As Thailand burns under temperatures of 40°C (and rising), as well as heatwave warnings for some regions, we hope you are taking the appropriate safety precautions for staying cool and hydrated during your tour of this gorgeous country.
That said, who doesn’t love beating the heat with a refreshing swim in cool water? Consider visiting these scenic waterfalls not just to marvel at their power and scale but also for the chance to swim in them.
Erawan National Park in Kanchanaburi province is home to one of the most popular falls in the country. The seven-tiered Erawan Falls has emerald green ponds and goes through the east side of the park. The route to see it spans more than 1.5km. The park and falls are named after a three-headed white elephant of Hindu mythology. Its top tier is even said to resemble an elephant head! Check out the water's vibrant turquoise shades, watch the fish swimming around and splash in the pools.
This “Black Waterfall” cascades off sheer limestone cliffs in Umphang district. It is estimated to be 250-400m tall and around 450m wide. During the rainy season the falls can supposedly be heard from a kilometre away. Swimming is a popular activity here and taking a dip in its refreshing multilevel pools is recommended.
Located in the lush Namtok Mae Surin National Park in Mae Hong Son province, the Mae Surin Falls are considered to be the highlight of the park. This 100m tall waterfall is surrounded by the thick forests and mountains of Thailand’s northwest region and often ranks in the country’s most beautiful lists. There are plenty of viewpoints at the bottom of the falls, which allow for glorious views of the rushing waters.
Situated in Chiang Mai are some curious “sticky” waterfalls. The 100m tall Namtok Buo Tong Waterfall earned this moniker due to the coarse and cartoon-like limestone surface that it flows over, allowing visitors to traverse its non-slippery surface and ascend its three tiers without any problem. The water is refreshingly cold but there are no pools or swimming spots at the waterfall itself.
Another Chiang Mai gem is the Mae Ya Waterfall in the Doi Inthanon National Park. With a height of 260m and a width of 100m, this waterfall plunges 30 tiers over the precipice and is relatively free from visitors due to its isolated nature. It is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country and its cool and clean waters are perfect for a swim.
In Phuket’s Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Reserve lies the 10m tall Bang Pae Waterfall. Far from crowds, this is a smaller waterfall compared to the rest on the list, but that doesn’t take away from its charming and peaceful nature. Visitors are able to swim in the pool underneath the running water and it is a favourite of locals who come here to cool off during hotter weather. This waterfall is definitely worth visiting for those who have the time.