Khao Tao Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Khao Tao Waterfall in Udon Thani Province is a natural waterfall located in Non Thong Subdistrict, Na Yung District. It is known for year-round water flow, layered natural rock formations, and a peaceful forested atmosphere. The waterfall has 4 levels. The first level is about 100 meters from the parking area and has a sloping rock surface where visitors can enjoy the water in safe areas. The second level is the most beautiful section, with water flowing for about 200 meters along the rock route. The third and fourth levels are steeper, making them more suitable for nature viewing and photography than for direct water play. This makes Khao Tao Waterfall a rewarding destination for travelers who want to experience the forest-stream landscape of northern Udon Thani.

 

The appeal of Khao Tao Waterfall lies in its natural simplicity. It is not a large commercial attraction or a dramatic single-drop waterfall. Instead, it is a multi-level stream waterfall where water flows gradually through stones, slopes, small pools, and forest surroundings. Visitors can walk from the lower section near the parking area toward the upper levels and experience how the waterfall changes from accessible streamside resting areas to steeper and more rugged natural sections. This layered structure gives the place a calm and exploratory character.

 

Khao Tao Waterfall is one of the natural landmarks associated with Non Thong Subdistrict. Local development information identifies the waterfall as a distinctive point of the community, reflecting its importance to the local landscape and identity. A visit here is therefore not only a chance to see flowing water, but also a way to understand the relationship between the village area, the local forest, and the natural streams of Na Yung District. The waterfall represents a quieter and more rural side of Udon Thani, far from the busier urban routes.

 

The name “Khao Tao” is connected with the image of a turtle-shaped mountain landscape. The name is memorable because it links the waterfall with local terrain rather than describing the water alone. In the wider area, the name Khao Tao is also associated with a temple and mountain landscape, showing how the shape of the hill has become part of local memory. For travelers, the name helps create a clear image of a natural place where mountain, stone, stream, and local identity come together.

 

The 4-level structure is the key feature of Khao Tao Waterfall. The first level is the easiest to reach because it is only about 100 meters from the parking area. This lower section is suitable for visitors who want a simple and accessible nature experience. It has sloping stone surfaces and water areas where visitors can rest and enjoy the stream carefully. It is the best area for families, children, and travelers who prefer not to walk too far into the upper sections.

 

The second level is the most beautiful part of the waterfall. Its water route extends for about 200 meters, giving visitors a long and attractive view of water moving across natural rock. This section is ideal for photography, quiet resting, and observing the flow of the stream. The length of the watercourse creates a more continuous scene than a short cascade, and visitors should allow enough time here to appreciate the movement, sound, and shape of the water.

 

The third and fourth levels are steeper. These upper sections show the stronger mountain character of the waterfall and are best approached with care. Visitors should stay on safe walking routes, avoid climbing wet rocks, and not enter areas where the slope is too steep or the water flow is strong. These levels are more suitable for nature observation and photography than for water play. Proper shoes and careful walking are important, especially during or after rainfall.

 

Khao Tao Waterfall has water throughout the year, making it possible to visit in different seasons. The most beautiful period is from the rainy season to the early cool season. During this time, the water volume is higher, the forest is green, and the stream looks more active. The rainy season makes the waterfall especially lively, but it also makes rocks and walking surfaces more slippery. Visitors should choose safe areas, avoid steep sections during heavy rain, and keep away from strong-flow parts of the stream.

 

The early cool season is also a good time to visit. The weather becomes more comfortable, the surrounding forest remains fresh after the rains, and the waterfall usually still has an attractive flow. Travelers who prefer easier walking conditions can choose this period. In the hot season, the waterfall remains open for nature visits, and the rock structure of each level becomes easier to see, although the atmosphere may be warmer and visitors should bring enough drinking water.

 

The surroundings of Khao Tao Waterfall are best suited to slow nature travel. Visitors can listen to the stream, rest near the lower levels, photograph the water flowing across rock, and observe the forest environment. The beauty of the place comes from water, stone, shade, and the natural rhythm of the stream rather than built structures. Travelers who enjoy quiet, local, and less crowded nature sites will appreciate the waterfall most.

 

Recommended activities include walking along the waterfall levels, taking photos of water and rocks, resting near the stream, playing in safe lower water sections, observing local plants, and spending quiet time in nature. Water play is best limited to stable and shallow areas. Steeper upper levels should be treated as scenic viewpoints rather than swimming areas. Visitors should avoid jumping from rocks, running on wet surfaces, or entering water where the bottom cannot be clearly seen.

 

For families, Khao Tao Waterfall can be a useful place for children to learn about nature. Children can see how water flows over stones, how each waterfall level changes, and why safety is important in a natural area. Adults should supervise children closely, especially around wet rocks and moving water. The lower section is the most practical area for families, while the upper levels require more caution and should be visited only when everyone is physically ready.

