Khao Sam Lan National Park

Khao Sam Lan National Park, also called Namtok Sam Lan National Park, covers about 44 square kilometres across four Saraburi districts — Mueang, Kaeng Khoi, Nong Khae and Wihan Daeng — roughly 16 km south of Saraburi town off Highway 3042/3046. Entry is 100 THB for foreign adults (50 THB for children) and 20 THB for Thai adults (10 THB for children). It’s open daily, roughly 08:00–17:00.

The main draw is Namtok Sam Lan, a three-tiered waterfall about 300 metres from the park headquarters, with smaller cascades and swimming pools within easy walking distance for anyone who doesn’t want to hike far. A small reservoir near the entrance rents out kayaks and pedal boats. Three marked nature-study trails loop through the forest and flat-bottomed valley if you want more than a look at the falls — the terrain is mostly small hills rather than the steep mountains found further north.

A World War II memorial sits about 2 km from the headquarters, on high ground locals also call Khao Daeng. The Japanese army used the area as a wartime lookout post, and what remains — trenches, a command bunker, scattered equipment — is left largely as it was found rather than restored. It’s an unusual detour for a park better known for waterfalls, and worth the short walk if you’re already at the visitor centre.

Insider Tip: Visit on a weekday if you want the falls to yourself — this is one of the closest national-park waterfalls to Bangkok, so weekends draw day-trippers from the capital. Hew Noi Waterfall and Sub Hew Waterfall, both elsewhere in Saraburi, are quieter alternatives on the same kind of day trip.

Watch out: The WWII trenches and bunker are original structures with no barriers around them — supervise children closely and don’t climb on the earthworks.

Guesthouse rooms and tent camping are available at the park office; book ahead in the July-October wet season when the waterfalls are at their best and demand is highest. For accommodation or general enquiries, call the park office on 036 713 829 or the National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok on 0 2562 0760.