Learn everything you need to know to visit Pam Bok Waterfall, from how to get here, entry costs, and what to expect.
Pam Bok waterfall Pai is a small but worthwhile waterfall located only a short hop away from the peaceful mountain town of Pai in Northern Thailand.
This is a great waterfall for swimming, exploring or just relaxing in the beautiful jungle canyon. Is it worth it? Yes! Is there an entrance fee? Yes, and it’s gone up recently. Still, it’s one of the cheapest things to do in Pai if you love adventure!
How to get to Pam Bok Waterfall From Pai
The best way to get to Pam Bok Waterfall is to rent a scooter in Pai and drive 20 minutes to the parking lot in front of the waterfall. From here, it's a very short and easy walk to reach (info below).
The road to the parking lot is very scenic, passing rice fields, jungle, and traditional farming allotments along the way. If you'd prefer to make it a day trip, then I'd recommend visiting the bamboo bridge after a stop at Pam Bok Waterfall.
Pam Bok Waterfall Entrance Fee
The Pam Bok waterfall entrance fee costs 200 Baht per person. When I first visited this waterfall it was free. Now, it's gone up, quite a lot! This new fee is perhaps due to the influx of tourism that Pai has received in the past few years.
Once you arrive at the car park, there is a military officer working for the National Parks who will collect your payment and hand you a paper receipt.
My Experience at Pam Bok Waterfall
Although it's not the largest or the most picturesque waterfall in Thailand, Pam Bok waterfall is still a worthwhile visit. From the car park, we walked for 10 minutes, following a scenic jungle trail before finally descending into a rocky canyon.
Here we saw Pam Bok Waterfall flowing gently into a moderately deep pool within the round canyon. Depending on conditions, it is possible to climb up onto the right side of the canyon for a small, sneaky jump. However, you'll need to be careful as it's slippery and always remember to check depths before jumping.
Although it's not as popular as some of the other waterfalls in Pai, Pam Bok waterfall still gets a fair share of foot traffic from organized tours.
Secret Back Trail
Although there isn't much information online, I was told to look for a secret trail that leads up and around the back of the waterfall to some more deep pools.
I was able to find it immediately to the right before you walk down the rocks to the base of the canyon before the waterfall. Follow this trail up and around, taking care on the steep bits.
Soon, you'll descend back down to the top of Pam Bok waterfall, where you'll have some swimming holes and a whole river area to yourself!
Where to Stay in Pai
1. Pai Village Boutique Luxury
Boasting private wooden cottages situated within tropical gardens with a large outdoor swimming pool and on-site restaurant.
2. Pai Yard Backpackers Cheap
Super cheap accommodation with incredible reviews. Clean rooms, good location, decent price, and good food.
Enjoy reading about Pam Bok waterfall and looking for more adventures in Northern Thailand? Check out some of the other travel guides that I've written below. If you have any questions, feel free to drop a comment or send me an email!
- 13 Best Tours in Thailand - my list of favorite bookable Thai travel experiences
- How to Plan a Trip to Thailand - read this before your first trip to Thailand
- Koh Tao Guide - my ultimate guide to Koh Tao Island after living there for three months
- 20+ Things to do in Chiang Mai - my first-time visitor's guide to Chiang Mai
- Epic Things to Do in Chiang Rai - discover the hidden gem of Northern Thailand
- 3 Day Chiang Mai itinerary - the perfect way to spend a few days in the North
- Things to do at Railay - plan your trip to Thai backpacker mecca
- Things to do in Pai - find fun and free things to do in Pai
Plan Your Thailand Accommodation
Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the fly. The below accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Thailand.
