Krabi has just one major waterfall in our province, it is in the national park on the west side of Khao Phanom mountain in Krabi Noi. We offer a morning ride out to the park with pickup at 7:30 am. You’ll arrive around 8 am. You’ll stay until 1 pm., eating lunch there, and then take our air conditioned VIP van back to your hotel/resort.
Huay To Waterfall in Krabi Province, Thailand
QUICK TOUR DETAILS
Tour: Huay Toh Waterfall & Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
Tour Type: PRIVATE TOUR — only your group participates
Maximum Group Size: 7 people
Minimum Group Size: 1 person
Age Limit: None
Tour Length: Approximately 5 hours
Pickup Time: 7:30 AM
Approximate Return: 1:30 PM / 13:30
Pickup Areas: Krabi Town, Ao Nang Beach, Nong Thale and Tub Kaak areas
Activities: Waterfall swimming, waterfall climbing, hiking, rainforest walking, birdwatching, nature photography and wildlife observation
Difficulty: Easy to difficult — YOU choose
National Park Entrance Fee: Budget 200 THB per person, paid separately at the park
Food: Thai restaurant available near the park headquarters during the morning and early afternoon. It normally closes at approximately 2:00 PM.
Private Transportation: Included according to group size and pickup location
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE
Pickup from Ao Nang Beach or Krabi Town Areas
1 person — 2,400 THB
Each additional person adds 300 THB.
- 1 person — 2,400 THB
- 2 people — 2,700 THB
- 3 people — 3,000 THB
- 4 people — 3,300 THB
- 5 people — 3,600 THB
- 6 people — 3,900 THB
- 7 people — 4,200 THB
Maximum: 7 people (adults + children, total 7)
Children under 12 = free (still need to pay 100 Thai baht for park entrance, but our transportation is free for kids under 12.)
Pickup from Tub Kaak / Nong Thale Areas
Add 300 THB to the total tour price for pickups in Tub Kaak, Klong Muang, Nong Thale and surrounding areas.
Example:
- 1 person — 2,700 THB
- 2 people — 3,000 THB
- 3 people — 3,300 THB
- 4 people — 3,600 THB
- 5 people — 3,900 THB
- 6 people — 4,200 THB
- 7 people — 4,500 THB
Contact us if your hotel is outside these areas and we will tell you whether pickup is available and whether there is an additional transportation charge.
NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE FEE
Please budget 200 THB per adult person for admission to Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. Children’s fee is 100 THB.
The national park entrance fee is not included in our transportation/tour price because national park rates are controlled by Thailand’s Department of National Parks and can change.
You pay the park entrance fee separately when entering the national park. Thai and foreign visitor rates may differ.
WHY VISIT HUAY TOH WATERFALL?
Krabi is famous around the world for beaches, islands and limestone cliffs.
But inland Krabi is completely different.
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park protects some of the most impressive mountain rainforest in the province.
Instead of speedboats, crowds and beaches, you get:
Rainforest.
Mountain streams.
Waterfalls.
Birds.
Giant tropical trees.
Jungle trails.
Natural swimming pools.
And, if you want it, some seriously steep hiking.
Huay Toh Waterfall is the easiest way to experience this environment without committing to an all-day or overnight expedition into the mountains.
HUAY TOH WATERFALL
Huay Toh is the main waterfall at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park. There are smaller ones along a stream, but they don’t really qualify as anything fantastic. Don’t get your hopes up!
The waterfall is located only a few hundred meters from the national park headquarters area, making the lower waterfall accessible to almost everyone capable of normal walking.
Don’t let that fool you. The waterfall continues much farther uphill. There are numerous cascades, pools and waterfall levels extending up the mountainside. Thailand’s official tourism directory describes Huay Toh as having 11 levels or water basins.
Other descriptions separate the waterfall into five major cascades with additional smaller pools and tiers. Either way, there is far more here than one waterfall pool.
The farther you climb, the more adventurous the experience becomes. It is a bit difficult and very steep. Almost like climbing a ladder sometimes. Be careful.
SWIMMING AT HUAY TOH WATERFALL
One of the best reasons to visit Huay Toh is simple:
You can get in the water.
There are natural pools at the waterfall where swimming is possible when conditions allow.
After walking through humid tropical forest, getting into cool mountain water feels fantastic.
You can spend much of the tour swimming if that’s what you want.
Some visitors prefer to sit beside the waterfall.
Others swim.
Others immediately start climbing toward the next waterfall level.
It’s your tour.
Important
Waterfall conditions vary enormously depending on recent rainfall.
During or immediately after heavy rain, currents can be stronger and rocks may be extremely slippery.
