Namtok Poi And Khao Krayang Forest Plantation

Namtok Poi spreads roughly 200 metres across the Khek River in Wang Thong district, Phitsanulok province, dropping about 10 metres over tiered rock and rapids rather than a single sheer fall. It sits inside the Khao Krayang Forest Plantation, a reforestation site run by Thailand’s Forest Industry Organisation (FIO). Admission is free, open daily 8:30am–6pm.

The falls run wide rather than tall — water braids across broad rock shelves in the middle of the Khek River, splitting into smaller channels and rapids that make it easy to find a calm pool even when the main current is running. Downstream, 400–500 metres of concrete riverside path leads through the FIO’s plantation trees, planted as part of a long-running reforestation programme rather than left as natural forest — a working demonstration site as much as a beauty spot. Birdsong carries through the canopy, and the plantation’s more orderly rows of trees contrast with the tangled riverbank vegetation right at the falls.

Insider Tip: Visit December through April. The Khek River runs clear and greenish in the cool-dry months, calm enough for a proper swim, whereas rainy season (June–October) pushes more water through but turns it brown and forceful — better to watch from the bank than swim.

The FIO operates simple visitor facilities on site: fan-cooled rooms, air-conditioned bungalows sleeping up to 15–20 people, tent camping, and a couple of meeting rooms, plus organised rafting trips down the Khek River. It’s a popular but unpretentious spot with Phitsanulok locals on weekends rather than a stop on the international tourist circuit — expect Thai families with picnics rather than tour buses.

Watch out: Rocks around the rapids get slick, and the current between channels is stronger than it looks from the bank — keep to the shallower pools if you’re not a confident swimmer, especially outside the dry season.

Getting there means driving Highway 12 (the Phitsanulok–Lom Sak road) toward Wang Thong district, about 59–60km from Phitsanulok city, then following the signed turn-off roughly 2km to the falls. Public buses run the highway route with motorbike taxis for the final stretch. Bring swimwear, sturdy shoes for the rocky riverbed, and a change of clothes.

See also Namtok Kaeng Song, another Wang Thong district waterfall, or browse more of Phitsanulok province’s waterfalls and parks.