Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park, Thailand

Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park at a Glance

About Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

Located about 40km south of Mae Sot, this national park covers a huge 855 square kilometres, but most people drive just inside the entrance to see the waterfall after which it is named, Pha Charoen. What makes the waterfall so special is that it tumbles over 97 ledges, most of which are visible from its base, so it just makes you want to grab for the camera. It is particularly attractive in the rainy season, when the water turns a reddish brown that contrasts beautifully with the surrounding lush green vegetation.

There are many more waterfalls in the park, including Huai Tapu-kor Waterfall near the 33km marker on Highway 1090, along with hot springs, though there is no accommodation apart from tents.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

The best time to visit Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park is the cool, dry season (November-February) for safer trail conditions and comfortable weather.

Cool / Dry season (best time)

Nov-Feb · 15-28°C

Cooler, drier weather makes trails and waterfall areas easier and safer to explore.

Hot season

Mar-May · 25-35°C

Hotter conditions can make hikes tiring; water levels may be lower before the rains.

Monsoon / Wet season

Jun-Oct · variable with heavy rain

Rain brings fuller waterfalls but also slippery trails and potential access issues during heavy downpours.

Weather & Climate near Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

Climate

Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in December). Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1821 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 75 Moderate

Best Time to Visit

JanuaryDecemberFebruary

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

6°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

Month	Comfort	Temp	Feels	Rain	Sky	Humidity	Wind	UV	Daylight
January	Ideal	14° - 31°	22°	3 mm	mostly sunny	73%	0.8 m/s	1.7 very high	11.1h
February	Excellent	15° - 33°	24°	9 mm	mostly sunny	66%	0.8 m/s	1.9 very high	11.5h
March	Excellent	18° - 35°	27°	31 mm	mostly sunny	63%	1.1 m/s	2.0 very high	11.9h
April	Very Good	21° - 36°	31°	59 mm	some cloud	66%	1.4 m/s	2.3 extreme	12.4h
May	Acceptable	22° - 33°	30°	214 mm	overcast	80%	1.0 m/s	2.2 extreme	12.8h
June	Good	22° - 30°	26°	269 mm	overcast	86%	1.0 m/s	1.9 very high	13.0h
July	Good	21° - 29°	25°	338 mm	overcast	88%	1.0 m/s	1.9 very high	12.9h
August	Good	21° - 29°	25°	361 mm	overcast	89%	1.0 m/s	1.8 very high	12.6h
September	Good	21° - 30°	25°	297 mm	overcast	91%	0.7 m/s	2.0 very high	12.1h
October	Very Good	20° - 30°	25°	198 mm	partly cloudy	90%	0.7 m/s	2.0 very high	11.7h
November	Excellent	17° - 30°	24°	36 mm	some cloud	85%	0.8 m/s	1.9 very high	11.2h
December	Ideal	14° - 29°	22°	6 mm	mostly sunny	79%	0.8 m/s	1.7 very high	11.0h

Getting There & Around

How to Get to Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

The park entrance and Pha Charoen waterfall are just off Highway 1090, the road from Mae Sot to Umphang, near the 41km marker, about 40km south of Mae Sot. Songthaews bound for Umphang can drop you at the entrance, but it is far easier to stop with your own vehicle on the way to Umphang.

Tips for Visiting Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

If your main goal is to see the waterfall, plan for visits during or shortly after the rainy season when flows are strongest, but go early in the morning to avoid trail muddiness and local weekend crowds.
Check the park office for current trail and access information on arrival - stream levels and path conditions can change quickly after heavy rain.
Ask rangers about short viewpoint walks and nearby lookout spots; many visitors focus only on the main falls and miss nearby viewpoints with better panoramas.

Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park

Nam Tok Pha Charoen National Park essentials