30 km. Another route description is to follow Highway 2173 for about 40 km from the Khong Chiam direction, continue onto Highway 2112 for about 10 km, then turn right for about 5 km to the waterfall access area. From the parking area, visitors walk about 500 meters to the waterfall.

 

A private car or rental car is the most practical way to visit, because it allows travelers to combine several attractions in one day. Roads on the main route are paved, but local access areas should be driven carefully, especially after rain. Visitors should check fuel, weather, and timing before entering the park route, and should return before dark unless staying overnight nearby.

 

Travelers without private transport can first travel from Ubon Ratchathani city to Khong Chiam, then hire local transport to Soi Sawan Waterfall. This option requires advance planning because public transport directly to the waterfall is limited. For groups, hiring a local vehicle is more convenient and allows visits to Pha Taem, Sao Chaliang, Saeng Chan Waterfall, and the Two-Color River in the same route.

 

A one-day trip from Ubon Ratchathani city is possible, but it should start early because the drive to the Khong Chiam-Pha Taem area takes time. A practical plan is to visit Soi Sawan Waterfall first, then choose one or two nearby attractions before returning to Khong Chiam for food. Travelers who want a slower experience should stay overnight in Khong Chiam.

 

A 2-day route allows a fuller experience. On the first day, visitors can explore Pha Taem Cliff, prehistoric rock paintings, Sao Chaliang, and Mekong viewpoints. On the second day, they can visit Soi Sawan Waterfall, Thung Na Mueang Waterfall, Saeng Chan Waterfall, and the Khong Chiam riverside. This reduces rushing and gives enough time to appreciate each place properly.

 

Camping near the waterfall is possible in the designated national park area. Travelers who prefer private rooms and more convenient food services should stay in Khong Chiam town or at riverside resorts. Khong Chiam is a good base because it offers restaurants, hotels, river views, and access to multiple attractions in Pha Taem National Park.

 

Restaurants directly near the waterfall are limited, so most visitors eat in Khong Chiam before or after visiting. Khong Chiam restaurants commonly serve Mekong fish, Isan dishes, Thai food, river prawns, fish soup, fried river fish, fish larb, and spicy local salads. Calling ahead is useful during weekends and holidays.

 

Visitors should prepare suitable footwear because the route includes walking and natural surfaces. Shoes with good grip are recommended. Other useful items include drinking water, a hat, mosquito repellent, a personal trash bag, a small towel, and waterproof protection for phones or cameras. Families with children or elderly visitors should walk slowly and rest when needed.

 

Heavy rain requires extra caution. Waterfalls in sandstone terrain can change quickly after rainfall. Rocks become slippery, currents become stronger, and paths can become wet. Visitors should avoid the waterfall during unsafe weather and always follow national park announcements and warning signs.

 

Responsible travel is essential around the wildflower and waterfall areas. Visitors should not pick flowers, move rocks, write on stone surfaces, leave litter, or walk outside marked paths. The wildflowers of Pha Taem grow in fragile soil and can be damaged easily. Respectful travel helps preserve the place for local people and future visitors.

 

Soi Sawan Waterfall is also valuable for conservation learning. It shows how rainfall, forest, sandstone, streams, and visitor behavior all influence the condition of a natural site. Clean water, healthy forest, undamaged rock plains, and well-managed trails are all necessary for the waterfall to remain beautiful.

 

In cultural terms, the name and landscape of Soi Sawan reflect local observation of nature. The streams look like a necklace, the rock plains carry seasonal flowers, and the cliffs open toward the Mekong borderland. These natural images become part of the way local people and travelers remember the area.

 

For travelers who want depth, Soi Sawan Waterfall should be more than a photo stop. It helps explain sandstone geology, seasonal water, dry forest, wildflower plains, protected-area management, and the natural diversity of Ubon Ratchathani. When seen together, these elements make the waterfall an important part of the Pha Taem experience.

 

Overall, Soi Sawan Waterfall is a strong nature destination for visitors who want to explore Ubon Ratchathani beyond the usual route. Its 2 joining streams, cliff setting, seasonal flowers, walking trail, and connection to other Pha Taem attractions make it one of the most meaningful waterfalls in the province. The best experience comes from visiting in the right season, walking carefully, observing the details, and giving the landscape enough time.

 

 

A: Soi Sawan Waterfall is located inside Pha Taem National Park in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, along Highway 2112, about 30 km from Khong Chiam town.

 

A: Soi Sawan Waterfall is open daily from 08.00 to 16.30.

 

A: Yes. The Pha Taem National Park entrance fee is 40 Baht for Thai adults, 20 Baht for Thai children, 200 Baht for foreign adults, and 100 Baht for foreign children. Camping costs 30 Baht per person per night.

 

A: The main highlights are 2 waterfall streams from Sae Soi and Sae Phai joining below the cliff like a necklace, together with sandstone terraces, seasonal wildflowers, forest scenery, and Pha Taem National Park atmosphere.

 

A: The rainy season to early cool season is best for waterfall flow, especially after fresh rain. The late rainy to early cool season is also good for seeing wildflowers on the rock plains.

 

A: Visitors walk about 500 meters from the parking area to the waterfall. Shoes with good grip are recommended.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Thung Na Mueang Waterfall, Saeng Chan Waterfall, Pha Taem Cliff, Sao Chaliang, Mekong viewpoints, the Two-Color River, and Wat Tham Khuha Sawan.

 

A: Visitors should bring non-slip shoes, drinking water, a hat, mosquito repellent, a personal trash bag, waterproof protection for phones or cameras, and should check weather conditions before traveling during the rainy season.