Haew Suwat Waterfall, Khao Yai National Park

Haew Suwat is the waterfall everyone recognises from Khao Yai. Lam Ta Khong stream drops about 20 metres over a rock ledge into a round plunge pool, framed by forest — the scene Leonardo DiCaprio’s character jumped into in the film The Beach. It is the most accessible waterfall in Khao Yai National Park: a large car park, a short paved trail of around 200 metres with stairs, and a viewing platform at the top before you descend to the pool. From Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai it is a half-day trip through the park’s Pak Chong entrance.

 

When to Visit Haew Suwat in 2026

 

The falls run all year, but the character changes with the season. From June to October the wet season pushes a single powerful torrent over the ledge — the most photogenic period, and the one when butterflies gather along the stream. In the cool season (November to February) the flow splits into two parallel plumes and the trail is at its most comfortable. By the hot season (March to May) the fall can thin to a trickle.

Fees, Hours and the Walk

 

 

Khao Yai National Park charges an entry fee at the gate: 400 baht  (fees published on the national park’s official site). The park is open from 06:00 to 18:00. Haew Suwat lies at the end of Road 3182, about 10 km beyond the visitor centre; the trail from the car park to the pool is short but the concrete stairs are steep in places, so wear proper shoes. Kiosks at the car park sell cold drinks and hot food.

Good to Know

• Height: about 20 metres, single drop into a plunge pool
• Park hours: 06:00–18:00 · fees at the gate
• Best season: June–October for volume; November–February for cool, dry walking
• Nearby: Pha Kluai Mai campsite and a 3 km trail linking Pha Kluai Mai Waterfall to Haew Suwat

Khao Yai National Park is Thailand’s first national park and part of the UNESCO-listed Dong Phayayen–Khao Yai Forest Complex — see the Tourism Authority of Thailand for the wider Nakhon Ratchasima region. Our own Kong Kaew Waterfall guide covers the gentler fall beside the visitor centre.

 

From Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai to Haew Suwat Waterfall: Your Easy Nature Escape

 

Drive towards Khao Yai National Park via the Pak Chong entrance, then continue through the park towards the Visitor Centre and on to Haew Suwat Waterfall. Allow extra time for the winding park roads, and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

For a comfortable and convenient journey, our concierge can arrange a private car with a driver familiar with Khao Yai. Make the most of your day by combining Haew Suwat Waterfall with other park highlights, such as Pha Diao Dai Viewpoint or the Nong Phak Chi Observation Tower.

Book room during your trips direct with ALL – Accor Live Limitless and save an extra 5% on your stay at Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai.

 

BOOK NOW

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: How far is Haew Suwat from Mövenpick Resort Khao Yai?

A: About 66 km to the park’s Pak Chong checkpoint, then roughly 25 km of park roads — allow around 1.5 hours door to door.

Q: Can you swim at Haew Suwat Waterfall?

A: No. Swimming and jumping are prohibited year-round for safety.

Q: What is the entrance fee for Khao Yai National Park?

A: 400 baht

Q: Is the walk difficult?

A: It is short — around 200 metres — but the stairs down to the pool are steep in places. Closed shoes recommended.

Q: What is the best time of day?

A: Early morning: the light on the falls is soft, tour groups arrive from mid-morning and the park gate opens at 06:00.