Ao Nang Beach
Krabi, Thailand
Khao Phanom Bencha National Park, Krabi
i
Photo: Thajsko, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia CommonsThe essentials in 10 seconds
- Entry
- Foreigners ≈ 200 baht, children ≈ 100
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Hours
- Daily, roughly 8:30–16:30
verifyingi
From reliable travel sources; we are still checking it against an official one. Double-check before you go. - Time on site
i
A typical visit without queueing. In high season add 15–30 minutes. - 1 h 30 min
- With kids
- Fine with kids
- Waterfall
- Huai To — 5 main cascades, about 80 m
- From Krabi Town
- ≈ 26 km, 40–50 minutes by car
- From Ao Nang
- ≈ 39 km, about an hour
- Best time
- June–December, when there's more water
Key facts
1,397 mheight of Khao Phanom Bencha, the park's highest point
Sourcei
en.wikipedia≈ 50 km²park area — virgin rainforest
Sourcei
en.wikipedia5 cascadesat Huai To waterfall, about 80 m high
Sourcei
en.wikipedia20 kmnorth of Krabi Town in a straight line
Sourcei
en.wikipedia200+bird species, including hornbills
Sourcei
en.wikipediaKhao Pheunga cave with stalactites and stalagmites
Sourcei
en.wikipedia≈ 200 bahtentry for foreign adults
Sourcei
travel guidesNo busesget there by taxi, scooter or tour only
Sourcei
travel guidesWhat is Khao Phanom Bencha?
Khao Phanom Bencha is a national park in the hills about 20 km north of Krabi Town. It's named after a 1,397 m mountain and protects a tract of virgin rainforest, home to gibbons, langurs and more than 200 bird species, including hornbills.
Most visitors come for Huai To waterfall by the park headquarters. The water drops in five main cascades totalling about 80 m, with pools between them where you can swim. Nearby are a short forest trail and Khao Pheung cave with its stalactites.
How the park works
At the entrance are a ticket office, parking and toilets; bring water and snacks. A trail leads through the forest from the car park to the lower cascades; the pools are 10 to 30 minutes' walk over rocks and roots, with steps in places. The higher the cascade, the fewer the people.
Entry is paid: according to guides, about 200 baht per foreign adult and 100 per child, plus a small fee for a car or scooter. Sources range from 100 to 200 baht, so bring cash. The park is open roughly 8:30 to 16:30.
What to see and do
- Huai To waterfall — cascades and pools in the forest.
- Swimming in the lower and middle pools.
- The forest trail with huge trees and lianas.
- Khao Pheung cave with stalactites.
- Birds — hornbills are heard and seen in the morning.
- Nearby Huai Sakhe falls — three cascades.
How to get to Khao Phanom Bencha
Step-by-step directions are below; the map shows where you arrive.
Where are you starting from?
We’ll draw it on the map on foot and by taxi; metro and buses open in your maps app. Your location isn’t stored.
More tips
- From Krabi Town — ≈ 26 km north, 40–50 minutes by taxi or scooter.
- From Ao Nang — ≈ 39 km, about an hour; a half-day taxi with waiting time is easiest.
- On a tour — the park is often combined with Tiger Cave Temple.
- By scooter — the road is paved; the last kilometres pass villages and plantations.
- There are no buses or songthaews to the park.
Rainy season or dry season
| June–Decemberyou are here | Full flow | Yes, in the pools | Slippery, good shoes needed | Few |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| February–April | Weak, sometimes nearly dry | Shallow | Dry and easier | Few |
How long do you need?
Allow 1.5–2 hours in the park: walk to the cascades, swim and walk back. With the drive from Ao Nang, it's half a day.
It's easy to combine with Tiger Cave Temple, which is on the way, ≈ 9 km from Krabi Town. Come in the morning: the forest is cooler and the birds more active.
Is Khao Phanom Bencha worth visiting?
Yes, if you want a break from beaches: real rainforest, cool water and few tourists.
