Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park in Udon Thani Province is an important natural attraction in Nong Saeng District. It lies within the Khun Huai Sam Phat and Khun Huai Kong Si forest area on the Phu Phan Noi mountain range and covers approximately 78,125 rai. The area was officially declared a forest park on 19 December 1984. Its main natural features include Than Ngam Waterfall, forest streams, rocky pools, cliffs, caves, sandstone platforms, mixed deciduous forest, dry dipterocarp forest, and a broad rock terrace locally known as Lae Sa-at. The park is especially suitable for visitors who want a quiet natural retreat, a seasonal waterfall, short nature walking, simple camping, and a refreshing forest atmosphere within Udon Thani Province.

 

Namtok Than Ngam is not a tall and dramatic waterfall. Its charm lies in a quieter landscape of water flowing over stone ledges, shallow pools, boulders, and shaded forest. In the rainy season, the stream becomes livelier and the waterfall looks fuller. During the cool season, the atmosphere is pleasant for walking and relaxing near the water. In the hot season, the water level may decrease, but the forest still provides shade and a calm setting for a short nature visit. This seasonal character makes the waterfall a natural place that changes according to rainfall, forest moisture, and local climate.

 

The forest park contains mixed deciduous forest and dry dipterocarp forest, with some more humid areas near the stream. Important tree species include lagerstroemia, padauk, daeng, makha mong, chingchan, krabok, makha tae, yang, teng, rang, and other native trees. Near the stream, visitors can also observe bamboo, rattan, ferns, rock orchids, and smaller plants that prefer moist conditions. The combination of dry forest, rocky terrain, streambeds, and seasonal water creates a varied ecosystem that is worth observing carefully.

 

Wildlife recorded in the area includes wild boar, barking deer, mouse deer, monkeys, gibbons, langurs, flying lemurs, civets, squirrels, tree shrews, and many bird species. Visitors may not always see these animals directly, especially when there are many people in the area, but bird calls, forest sounds, and traces of wildlife remind visitors that the park is a living habitat. Quiet observation is the best way to experience the forest. Visitors should not feed animals, chase them for photos, or make loud noises that disturb the natural environment.

 

Than Ngam Waterfall is fed by streams that flow down from the Phu Phan Noi mountain area. Water levels are highest in the rainy season, generally from June to November, when the forest becomes green and the streams are full. The water flows over stone surfaces and creates small cascades and pools. In drier months, the water may be less abundant, so visitors who want to see the waterfall at its most attractive should plan their visit during or shortly after the rainy season. However, rainy-season travel also requires greater caution because rocks can be slippery and stream levels can change quickly.

 

One advantage of Namtok Than Ngam is that the main waterfall area is not far from the parking area. Visitors usually walk about 300 to 400 meters to reach the waterfall. This makes the site easier to access than many deeper forest waterfalls. Families and casual travelers can enjoy a short nature walk without needing a long trek. Even so, this is still a natural forest area, not a fully urbanized park. Visitors should wear suitable shoes, move carefully on rocks, and follow the commonly used paths for safety.

 

Above the waterfall, the stream continues through rocky areas with cliffs, caves, stone ledges, and unusual natural formations. These features were shaped by water, wind, and erosion over long periods. Visitors interested in natural geology will find the stone surfaces, cracks, layers, and rock arrangements worth observing. Exploring these areas should be done with care. Visitors should not enter caves alone, climb risky cliffs, move rocks, or damage natural surfaces.

 

Lae Sa-at is a large rock terrace on the southern side of the forest park. Local people call broad exposed rock platforms of this kind “lae”. This area contains large rocks arranged naturally across a wide surface, and some viewpoints allow visitors to see the landscape below. Lae Sa-at adds another dimension to a visit because it shows that the park is not only a waterfall destination. It is also a place of sandstone formations, viewpoints, and upland forest scenery.

