Sarika Waterfall

Nam Tok Sarika falls in nine tiers off the southern edge of the Khao Yai massif, with a total drop of around a hundred metres, and it sits inside Khao Yai National Park territory near the Nakhon Nayok boundary. The lowest tiers are a few minutes from the car park and hold pools deep enough to swim in; reaching the upper ones means a steeper climb on rough steps and rock, and most visitors stop at the second or third. Because Nakhon Nayok is under two hours from Bangkok and the province markets itself on waterfalls and rafting, Sarika is busy at weekends and on holidays, with food stalls at the base and a bathing culture around the lower pools. Flow varies completely with the season - full and loud from July into November, and reduced to a thin stream over the rock by March or April. Rocks around the pools are slick and falls happen.

What you actually see

• The nine tiers - about a hundred metres of drop in stages.
• The lower pools - deep enough to swim, minutes from the car park.
• The climb - rough steps and rock to the upper tiers.
• The stalls - food vendors at the base, and a weekend bathing crowd.

When to go

July to November for full flow. Weekdays are far quieter. The dry season leaves very little water; check before making the trip specifically for it.

Honest expectations

Busy at weekends and holidays. Rocks around the pools are slippery and people are injured on them. Upper tiers involve a steep scramble. Little water in the dry season.

Nearby

Nang Rong waterfall is close; Khao Yai National Park's main entrance is north.