Prachinburi Nature
Hin Phoeng Rapids, Waterfalls & the Khao Yai Foothills

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

When people think of Khao Yai, most picture the Pak Chong side over in Korat, but the Khao Yai forest also has a way up from Prachinburi, via Dan Noen Hom. The foothills on this side hide plenty of nature, from fast rapids that rafters chase from all over the country to small forest waterfalls that Bangkok day-trippers can reach in the morning and be home by evening. The catch is that almost all of it only has water during the rainy season, so plan around the right months and it pays off big.

Hin Phoeng Rafting — the main event for thrill-seekers

Hin Phoeng Rapids sit inside Khao Yai National Park, in Na Di district, on the lower stretch of the Sai Yai River, which runs hard through a continuous run of boulders. The section open for rafting is about 2.5 km long and passes six rapids in a row: Hin Phoeng, Phak Nam Lom, Wang Bon, Luk Suea, Wang Sai and Hu Hao. They're graded class 3–5 on the international scale, which means genuinely fast water, not a lazy float.

• Season — only runnable in the rainy season, roughly July to October. The water is strongest and the most fun in August–September. Outside the season there isn't enough water to raft.
• Format — you sit in a rubber raft of 8–10 people with a guide aboard, wearing a life vest and helmet the whole time.
• The route — a vehicle drops you at ranger station KhYai 9 (Sai Yai), then it's about a 45-minute hike upstream before you raft back down.
• Rough price — a rafting package with a local operator runs about 1,400–1,600 THB per person, depending on whether meals or accommodation are included.

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Forest waterfalls in the Khao Yai foothills

If you'd rather skip the fast water, Prachinburi has several waterfalls that cascade down rock terraces. Most are on the Na Di and Prachantakham side. What they share is plenty of water only in the rainy season, with some nearly drying up in the dry months. Checking the water level on the park's page before you set out is the safer bet.

A safety note: in the rainy season, when heavy rain falls for several days running, flash floods from Khao Yai can come down fast. Some years the province has temporarily closed waterfalls for safety. If the water turns muddy or the level rises unusually fast, get out immediately and don't push your luck.

Khao Ito — the nature spot closest to town

If you only have half a day and don't want to drive far, Khao Ito Waterfall in Ban Phra subdistrict, just a few kilometres from central Prachinburi, fits the bill. It's a stream running over boulders in tiers, each pool shallow and gentle, easy for a walk and a foot soak. The surrounding forest is open and shady, with a nature trail and a camping ground, making it good for families and first-time campers alike.

• Opening hours — daily, roughly 08:00–16:30.
• Getting there — from town take Highway 33 (Suwannason) to around km 160–161, turn off following the signs to Chakraphong Reservoir, then drive about 1 km more to the car park.
• Good for — coming in the morning, a short forest walk, a foot soak, a riverside lunch, then heading back to town in the afternoon.
• Best time — the most water is in the rainy season; in the dry season the flow drops but you can still walk around.

Khao Yai, Prachinburi side — Dan Noen Hom

The way up Khao Yai from Prachinburi is Dan Noen Hom (ranger station ChYai 12) in Noen Hom subdistrict, via provincial Highway 3077 (Prachinburi–Khao Yai). The upside of this side is that it's clearly less crowded than the Pak Chong side, with lush green rainforest, and it's a route that small buses can manage. If you want to see Khao Yai without the crush, going up this side gives you a calmer atmosphere.

• Park entry fee — paid at the Dan Noen Hom visitor centre, covering both people and the vehicle (rates follow the current-year National Park Department notice, so check on site or on the park's page first).
• Getting there from Bangkok — via Rangsit–Nong Khae onto Highway 33, through Nakhon Nayok town, to the Noen Hom junction, then turn onto 3077, about 190 km in total.
• Highlights up top — viewpoints, hiking trails, birdwatching and wildlife spotting, and air much cooler than the lowlands.
• When to go — late rainy to early cool season (Nov–Feb), with good weather and clear skies. Some years the province closes certain trails during the continued rainy season, so check first.

2-day, 1-night nature itinerary

For Bangkok and greater-metro folks who want both the thrills and the chill, here's a well-balanced nature plan. It leans on the rainy season because every spot is full of water then.

Before you go

• Season is everything — for waterfalls and rafting, come in the rainy season (Jul–Oct); for Khao Yai, come in the late rainy to early cool season.
• Car — driving yourself is by far the easiest; many waterfalls have no public transport right to them.
• What to pack — strap-on/non-slip shoes, a change of clothes, a dry bag, mosquito repellent and drinking water.
• Check the water first — call or look at the park's/operator's page before your trip in case there's a flash-flood closure.
• Pack out your trash — many spots are park land, so help keep the forest litter-free.