The YesGo take: in the dry season the waterfall is weak, and the drive from Ao Nang takes about an hour. Go in the rainy season or after downpours, and pair it with Tiger Cave Temple.
Before you go: checklist
Ready: 0 of 5Tick what is ready — your ticks stay in this browser.
You are ready for the visit
Krabi's nature: compare and choose
Krabi beaches, islands and waterfalls rated by YesGo. Tap a column heading to sort.
| Ao Nang Beach | 41 | 2 h | Free | 25.4 km |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phra Nang Beach | 37 | 2 h | Free | 27.3 km |
| Railay Beach | 36 | 3 h | Free | 26.8 km |
| Koh Tup and Chicken Island | 27 | 2 h | park fee ≈ 400 baht; boat extra | 33.0 km |
| Koh Poda | 25 | 3 h | park fee ≈ 400 baht; longtail ≈ 300 | 32.1 km |
| Khao Phanom Bencha National Parkyou are here | 22 | 1 h 30 min | ≈ 200 baht | — |
| Than Bok Khorani National Park | 22 | 1 h 30 min | ≈ 300 baht; kayaking extra | 26.4 km |
| Emerald Pool | 20 | 2 h 30 min | ≈ 400 baht; Hot Spring Waterfall ≈ 200 | 51.8 km |
| Koh Hong | 16 | 4 h | park fee ≈ 300 baht; tour extra | 31.9 km |
Inland Krabi in a day
Tiger Cave Temple in the morning, Huai To waterfall in Khao Phanom Bencha in the afternoon, and Ao Nang Beach for sunset. Add them to your route — YesGo fits in the timing and transfers.
- Tiger Cave Temple2 h · free
- 220 min walk from the previous stopKhao Phanom Bencha National Parkyou are here1 h 30 min · ≈ 200 baht
- 440 min walk from the previous stopAo Nang Beach2 h · free; longtail to Railay ≈ 100 baht
3 places · about 16 h 30 min with walks · 660 min on foot in total
How to do it right
- Arrive at opening time — it's cooler and quieter.
- Wear shoes with grip — the rocks by the water are slippery.
- Bring insect repellent.
- Bring water and snacks.
- On the way: Tiger Cave Temple.
Questions
How do I get to Khao Phanom Bencha?
By taxi or scooter: ≈ 26 km from Krabi Town, ≈ 39 km from Ao Nang; there's no bus.
How much is entry?
About 200 baht for foreign adults and 100 for children, in cash (according to guides).
Can you swim at the waterfall?
Yes, in the pools between the cascades when there's enough water.
When is the best time to go?
June to December, when the waterfall is in full flow.
How many cascades does Huai To have?
Five main ones, about 80 m in total, plus several smaller ones.
How long do you need?
1.5–2 hours in the park, half a day with the drive.
Can you climb the mountain?
The summit is a multi-day trek; ask at the park headquarters.
What's nearby?
Tiger Cave Temple, on the way from Krabi Town.
Have you been? Was it worth your time?
1 — no, 5 — absolutely
Your vote counts towards the YesGo score.
Sources and fact-check
- English Wikipedia: Khao Phanom Bencha National Park — mountain, area, waterfalls, cave, wildlife and birds
- Travel guides (Thai Holiday Guide, Thai National Parks, Krabi Nature and others) — fee, hours, trail, pools (unofficial)
- OSRM — road distances from Ao Nang and Krabi Town; OSM — waterfall coordinates
- YesGo general facts for Thailand — payment, transport
Top YesGo picks: Krabi
Phra Nang Beach
Krabi, Thailand
Railay Beach
Krabi, Thailand
Koh Tup and Chicken Island
Krabi, Thailand
Tiger Cave Temple
Krabi, Thailand
Koh Poda
Krabi, Thailand
Than Bok Khorani National Park
Krabi, Thailand
Emerald Pool
Krabi, Thailand