We do not recommend entering water that appears unsafe.
Never jump into a waterfall pool without knowing the depth and underwater terrain.
CLIMBING LEVELS OF HUAY TOH WATERFALL
This is where Huay Toh gets interesting. The lower waterfall area is relatively easy to reach. From there you can begin working your way farther up the waterfall and through the surrounding forest.
The trail progressively becomes: steeper, rougher, wetter, slippier, and more challenging.
You don’t have to climb very far. You can just explore the lower levels and turn around.
Fit hikers can continue much higher into the forest. There is no prize for reaching the highest point, but you’ll feel like you accomplished something!
EASY WATERFALL OPTION
This is the best choice for:
- Families with children
- Older visitors
- Casual walkers
- Photographers
- People primarily interested in swimming
- Visitors who don’t hike regularly
You just walk from the national park headquarters entrance and parking lot toward Huay Toh Waterfall and explore the lower waterfall area.
You can swim, photograph the falls, look for birds and butterflies, and walk some of the easier forest paths. There is no need to tackle the steep sections.
MODERATE WATERFALL & JUNGLE OPTION
Want more? You can continue beyond the easiest waterfall area. This involves more climbing, uneven terrain and jungle walking.
Expect less than ideal conditions at times with rocks, tree roots, mud, heat and humidity, and very steep sections.
This level is appropriate for reasonably fit people who enjoy hiking but do not necessarily want an extreme workout.
DIFFICULT JUNGLE & RIDGE HIKE OPTION
This is where the tour becomes something completely different.
Beyond the waterfall area are forest trails climbing steeply uphill through Khao Phanom Bencha National Park.
There are two major circular trail systems associated with this area, generally known as the Nature Trail and Dogslide Trail. These are not flat tourist walking paths.
The upper sections become significantly steeper.
One route is approximately 2.4 kilometers, or roughly 2.7 kilometers when including the viewpoint section.
Another nature trail is approximately 2.9 kilometers and climbs to around 540 meters above sea level. These distances sound short, but trust us, they are not easy.
Distance means almost nothing when you’re climbing a tropical mountain in high humidity.
Parts of the route can be steep enough that you need to use your hands for balance.
This option is recommended only for people who are:
- Fit and healthy enough to really push yourself physically
- Comfortable hiking uphill
- Comfortable on uneven terrain
- Wearing appropriate shoes
- Carrying enough water
- Comfortable sweating. A lot.
This is a real tropical hike and most people just cannot do it. Don’t push beyond your limits.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO DO THE DIFFICULT HIKE
Many people see the word “hiking” and assume they’re signing up for hours of suffering.
No. You can make this one of the easiest tours we offer.
Walk to the waterfall. Swim. Look at birds. Take photographs. Eat some Thai food. Walk around the forest. Go home in the air conditioned van. 🙂
HOW HARD IS THE HARD TRAIL?
Hard enough that we don’t recommend pretending you’re fitter than you are.
Krabi is hot and very humid. The trail climbs straight up in places. You’ll get muddy and dirty if it recently rained. If you regularly run, hike, cycle, climb or exercise, you’ll probably love it.
If your normal physical activity consists of walking between your hotel room and the breakfast buffet, choose the easier route.
BIRDWATCHING AT KHAO PHANOM BENCHA
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park is one of the better forest birding locations in Krabi Province. There is a lot of open space, the waterfall, and the dense jungle where you can see different kinds of birds and potentially other wildlife.
The combination of mature forest, flowing water, mountain slopes, forest edges, open areas near park headquarters, streams, and dense vegetation creates habitat for a wide variety of birds.
Birdwatching is especially good in the morning when the park is still relatively quiet.
Possible birds include hornbills, bulbuls, babblers, spiderhunters, barbets, woodpeckers, shamas, crows, and numerous other tropical forest species.
Please note – nobody can guarantee wildlife sightings or specific birds. It’s birdwatching. An element of luck is always involved.
BIRDWATCHERS — TELL US BEFORE THE TOUR
If birdwatching is your primary reason for booking, tell us in advance.
Your tour can be adjusted to emphasize:
- Early-morning bird activity
- Slow walking
- Listening for bird calls
- Forest-edge birding
- Stream habitat
- Photography
- Quiet observation
Bring your own binoculars and bird photography equipment.
OTHER WILDLIFE
Khao Phanom Bencha protects genuine tropical forest habitat.
Various wildlife species have historically been recorded from the park, including primates, civets, wild pigs, mouse deer, serow and numerous smaller mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Large mammals are rarely seen by casual visitors.
