Nakhon Nayok at a glance
Nakhon Nayok lies on the east side of the central plain, at the foot of the mountains that lead to Khao Yai. People come for the waterfalls, swimming, rafting on the Nakhon Nayok river and the outdoor activities of day tours. If you want big jungle and wildlife, choose our page on Khao Yai National Park; for a shorter nature escape, see Bang Krachao. To compare every nature outing, read our guide to nature excursions from Bangkok.
Where to sleep for this itinerary. Stay in Sukhumvit: it is the most practical area for leaving in the morning and getting back in the evening. Compare hotels with free cancellation in Sukhumvit and see our where-to-stay guide (Bangkok) to pick the neighbourhood.
The waterfalls to see
| Waterfall | What you do there | Hours and entry (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Sarika | Nine tiers of falls, a path along the water, swimming in the pools | Daily 8am to 5pm; about THB 200 for a foreign adult |
| Nang Rong | Shaded, easy-to-reach fall, swimming, picnics | Daily 8am to 4pm; entry to confirm on site |
| Wang Takhrai | Swimming pool, picnic atmosphere with Thai families | To confirm on site |
Sarika, the best known
Sarika is a nine-tiered waterfall whose highest point reaches about 200 metres; the water tumbles down the cliff in several steps that you reach on foot. It is the prettiest of the three and the busiest at weekends. Foreigners pay about THB 200 for an adult and THB 100 for a child, against THB 40 and 20 for Thais. Wear shoes that stay on your feet: the rocks are slippery, especially in the rainy season.
Nang Rong, the easiest
Nang Rong Waterfall is the simplest to reach: a short approach, a shaded fall and a quiet pool. It suits children and people who do not walk much. It closes earlier than Sarika, at 4pm.
Wang Takhrai and the Khun Dan dam
Wang Takhrai is a waterfall and swimming pool popular with Thai families. Day tours often add the Khun Dan Prakan Chon dam, presented by the organisers as the longest concrete dam in the world, which you follow by small tram, as well as activities such as ATV riding or rafting. These activities are sold by local operators; check what is included before booking.
How to get there
| Option | Time from Bangkok | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Organised day tour | Leaves around 7:30–8am, back in the evening | No car, everything included |
| Car with driver or rental | About 2 hours by road | Groups and families, free schedule |
| Bus then taxi or songthaew | 1 to 2 hours to town, then a local transfer | Independent travellers, tight budget |
Organised tour. Day tours with round-trip transport, lunch and waterfall visits leave early in the morning and return at the end of the day. Local operators advertise prices of around THB 3,400 to 3,800 a day, depending on the programme and group size (checked in October 2026). We found no reliable offer to book online for this excursion at the time of writing: compare programmes, duration and what the price includes, and prefer an operator that clearly states the time spent at each waterfall.
Car. This is the most flexible way to link Sarika and Nang Rong. Leave before 8am to avoid traffic and arrive at opening time. See Grab or taxi in Bangkok for hiring a driver for the day, and getting around Bangkok for reaching the bus stations.
Bus. Buses link Bangkok to Nakhon Nayok town in 1 to 2 hours; the ticket costs a few euros. The waterfalls are several kilometres from the town: you then need a taxi, a songthaew or a transfer negotiated for the day. This option requires you to plan the return before the last transport stops.
When to go
The waterfalls are at their strongest in the rainy season, from May to October, but the paths are slippery and a storm can raise the water very quickly: do not swim after heavy rain and follow the rangers' instructions. From November to February the weather is cool and dry and walking is more pleasant, but the flow is lower. Avoid weekends and Thai public holidays if you can: the parks are packed then. Our guide to the best time to visit Bangkok details the climate.
Practical tips
- Kit: swimsuit, towel, closed shoes with a grippy sole, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, light rain jacket.
- Money: bring baht in cash for entry fees, meals and transfers.
- Safety: respect the signs, do not climb on wet rocks and watch children near the pools.
- Wildlife: do not approach wild animals (monkeys included) or feed them; for elephants, see our guide to ethical elephant experiences.
- Other outings: for cultural rather than nature excursions, see The best day trips from Bangkok.
