Phu Chong–Na Yoi National Park - Image 1
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Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park

4.5
·651 reviews·Na Chaluai, Thailand

Discover majestic waterfalls and lush forests in Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park, a natural gem near Ubon Ratchathani.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early to mid-October

Comfortable temps, good water flow

CrowdLow
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Phu Chong–Na Yoi National Park - Image 1

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park

Best Time

Early to mid-October

Comfortable temps, good water flow

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover majestic waterfalls and lush forests in Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park, a natural gem near Ubon Ratchathani.

4.5
(651 reviews)

"A beautiful waterfall that is worth the effort to reach the bottom!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Descend to the Falls

Be prepared for ~300 steps down to Huai Luang waterfall. They're manageable with a railing, but wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Morning Photo Tips

The sun can be directly in line with Huai Luang's spillway in the morning, making photos tricky. Plan accordingly! :camerawithflash:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Huai Luang Waterfall

Huai Luang Waterfall

Main waterfall area

A spectacular, powerful cascade with a massive drop. Descend ~300 steps to reach its base and enjoy the swimming area.

Praon La Or Waterfall

Praon La Or Waterfall

Downstream from Huai Luang

A more peaceful and pretty waterfall, perfect for quiet contemplation and enjoying the surrounding nature.

Kaeng Kalau Waterfall Trail

Kaeng Kalau Waterfall Trail

End of the park road

Embark on a scenic hike that can connect to Huai Luang, offering a more adventurous way to experience the park's cascades.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Consider visiting during the rainy season's end (early to mid-October) for comfortable temperatures and good water flow at the waterfalls. Weekdays, especially Thursdays, offer a more serene experience with fewer crowds, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty.

Navigating Entrance Fees and Access

While the park is beautiful, be aware of the entrance fee structure. Foreigners are charged a higher fee than locals. The roads within the park are generally well-maintained, and access to the main waterfall involves a descent of around 300 steps, which are manageable with a railing.

Best Times

When
Early to mid-October
Why
Comfortable temps, good water flow
Crowd
Low
When
Thursdays
Why
Fewer visitors, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

👟 Descend to the Falls

Be prepared for ~300 steps down to Huai Luang waterfall. They're manageable with a railing, but wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Morning Photo Tips

The sun can be directly in line with Huai Luang's spillway in the morning, making photos tricky. Plan accordingly! :camerawithflash:

💰 Fee Awareness

Foreigners pay a higher entrance fee than locals. Factor this into your budget. :moneybag:

💧 Water Levels

Water flow varies by season. Visiting after the rainy season ensures more impressive cascades. :droplet:

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Descend to the Falls

Be prepared for ~300 steps down to Huai Luang waterfall. They're manageable with a railing, but wear comfortable shoes! :athletic_shoe:

📸 Morning Photo Tips

The sun can be directly in line with Huai Luang's spillway in the morning, making photos tricky. Plan accordingly! :camerawithflash:

💰 Fee Awareness

Foreigners pay a higher entrance fee than locals. Factor this into your budget. :moneybag:

💧 Water Levels

Water flow varies by season. Visiting after the rainy season ensures more impressive cascades. :droplet:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(651 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park for its stunning and powerful waterfalls, particularly Huai Luang. The well-maintained roads and the option for swimming are highlights. However, some find the entrance fee for foreigners to be high, and dining options within the park are limited.

"2 hours by car from ubonratchathani city center, very beautiful waterfall, needs to walk down about 200 steps to the base of the falls, highly recommended."

abe Sumarli

"Quite a nice waterfall, of which there are enough in Thailand, which you can visit for free. The amount of water depends on the season. There was a lack of this during my visiting time. What bothered me here again was that foreigners are again charged 4 times the entrance fee. 200 baht for farang, 50 baht for locals."

Norbert Hildebrandt

"I will review the park as a whole, including the waterfalls. First of all the foreigner entry fee is 200b, down from 400b previously charged. I think 200b is a fair price, considering the facilities offered and the fact that the roads are in perfect condition. On a Thursday in December, I had nearly the whole park to myself. Only saw 4 other visitors during the 3 hours I was there, none of whom ventured downstream to Praon La Or falls. The visitor center and park headquarters are large and modern, but there's really nothing for visitors except a toilet. The main falls, Huai Luang, is a massive drop. Access is down about 300 stairs, but they are not too steep and there's a railing all the way down. Water was running fine, for December. Photos were tricky in the morning, as the sun is right in line with the spillway. Swimming is permitted inside a specific area (away from the falling water) and there's a large sand beach. Walking down a trail (sort of a trail), you will come to Praon La Or falls. This is nowhere as dramatic as Huai Luang, but it's pretty and very peaceful. I sat for an hour and just enjoyed the nature around me. The parking area for these waterfalls is large. There are toilets here and a large "food court". Only one vendor was there the day I visited, which makes sense with so few visitors. Lastly, I drove to the end of the road where the hike to Kaeng Kalau waterfall begins, but beyond walking around the immediate area, I didn't stay long, as time was running short. Actually you can hike all the way down to Huai Luang from here, but it's a one way trail. I suggest having someone drop you off at this point, after which you can walk 600 meters upstream to Kaeng Kalau and then back downstream along the trail for 1.6 km and meet your driver at Huai Luang."