You have a much better chance of noticing:
- Birds
- Butterflies
- Lizards, Skinks, Geckos
- Frogs and Toads
- Insects
- Spiders
- Squirrels
- Monkeys or other primates
BUTTERFLIES & INSECTS
If you’re interested in macro photography, keep your eyes open. This waterfall is one of the best places to see butterflies most of the year round. The moist forest, streams, flowers and sunny openings around Huay Toh can attract butterflies and many other insects.
Sometimes the smallest wildlife provides the best photographs of the day.
RAINFOREST PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographers will love the variety of subjects at this Thailand National Park.
Possible subjects include:
- Waterfalls
- Long-exposure waterfall photography
- Forest landscapes
- Giant trees & roots
- Flowers, Ferns and other Leaves
- Mushrooms and fungi
- Streams
- Reflections
- Butterflies
- Birds
- Reptiles
- Macro photography of all kinds
- Rainforest textures
- Family photographs
- Environmental portraits
The rainforest looks particularly dramatic when everything is wet. So if it is raining lightly or just did, go anyway! Protect your camera accordingly.
THE RAINFOREST
Much of Khao Phanom Bencha remains heavily forested. Once you leave the main visitor area, the sounds of vehicles and civilization quickly disappear.
Listen. You’ll hear falling water. Cicadas. Bird calls. Leaves moving. Sometimes monkeys or howling gibbons farther into the forest. It is a completely different Krabi experience from Ao Nang Beach or our water attractions.
THE WATERFALL CHANGES WITH THE SEASONS
Huay Toh is heavily influenced by rainfall. This means the waterfall does not look identical throughout the year.
Wet Season
During the wetter months there can be considerably more water. The waterfall becomes larger and more dramatic. Streams fill. Vegetation becomes incredibly green.
But trails may also be:
- Muddy
- Slippery
- Wet
- More difficult
Heavy rainfall can also make swimming unsafe. The rangers will close the park if that is the case.
Dry Season
Trails may be easier and less muddy. But waterfall flow can be significantly reduced after prolonged dry weather. Nature doesn’t operate according to travel brochures. That unpredictability is part of visiting a natural waterfall.
RAIN DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY CANCEL THIS TOUR
This is a rainforest. Rain happens often. Light or intermittent rain generally doesn’t ruin the experience. In fact, walking through tropical forest during light rain can be beautiful.
However, severe weather, flooding, dangerous waterfall conditions, storms or park closures can require us to modify or cancel activities for safety. Safety wins.
WHAT TO BRING
- Athletic Shoes or Hiking Shoes – Do not wear sandals for the hiking portions of this tour. Proper athletic shoes, trail shoes or hiking shoes are essential.
- Hat – Bring a hat for areas exposed to direct sunlight.
- Sunscreen – Thailand’s sun is strong even when much of your day is spent under forest canopy.
- Insect Repellant – Bring mosquito/insect repellent. A convenient option in Thailand is the small pink bottle of insect repellent sold at 7-Eleven and many other convenience stores.
- Rain Poncho / Raincoat – Cheap disposable or reusable rain ponchos are usually available around the counter area at 7-Eleven stores.
- Water – bring plenty – 1.5 liters for each person if hiking the trails.
- Small Backpack – A backpack is much better than carrying things in your hands.
- Swimming Clothes or Suit – Wear or bring clothes appropriate for swimming if you plan to enter the waterfall pools.
- Change of Clothes – so you don’t get the leather seats of the van wet. Bring a towel to sit on also because you will get dirty on the hike.
- Waterproof Bag – Whether raining or not, this one can keep valuables clean and dry.
- Camera / Phone
- Binoculars – If birding.
- Snacks for the trail
WHAT NOT TO WEAR
Avoid flip flop sandals, loose shoes, dress shoes, smooth bottom shoes, heavy clothing, jeans or other hot pants.
Lightweight quick-drying clothing is ideal.
WATERFALL ADVENTURE TOUR ITINERARY
Because this is private, the schedule is flexible. A typical morning might look like this:
7:30 AM — Hotel Pickup
We pick you up from your hotel in Ao Nang, Krabi Town, Nong Thale, Tub Kaak or another pre-arranged location.
7:30–8:15 AM — Drive Toward Khao Phanom Bencha
The drive takes us away from Krabi’s major tourist beach areas and toward the forested mountains inland. From Krabi Town, Huay Toh is roughly 25–27 kilometers away.
8:00–8:15 AM — Arrive at the National Park
Pay the national park entrance fee of 200 per adult, 100 per child. Use the restroom. Buy water at the restaurant if you didn’t bring it. Get hiking gear organized.
Morning — Huay Toh Waterfall
The lower waterfall is reached by a relatively short 5-10 minute walk from park headquarters. From here, you choose what kind of morning you want.