 

Activities suitable for Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park include walking in nature, photographing the waterfall and forest stream, relaxing beside the water, observing plants, birdwatching, safe water play, camping, and educational nature visits. Water activities must always depend on season and safety conditions. During heavy rain or high water, visitors should avoid entering the stream or standing close to strong flow. Children must be supervised carefully at all times.

 

The forest park does not provide tourist bungalows. Visitors who want to stay overnight must bring their own tent, bedding, flashlight, food, drinking water, personal medicine, and necessary camping equipment. Overnight stays or group educational visits should be arranged with the park caretaker in advance. Camping here is best suited to visitors who appreciate simple natural conditions and are prepared to take care of themselves responsibly.

 

Camping at Namtok Than Ngam offers a close experience of the forest. Morning moisture, bird calls, and the sound of water create a peaceful setting. However, visitors should not expect resort-style comfort. Facilities are limited, and responsible behavior is essential. Campers should avoid lighting fires outside permitted areas, keep noise low, take rubbish back, and avoid leaving food scraps that may attract animals or pollute the site.

 

Safety is an important part of visiting the waterfall. Visitors should check the weather before traveling, especially during the rainy season. If heavy rain is expected, playing in the water or staying near the stream should be avoided. Rocks can be slippery, and some pools may be deeper than they appear. Visitors should not jump from rocks, swim alone, or enter the water after drinking alcohol. A safe visit allows everyone to enjoy the forest without unnecessary risk.

 

Conservation is equally important. All visitors should take their rubbish out of the park or dispose of it only in designated places. Food waste should not be thrown into the stream, as it affects water quality and aquatic life. Visitors should not collect wild plants, orchids, ferns, stones, or animals from the area. They should also avoid carving or writing on rocks and trees. Protecting the park means preserving both its beauty and its ecological function.

 

The stream at Namtok Than Ngam is part of a headwater system, not merely a recreation feature. Its water supports plants, animals, and the surrounding environment. Visitors should avoid using soap, shampoo, detergent, or cleaning chemicals in the stream. Dishes and food containers should not be washed directly in the natural waterway. Keeping the stream clean helps protect the forest and the communities connected with the watershed.

 

Namtok Than Ngam is closely connected with Phu Foi Lom, another important natural destination in Nong Saeng District. Phu Foi Lom is an ecological learning area on the Phu Phan Noi range and is known for the Queen Sirikit 60th Anniversary Forest Plant Collection, demonstration plots, viewpoints, nature trails, and cool mountain air. Visiting both Namtok Than Ngam and Phu Foi Lom in one route allows travelers to understand the natural character of Nong Saeng more completely.

 

The name Phu Foi Lom comes from a type of lichen once found on tree branches in the humid forest. It looked like fine greenish-gray strands and indicated a moist and healthy forest environment. Although it is now less commonly seen, the name remains an important memory of the area’s natural richness. When paired with Namtok Than Ngam, Phu Foi Lom helps show the ecological diversity of Nong Saeng District: waterfall, forest stream, mountain, rock terrace, botanical learning area, and scenic viewpoint.

 

Phu Foi Lom’s forest plant collection and ecological learning areas make it a valuable nearby destination for visitors who enjoy plants, viewpoints, and cooler mountain scenery. A good route can begin with Namtok Than Ngam in the morning, when the weather is cooler and walking is easier, then continue to Phu Foi Lom in the afternoon. The route can also be reversed depending on weather, time, and local access conditions.

 

Getting There to Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park from Udon Thani city can be done by several routes. One route goes from Udon Thani to Ban Lao, Khok Lat, and Nong Saeng District, covering about 35 km. Another route goes from Udon Thani to Ban Kham Kling, Ban Tat, and Nong Saeng District, covering about 30 km. A third route goes from Udon Thani to Huai Koeng and Nong Saeng District, covering about 60 km. From Nong Saeng District, continue about 6 km to the forest park. Road conditions may vary by season, so visitors should check the route before traveling, especially during the rainy season.

