“A small waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, it is the shortest and easiest nature trail to walk on, suitable for tourists of all ages.”
Kong Kaew Waterfall is more than just a small waterfall; it's ecologically and geographically significant. It originates from Huai Lam Takhong, which forms the natural border between Nakhon Nayok and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces (with the waterfall itself located on the Nakhon Ratchasima side).
The waterfall is a low cascade with a large pool of water, especially beautiful and full of water during the rainy season.
Nature Trail 1: Visitor Center – Kong Kaew Waterfall Kong Kaew Waterfall is the primary destination of the easiest nature trail in Khao Yai National Park:
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Distance: Approximately 1.2 kilometers (round trip)
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Time Required: Approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour
Trail Condition:
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Safest and most convenient: This is the easiest trail, requiring no guide.
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Surface: Begin by crossing two suspension bridges over Huai Lam Takhong, a slightly more challenging point. The trail then becomes mostly paved with brick blocks or asphalt. There are slight ups and downs.
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Ecology: The trail takes visitors through a variety of forest conditions, including both tropical and dry evergreen forests, offering the chance to spot interesting plant species such as the Agarwood tree. If you visit early in the morning, you may even spot white-handed gibbons or various bird species foraging near the trail.
In conclusion, Kong Kaew Waterfall serves as a "gateway to nature" for visitors who don't want to trek through the jungle but still want to experience the richness and authentic rainforest atmosphere of Khao Yai National Park.
How to Get There
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From Bangkok, take Mittraphap Road towards Pak Chong District → Turn onto Thanarat Road towards Khao Yai.
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Pass the park checkpoint (Pak Chong Checkpoint).
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Continue driving for about 1–2 minutes, and you will see a sign for Kong Kaew Waterfall on the left.
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There is parking near the footpath (it's only a 2–3 minute walk to the waterfall).
Travel Tips
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For beautiful photos, we recommend visiting in the morning, when the light is bright and there aren't many tourists.
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Slip-resistant shoes are recommended, as the rocky area is quite damp.
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After heavy rain, the water may flow more forcefully than usual, so be careful.
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Children are recommended to play in the shallow water, but close supervision is recommended.
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Do not bring food into the water, and maintain cleanliness to prevent wildlife from foraging.
Admission Fees:
This fee covers all entrance fees within Khao Yai National Park (Kong Kaew Waterfall is within this area).
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Thais: 40 baht/person, 20 baht/person
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Foreigners: 400 baht/person, 200 baht/person
Additional Notes for Individuals:
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Thais aged 60 and over and persons with disabilities enter free of charge.
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Foreigners aged 60 and over and persons with disabilities are charged the same rate as foreign adults (400 baht).
Vehicle Fee (per vehicle):
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4-wheeled vehicles: 30 baht/car
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Motorcycles: 20 baht/car; bicycles: free.
Opening Hours:
- Opening and closing hours of the checkpoint for collecting fees: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (tourists can enter and exit the park during this time)