Khlong Phrao Waterfall

Khlong Phrao Waterfall — known locally as Namtok Thap Chang (น้ำตกทับช้าง) — is a five-tier cascade set within Namtok Ngao National Park (formerly named Khlong Phrao National Park) in Thung Tako district, about 80 km south of Chumphon town. The tallest drop is the third tier, where water falls roughly 36 metres into a pool below; the other tiers feed a chain of calmer pools as the stream descends through evergreen forest.

Reaching it takes some commitment. Head south on Highway 41 to around the kilometre 57–58 marker near Lang Suan, turn off at the sign for Ban Muang Nai Kud and follow the paved road for about 12 km before the surface turns to concrete track for the final stretch. A concrete stairway, a bamboo bridge over the stream and steep steel ladders lead to the base of the falls — not suitable for very young children.

The surrounding forest supports hornbills and flying squirrels, and low visitor numbers keep the place quiet on weekday mornings. There are no restaurants or accommodation at the falls, so bring food and water; camping is available within the national park.

The waterfall sits inside Namtok Ngao National Park, whose published rates are 100 THB for foreign adults and 20 THB for Thai adults — though at this remote ranger substation visitors don’t consistently report the fee being collected, so carry cash without counting on a staffed booth. Standard national park hours apply, roughly 08:00 to 17:00, and the falls flow year-round, strongest during and after the wet season (about June to November).

Insider Tip: Weekday mornings see almost no other visitors — worth the extra effort on the access road if you want the pools to yourself.

Watch out: The steel ladders near the base are steep and can be slick after rain; skip them with young children or if you’re not comfortable on ladders, and stick to the lower tiers instead.

Not to be confused with Koh Chang in Trat, where the famous waterfall is Khlong Phlu and Khlong Phrao is the beach — similar names, different province, over 250 km apart. This one pairs well with other Chumphon waterfalls further along Highway 41, including Heo Ta Chan-Heo Plu Nang Waterfall and Kapo Waterfall Forest Park, both reachable on the same loop through Chumphon’s inland districts.

Getting there

The waterfall is around 80 km south of Chumphon town off Highway 41; the final approach is a paved then concrete road from Ban Muang Nai Kud. View on Google Maps.