Thi Lor Su Waterfall
Waterfall Large multi-tiered waterfall on Thailand's western border
Large multi‑tiered waterfall in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary near the Myanmar border; visitors arrive for jungle trekking, boat approaches in the rainy season and birdwatching.
Overview Thi Lor Su Waterfall (Thi Lo Su) is a large, remote waterfall in Umphang district of Tak province, northwestern Thailand, often described as one of the country’s most impressive cascades. It lies within a forested wildlife protection area and is noted for its multi-tiered drop and wide curtain of water.
What visitors find The waterfall is set in dense evergreen forest and offers a rainforest setting with pools and viewpoints close to the main cascade; flow and spectacle are at their peak during the rainy season. Trails and basic camping facilities exist near the site, and visitors commonly combine a visit with wildlife and nature activities in the surrounding sanctuary.
History Thi Lor Su is a natural feature long known to local communities and later designated part of the region’s protected areas to conserve the surrounding forest and watershed. Visitor infrastructure has been developed cautiously due to the remote location.
Location Situated in Umphang district, Tak province, the waterfall lies within a remote protected forest area accessible from the town of Umphang by a lengthy off-road drive or seasonal river approaches. The landscape is mountainous forest typical of northwest Thailand.
- Best time to visit: Flow is strongest during and shortly after the rainy season; conditions are driest and access easiest in the mid-dry season.
- Access: Located inside a protected wildlife area and reached via a long off-road route or by river and boat in some seasons, so plan transport in advance.
How to Get to Thi Lor Su Waterfall #
Thi Lor Su (Thi Lo Su) Waterfall is inside Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Tak province and is reached from Umphang district. Visitors normally travel to Umphang by road and then join an organized 4x4 or ranger-guided transfer on rough forest tracks into the sanctuary; road conditions are seasonal and the final approach can take several hours, so arrange transport or a tour from Umphang in advance.
Tips for Visiting Thi Lor Su Waterfall #
- Thi Lor Su is at its most impressive during and shortly after the rainy season (roughly July-October) when water flow is strongest; if you want maximum volume, plan your trip for that period but check road conditions first.
- Access into the Umphang area and the road to the waterfall can be rough - arrange a 4x4 transfer or a guided tour from Umphang town rather than relying on a standard rental car, and confirm any park access requirements in advance.
- Start early in the day to allow time for the park approach and the short jungle walk to viewing platforms or the base pool, and to avoid later-day crowds from organized day trips.
Best Time to Visit Thi Lor Su Waterfall #
For reliable access and comfortable hiking, visit in the cool, dry months (November-February); the rainy season brings bigger flows but tougher access.
Weather & Climate near Thi Lor Su Waterfall #
Thi Lor Su Waterfall'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 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1805 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 34°C and lows of 20°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (212 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (260 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Heavy rain (329 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (345 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (302 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (203 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.