Author: Patcharee

Umphang Adventures is a local tour operator specializing in adventure tours in the remote district of Umphang, Tak province, Thailand.

We organize tours to Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary visiting stunning locations such as Thi Lor Su Waterfall, Thi Lor Lay Waterfall, and Pi Tu Gro Waterfall.

Our local team has been organizing tours in Umphang for 25 years which is when this kind of tour first began. We have the experience and resources to provide for any nationality or group size. We employ local guides who have an in-depth knowledge about the area and respect for the natural environment.

Patcha – Tour bookings and Website Manager

Patcha deals directly with Western tourists at the time of booking, she handles all website bookings and updates the website and social media platforms. Patcha has spent time in the UK and Australia, she is also a PADI Dive Instructor, in her spare time she teaches Thai and Western divers at the Similan Islands in Southern Thailand. Patchas communication skills are invaluable when leading student groups on our educational tours where there is a lot of information to get across.

Aoy – Tour Coordintor

Aoy has been organising trekking tours in Umphang for the last 25 years for Thai and international tourists. Her late husband, Mr Boonlam grew up in the area and was part of the group of people who first discovered Thi Lor Su Waterfall 30 years ago. Aoy’s local knowledge and contacts are vitally important when organising successful trips in an area as remote as Umphang.

Pet – Jungle Guide

Pet joined Umphang Adventures 4 years ago, he visited as a tourist and never left! Pet has proved to be a real treasure for Umphang Adventures, he has a great connection with nature but also possesses great construction and artistic skills. Back when he lived in Ranong, which is in the south of Thailand, he worked as a boat captain ferrying people around beautiful islands. In his free time, Pet likes to go trekking into the deep jungle looking for new unseen places.

Pong – Jungle Guide

Pong is a true local as he was born and bred in Umphang. He is a keen jungle explorer and also looks after his small farm not far from Umphang town. Pong has an impressive knowledge of the local fauna and flora and is also a keen fisherman. Having grown up in a remote Karen village Pong sure knows how to survive in the wild. Pong is a invaluable team member, he has been working for Umphang Adventures for 10 years.

Khao – Jungle Guide

Khao is a local Karen person, he was born in a remote village on the Thai/Myanmar border. Khao speaks three languages, Thai, Karen, and English. He has worked with tour companies in Umphang since he was 15 years old. Starting off as a help/support boy, he developed his English and hospitality skills and has become a real gem for Umphang Adventures. He is trustworthy and reliable yet entertaining at the same time. We always receive excellent feedback from customers who have been on tour with Khao.

Park – Jungle Guide

Park was born and bred in Umphang but spent some time studying in the city when he was young. A busy city life was not for Park, so he decided to return to Umphang and started working as a tour guide. He has been working as a guide for 15 years and has a passion for nature. Park speaks English to a good standard, his great hospitality skills ensure he is always a hit with our guests.

Kan – Jungle Guide

Kan was born in a remote Karen village in Umphang. Kan speaks English, French and Karen language, which is very useful when home staying with Karen families. Kan has a very friendly and warm personality, he is always fun to be around and is extremely funny!

Mai – Jungle Guide

Mai was born in a remote Karen village but moved to Umphang town when he was very young. Mai has many years of experience working with tourists from all around the world, as a result Mai speaks English to a high standard. Mai has an immense knowledge of local cultures, wildlife and tropical fauna and flora. When he is not looking after tourists Mai volunteers with the local incident rescue team in Umphang.

Bird – Jungle Guide

Bird is originally from the Northeast of Thailand. Bird and his family moved to Umphang when he was a toddler and settled there as farmers. Bird has amazing cooking skills which he has learnt from his mother. Bird is multi-skilled, working as a guide but also maintaining tools and equipment, his fun and friendly personality means he is also great at entertaining families with young children.

Thi Lor Su, also spelt Tee Lor Su or Thi Lo Su, is Thailand’s most impressive waterfall. The huge waterfall is hidden in the middle of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary which is one of Thailand’s most remote and untouched areas. Thi Lor Su Waterfall cascades off sheer limestone cliffs which are within touching distance to the Myanmar border in Tak province, Northern Thailand. The waterfall was only made accessible around 20 years ago, before that it was a secret only known by local hill tribe villagers.

Thi Lor Su waterfall stretches 400 metres across steep, jagged limestone cliffs. There are multiple levels with swimming pools totalling 200 metres in height. During the rainy season the falls can be heard from 1km away as water thunders down the cliffs into the river below. Water flows at Thi Lor Su all year round, during the dry season swimming is a must do activity in the large refreshing multi-level pools.

