Pong Phra Bat Waterfall
A serene natural escape in Chiang Rai, featuring a modest waterfall, lush forests, and a peaceful trek.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere
Pong Phra Bat Waterfall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, serene atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene natural escape in Chiang Rai, featuring a modest waterfall, lush forests, and a peaceful trek.
"The nature surrounding the waterfall is more impressive than the waterfall itself, offering a pleasant trek.
"Check Waterfall Access
Confirm if the waterfall is accessible, as it may close during the rainy season. :information_source:
Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trek paths can be uneven and slippery; good footwear is essential for safety. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Pong Phra Bat Waterfall
Chiang Rai
A modest yet charming waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, offering a peaceful escape.
Nature Trek
Along the riverbed
An 800m well-marked trail through beautiful forest, leading to a small natural pool.

Hot Spring Park
Adjacent to the waterfall
Explore the nearby hot spring park for a different natural experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Trek
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Chiang Rai and around
Check Waterfall Access
Confirm if the waterfall is accessible, as it may close during the rainy season.
:information_source:Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trek paths can be uneven and slippery; good footwear is essential for safety.
:athletic_shoe:Chiang Rai - what do I do?
Chiang Rai or Pattaya
Enjoy the Trek
The surrounding forest and riverbed trek are often more impressive than the waterfall itself.
:hiking_boot:Consider the Hot Springs
Don't miss the adjacent hot spring park for a unique natural experience.
:hot_springs:Tips
from all over the internet
Check Waterfall Access
Confirm if the waterfall is accessible, as it may close during the rainy season.
:information_source:Wear Sturdy Shoes
Trek paths can be uneven and slippery; good footwear is essential for safety.
:athletic_shoe:Enjoy the Trek
The surrounding forest and riverbed trek are often more impressive than the waterfall itself.
:hiking_boot:Consider the Hot Springs
Don't miss the adjacent hot spring park for a unique natural experience.
:hot_springs:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pong Phra Bat Waterfall to be a peaceful natural escape, particularly appreciating the surrounding forest and the well-maintained trek. While the waterfall itself can be modest and its accessibility varies seasonally, the serene environment and the adjacent hot spring park offer a pleasant experience for nature lovers.
"A nice, sunny day in the rainy season and we arrived early afternoon. But they close access to the waterfall until the end of the rainy season? Do they not realize that waterfalls are the most scenic this time of year. Inside, you can see them sitting, looking at their phones. So they give themselves a 6 month break. Strange. But maybe you jokers could mark on google maps that you have closed access? TIT."
Ghost Rider Indochina
"A very big thank you from the heart ❤️ to the humans who maintain this magnificent place where we feel very good vibrations. Thank you also to the visitor for respecting these natural territories.Forgotten I loved that it is not only humans who observe nature, but nature also observes you. Then water has the power to memorize, thank there with heart ❤️. To date its ph 7.82 upstream of the small waterfall."
Humalain
"Nice small waterfall. Very easy access. A good paved road goes to the entrance of the park. There is a safe parking with security guards. Then one can walk just 100 m and kids can swim. But the water is a little dirty to swim.
There is a nice easy trek, 800 m long, very well marked, along the small river bed. The water is running and the forest is beautiful. At the end of the trek, there is a small natural pool and small water falls.
We were there around 1:00 PM, there was only one couple going down and, when we were leaving, one couple going up. It was not a very beautiful waterfall, but the forest was was quiet and the trek was pleasant"
Jean Delion
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Pong Phra Bat Waterfall is by renting a scooter, which costs around $7 per day, allowing you to explore the area freely.
Alternatively, you can arrange for a taxi or songthaew from Chiang Rai city. The drive is scenic and takes approximately 30-40 minutes.Yes, there is a safe parking area with security guards available at the entrance of the park, making it easy to access the waterfall and surrounding trails.
While direct public transport might be limited, you can often find local buses or songthaews heading towards the general area from Chiang Rai. It's advisable to confirm routes and schedules locally.
A good paved road leads directly to the entrance of the park, ensuring easy access for most vehicles.
Absolutely! Pong Phra Bat Waterfall is an excellent option for a half-day or full-day trip from Chiang Rai, offering a refreshing break from the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information regarding entrance fees can vary. Some visitors mention it's free to enter, while others suggest checking locally upon arrival.
The park's hours can be inconsistent, with some reports of seasonal closures, particularly for the waterfall itself during the rainy season. It's best to check current accessibility before visiting.
While there's a small pool where kids can swim, some reviews mention the water can be a bit dirty. The natural pool at the end of the trek might be a cleaner option.
Advance booking is generally not required for Pong Phra Bat Waterfall, as it's a natural attraction. However, confirming accessibility is recommended.
Be aware that access to the waterfall itself might be restricted during certain times of the year, especially the rainy season.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the waterfall is the namesake, many visitors find the surrounding lush nature, the well-marked forest trek, and the peaceful ambiance to be the true highlights.
There is a pleasant 800-meter trek along the riverbed, which is well-marked and leads to a small natural pool and mini waterfalls.
The trek is generally considered easy to moderate. However, the path is not always prepared, requiring you to jump over stones, so caution is advised to avoid twists or sprains.
Reviews suggest the water in the main pool can be a bit dirty for swimming, but the natural pool at the end of the trek might offer a cleaner experience. The water pH upstream is noted as 7.82.
Expect vibrant greenery, beautiful trees and plants, and a serene forest environment. The landscape is often described as stunning and fresh, even when the waterfall's flow is minimal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no specific mentions of restaurants or food stalls directly within the Pong Phra Bat Waterfall park. It's advisable to bring your own snacks and water or dine in Chiang Rai before or after your visit.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking is generally permitted in natural parks. However, remember to pack out all your trash to help maintain the pristine environment.
For a wider selection of dining options, you'll need to return to Chiang Rai city. The city offers a variety of local eateries and cafes.
Yes, it's a good idea to have a meal before or after your visit, as dining facilities are limited at the waterfall itself.
Chiang Rai is known for its tea and coffee plantations and cafes, so you might find some charming spots to visit before or after your trip to the waterfall.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the lush greenery, the cascading water (if flowing), the well-marked forest trails, and the serene natural pools. The vibrant landscape offers many picturesque moments.
While the waterfall's flow is at its peak during the rainy season, access might be restricted. The surrounding greenery is always vibrant, offering good photo potential.
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, creating a more tranquil and photogenic scene.
The end of the 800m trek, with its natural pool and small waterfalls, provides a lovely spot for photography. The general forest path also offers many scenic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive greenery, while a standard zoom lens is versatile for various shots. A tripod can help with low-light conditions or capturing water movement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Waterfall's Flow
Travelers seeking the full waterfall experience should aim for the shoulder months or the early part of the rainy season, while being prepared for potential access limitations. The pH of the water upstream has been measured at 7.82, indicating a slightly alkaline nature, which is typical for natural water sources.
The Enchanting Nature Trails
While the trek is generally easy, it's important to note that the path isn't always perfectly maintained. Visitors are advised to wear sturdy footwear as they may need to navigate over stones, which can be slippery. This makes the trek moderately challenging and requires a degree of caution to avoid injuries like twisted ankles. The experience is often described as pleasant and visually appealing, with vibrant greenery and fresh landscapes making the journey worthwhile.
Exploring the Adjacent Hot Spring Park
While details about the hot spring park's amenities are sparse, its proximity makes it a convenient addition to a visit to the waterfall. It's an opportunity to experience the area's natural resources beyond just the waterfall and its surrounding trails, adding value to a day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit