Budo–Su-ngai Padi National Park was originally established as Pajo Waterfall Forest Park before being upgraded to national park status due to its exceptionally rich ecosystem. Covering approximately 293.75 square kilometers (183,593.75 rai), the park stretches along the Budo and Su-ngai Padi mountain ranges across Narathiwat, Yala, and Pattani provinces. Its once-remote location helped preserve this pristine Indo-Malayan tropical rainforest, now recognized as an important watershed for the Sai Buri and Golok Rivers.

The park is one of Thailand’s most significant hornbill habitats, home to six species: Great Hornbill, Rhinoceros Hornbill, White-crowned Hornbill, Black Hornbill, Wreathed Hornbill, and Brown Hornbill. A long-running ecological research project has transformed former hunters into community “nest guardians,” contributing to a steady rise in hornbill populations. The forest also shelters rare wildlife such as dusky langurs, white-handed gibbons, and hairy-nosed otters.

Botanically, the park is world-renowned as the natural habitat of the “Golden Leaf” or Yaan Dao (Bauhinia aureifolia), a woody climbing plant with fine copper-gold hairs covering its leaves. When sunlight touches the foliage, it shimmers brilliantly. The leaves change color with age—from red to gold, then silver, and finally green—making it one of the rarest and most fascinating plant species found exclusively in this region.

Within the park, Pajo Waterfall stands as the tallest waterfall in Narathiwat Province, with its first tier rising over 60 meters high. Nearby are Sala Thanthat Pavilion and historic royal inscriptions carved into a large rock face. The Yaan Dao Nature Trail, approximately 1 kilometer long, offers an easy walk along a shaded stream, ideal for observing rare flora and the surrounding ecosystem. Additional attractions include Chat Warin Waterfall and designated camping grounds for visitors seeking an immersive rainforest experience.

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How to Get There

• By Car: From Narathiwat town, take Highway No. 42 (Narathiwat–Pattani) toward Bacho District for approximately 26 kilometers. At the Bacho intersection, follow the signs to Pajo Waterfall and continue for about 3 kilometers to reach the park headquarters.

• By Public Transport: Take a Narathiwat–Pattani van or bus and get off at the entrance to Bacho District. From there, hire a local motorcycle taxi for approximately 3 kilometers to Pajo Waterfall.

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Travel Tips

• Visitors wishing to hike to upper waterfall tiers or observe hornbill nests must obtain permission and be accompanied by park staff.

• Wear earth-toned clothing for birdwatching and bring leech protection during the rainy season.

• Pets, alcoholic beverages, and single-use plastics are prohibited within the park.

• Souvenir replicas inspired by the Golden Leaf are available at the park’s welfare shop.

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Entrance Fee:

• Thai Visitors: Adult 20 THB | Child 10 THB

• Foreign Visitors: Adult 100 THB | Child 50 THB

• Car Parking Fee: 30 THB

Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:00 – 16:30 hrs.