Khlong Lan National Park

Located a short stroll from park headquarters, Khlong Lan Waterfall includes several streams of water cascading over a 40-metre-wide cliff into a collection of pools suitable for swimming; it's possible to swim right up to the falls and let the water tumble down on top of you. With a back drop of lush mountains, Khlong Lan is among Thailand's more picturesque waterfalls, particularly when it flows over the full width of the cliff face during the rainy months from July to October. The falls dry up to a trickle during the dry season, but the park is still a pleasant place to camp, hike and swim.

Some 25 kilometres east of park headquarters and also reachable via Route 1117, Khlong Nam Lai is a smaller waterfall that could be worth checking out if you're looking to go further into the jungle.

If you want to overnight in the park, simple fan cottages, camping, a convenience shop and restaurant are available near park headquarters. Nearby Khlong Lan village is mainly inhabited by Karen people; it's a good place to try the local food and pick up handmade wears direct from the villagers.

How to get there
Park headquarters and Khlong Lan Waterfall are located about eight km off Route 1117, some 60 km southwest of Kamphaeng Phet town. It's a fairly simple motorbike trip that takes you first out to Highway 1, then through a U-turn to link up to Route 1117, and finally a long stretch down this quiet and well-maintained road until you reach Khlong Lan village.

When you reach Khlong Lan village, take a right off Route 1117, then another right at the end of the road and continue about five km further to the park. It's also possible to reach Khlong Lan village via bronze songthaews that depart from the day market off Bumrungrat Rd in Kamphaeng Phet town. However, they'll drop you off on Route 1117 and you'd need to hitch or walk the remaining five km.

Mr Charin from Three J Guesthouse also leads tours here. Admission to the park is a hefty 200 baht for foreigners, plus an extra 20 baht if you want to bring a motorbike in.

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By David Luekens.
Last updated on 19th December, 2016.