OPTION 1 — WATERFALL & SWIMMING
Take it easy. Explore the lower falls. Swim. Take photographs.Look for wildlife. Enjoy the rainforest.
OPTION 2 — WATERFALL LEVEL CLIMB
Continue uphill beside the waterfall. Explore additional levels. Stop at pools. Take photographs and swim! Go only as high as you are comfortable.
OPTION 3 — RAINFOREST NATURE WALK
Spend more time walking forest trails while looking for wildlife.
OPTION 4 — HARD JUNGLE HIKE
Continue onto one of the steeper trails. Expect serious climbing. This option can consume much of the available tour time and is appropriate only for fit hikers.
OPTION 5 — MIX EVERYTHING
This is what many people will probably want. Do some birdwatching. See the waterfall. Climb several levels. Swim. Walk through the jungle. Take photos. Then head back for food.
LUNCH / THAI RESTAURANT
There is a Thai restaurant in the national park headquarters area. It is open during the morning and into the early afternoon and normally closes at approximately 2:00 PM.
Remember – food is not included in the tour price.
Depending on how much time you spend hiking, you may be able to eat before leaving the park. If eating at the restaurant is important to you, tell us so we can manage the tour time accordingly.
APPROXIMATELY 12:30–1:00 PM — LEAVE THE PARK
We’ll change clothes if needed, get cleaned up, and begin the drive back.
APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM — RETURN TO HOTEL
Exact return time depends upon:
- Your hotel location
- Traffic
- Hiking route
- Swimming time
- Restaurant stop
- Weather
- Your group’s pace
THIS TOUR IS NOT RUSHED
We hate tours where somebody blows a whistle and tells you, “You have fifteen minutes here.” That’s not how this works.
Want to spend forty minutes photographing a bird? Fine.
Want another swim? Fine.
Want to skip swimming entirely and keep hiking? Fine.
Your time is yours to explore as you wish.
CHILDREN ARE WELCOME
There is no fixed age limit for this tour. Nearly anyone can do it. Parents know their children better than we do.
Young children can enjoy:
- The forest
- Lower waterfall
- Swimming
- Butterflies
- Wildlife
- Easy walking
Children should not automatically be taken onto difficult upper trails. Most kids will not enjoy the challenge.
Parents or guardians remain responsible for supervising their children, particularly around water, cliffs, slippery rocks and steep terrain.
OLDER VISITORS ARE WELCOME TOO
Your age matters far less than your:
- Mobility
- Balance
- Fitness
- Footwear
- Comfort on uneven terrain
MEDICAL CONDITIONS
Tell us before booking if anyone in your group has a condition that could affect hiking or swimming, including:
- Serious heart conditions
- Major breathing problems
- Severe asthma
- Recent surgery
- Serious knee problems
- Serious ankle problems
- Severe balance problems
- Other medical restrictions
WATERFALL SAFETY
Wet rocks are slippery. People have died in Thailand while walking out in the water, slipping, and falling over one of the waterfall ledges. It can be extremely slippery. Do not climb into restricted areas. Do not dive into pools when you cannot clearly see the bottom.
JUNGLE SAFETY
Stay on established trails whenever possible.
Do not grab vegetation blindly. Some plants may cause allergic reaction. Some have sharp parts. Don’t put your hands inside holes or underneath rocks. We have snakes, scorpions, and centipedes which can cause bad bites.
Watch where you step. Most animals want nothing to do with humans. Give wildlife space and you’ll generally have no problem.
LEECHES
During wet periods, leeches may occur on rainforest trails. They’re annoying. They can cause redness and itchiness later. Long socks and insect repellent can help.
MOSQUITOES
Mozzys are all over. Bring lotion or spray. Do not sit in the water if you just sprayed yourself with mosquito spray, you’ll kill fish and wildlife. Spray after you get out of the water.
PHONE SIGNAL
Mobile phone coverage may become weak or unreliable in sections of the park. Don’t assume you’ll have perfect signal everywhere.
RESTROOMS
Restroom facilities are available around the national park headquarters area. Do not expect toilets along remote jungle trails.
CAN WE STAY OVERNIGHT AT THE NATIONAL PARK?
Yes. Khao Phanom Bencha National Park has government-run accommodation at the park headquarters area, including national park bungalows.
There is also a designated camping area.
Accommodation is separate from our standard five-hour tour and must be arranged separately.
NATIONAL PARK BUNGALOWS
Thailand’s Department of National Parks lists several bungalows at Khao Phanom Bencha National Park.
Accommodation options have included rooms or bungalows for approximately two to four people, with both fan and air-conditioned options.
