🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Kaeng Sopha Waterfall sits inside Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, in Kaeng Sopha sub-district, Wang Thong, Phitsanulok province. It's formed by the Khek River dropping through a run of rock in three stair-like tiers, and it's the biggest waterfall in the province. The real draw is that it sits right on the main road people already use to reach Khao Kho, so it has become a go-to stop you barely have to detour for.
Why stop at Kaeng Sopha
- Phitsanulok's largest waterfall — a wide, fast-flowing curtain dropping over three tiers, far bigger than the little falls you'll find scattered around this area.
- Right beside Highway 12 — around the km 71–72 marker on the Phitsanulok–Lom Sak road, so you barely leave your route up to Khao Kho. Pull in, take a look, and carry straight on.
- Easy to reach on foot — it's about a 200-metre walk along a nature path from the car park to the falls, with no real climbing involved, so it works fine with older relatives or kids in tow.
- Green-forest setting — it's inside Thung Salaeng Luang park, so the air is cool and shaded, with spots to sit and recharge before you head on up the mountain.
Want more out of Phitsanulok? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
How to get there
From Phitsanulok town, take Highway 12 (the Phitsanulok–Lom Sak road) heading east for roughly 70–80 kilometres. The waterfall is on your right around the km 71–72 marker, and it's clearly signposted. It's a little over an hour's drive from town. This is the winding, scenic mountain road people use to reach Khao Kho and the other falls in the same stretch.
- Self-drive or rental car — the easiest way, since you can pair it with Khao Kho or the nearby falls in a single day. There's a car park right at the waterfall.
- Van or bus — Phitsanulok–Lom Sak services run along this road, and you can ask the driver to drop you near Kaeng Sopha. The catch is the trip back, where you'll be flagging down a passing vehicle, so it's less convenient than having your own car.
- Rent a car or motorbike in town — if you're on a motorbike, take care on the steep sections and curves, especially in the rainy season when the road is slick.
Entry fee and opening hours
The waterfall lies inside Thung Salaeng Luang National Park, so there's a park entry fee at the standard Department of National Parks rates (tens of baht for Thai adults, less for children, more for foreign visitors). The visitor centre is generally open through the day, roughly 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Aim for late morning to mid-afternoon so you have time to walk around and take photos at an easy pace.
Straight talk
Park fees and hours change from time to time, and they occasionally close the swimming spots when the water is running high and fast. To be sure before you set off, call the visitor centre ahead (local contact 088 756 4940) so you don't make the trip for nothing.
Best time to go
What makes Kaeng Sopha special is the volume of water. It's at its strongest and best-looking from the rainy season into early cool season (roughly June to November), when the falls fill out into a wide white curtain that's a real sight. In the dry months (March to May) the water drops off and the bare rock shows through — still fine for a wander, but with much less of the spectacle.
- Jun–Oct — the water runs hardest, the roar is loudest, and the falls look their best, but the rocks are slick, so take extra care.
- Nov–Feb — cool, pleasant weather with enough water still flowing, and the perfect time to carry on up to Khao Kho for the cool-season air.
- Mar–May — low water with the bare rock on show, good if you just want an easy stroll and aren't there for the full force of the falls.
More stops in the same area
The nice thing about Kaeng Sopha is that it sits on Highway 12, which is lined with places to visit the whole way along. It's easy to stop at the falls and then string together a few more spots in a single day.
Kaeng Song Waterfall
A lower-tiered waterfall, also fed by the Khek River, close by on Highway 12. It has a wide riverside area to sit and relax — a natural pairing with Kaeng Sopha.
Khao Kho, Phetchabun
The popular end point of this route — cool air, mountain views, flower fields, and cafés with sweeping outlooks, just a short drive on from the waterfall.
Thung Salaeng Luang Park
A vast forest straddling Phitsanulok and Phetchabun, with grasslands, campgrounds, and nature viewpoints — great for campers who want to stay overnight.
Before you go
- Wear grippy shoes — the rocks by the falls are very slippery, especially in the rainy season, so trainers with tread are safer than slick flip-flops.
- Don't swim when the water's running high — in the rainy season it comes down fast and hard. Watch the warning signs, listen to the staff, and if the swimming spots are closed, don't push it.
- Fuel up and bring snacks — shops near the falls are limited, so if you're heading on for a long day at Khao Kho, pack water and some food.
- Take your rubbish with you — this is a national park, so help keep it clean and carry your own rubbish out to the bins provided.
Plan a full Phitsanulok trip — the great temple, the food, and the nature around town
See the Phitsanulok travel guide →