Bang Thao Mae Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Bang Thao Mae Waterfall in Krabi is a local natural waterfall located in Ban Bang Thao Mae, Moo 1, Khao To Subdistrict, Plai Phraya District. It is about 60 kilometers from Krabi Town and is best suited to travelers who want to experience a quieter, inland side of Krabi. While the province is widely known for beaches, islands, limestone cliffs, and the Andaman Sea, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall represents a different landscape: forest, streams, rural communities, water resources, and conservation-based local tourism.

 

The waterfall is located in Khao To Subdistrict, an area shaped by hills, streams, agricultural communities, and inland greenery. Plai Phraya District lies in the northern-inland part of Krabi Province, connected with Ao Luek, Khao Phanom, and routes toward Surat Thani. This setting gives the area a very different atmosphere from Krabi’s coastal destinations. Visitors traveling here will see rubber plantations, oil palm areas, local homes, small roads, and natural streams that remain important to local life.

 

The appeal of Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is not dramatic height or heavy tourism infrastructure. Its charm lies in its quiet natural condition, community setting, and conservation character. It is suitable for resting by the stream, walking slowly through green surroundings, taking simple nature photographs, and enjoying a peaceful local landscape. This is a place to appreciate as a community natural site rather than a large commercial attraction.

 

The waterfall is connected with Khlong Bang Thao Mae, an important local watercourse in Khao To Subdistrict. In 2026, the Department of Water Resources and related agencies visited the area to follow up on the conservation and rehabilitation project for Khlong Bang Thao Mae and its water distribution system. This shows that the watercourse is important not only for tourism but also for local water management, agriculture, and the environmental quality of the community.

 

The name “Bang Thao Mae” comes from the local village and stream area. Many Thai waterfalls are named after nearby villages or waterways, and this name reflects the close relationship between the waterfall and the surrounding community. Visitors should therefore treat the place with respect: drive slowly through village areas, avoid blocking local access roads, and keep the stream clean.

 

Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is suitable for travelers who enjoy quiet, low-impact nature. It is not a place for large-scale adventure activities or heavily developed facilities. Instead, visitors can sit near the stream, listen to flowing water, walk through shaded areas, take photographs of trees and water, and spend a short time away from busy travel routes. Water levels can vary by season, so the experience may differ between the rainy season and the dry season.

 

The best time to visit is during the rainy season through the early cool season, when the forest is greener and the stream usually has more water. Heavy rain days should be avoided because soil, rocks, and roots near the stream can become slippery. A clear day after regular rainfall is often a good balance between scenery and safety. Morning visits are recommended because the weather is cooler and there is enough time to return before dark.

 

The most convenient way to reach Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is by private car, rental car, or hired vehicle with driver. From Krabi Town, travel toward Plai Phraya District and continue into Khao To Subdistrict and Ban Bang Thao Mae. The distance from Krabi Town is about 60 kilometers. Local information also places the waterfall route about 3 kilometers from the Na Nuea – Phanom road. Visitors unfamiliar with the area should navigate by searching “Bang Thao Mae Waterfall” or “Ban Bang Thao Mae, Khao To Subdistrict” and ask local residents near the destination for the most practical access route.

 

Travelers coming from Ao Luek or Wat Bang Thong may find the inland route more convenient than those starting from coastal zones such as Ao Nang. For a fuller itinerary, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall can be combined with Wat Tham Prasat Nalakiring, Tham Prasat Nalakiring Cave, Wat Khao To, or nearby attractions in Ao Luek such as Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol and Than Bok Khorani. This creates a varied route with nature, caves, temples, and local communities.

 

A half-day visit is usually enough for travelers already staying in Plai Phraya, Ao Luek, or nearby inland areas. Visitors starting from Krabi Town should plan it as a one-day route because travel time is longer. Leaving in the morning gives enough time for the road journey, a relaxed visit to the waterfall, a local meal stop, and a safe return before evening. It is better not to enter unfamiliar natural areas near dusk because lighting and local services may be limited.

 

Suitable activities include nature walking, resting by the stream, photography, observing plants along the watercourse, and learning about local conservation landscapes. The waterfall is best for travelers who appreciate small, quiet places and want to understand Krabi beyond famous coastal routes. Photography should be done from safe ground. Visitors should avoid standing on slippery rocks, climbing roots, or entering unsafe water areas just to take pictures.

