Champoon Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 09.00 – 17.00

 

Champoon Waterfall in Chumphon Province is a natural waterfall in Village No. 8, Thung Khawat Subdistrict, Lamae District. Located within the Lamae Forest Reserve area, it is an important upstream water source for local communities in Lamae. The waterfall originates from the mountain range in Phato District before flowing through Lamae, Thung Khawat, and Thung Luang subdistricts. Khlong Sret then joins Khlong Lamae in Lamae Subdistrict before the water eventually flows out to the sea in the Lamae area.

 

Champoon Waterfall is best suited for travelers who enjoy nature, forest streams, plant diversity, and quiet waterfall landscapes. It is a medium-sized waterfall with water flowing throughout the year. The lower pool is not very deep and is home to many fish, making the area pleasant for resting, observing nature, and enjoying the stream in safe zones. The waterfall is also known for its 7 levels, each with its own natural beauty and ecological character.

 

The importance of Champoon Waterfall goes beyond tourism. It is part of the headwater system that supports Lamae’s waterways, forests, agriculture, and local livelihoods. The water from this forested mountain area connects with Khlong Sret, Khlong Lamae, and eventually the coastal area of Lamae. A visit to the waterfall therefore allows travelers to understand how mountain forests, streams, farming communities, and the sea are connected in southern Thailand.

 

The area around Champoon Waterfall is rich in natural vegetation. Travelers can observe streamside plants, forest humidity, shaded trails, natural pools, fish in the lower basin, and the relationship between water and forest. Because the waterfall lies in a forest reserve area, visitors should treat it as a sensitive natural environment. Do not leave trash, do not disturb fish, do not pick plants, and do not use soap or shampoo in the stream.

 

Champoon Waterfall is also connected with community-based tourism in Ban Sap Thawee, Lamae District. The community has worked on tourism development through homestay services, local products, herbal learning activities, and community tourism programs with Champoon Waterfall as a key highlight. This gives the waterfall an additional layer of meaning: it is not only a scenic natural attraction but also part of a local development model based on community resources.

 

For general visitors, Champoon Waterfall can be planned as a one-day nature trip in Lamae District. It offers a different experience from Lamae’s coastal attractions such as Lamae-Maejo Beach, Pak Nam Lamae, Tawan Chai Beach, and Tai Khiam Market. While the coastal side of Lamae is easier and more relaxed, Champoon Waterfall gives travelers a deeper inland experience through forest, mountains, streams, and headwater ecology.

 

The waterfall’s lower pool is suitable for quiet relaxation and nature observation, but swimming should be done only in safe areas. Visitors should avoid strong currents, slippery rocks, and deeper sections of water. Children should always be supervised. Because fish live in the pool, visitors should not catch them or feed them in a way that harms the water system. A responsible visit helps preserve the waterfall for both the local community and future travelers.

 

Travelers interested in hiking and nature study will find Champoon Waterfall especially appealing. The waterfall has multiple levels, and the surrounding forest remains naturally rich. Anyone walking toward the upper levels should wear proper shoes, move carefully, and consider going with a local guide or someone familiar with the route. During the rainy season or after heavy rain, the trail may be slippery and the water flow can become strong. Safety should always come before reaching every level.

 

The best time to visit Champoon Waterfall depends on the weather and water conditions. The rainy season brings stronger water flow and lush forest scenery, but visitors must be careful of flash floods, slippery rocks, and fast-moving water. The period after rainfall, when the weather is stable, can be ideal for enjoying the waterfall while still maintaining a safer visit. The dry season is also possible because water flows year-round, although the volume may be lower.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car. The destination is in Village No. 8, Thung Khawat Subdistrict, Lamae District, Chumphon Province. Visitors should check the weather before departure, travel during daylight, bring drinking water and essential supplies, and ask local residents or local authorities about road conditions before entering the forested area. Good footwear is strongly recommended because the site is a natural waterfall rather than a fully developed urban attraction.

 

Visitors should keep the trip low-impact. Do not leave waste, do not make loud noise, do not damage plants, do not write on rocks, do not disturb wildlife, and do not remove anything from the forest. These rules matter because Champoon Waterfall is part of the Lamae Forest Reserve and an upstream water source. Protecting the waterfall also protects the water system that supports communities downstream.

 

Champoon Waterfall can be combined with other attractions in Lamae District, including Tham Khao Phlu Hot Spring, Lamae-Maejo Beach, Pak Nam Lamae, Tawan Chai Beach, Tai Khiam Market, and Maejo University Chumphon. This route gives travelers a broader view of Lamae, combining forest, waterfall, community life, agriculture, local food, and the coast in one journey.

 

For travelers who know Chumphon mainly for beaches, islands, and diving routes, Champoon Waterfall reveals another side of the province. It shows Chumphon’s inland nature: mountains, forest, streams, and local communities that depend on water from the highlands. The waterfall is a suitable destination for slow travel, nature learning, and responsible exploration in southern Thailand.

 

To visit safely, travel in a small group, avoid entering the waterfall area alone, return before dark, and keep useful contact numbers ready. Champoon Waterfall rewards prepared travelers with cool water, forest shade, quiet scenery, and a clearer understanding of Lamae’s natural landscape. It is not a place for rushed travel, but a destination for visitors who appreciate nature and respect the local environment.

 

 

A: Champoon Waterfall is located in Village No. 8, Thung Khawat Subdistrict, Lamae District, Chumphon Province, within the Lamae Forest Reserve area.

 

A: It is known as a medium-sized 7-level waterfall with year-round water flow, rich vegetation, a shallow lower pool, and many fish.

 

A: The waterfall is open daily from 09.00 to 17.00. Daytime visits are recommended.

 

A: It is suitable for nature lovers, hikers, waterfall travelers, plant-study visitors, and travelers seeking a quiet forest-stream experience.

 

A: A private car is the most practical option. Visitors should travel to Village No. 8, Thung Khawat Subdistrict, and check local route conditions before entering the waterfall area.

 

A: Visitors can swim only in safe areas. Avoid strong currents, slippery rocks, and deeper sections, and do not disturb fish in the natural pool.

 

A: Bring non-slip shoes, drinking water, snacks, a trash bag, rain protection, and check the weather before departure.