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.
Comments