Hiking to the top of Thi Lor Su waterfall is another must do activity. There is an exciting trail leading to the top providing unique views of the falls along the way. On the way to the summit you have to cross small sections of river and climb up small waterfalls, all whilst getting soaked by the surrounding cool water.

The adventure doesn’t stop there as it’s a real adventure getting to and from Thi Lor Su waterfall. Umphang is 28 km away, this is the closest town to Thi Lor Su waterfall. Umphang is connected to Thi Lor Su by dirt track, the track is impassable during the wet season so the local authority close it completely. The only other way to get there is by trekking through the jungle from Umphang or by a combination of rafting and trekking starting on the Mae Klong river in Umphang town.

A 3 day, 3 night tour starting from Umphang town is a great way to see Thi Lor Su waterfall. Tours combine exciting activities such as jungle trekking, river rafting, camping and staying the night at remote Karen Villages. See an example of a tour here.

Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary

Thi Lor Su waterfall is located in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a UNESCO world heritage site and forms part of the largest area of virgin rainforest in Thailand. Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary is in Tak province in Northern Thailand. Tak, together with the surrounding provinces of Mae Hong Son, Kanchanaburi and Kamphaeng Phet are home to some of Thailand’s most exotic wildlife species including wild Elephants and Tigers. Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary was created in 1989 and covers an area of 2600 square Kilometres.

Thi Lor Su waterfall is the main attraction of Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, but there are plenty of other good reasons to visit. The section of river linking Umphang town to Thi Lor Su is a very beautiful stretch of river. The river is lined with huge limestone cliffs, some cliffs overhang the river which is especially exciting if you are rafting beneath them. Several waterfalls drop directly into the Mae Klong river, most notably Thi Lor Jor and Thi Lor lay waterfalls. Rafting along the Mae Klong river is a fantastic activity for nature lovers. The river flows at a relaxing pace, it takes around 3 hours to reach Pha Lueat ranger station, Thi Lor Su waterfall is a further 3 hour trek through the jungle.

Seasons at Thi Lor Su Waterfall

During the wet season from June to October Thi Lor Su is spectacular. Water thunders down the cliffs and can be heard from the camp site over 1 Kilometre away. The sights and sounds provide a memorable experience for nature lovers. Swimming is restricted to a few safe bathing areas during the wet season but it is still possible to trek to the top of the waterfall. There are considerable dangers during the wet season so it is important to follow local guides.

The dry season from November to May provides a different experience to the wet season. During the dry season it is possible to swim in the two large pools at the top and bottom of the falls. For the more adventurous there is the chance to jump into the lower pool directly from the waterfall above.

The dry season does attract more visitors, particularly around Christmas time when it’s a popular destination for Thai tourists. During the wet season there is a good chance that you will have the whole place to yourself.

Facilities at Thi Lor Su Waterfall

There are a few basic facilities at the ranger station located one kilometre from Thi Lor Su waterfall. There is a camping area with toilets and showers and a small shop which sells simple food and drinks. Getting to the waterfall from the camping area is easy as there is a maintained path which cuts through the jungle. It takes 15 minutes along this nature walk to reach Thi Lor Su.

Thi Lor Su waterfall location

Thi Lor Su waterfall is located in Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, Umphang District, Tak Province, Northern Thailand. The closest main town is Mae Sot. The distance between Mae Sot and Umphang is 170 kilometres.

3 Day, 3 Night Thi Lor Su Waterfall Tour

As with any adventure tour, there are certain things you should take with you in order to maximize your enjoyment, safety, and well being.

On our tours we recommend taking the following:

• 30-40 Litre backpack (+ waterproof cover for wet season)
• 10 Litre dry bag
• Quick dry t-shirts
• Walking shorts
• Long walking pants/trousers
• Swim shorts
• Waterproof poncho – Wet season
• Walking shoes *see below*
• Small first aid kit
• Sun hat/Baseball cap
• Travel towel
• Head torch
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent + Tiger balm
• Ear plugs – for light sleepers

Walking Shoes
Probably the most important piece of kit are your walking shoes. We recommend bringing worn in walking shoes, if you wear brand new shoes you have a high chance of getting blisters on your feet which could potentially ruin the trip for you and your partner or group.

The best style to bring are lightweight fabric style shoes or low rise boots, trail running shoes are also suitable. Gore-Tex shoes are a great option due to the lightweight breathable material but get whatever your budget allows.

Trekking around Pi Tu Gro waterfall during the wet season

 
Salomon X Ultra are a great choice, if your budget doesn’t stretch this far there are cheaper alternatives