 

Swimming or entering the water should depend on actual conditions on the day of travel. If the water level is suitable and the area is safe, visitors may rest near the stream, but they should not jump into the water, enter strong currents, or leave children unsupervised. Wet rocks, roots, and muddy ground can be slippery, especially after rain. Elderly visitors or anyone with balance problems should stay in stable areas and avoid wet slopes.

 

Visitors should prepare for a community nature site rather than a fully developed national park facility. Recommended items include shoes with good grip, drinking water, insect repellent, light clothing, a small towel, waterproof protection for phones or cameras, and a bag for carrying trash back out. Those planning to spend time near the water should bring spare clothing and avoid taking unnecessary valuables into the stream area.

 

Responsible travel is essential at Bang Thao Mae Waterfall because the site is both a natural attraction and part of a local water system. Visitors should not leave trash, use soap or shampoo in the stream, disturb wildlife, remove plants or stones, or make excessive noise. Conservation travel means using the area gently and leaving as little impact as possible so that the waterfall remains valuable for both the local community and future visitors.

 

Compared with major Krabi nature attractions such as Than Bok Khorani, Emerald Pool, Khlong Thom Hot Stream, or Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall has a much more local character. It is not a national-level landmark with large visitor facilities. Its strength is its quiet atmosphere, rural setting, and connection with the local stream and community. This makes it a good destination for travelers who want to explore lesser-known inland Krabi.

 

For families, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is suitable when adults can supervise children closely around water and natural ground. Older children who can follow instructions may enjoy the stream and forest atmosphere. Younger children should not be allowed to walk near the water alone. Families should choose a good-weather day and avoid visiting after heavy rain, when rocks and ground may be more slippery.

 

For travelers interested in local ecology, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall offers a chance to understand the link between forest, stream, community, and water management in Khao To Subdistrict. The Khlong Bang Thao Mae rehabilitation project highlights the importance of the local watercourse to both people and the environment. A visit here can therefore be more than sightseeing; it can also be a simple lesson in how inland communities depend on natural water systems.

 

Bang Thao Mae Waterfall can also be used as part of a Plai Phraya – Ao Luek route. Travelers can visit the waterfall, then continue to Wat Tham Prasat Nalakiring, a temple known for its elephant-shaped ordination hall and cave, or travel onward to Ao Luek for Than Bok Khorani, Tham Lot, Tham Phi Hua To, and Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol. This type of itinerary gives a broader view of northern Krabi, including waterfalls, caves, temples, and rural communities.

 

In summary, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is a local natural waterfall in Ban Bang Thao Mae, Moo 1, Khao To Subdistrict, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province. Located about 60 kilometers from Krabi Town, it is suitable for visitors who want a peaceful inland nature experience with forest, stream, local community atmosphere, and conservation value. With proper preparation, safe timing, and respect for the local environment, Bang Thao Mae Waterfall offers a meaningful way to experience Krabi beyond beaches and islands.

 

 

A: Bang Thao Mae Waterfall is located in Ban Bang Thao Mae, Moo 1, Khao To Subdistrict, Plai Phraya District, Krabi Province, about 60 km from Krabi Town.

 

A: It is open daily from 08.00 to 17.00.

 

A: No. Admission is free.

 

A: From Krabi Town, travel toward Plai Phraya District and Khao To Subdistrict for about 60 km. The waterfall route is about 3 km from the Na Nuea – Phanom road. A private car, rental car, or hired car with driver is recommended.

 

A: It is suitable for travelers who enjoy quiet nature, forest streams, community waterfalls, photography, and conservation-style travel in inland Krabi.

 

A: The rainy season through the early cool season usually provides greener scenery and better stream flow, while clear days without heavy rain are safer for walking.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Wat Khao To, Wat Tham Prasat Nalakiring, Tham Prasat Nalakiring Cave, Wat Mahathat Wachiramongkol, and attractions along the Ao Luek route.

 

A: Visitors should bring shoes with good grip, drinking water, light clothing, insect repellent, waterproof protection, and a bag for carrying trash back out.