:: Umphang

This distant district is 164 kilometres south of Mae Sot on Highway No. 1090. There are air-conditioned buses, as well as flights from Bangkok to Mae Sot, from where one then takes the local bus to Umphang. The scenic highway's highest point is some 1,200 metres above sea level. The winding route takes some 4 hours to complete, particularly during the Rains Season or the Cool Season when mountain mists impede progress.

Every part of Umphang is a centre of ecotourism; for example, major water sources can be found here. It is also part of a World Heritage Site. The way of life of the Karen hilltribe people, who keep elephants as a means of transportation, can be seen in Umphang District. These people live close to nature.


There are many types of accommodation in Umphang that provide services for tourism-rafting, trekking, elephant riding, etc.

For safety and the protection of personal property, visitors are advised to refrain from using the services of illegal guides and children. Only use the services of the operators who are registered under the Tourism Business and Guides Registration Office. While rafting, please use life-saving equipment at all times for safety.

Major attractions in Umphang are as follows:

Thi Lo Cho or Falling Rain Waterfall   is apprximately 3 kilometres from Umphang. The upper falls are located on high cliffs and the tier is narrow, whereas the lower falls are part of the stream of the Mae Klong, falling like rainfall. It is possible to travel all year-round.

Doi Hua Mot   is approximately 4 kilometres from Umphang. On the mountaintops, there are no large trees, only undulating limestone hills with clusters of small shrubs growing throughout the area. The top of Doi Hua Mot is the place to admire the " Sea of Fog " in the early morning

Sepla Waterfall   is located in the area of Ban Sepla, Tambon Mae Lamung. It is approximately 3 kilometres from Ban Palatha, and is known for its beauty. The waterfall is made up of tiers with a width of approximately 10 metres, and a length of approximately 5 0 metres. The water flows down onto the rocks below, among the greenery.

Takhobi Cave is located in the area of Ban Mae Klong Mai, approximately 3 kilometres from Umphang. Inside, there is a large chamber. It is possible to go through the cave to Ban Mae Klong. There are very beautiful stalagmites and stalactites.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall, l ocated in the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary, is regarded as the most beautiful in Thailand. Originating from Huai Klotho, it flows down a mountain valley at a height of 200-300 metres. The falls flow down in tiers surrounded by virgin forest. There is a trail to the waterfall from the wildlife sanctuary office. It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk, and there are places to stop and admire the impressive views from the top. To get there, follow a small road off the main road from Umphang for 27 kilometres. Visitors must follow the set route, or raft and walk through the forest. Vehicles can enter between November to April only.

:: Festival

Loi Krathong Sai , Thailand's lovely annual "Festival of Lights" on the full moon night in November, is celebrated in a unique manner in Tak. Local people thread together their krathongs, which are then launched simultaneously and appear as lighted necklaces on the Ping River.

Taksin Maharachanuson Fair. Celebrated annually from December 28-January 3 at the Taksin Shrine and provincial sports field, the fair features religious ceremonial processions and displays, and nightly folk entertainment.