The Tham Phra waterfall is basically a natural waterpark in the very far north of Thailand.
Every summer during the rainy season when the weather is warm, dozens of locals and occasionally tourists gather at the waterfall to splash and slide around in the water.
If you’ve never heard of or seen the Tham Phra waterfall, take a look at these people having the time of their life in the water…
As you can see, it’s pretty much what you’d find at a water park with the plastic slides and flumes. But this place is entirely natural.
The water flows between smooth rocks making a natural channel to slide down. As can be seen in the clip above, seven tourists even sit together to form a human chain.
The best part of this place is that it’s safe. Whereas some waterfalls are rough and deep, here the water is shallow.
The waterfall is safe and fun
It’s possible to just paddle around at knee-height. And people can even stand right under the waterfall as it comes cascading down from tall rocks – without being knocked off their feet.
The only danger is to be found from climbing over and on top of the boulders. They’re wet so it’s easy to slip and fall. So try to avoid that where possible!
Here’s another clip taken from an aerial angle that shows just how much fun can be had at the Tham Phra waterfall in Bueng Kan province.
Now, we’re a huge fan of beautiful, outdoor, natural attractions in Thailand. And the Tham Phra waterfall is no exception. It looks like great fun for kids and adults to splash around in, plus a great location for taking pictures and videos to show friends and family.
Plus there’s the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary so anyone can stay entertained in this region for a day or two at least.
Pretty much the only downside is just how far the waterfall, found in Amphoe Seka district, is from Bangkok.
It’s also important to remember that the waterfall only has water during the rainy season in the summer months. Any other time and the area will be dry!.
So we’re going to give a few more details about how to reach there…
How to get to the Tham Phra waterfall
The waterfall is found the Amphoe Seka district in a remote part of Bueng Kan province. The beautiful falls are in the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary some 30 miles from Bung Khong Long.
To get to Bueng Kan province from Bangkok you will need to take a 12 hour train journey from the Bangkok Bus Terminal at Chatuchak.
Reach the station in Bueng Kan make sure you have this page saved on your phone – it will provide a handy reference to show to taxi drivers.
Take your hotel anywhere near the main station in Bueng Kan, as the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary is only about one hour away by car. Most taxi drivers will drive there for a fee of aroudn 500 baht or even less. There may even be some tour excursions, though this is unlikely because this area has so few tourists.
Once reaching the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary it’s a bit of a trek to find the Tham Phra waterfall, but the scenery is enjoyable.
This is how the Tourism Thailand website describes the journey…
Tham Phra waterfall is one of the beautiful falls located in the Phu Wua wild life sanctuary about 40 kilometers from Bung Khong Long.
It can be reached by boat, taking about 15 minutes the route passing Nam Ning brook. On both sides of the falls are verdant thick forest, some parts is stone cliff with an abundant flower display.
Alighting from the boat it is a short walk to view the falls. There are two statues of Buddha at the rim of a red sandstone cliff. There used to be a temple on this spot but it was moved in order to open this area for visitors. Steps take you up to the top where the water flows into the shallow pond beneath.
Near the waterfall is the remarkable red sandstone cliff, the symbol of the northeast. This is a great spot for swimming, playing in the water or just relaxing and enjoying the natural surroundings.
From this level, walk up a little more and you will find a large waterfall with many big stones. In this area, you will find the big clumps of Habenaria rhodocheila Hance at the rim of the cliff and you will see a few Arundina caespitosa which seem like Arundina graminifolia but smaller.