Recent published rates have been approximately:
- 2-person fan accommodation — around 600 THB
- 4-person fan accommodation — around 1,200 THB
- 2-person air-conditioned accommodation — around 1,000 THB
- 4-person air-conditioned accommodation — around 2,000 THB
These prices are not controlled by KrabiNature and can change. To be honest, what was published is probably a bit outdated. Count on 1000 THB for the cheapest one.
CAMPING AT KHAO PHANOM BENCHA
Camping is also possible near park headquarters. The park has an official camping area and rental tents may be available. Recent information has listed tent rental and basic sleeping equipment for visitors who don’t have their own camping gear. Keep in mind, rental gear may not be as clean as you hope it is.
If you’re interested in staying overnight, tell us before your tour and we can explain the options we know about.
THIS 5-HOUR TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE AN OVERNIGHT STAY
Our standard Huay Toh Waterfall tour is a five-hour private day tour.
IS THIS THE KHAO PHANOM BENCHA SUMMIT HIKE?
No. This is important. Khao Phanom Bencha itself rises to approximately 1,397 meters and reaching the actual mountain summit is a much more serious trekking experience. That is not the normal five-hour Huay Toh Waterfall tour.
Our tour explores the Huay Toh side of the national park and the trails accessible from the main visitor area. If you are specifically looking for an expedition to the summit of Khao Phanom Bencha, contact us separately. It is very difficult to book that trip because Thais fill it up and there is no information online for non-Thai speakers.
PERFECT FOR NATURE LOVERS
This tour is especially good for people who prefer:
Mountains instead of shopping malls.
Forests instead of beach chairs.
Birds instead of bars.
Waterfalls instead of swimming pools.
Mud instead of pavement.
Real nature instead of manufactured attractions.
If that sounds like you, you’re probably going to love Huay Toh.
PERFECT FOR ACTIVE TRAVELERS
Krabi has an enormous amount of spectacular scenery. Unfortunately, many visitors experience it while sitting down. In the van, on the boat, in the restaurant, at the bar, on a beach chair.
Huay Toh lets you actually move through the landscape. Walk. Climb. Swim. Sweat. Explore.
PERFECT FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY SEEN THE ISLANDS
Already been to Phi Phi? Already seen Railay? Already done the standard island tours?
Good. Go inland. This is another side of Krabi entirely.
ABOUT KHAO PHANOM BENCHA NATIONAL PARK
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park protects approximately 50 square kilometers of mountain forest in Krabi Province.
The centerpiece is Khao Phanom Bencha, rising approximately 1,397 meters above sea level.
This mountain system is responsible for much of the water flowing through streams and waterfalls in this part of Krabi.
The forest changes with elevation and provides important habitat for birds and other wildlife.
For visitors staying around Ao Nang and Krabi Town, it is one of the easiest ways to reach genuine mountain rainforest without traveling for several hours.
HUAY TOH IS MORE THAN A WATERFALL
Most people hear “Huay Toh” and think:
Waterfall.
That’s only part of it.
Think of Huay Toh as an entrance into Khao Phanom Bencha’s forest.
You can make the experience:
- A swimming trip.
- A family nature trip.
- A photography trip.
- A birdwatching trip.
- A jungle hike.
Or…
A brutal uphill workout followed by jumping into cold waterfall water.
Your choice!
TOUR PRICE SUMMARY
From Ao Nang Beach / Krabi Town
1 person: 2,400 THB
2 people: 2,700 THB
3 people: 3,000 THB
4 people: 3,300 THB
5 people: 3,600 THB
6 people: 3,900 THB
7 people: 4,200 THB
From Tub Kaak / Nong Thale / Klong Muang
Add 300 THB per booking for the extra distance.
1 person: 2,700 THB
2 people: 3,000 THB
3 people: 3,300 THB
4 people: 3,600 THB
5 people: 3,900 THB
6 people: 4,200 THB
7 people: 4,500 THB
BOOK YOUR PRIVATE HUAY TOH WATERFALL TOUR
If you want to see a side of Krabi that most tourists miss, come inland with us.
We’ll leave the beaches behind and head toward Khao Phanom Bencha Mountain.
Walk through the rainforest.
Listen for birds.
Explore Huay Toh Waterfall.
Swim in mountain water.
Climb to another level.
Then another.
Or don’t.
Sit by the waterfall and enjoy being somewhere that still feels wild.
This is your private tour.
You decide how hard — or how relaxing — you want it to be.
Huay Toh Waterfall & Khao Phanom Bencha National Park
5 Hours
Private Tour
1–7 People
Pickup 7:30 AM
From 2,400 THB
Book Your Tour
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