Thi Lo Su Waterfall is located within the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak Province and is considered one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in Thailand. The name “Thi Lo Su” comes from the Karen language, meaning “Black Waterfall.” Originally, the Karen people called it “Thi Lo Chu,” which means “Great Waterfall,” reflecting the impressive size and grandeur of this natural wonder. The waterfall sits at an elevation of approximately 900 meters above sea level and is a large limestone waterfall formed by the Huai Klotho stream, spreading over a cliff more than 500 meters wide before plunging down a steep rock face in multiple tiers, with a total height exceeding 300 meters. The thunderous roar and breathtaking scenery of the waterfall led the Karen to name it “Thi Lo Chu,” highlighting the majesty of the surrounding nature.

 

Thi Lo Su Waterfall is surrounded by dense tropical rainforest, offering visitors a chance to experience pristine and refreshing natural surroundings. The water is clear and clean, and the waterfall is at its most beautiful during the rainy season. Tourists who wish to explore each tier of the waterfall should exercise caution, as some paths require walking through flowing water.

 

To reach the waterfall by car from Umphang District, travelers can take Highway 1090 from Umphang to Mae Sot up to Kilometer 161 at Ban Mae Klong Mai, then turn right onto Highway 1288 from Ban Mae Klong Mai to Boeng Khing until reaching the Delo checkpoint, and finally turn left into the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. This section is a rugged route suitable only for pickup trucks or high-performance 4x4 vehicles, covering approximately 50 kilometers. During the rainy season, the sanctuary closes the road to vehicles due to difficult travel conditions and to allow the forest to recover so wildlife can forage and breed undisturbed. Tourists wishing to visit Thi Lo Su during the rainy season must contact local tour companies, choosing between two routes: a three-hour rafting trip from Tha Sai, Umphang, along the Mae Klong River, followed by a 10-kilometer hike to the waterfall taking about three hours, or a 25-kilometer trek from the Huai Nong Luang Forest Protection Unit, taking 4–5 hours. Visitors must obtain permission from the sanctuary authorities in advance. Those interested in rafting tours can contact tour companies in Umphang. For more information, tourists can reach the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tak Office at +66 5551 4341-3 or Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary at +66 5557 7318.

 

The Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary closes the 25-kilometer road from the Huai Nong Luang Forest Protection Unit to Thi Lo Su Waterfall from June 1 to October 31 during the rainy season to allow wildlife to forage and breed undisturbed. Vehicle access is available outside the rainy season, but only for pickup trucks or 4x4 vehicles. Thi Lo Su is not only the tallest and largest waterfall in Thailand but also an ecotourism destination where visitors can closely experience the beauty of nature, tropical forest, and wildlife. Visiting Thi Lo Su offers a thrilling, challenging, and unforgettable experience in the heart of nature.