Manora Waterfall

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

 

Manora Waterfall, also known as Ma No Ra Waterfall, is a natural waterfall in Ban Thung Na Pho, Khlong Chaloem Subdistrict, Kong Ra District, Phatthalung Province. It lies within the area of Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary and is located before Phraiwan Waterfall on the Kong Ra waterfall route. The waterfall is known for its clear green water, rocky stream, small cascades, forest shade, and peaceful atmosphere, making it a suitable destination for water play, photography, and nature relaxation.

 

In simple terms, Manora Waterfall is ideal for travelers who want a refreshing waterfall experience in Phatthalung without a difficult trek. After reaching the parking area, visitors walk about 500 meters to the waterfall along a path with steps. The main highlights include clear water, a cool stream, rocks and small rapids, a suspension bridge, and a relaxing forest atmosphere. The site is suitable for families, groups of friends, and nature lovers who want an accessible waterfall in the Banthat mountain forest.

 

Manora Waterfall is part of the Khao Banthat forest landscape, an important headwater area in southern Thailand. The surrounding area is humid, shaded, and rich in tropical plants, large trees, streamside vegetation, ferns, and forest undergrowth. As visitors walk toward the waterfall, the air becomes cooler, the sound of flowing water becomes clearer, and the setting feels noticeably different from open urban attractions.

 

The waterfall is medium-sized rather than a tall cliff waterfall. Its charm comes from the natural stream that flows over rock surfaces, through small channels, and into shallow pools. In good conditions, the water appears clear with a green tone, and the stream flows through a long section of rocks and rapids. The beauty of the site lies not only in the falling water but also in the continuous stream, shaded forest, and natural rock formations around it.

 

The suspension bridge is one of the most recognizable features of Manora Waterfall. It gives visitors a scenic angle for viewing the stream and surrounding forest and is also a popular photo spot. Visitors should walk carefully, avoid shaking the bridge, and allow others to pass or take photos safely. The bridge adds a simple but memorable feature to the waterfall experience.

 

Around the waterfall, visitors can find rock slabs, stream pools, and resting spots beside the water. Some areas are suitable for sitting with feet in the stream, while some areas may be suitable for water play when conditions are safe. Visitors should always assess the water before entering. If the water is muddy, the current is strong, or rain has recently fallen in the mountains, it is safer to remain on the bank.

 

Manora Waterfall is suitable for family trips because it is not far from the parking area and the access path is easier than many deep-forest waterfalls. However, children should always be supervised. Rocks can be slippery, stream levels can change, and stronger currents may occur after rain. Water play should be limited to safe areas where adults can stay close to children.

 

For photography, the waterfall offers several useful subjects: flowing water over rocks, the suspension bridge, green-tinted stream pools, shaded forest, and the natural path leading to the waterfall. Morning to early afternoon is the best period because there is enough light to see the water and rocks clearly. Weekdays are usually better for visitors who want a quieter atmosphere.

 

Safety should be the main priority. Although the waterfall is accessible and suitable for recreation, it remains a natural stream in a protected forest area. Water levels, current strength, and rock conditions can change. Visitors should wear footwear with good grip, avoid running on wet rocks, avoid standing near slippery edges, and avoid entering the water during heavy rain or immediately after heavy rain.

 

Visitors should also respect conservation rules because the waterfall is within the responsibility area of Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary. They should not litter, use soap or shampoo in the stream, catch aquatic animals, collect plants, make excessive noise, or enter areas that are not open for tourism. Responsible behavior helps protect both the forest and the waterfall for future visitors.

 

The name Manora connects emotionally with Phatthalung’s cultural identity. Phatthalung is widely associated with the traditional performing art of Nora and shadow puppetry. Although Manora Waterfall itself is a natural attraction rather than a cultural performance site, the name makes the destination memorable and links it with the wider identity of Phatthalung.

 

The route to Manora Waterfall is the same general route used for Phraiwan Waterfall. From Phatthalung town, travel on Phet Kasem Road toward Trang, turn left at Ban Khlong Muai junction onto Highway 4122, and continue along the Khlong Muai–Kong Ra route. The waterfall is located between the Phraiwan and Nok Ram waterfall areas. A paved road leads to a parking area, and visitors then walk about 500 meters to the waterfall.

