Author: OTRAdmin December 11, 2024

The five of us motored north to the Khlong Lan Waterfall National Park in Kamphaeng Phet province.

I have tended to avoid national parks in Thailand over the years due to the dual pricing principle, but when camping in them, it can often work out cheaper even with the ‘farang tax’ since they charge a flat fee of 30 baht per person to stay in a tent whereas the private campsites charge anything from 100 to 350 per head per night. So, Da and I can camp in a national park for two nights for less than 400 baht. They also have tents and gear to rent for those without their own kit. Needless to say, camping in Thailand has become very popular because it is virtually free for Thais.

There is also absolutely no way a farang is getting in for the Thai rate unless they have a Thai ID card with the biometric chip, which the authorities are well aware is impossible to get. Since Covid, the junta has slapped signs at every park enforcing this, so I gave up trying after the first one. However, most parks away from the tourist centers were 100 to 200 baht to enter, and the rangers were very friendly, some even apologizing to me for charging the tourist rate, seeing that it was clearly obvious I lived here.

This park was spotless, with nice camping grounds, so we stayed for two nights. The waterfall was very impressive and one of the largest I’ve seen in Thailand. I couldn’t resist a dip in the chilly pool below the cascade.

Another tip for camping in national parks is to arrive early when they’re usually empty and avoid weekends when they’re usually rammed. Thais tend to rock up late to these places, often after dark, and they can fill up quickly as this site did, but we had already secured a private corner to camp on the riverside.

On day two, after a sunrise dip, we took a hike up to a lookout over the falls before driving north for half an hour to see the Khlong Nam Lai waterfall, which we could enter using the same tickets. This was also very photogenic and less touristy than Khlong Lan, with another super clean and quiet campsite.

Previous: Khao Tevada, Phu Toei National Park
Next: Tak and Mae Ping National Park