 

For photographers, Khao Tao Waterfall offers several different views. The first level provides an accessible stream and rock scene. The second level offers the most attractive long watercourse of about 200 meters. The third and fourth levels provide a steeper and more rugged forest-waterfall atmosphere. Morning is the best time for softer light, while late afternoon can create warmer tones on wet stone and shaded forest surfaces.

 

Getting There from Udon Thani city generally involves traveling through Ban Phue District, Nam Som District, and Na Yung District, then continuing to Non Thong Subdistrict and the Ban Pak Chiang route. The access route is connected with Highway 2376 and local roads leading toward the waterfall area. Private car, rental car, or a hired vehicle with a driver is the most practical option because the waterfall is far from the city and public transportation is limited. Morning departure is recommended to allow enough time for walking and returning before dark.

 

Khao Tao Waterfall can be combined with other natural and cultural attractions in the Na Yung and Nam Som area. Nearby options include Yung Thong Waterfall, Tad Noi Waterfall, Pha Daeng Viewpoint, Na Yung-Nam Som National Park, Wat Tham Si Mongkhon, and Wat Pa Na Kham Noi. A full-day route can begin at Khao Tao Waterfall, continue to the national park area, and end with a viewpoint or temple visit depending on time and weather conditions.

 

A practical one-day plan is to leave Udon Thani city early, reach the Na Yung area in the morning, visit Khao Tao Waterfall first, and spend 1 – 2 hours walking and resting around the safe lower and middle sections. After that, travelers can continue to Yung Thong Waterfall, Tad Noi Waterfall, or Pha Daeng Viewpoint. This route is suitable for travelers who want a full nature day with waterfalls, forest, rocks, and mountain scenery.

 

Useful items to bring include non-slip shoes, drinking water, a hat, mosquito repellent, a small towel, a personal trash bag, and waterproof protection for phones or cameras. During the rainy season, a light rain jacket or waterproof bag is recommended. These items help visitors walk safely and protect personal belongings while moving through wet natural areas.

 

Responsible behavior is essential at Khao Tao Waterfall. Visitors should not litter, write on rocks, damage plants, remove stones or plants, disturb wildlife, or make loud noise. Waterfall areas are part of a living natural system and also serve as community nature spaces. Keeping the area clean and peaceful allows local residents and future travelers to continue enjoying the waterfall.

 

Khao Tao Waterfall is suitable for several types of travelers. Nature travelers will enjoy the quiet stream and multi-level waterfall structure. Photographers will find varied angles of water and rock. Families can use the lower level as a calm outdoor learning space. International visitors will see a side of Udon Thani that is different from the province’s urban and cultural routes, with forest, hills, streams, and rural scenery forming the main experience.

 

For international travelers, advance route planning is important. The waterfall is located in a rural district, and English-language signs and services may be limited. Travelers should keep the Thai place name ready, use an online map, carry some cash, and travel with a local driver or someone familiar with the route. Visiting during daylight hours is the safest and most convenient approach.

 

The value of Khao Tao Waterfall comes from its natural water system and seasonal character. Although the waterfall has water throughout the year, each season gives a different experience. The rainy season shows stronger flow and greener forest. The cool season provides comfortable walking conditions. The hot season reveals the rock structure more clearly. Returning in different seasons can give travelers different views of the same waterfall.

 

In summary, Khao Tao Waterfall in Udon Thani is a 4-level natural waterfall in Non Thong Subdistrict, Na Yung District. It has year-round water flow, an accessible first level about 100 meters from the parking area, a beautiful second level with about 200 meters of water flow, and steeper third and fourth levels suitable for nature viewing. It is a good destination for resting, careful water play in safe areas, photography, nature walking, and combining with nearby attractions in Na Yung and Nam Som. With proper preparation and respectful behavior, Khao Tao Waterfall offers a calm and memorable nature experience in northern Udon Thani.

 

 

A: Khao Tao Waterfall is located in Non Thong Subdistrict, Na Yung District, Udon Thani Province, with access connected to the Ban Pak Chiang local route.

 

A: Khao Tao Waterfall is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00. Daylight travel is recommended for safe walking along the waterfall levels.

 

A: Khao Tao Waterfall has 4 levels. The first level is about 100 meters from the parking area, the second level is the most beautiful with about 200 meters of water flow, and the third and fourth levels are steeper.

 

A: Visitors can play in safe lower water areas, especially where the slope is gentle. Strong-flow, slippery, deep, or steep areas should be avoided.

 

A: The rainy season to early cool season is the best time to visit because the waterfall has good water flow, the forest is green, and the atmosphere is suitable for nature walking.

 

A: From Udon Thani city, travel through Ban Phue, Nam Som, and Na Yung districts, then continue to Non Thong Subdistrict and the Ban Pak Chiang route. Private transport is recommended.

 

A: It is suitable for families who enjoy nature. Families should use the safer lower areas and closely supervise children around wet rocks and flowing water.

 

A: Nearby places include Yung Thong Waterfall, Tad Noi Waterfall, Pha Daeng Viewpoint, Na Yung-Nam Som National Park, Wat Tham Si Mongkhon, and Wat Pa Na Kham Noi.