John K

What People Like

Beautiful, powerful waterfalls
Swimming area and beach
Well-maintained roads

What People Dislike

Foreigner entrance fee
Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is approximately a 2-hour drive from Ubon Ratchathani city center. Renting a car or hiring a taxi are the most convenient options for reaching the park and exploring its various attractions. :car:

The roads within the park are generally in good condition, making it accessible by car. However, reaching the base of Huai Luang waterfall requires descending about 300 steps.

Public transport options directly to the park are limited. It's recommended to arrange private transportation from Ubon Ratchathani for a smoother journey.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is 200 Baht for foreigners and 50 Baht for locals. This fee is considered fair by many visitors given the park's facilities and road conditions. :ticket:

The entrance fee covers access to the entire national park, including all the waterfalls and trails. There are no separate charges for visiting Huai Luang or Praon La Or falls.

The park is typically open daily from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the exact opening hours closer to your visit, especially if planning a late afternoon departure.

Tickets are usually purchased upon arrival at the park entrance. There is no need to book in advance, though checking official park websites for any updates is always a good idea.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Huai Luang waterfall is the most dramatic and impressive, featuring a large drop. Praon La Or waterfall offers a more tranquil experience. Both are worth visiting for different reasons. :water_wave:

Accessing the base of Huai Luang waterfall involves descending approximately 300 steps. While there is a railing, it requires a moderate level of fitness. The walk back up is more challenging. :runner:

Yes, swimming is permitted in a designated area away from the direct falling water at Huai Luang waterfall. There's also a large sand beach nearby. :swimmer:

Yes, there are trails, including a one-way hike from Kaeng Kalau waterfall down to Huai Luang. This requires arranging transportation logistics. :hiking_boot:

The park has visitor centers, restrooms, and food courts. However, dining options might be limited, with only a few vendors operating, especially during off-peak times.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Dining options within the park are limited. There are food courts, but often only one or two vendors are present, especially on weekdays or during the low season. It's advisable to bring your own snacks or plan to eat before or after your visit. :sandwich:

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy within the park premises. This is a good option to ensure you have a variety of choices. :apple:

📸 📸 Photography

The viewpoints overlooking Huai Luang waterfall offer stunning photographic opportunities. The surrounding lush forest and the peaceful Praon La Or waterfall also provide beautiful scenes. :camerawithflash:

While morning light can be tricky due to the sun's position, late afternoon might offer softer light. Experimenting with different times can yield varied results. :sunriseovermountains:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park can be a fun outing for families, especially if your children enjoy nature and waterfalls. The main attraction, Huai Luang waterfall, has a designated swimming area and a sand beach, which kids will likely love. However, be mindful of the ~300 steps down to the base of the falls; younger children might need assistance or to be carried. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more relaxed. Bringing snacks and drinks is highly recommended, as food options within the park can be limited. The park's well-maintained roads make it accessible by car, simplifying logistics for families. :family_mm:

💰 Budget Travelers

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park offers a great natural experience at a reasonable cost, especially for locals. While the foreigner entrance fee is higher, it's still a worthwhile investment for the stunning scenery. Reddit To save money, pack your own food and drinks as on-site dining can be limited and potentially pricier. Reddit

If you're traveling from Ubon Ratchathani, consider sharing a taxi or renting a car with other travelers to split costs. Visiting on a weekday can also contribute to a more budget-friendly experience by avoiding potential weekend price fluctuations or simply enjoying a less crowded, more peaceful visit without extra charges.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Waterfalls of Phu Chong Na Yoi

Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park is renowned for its magnificent waterfalls, with Huai Luang waterfall being the crown jewel. This powerful cascade plunges dramatically, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Accessing its base involves a descent of approximately 300 steps, which are well-maintained with a railing, making the journey manageable for most visitors. The reward is a stunning view and the opportunity to swim in a designated area near a large sand beach. Reddit

Further downstream, you'll find Praon La Or waterfall, a more serene and picturesque spot. It's ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat amidst nature. The park also offers the Kaeng Kalau waterfall trail, which can be part of a longer, one-way hike connecting to Huai Luang. This option is for the more adventurous, requiring careful planning for transportation. Reddit

Water flow at these falls is dependent on the season. Visiting towards the end of the rainy season, typically early to mid-October, ensures the most impressive water levels and comfortable temperatures for exploration. Reddit

Hiking and Trails for Adventurous Souls

For those who love to explore on foot, Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park offers several trails. The most notable is the one-way trail connecting Kaeng Kalau waterfall to Huai Luang waterfall. This hike allows you to experience multiple cascades and diverse forest scenery. It's recommended to arrange for a drop-off at the Kaeng Kalau trailhead and have your driver meet you at the Huai Luang parking area after your trek. Reddit

The trail itself is described as a 'sort of a trail,' suggesting it might be less developed than main park paths, adding to the adventure. The distance from Kaeng Kalau to Huai Luang is approximately 1.6 km along the trail, with an upstream walk of about 600 meters to reach Kaeng Kalau from the starting point. Reddit

While the park is known for its waterfalls, the trails offer a deeper immersion into the forested mountains and the chance to discover hidden natural beauty. Always wear appropriate footwear and carry water, especially if undertaking longer hikes. :hiking_boot:

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