Haew Suwat Waterfall (Nam tok Haeo Suwat) is one of the most popular attractions in Khao Yai National Park, made famous from the movie “The Beach”. It’s formed by Lam Ta Khong Stream plunging about 20m into a deep pool, which is accessed by a short, paved walking track.
As well as being the most picturesque waterfall in Khao Yai National Park, its fame comes from a scene in “The Beach”, where Richard (Leonardo DiCaprio), Françoise (Virginie Ledoyen) and Étienne (Guillaume Canet) jump from the top of the waterfall into the water.
Depending on the amount of water, Haew Suwat Waterfall may have one or two segments: in the wet season, there is one enormous torrent of water cascading over the cliff, making it the best time to visit (June to October). At the start of the dry season there are two parallel segments, while towards the end of the dry season there is just one segment again (which can become just a small trickle).
The pool is surrounded by trees that can withstand the wet environment: willow-leaved water croton, Glochidion, epiphytes of the genus Ficus, Ficus squamosa and Rhynchotechum. You can walk around the pool to explore a small cave and stand behind the smaller of the two segments (although this may not be possible or safe when the water flow is at its peak). Swimming is not permitted.
Getting to Haew Suwat Waterfall
Haew Suwat Waterfall is one of the easiest waterfalls to reach – but it’s also the busiest. Expect a small crowd around the pool and a lot of people on the trail. At the very start of the trail is the upper lookout platform, which offers a nice view of the waterfall through the trees.
Soon after the viewing platform, the trail descends via several flights of concrete stairs to the pool.
Despite the crowds, you may spot an Asian Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata) hiding in the stream or in one of the small pools.
The very short trail starts at the end of Road 3182, about 10km from the Visitor Centre. There is a large carpark, and kiosks selling cold drinks and hot food.
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