 

A half-day trip can begin from Phatthalung town in the morning. Visitors can spend 2–3 hours at Manora Waterfall, enjoy safe water play, take photos at the suspension bridge, and then continue to a restaurant or another attraction in Kong Ra. A full-day route can combine Manora Waterfall with Phraiwan Waterfall, Nok Ram Waterfall, Rai Cha 1000 Miles, Sumano Cave, or Khao Ok Thalu.

 

Phraiwan Waterfall is one of the best nearby attractions to combine with Manora Waterfall. Phraiwan is larger and more famous, while Manora offers a medium-sized stream landscape with a suspension bridge and clear water. Visiting both allows travelers to experience two different waterfall atmospheres in Kong Ra within the same day.

 

Nok Ram Waterfall is another nearby natural stop on the Kong Ra route. It is suitable for travelers who want to explore more waterfalls along the Banthat Range side of Phatthalung. As with all mountain waterfalls, visitors should check weather conditions and avoid water play during periods of heavy rain or strong current.

 

Rai Cha 1000 Miles adds a café and scenic stop to the route. After playing in the water at Manora Waterfall, visitors can continue to a more open landscape for drinks, food, and photographs. This combination works well for families, couples, and groups who want a balanced trip with both forest and viewpoint-style scenery.

 

Sumano Cave, Khao Ok Thalu, and Khuha Sawan Cave can also be added for travelers who want a longer itinerary. Sumano Cave offers a cave and spiritual atmosphere, while Khao Ok Thalu is the symbolic mountain of Phatthalung. Khuha Sawan Cave adds another cave and religious site near the city. Together, these attractions create a route covering waterfall, forest, cave, mountain, and local culture.

 

The best time to visit Manora Waterfall is when the water is clear and the current is moderate. Morning to early afternoon is generally the most practical period because visibility is good and travelers still have time to leave before dark. During the rainy season, the waterfall can be beautiful, but access and water play may be controlled by staff for safety.

 

Visitors should prepare practical items such as non-slip footwear, a change of clothes, a towel, drinking water, a waterproof bag for phones, and a small bag for carrying rubbish out. Families with children should bring suitable floating aids and keep children close at all times. A good waterfall trip should be safe, clean, and respectful of nature.

 

Getting There from Phatthalung town is easiest by private car. Take Phet Kasem Road toward Trang, turn into the Ban Khlong Muai route on Highway 4122, and follow the road toward the Kong Ra waterfall area. The entrance road is paved and leads to the parking area. From there, walk about 500 meters along the path and steps to reach the waterfall.

 

Travelers without a private vehicle should plan carefully because local transport to mountain waterfalls is limited. It is best to reach Kong Ra or a nearby local center first and then continue by local vehicle or arranged transport. Visitors should also plan the return trip early and avoid leaving the waterfall area after dark if they are not familiar with the route.

 

Manora Waterfall deserves attention as a natural attraction in Kong Ra because it combines clear water, rocks, rapids, a suspension bridge, forest shade, and easy access from the parking area. Located before Phraiwan Waterfall and within the Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary area, it offers a refreshing and memorable side of Phatthalung’s mountain nature.

 

 

A: Manora Waterfall is located in Ban Thung Na Pho, Khlong Chaloem Subdistrict, Kong Ra District, Phatthalung Province, within the responsibility area of Khao Banthat Wildlife Sanctuary and before Phraiwan Waterfall.

 

A: Yes. It is suitable for water play in safe areas because it has clear water, rocks, rapids, and stream pools, but visitors should watch for slippery rocks and stronger current after rain.

 

A: Visitors walk about 500 meters from the parking area to the waterfall along a path with steps.

 

A: Manora Waterfall is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Morning to early afternoon is the most practical time for water play and photography.

 

A: No. Visitors can enter without paying an admission fee.

 

A: The highlights include clear green water, a rocky stream, small rapids, a suspension bridge, and shaded forest scenery in the Khao Banthat area.

 

A: Nearby attractions include Phraiwan Waterfall, Nok Ram Waterfall, Rai Cha 1000 Miles, Sumano Cave, Khao Ok Thalu, and Khuha Sawan Cave.

 

A: Visitors should be careful of slippery rocks, strong current after rain, and changing water levels. They should not litter, use soap in the stream, or enter restricted forest areas.