Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Activities & Tours
Hua Hin

Pa La-u

4.7(90 reviews)

Pa La-u is a natural attraction located in the hills outside Hua Hin, centred around a series of tiered waterfalls set within a national park. The falls span multiple levels, with visitors able to hike up to at least the fifth tier, each offering its own distinct character and scenery. The lower levels provide shaded areas well suited to picnicking and relaxing, while the surrounding forest creates a noticeably cooler atmosphere than the coast. The area also sits near a dam with scenic views, and the road leading to the park passes through countryside where wild elephant sightings have been reported.

The hike to the upper levels is moderately active and rewarding for those who enjoy light trekking in a natural setting. Beyond the waterfall trail, the surrounding region makes for an enjoyable half-day road trip, with local produce including durian available from vendors nearby.

Visitors should be aware that the park has rules prohibiting food and drink bottles on the trails, so it is worth checking current regulations before arrival. Opening hours and seasonal closures can affect access, and conditions have previously led to temporary shutdowns, so confirming the site is open before making the trip is advisable. Sturdy footwear is recommended for hiking the upper tiers, and arriving earlier in the day helps avoid both heat and crowds at the more popular lower levels.

Book tours & tickets in Hua Hin

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Pa La-u — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Reviews from Google

Nice national park with different levels of waterfalls. Be aware that officially you are not allowed to carry food or (even water) bottles with you. And most likely you need at least the water bottles because if you go beyond of level 1 waterfall. You need decent shoes and should be comfortable to climb over rocks. A lot of rocks. We made it to level 3 (I think they have 6-7) and talking to locals most say laughing level 1. Therefore take the challenge and enjoy! You can also buy some fish food near then entrance to feed the fish in the ponds.

Palau-u waterfalls were closed, so we just toured around, and it's a very beautiful area, if you're looking for a little road trip.

The waterfall is still closed because of COVID-19, but we saw some wild elephants on our way back and enjoyed the view of the dam which is nearby. We also bought some durian here which is considered the best if it comes from this area and it tasted very well indeed.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 90 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Hua Hin

Hua Hin Night Market

Hua Hin Night Market

4.2(25,675)
ซ, หัวหิน 72 ตำบลหัวหิน อำเภอหัวหิน ประจวบคีรีขันธ์ 77110, Thailand

Grilled seafood, roti and souvenir stalls on a closed street, best hit after 7pm when everything's up.

Cicada Market

Cicada Market

4.4(18,851)
83 159 ซอย หัวถนน 21 Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

A weekend-only night market where the crafts are actually made by the people selling them.

Wat Huay Mongkol

Wat Huay Mongkol

4.6(15,360)
ทางหลวงหมายเลข 3219 Tambon Thap Tai, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

A 12-metre monk in park-like grounds, best seen in the morning before the sun turns it into a silhouette.

Rajabhakti Park

Rajabhakti Park

4.4(11,100)
FXX8+H8H, 8 Phet Kasem Rd, Tambon Nong Kae, Amphoe Hua Hin, Chang Wat Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand

Seven giant bronze kings on a vast concrete parade ground, free to enter, with almost no shade.

Pa La-u: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pa La-u worth visiting?

Pa La-u holds a 4.7★ rating from 90 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Hua Hin.

When is the best time to visit Pa La-u?

The best months to visit Hua Hin are March – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: September – November (rainy season).

Where is Pa La-u located?

Pa La-u is at Pa La-u, Huai Sat Yai, Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan 77110, Thailand, in Hua Hin. Getting around Hua Hin: Songthaews (blue, along main roads); Motorbike taxis.

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

March – August

Avoid: September – November (rainy season)

Rainy season

September – November

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

Moderate

Peak: Weekends year-round (Bangkok day-trippers)

Getting there

Minivan from Bangkok's Victory Monument (~3.5 hrs). Train from Hua Lamphong station (~4 hrs, scenic). I'd go with a private car.

Getting around

  • Songthaews (blue, along main roads)
  • Motorbike taxis
  • Bicycle rental
  • Grab available

Where to stay near Pa La-u

Find hotels in Hua Hin on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Popular Activities Online

Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925)$$$$
2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand

No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.

Safari World

Safari World

4.4(49,417)
99 Panya Indra Rd, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10510, Thailand

A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

4.6(44,338)
Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park

4.5(40,862)
Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.