The waterfall is fed by the Lam Takhong River, which originates within the Khao Yai National Park plateau.
It was featured in the 2000 movie The Beach, where Leonardo DiCaprio's character jumped from the top of the falls.
The waterfall consists of two primary tiers, though the water volume fluctuates significantly based on the monsoon season.
The plunge pool at the base is exceptionally deep, which historically led to swimming prohibitions due to safety risks and current strengths.
The surrounding forest is home to one of Thailand's most significant populations of white-handed gibbons.
Haew Su Wat Waterfall is a significant 20-meter tall cascade located within the heart of Khao Yai National Park in Thailand. The waterfall is fed by the Lam Takhong River, which flows over a sandstone cliff into a large, deep plunge pool. It is accessible via a short, well-maintained trail leading from the main visitor parking area. The site gained international recognition as a filming location for the 2000 film The Beach, featuring a prominent leap scene. The surrounding area is part of the Dong Phayayen-Khao Yai Forest Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. Visitors can observe the waterfall from both an upper observation deck and a lower riverside viewing point. The environment is humid, shaded by tropical evergreen forest, and occasionally frequented by local wildlife like macaques.
The lower wooden platform offers the most direct, unobstructed view of the waterfall's drop.
Bring a waterproof bag for electronic devices to protect them from the heavy mist near the base.
Use sturdy, non-slip footwear as the trail stairs and surrounding rocks become very slick when wet.
Keep all food items secured inside your bag to avoid attracting resident macaques that frequent the parking and trail areas.
Do not attempt to climb the rocks around the waterfall edges, as they are covered in slippery moss and have high fall risks.
Occasionally closed during the peak of the rainy season if rising water levels make the lower trail hazardous.
Strictly no swimming or wading in the plunge pool. Do not feed the wild monkeys, as they can become aggressive.
