Huai Chang Phlai Waterfall is not just a natural tourist attraction; it is a vital hub for ecotourism and community-based cultural experiences in Ban Khiriwongkot (Ban Na Khae), Na Khae Sub-district, Na Yung District, Udon Thani Province. The waterfall is located within an abundant forest area, forming part of the Nam Som–Na Yung National Park, ensuring the purity and freshness of the surrounding air and environment.

The Unique E-Taek Rafting Experience

The highlight of any visit to Huai Chang Phlai is the "E-Taek Rafting" (E-Taek Luy Lam Than) experience. The E-Taek is an agricultural tractor-truck that has been specially modified with benches and a roof for passenger transport. This journey is organized and managed entirely by the local Community Enterprise Group of Ban Khiriwongkot, establishing a genuine form of tourism that generates employment and distributes profits directly to the community.

The E-Taek truck ride begins at the community meeting point, taking passengers through natural landscapes, including rice fields, corn plantations, and rubber tree groves, before entering the most exciting segment: crossing the stream (Huai Nam Huai). The water is shallow during the dry season, but its level rises during the rainy season. Riding the E-Taek through the cool, refreshing, and slightly challenging stream is a local-style adventure that cannot be found elsewhere. The final destination is the area near the waterfall, where the community prepares a local buffet lunch for the visitors.

Cuisine and Community Life

The riverside lunch is another highly praised highlight. The menu focuses on fresh, locally sourced, and flavorful Northeastern Thai (Isaan) cuisine, such as Som Tam (Papaya Salad), grilled chicken, grilled fish, and sticky rice. The meal is thoughtfully prepared and served in a local style, allowing tourists to dine amidst the forest, enjoying the sights and sounds of the flowing water and the natural surroundings.

Beyond the waterfall activities, Ban Khiriwongkot also serves as a destination for agricultural tourism and cultural immersion. The community offers local products such as seasonal agricultural yields (e.g., strawberries in winter) and homestay accommodations for tourists wishing to spend the night. Staying here allows visitors to fully experience the local way of life, breathe the pristine morning air, and engage in sustainable tourism that supports the rural community.

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How to Get There

• Private vehicle: Drive northwest from Udon Thani city to Na Yung District, approximately 2 hours (approximately 90-100 kilometers). Head to Ban Kiriwongkot, Na Kae Subdistrict.

• Meeting point: Tourists must arrive at the Kiriwongkot Village Office to arrange for a tour with an e-taek vehicle.

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Travel Tips

• Advance Booking: It's recommended to inquire or book the E-taek rafting activity (including a waterfall meal) in advance with the Kiriwongkot Village Community Enterprise Group, especially during long holidays.

• Prepare to get wet: If traveling during high water conditions, wading through the streams on an E-taek vehicle will cause minor wetness. Please bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

• Other Activities: Kiriwongkot Village offers a variety of activities, such as strawberry orchard tours (in season) and homestay accommodations. Consider staying overnight to enjoy the fresh morning air.

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Admission Fees:

• Direct Waterfall Entrance Fee:

  • There is no charge for direct entry to the Huai Chang Phlai Waterfall site itself.

  • The waterfall is located in an area connected to Nam Som–Na Yung National Park, which has been reported to currently offer free entry (no national park fee required).

• Activity Service Fee (The Primary Cost):

  • The main expense for visiting the waterfall is the fee for the guided E-Taek Rafting service, which is managed exclusively by the Ban Khiriwongkot Community Enterprise Group.

  • E-Taek Rafting Round-Trip (including local buffet lunch): The price is generally around 300 THB per person.

  • E-Taek Rafting Round-Trip (excluding food and drinks): The price is generally around 500 THB per vehicle (seats approximately 8 people).

  • Recommendation: It is highly advised to contact the community group directly before your trip to confirm the current rates and any limitations on the number of daily visitors.

Opening Hours:

• As a natural and community-based tourist site, the area is generally open year-round.

• The E-Taek Rafting guided activity, which is the required route to access the waterfall, operates during daytime hours.

• Typically, activities start in the morning (around 08:00 AM), and the final activities conclude in the late afternoon (around 05:00 PM–06:00 PM).