Huai Mae Khamin
ห้วยแม่ขมิ้น · Kanchanaburi Province
Best Season
September to November (peak water flow)
Score
8 / 10
Elevation
350 m
Area
5 km²
About Huai Mae Khamin
Huai Mae Khamin Waterfall is one of Thailand's most beautiful natural attractions — a seven-tier cascade plunging through dense tropical forest within Sri Nakarin National Park. While neighbouring Erawan Falls gets most of the attention and tourist buses, Huai Mae Khamin is arguably equal in beauty and significantly more peaceful.
Each tier has its own character. The first tier is the widest with a broad swimming pool. As you climb, each successive tier reveals different cascades, rock formations, and pools. The water ranges from pale turquoise to deep emerald green, coloured by dissolved limestone minerals. The fourth tier, Chat Kaew, is the most photogenic, with water flowing over a wide limestone shelf into a crystal-clear pool framed by jungle.
The trail from tier one to seven takes roughly 1.5-2 hours and gains about 300 metres of elevation. Upper tiers see few visitors, offering near-solitude even on busy days. The waterfall's remoteness — 100 kilometres of increasingly rural roads from Kanchanaburi town — is both its charm and its challenge, filtering out casual tourists. The surrounding Sri Nakarin Reservoir offers floating raft house accommodation for a unique multi-day nature experience.
Historical Note
Located within Sri Nakarin National Park, established in 1981 and named after Queen Sri Nakarindra. The waterfall gained wider recognition in the 2010s through Thai social media communities sharing it as an uncrowded alternative to Erawan Falls.
Best time to visit: September to November (peak water flow)
At a Glance
Thai Name
ห้วยแม่ขมิ้น
Province
Kanchanaburi
Region
Western
Area
5 km²
Elevation
350 m
Established
1981
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Huai Mae Khamin. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance (foreigner) | 300 | 300 |
| Minivan tour from Kanchanaburi | 1,500 | 3,000 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park camping | 30 | 225 |
| Park bungalow per night | 800 | 2,000 |
| Floating raft house per night | 800 | 3,000 |
| Kanchanaburi hotel (budget) | 300 | 600 |
| Kanchanaburi hotel (mid-range) | 600 | 2,000 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Meal at park canteen | 50 | 100 |
| Bottled water (large) | 15 | 20 |
| Market meal in Kanchanaburi | 40 | 80 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Car rental from Kanchanaburi per day | 800 | 1,500 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 200 | 300 |
| Gasoline round trip from Kanchanaburi | 400 | 600 |
| Parking | 30 | 30 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile data SIM (30 days) | 200 | 400 |
Weather & Climate
September to November for peak water flow and lush greenery. December to February for comfortable hiking weather. March to May has lowest water levels with some upper tiers reduced to trickles.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 18 | 5 | 55% |
| Feb | 34 | 20 | 10 | 52% |
| Mar | 36 | 23 | 30 | 55% |
| Apr | 37 | 25 | 70 | 62% |
| May | 34 | 25 | 160 | 74% |
| Jun | 33 | 24 | 150 | 76% |
| Jul | 32 | 24 | 170 | 78% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 200 | 80% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 250 | 82% |
| Oct | 32 | 23 | 180 | 78% |
| Nov | 32 | 21 | 40 | 65% |
| Dec | 31 | 18 | 10 | 58% |
Things to Do
Seven-Tier Waterfall Hike
น้ำตกห้วยแม่ขมิ้น
Hike through all seven tiers of the cascading waterfall, each with its own character and emerald pools.
Swimming in Emerald Pools
Swim in the turquoise-green limestone pools at each tier, ranging from shallow wading to deep swimming.
Tier 4 (Chat Kaew) Photography
ชาติแก้ว
The most photogenic tier with water flowing over a wide limestone shelf into a perfectly clear pool.
Floating Raft House Overnight
Stay on a floating raft house on Sri Nakarin Reservoir surrounded by forested hills and total quiet.
Bird Watching
Spot hornbills, barbets, and kingfishers in the surrounding primary forest.
Sri Nakarin Dam Viewpoint
Scenic views of the massive reservoir from the dam area, about 20 km from the waterfall.
Food Nearby
ผัดกระเพรา
Pad Krapao (Basil Stir-fry)
Stir-fried meat with holy basil, chili, and garlic over rice — Thailand's everyday lunch.
50-70
Park canteen near trailhead
ข้าวผัด
Khao Pad (Fried Rice)
Simple Thai fried rice with egg and vegetables, reliable sustenance before or after the hike.
40-60
Park canteen
ส้มตำ
Som Tam (Papaya Salad)
Spicy green papaya salad pounded with lime, chili, and fish sauce.
30-50
Food stalls at parking area
ไก่ทอด
Kai Tod (Fried Chicken)
Deep-fried chicken, crispy and golden, a perfect trail snack.
40-60
Park food stalls
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
0 - 0
THB / night
Budget Hotel
300 - 600
THB / night
Mid-Range
800 - 2,000
THB / night
Luxury
2,000 - 3,000
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Book park bungalows via the DNP website in advance. Most visitors base in Kanchanaburi town and drive out as a day trip.
Getting There from Bangkok
Drive via Kanchanaburi
4-5 hours
Fuel costs THB
Bus to Kanchanaburi + car rental
3h bus + 2.5h drive
200-350 bus + 800-1500 car THB
Festivals & Events
Peak Waterfall Season
Falls at maximum flow after rainy season — the most photogenic time to visit.
Cool Season Visits
Most comfortable weather for hiking with slightly reduced but still impressive water flow.
Practical Info
Hospital
Kanchanaburi Hospital (100 km away)
Best SIM Provider
AIS (limited signal)
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Thai only. Very little English spoken at the park.
Drinking Water
Bring at least 1.5 litres per person for the hike. Park shop has limited supply.
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
Emergency 191, Tourist Police 1155
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Huai Mae Khamin compare to Erawan Falls?
Both are seven-tier waterfalls with turquoise pools. Erawan is more famous and accessible (35 km from town vs 100 km) but far more crowded. Huai Mae Khamin is equally beautiful, much quieter, and offers a more wilderness-like experience.
Is it worth the long drive from Kanchanaburi?
Yes, if you appreciate natural beauty and want to escape crowds. The 100 km drive through rural Kanchanaburi is scenic in itself, and the waterfall rewards those who make the effort.
Can I swim in the pools?
Yes, swimming is permitted in most tiers. Avoid sunscreen before entering the water to protect the ecosystem. Be cautious near cascades where currents are strong.
How difficult is the hike?
Moderate. The trail from tier 1 to tier 7 takes 1.5-2 hours of steady uphill walking with stairs in steep sections. Proper footwear with grip is essential.
Do I need a car?
Yes, there is no public transport. You need your own vehicle or must join an organised tour from Kanchanaburi. The road is fully paved.
Can I camp overnight?
Yes. Bring your own tent (30 THB/person) or rent from the park (225 THB). Park bungalows must be booked in advance via the DNP website.