Namtok Phlio Waterfall is one of the most important and popular attractions within Namtok Phlio National Park in Chanthaburi. When King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) visited the waterfall, he praised it as the most beautiful waterfall among all he had ever seen. The surrounding area features the Alongkorn Chedi and the Queen Sunanda Kumariratana Memorial Pyramid, both of which represent significant historical landmarks of Chanthaburi. The park also offers one of the finest nature study trails in the region.

History: Namtok Phlio National Park was originally named Khao Sa Bap National Park. It was declared a national park in 1975 and was later renamed to its present name in 1982. The park is located within the Sao Bap Mountain Range, whose highest peak is Khao Mab Wa Krok, with an elevation of 924 meters above sea level. Within the park, traces of several important wildlife species can be found, such as tigers, bears, serows, barking deer, and various kinds of birds. The terrain gradually slopes downward toward the south, where nearby communities are located, and due to the area receiving abundant rainfall throughout the year, it serves as a watershed area supplying water for public use.

This area serves as a source of water for producing tap water for Mueang District, Laem Sing District, and Khlung District. The name “Phlio” is said by some to come from the Thai word meaning graceful or flowing elegantly, referring to the beauty of the waterfall’s stream. Others say it comes from the name of the Phlio vine, a climbing plant that commonly grows along the waterfall. The vine produces flowers in clusters, and the park has planted it near the visitor center.Phlio Waterfall is formed by two streams. One originates from the upper source and cascades down through rock crevices in several tiers. The other is a smaller stream than the first. The two streams meet before plunging over a 20-meter-high cliff into a large, clear pool. The water is clean and suitable for swimming. Upstream from the main drop, there is a calm, clear basin inhabited by hundreds of Phluang fish.

• Private Car: Travel along Sukhumvit Road (Highway No. 3) heading towards Chanthaburi Province. At the 347-kilometer marker, turn left onto Road No. 1205 and continue for about 2 kilometers.

• Public Transport: You can take a public bus from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekamai) to Chanthaburi city, then take a Songthaew (local minibus) on the Chanthaburi-Namtok Phlio route.

• Vans: Minivan services are available from Bangkok to Chanthaburi, after which you will need to take local transport.

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit is from the end of the rainy season to the beginning of winter (November – February), when the water flow is abundant and the weather is pleasantly cool. However, the waterfall can be visited throughout the year.

• Photography Tips: Prepare your camera to capture images of the important chedis and memorials located near the waterfall, as well as the large schools of Phluang fish swimming in the clear pools.

• Food and Fish Feeding: Within the park area, there are restaurants and small shops providing refreshments. Visitors can purchase long beans or Chinese cabbage to feed the Phluang fish.

• Getting There: The route from the Sukhumvit Road entrance to the park office is easily accessible by private car, with convenient parking available.

Admisson Fee:

• Local Visitors (Thai): Adult 40 THB, Child 20 THB

• Foreign Visitors: Adult 200 THB, Child 100 THB

• (Updated 2024 by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation)

 Opening Hours:

• Open daily from 08:00 AM to 04:30 PM

• Recommended viewing time is from morning until late afternoon, before closing time