 

Private car is the most convenient way to visit the forest park because it allows flexible timing and makes it easier to combine Namtok Than Ngam with Phu Foi Lom and nearby attractions. Visitors without private transport can travel to Nong Saeng District first and then continue by local hired vehicle. This requires planning because public transport may not reach the waterfall area throughout the day. Groups and educational trips should contact the caretaker in advance.

 

The best time to visit Namtok Than Ngam is from the rainy season to the early cool season. The waterfall has more water, the forest is fresh, and the stream landscape is at its most attractive. The cool season is suitable for walking and camping. In the hot season, visitors should check water levels before traveling and plan their visit in the morning or late afternoon. Morning visits are generally more comfortable and allow enough time to leave the forest before dark.

 

Families traveling with children should choose safe areas near the main path and avoid slippery rocks or deeper water. Elderly visitors should remain on easier walking sections and avoid uneven stone surfaces after rain. Visitors who want to rest by the stream for several hours should bring drinking water, mats, snacks, personal medicine, and rubbish bags. Preparing well makes the trip smoother and helps reduce pressure on the natural site.

 

For photography, the park offers many simple but beautiful subjects: water flowing over dark stone, small cascades, forest pools, wet leaves, rock terraces, shaded streambeds, and the upland forest around Phu Phan Noi. Morning and late afternoon light are especially suitable. Visitors should protect cameras and phones from water and avoid standing in unsafe locations only for photographs.

 

Namtok Than Ngam is also a useful outdoor classroom. Students and nature lovers can observe how vegetation changes between moist streamside areas and drier forest zones. Near the water, ferns, bamboo, rattan, and moisture-loving plants appear more often. On higher and drier ground, dry dipterocarp forest becomes more visible. This makes the park suitable for learning about forest ecology, watershed protection, seasonal water flow, and responsible nature tourism.

 

A visit to the forest park should be understood as a visit to a protected natural area, not only a place for swimming or taking photos. The landscape exists through a long relationship between forest, water, rock, wildlife, and local care. Visitors who travel respectfully, keep the area clean, avoid damaging plants, and follow safety practices help maintain the park for future generations.

 

For Thai visitors, Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park offers another view of Udon Thani as a province rich in nature, not only culture, faith, and archaeological heritage. For international visitors, it presents a quieter side of northeastern Thailand: seasonal waterfall, forest stream, sandstone rock, mixed forest, simple camping, and local nature-based recreation. The park is best appreciated slowly, with attention to its natural rhythms and seasonal changes.

 

Overall, Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park is more than a small waterfall. It is a natural area of forest, stream, stone, seasonal water, wildlife, rock terrace, caves, and nearby ecological learning routes. Travelers who enjoy peaceful nature, short walks, simple outdoor experiences, and a less commercial atmosphere will find this forest park a worthwhile destination in Nong Saeng District, Udon Thani Province.

 

 

A: It is located in Nong Saeng District, Udon Thani Province, within the Khun Huai Sam Phat and Khun Huai Kong Si forest area on the Phu Phan Noi mountain range.

 

A: Namtok Than Ngam Forest Park is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. There is no admission fee. Expenses depend on transportation, food, drinks, camping equipment, and optional services.

 

A: No. The forest park does not provide tourist bungalows. Visitors who want to stay overnight must bring their own tents and equipment and contact the caretaker in advance.

 

A: The rainy season to early cool season is the best period because the waterfall has more water and the forest is fresh. The cool season is also suitable for walking and camping.

 

A: The highlights include Than Ngam Waterfall, natural pools, boulders, cliffs, caves, Lae Sa-at rock terrace, mixed forest, dry dipterocarp forest, and the nearby Phu Foi Lom ecological route.

 

A: Visitors can travel via Ban Lao, Khok Lat, and Nong Saeng District, or via Ban Kham Kling, Ban Tat, and Nong Saeng District. From Nong Saeng District, continue about 6 km to the forest park.

 

A: Visitors should bring shoes suitable for wet rocks, drinking water, sun protection, insect repellent, personal rubbish bags, water-friendly clothing, and check weather conditions before traveling, especially during the rainy season.