🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
From Bangkok, drive out via Ongkharak onto Highway 305, then continue on Highway 33 — about 130 km, roughly 2 hours to the Nakhon Nayok area, with Prachinburi a little farther along the same road. On this trip we start on the Prachinburi side on day one, then loop into Nakhon Nayok on day two so the route flows one way without backtracking. If you only have a single day, just pull out day two and run that on its own.
Why pair these two provinces
The simple reason is that they're neighbours offering two different kinds of nature. Prachinburi has a quieter, in-town forest feel with fewer people — good for an easy wander — while Nakhon Nayok is all about waterfalls and adventure activities like river rafting. Put them in one trip and you get both the calm and the fun without having to choose.
- Close to Bangkok — two hours of driving and you're there, perfect for a weekend without taking time off work.
- One road links them — Highway 33 (Suwannason) ties Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi and on to Sa Kaeo together.
- Loads of waterfalls — between the two provinces there are more than ten to pick from, so you can match them to your energy.
- Rainy season is when the water looks best — June to October the flow is heavy and you can really get in and play.
Book the activities in your Prachinburi trip ahead
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.
Day one — the Prachinburi side, Khao Ito and Heo Narok
Prachinburi: in-town forest + Khao Yai waterfalls on the south side
About park entry fees
Heo Narok sits inside Khao Yai National Park, which charges a park entry fee (a few tens of baht for Thai visitors, plus a vehicle charge), collected separately from in-town waterfalls like Khao Ito. Carry cash, since some points take cash only.
Day two — Nakhon Nayok, waterfall town and river rafting
Nakhon Nayok: chase waterfalls + rafting + Khun Dan Dam
Which waterfalls to pick on this trip
Each waterfall has its own character, so if you're short on time, choose by the vibe you're after rather than trying to tick every one off.
Sarika Waterfall (Nakhon Nayok)
A long ribbon of water dropping off a tall cliff — the signature image of Nakhon Nayok. It runs strong and pretty in the rainy season, has several tiers you can climb at your own pace, and some tiers have pools to soak in.
Heo Narok Waterfall (Khao Yai)
A big waterfall about 60 m tall inside Khao Yai National Park. You hike in about 1–1.5 km past a suspension bridge — good for those who like walking and a dramatic view, not for swimming.
Nang Rong Waterfall (Nakhon Nayok)
A low-tier waterfall with clear water that's easy to swim in — good for families with small kids. There's plenty of room to picnic, and it's very popular on holidays.
Khao Ito Waterfall (Prachinburi)
Prachinburi's in-town forest, with the waterfall a series of small tiers among the boulders that run year-round. Quieter than the Nakhon Nayok side, and it pairs with Chakraphong Reservoir and the Pha Hin Son viewpoint.
Wang Takrai (Nakhon Nayok)
A shady park along a stream, leaning toward relaxing and wading in the shallow water. Good for an easy picnic together without a long walk.
When to go
Waterfalls and rafting are at their best in the rainy season, roughly June to October, when the water is high, the falls run full and the rapids are strong and fun. But watch out for slippery rocks and keep an eye on heavy-rain news, because the park sometimes closes a waterfall temporarily when flash floods come through. In the cool season, November to February, the air is pleasant and good for hiking, but some waterfalls run thinner.
Check before you set off
In the rainy season it's worth calling the park or each waterfall's page beforehand to confirm it's open as usual — especially Heo Narok and the rafting, which depend on water levels. If it's rained hard for several days in a row, they may stop letting people in for safety.
What to prepare and pack
- Non-slip shoes — the rocks by the waterfalls are very slippery, so rubber or hiking shoes beat flip-flops.
- Spare clothes + a dry bag — you'll get wet swimming and rafting, so a change of clothes makes life easier.
- Cash — park and waterfall entry at several spots is cash only.
- Insect repellent + sunscreen — you're near the forest and the mosquitoes come out in the evening.
- Fill up the tank — petrol stations are sparse near some waterfalls, so fill up back in town.
Adjusting the plan to the time you have
Only one day
Take just day two, focus on Nakhon Nayok — Sarika, Nang Rong and Khun Dan Dam — and do it as an easy round trip from Bangkok.
Take it easy, not much walking
Cut Heo Narok and swap in Wang Takrai and a riverside café, focusing on relaxing and soaking your feet in the stream.
With the family
Pick low-tier waterfalls like Nang Rong and Wang Takrai so kids can swim safely, and skip the stronger rapids.
See the full rundown of hotels and waterfalls in Prachinburi before you plan the trip
See the Prachinburi guide →