Amphoe Thong Pha Phum: Reservoir, Forests and Waterfalls

Vajiralongkorn Dam impounds the Khwae Noi in Tambon Tha Khanun, Amphoe Thong Pha Phum. The associated reservoir extends across Amphoe Thong Pha Phum and Sangkhla Buri. Formerly called Khao Laem Dam, it is Thailand’s first rockfill dam with a reinforced-concrete facing.

Reservoir and Mountain Landscape

The official directions to Vajiralongkorn Dam follow Highway 323 and the Thong Pha Phum–Sangkhla Buri route. Check road conditions before setting out, as they may change.

Thong Pha Phum National Park lies partly within Amphoe Thong Pha Phum and is characterized by complex mountain ranges. Several streams originate in the park and flow into Vajiralongkorn Reservoir and the Khwae Noi; the national park is also home to numerous wild animals. Lam Khlong Ngu National Park is also located in the district, with species-rich forests and diverse flora and fauna. The Pillar Cave there contains a limestone column about 62.5 meters high, through which a stream flows.

For any visit to the caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park, you should hire a park guide. Good physical fitness and equipment for hiking and wading are required. Check current access before traveling.

Waterfalls and Outdoor Activities

Srinakarin Dam National Park encompasses Pha Tad Waterfall and offers opportunities for nature hikes. There is a natural pool at the waterfall that is suitable for swimming; water conditions vary seasonally. Check conditions before planning to swim. Jok Kradin Waterfall in Tambon Pilok has a different character: in Thong Pha Phum National Park, it plunges over a 30-meter-high rock face. Water conditions here also vary seasonally.

E-Tong (Pilok Mine) in Tambon Pilok is a former mining community and is now a major tourist attraction in Amphoe Thong Pha Phum. Also in Pilok is the Noen Chang Suek viewpoint, at 1,053 meters above sea level. Noen Chang Suek is a viewpoint at 1,053 meters above sea level, while E-Tong is a former mining community.

Cultural Sites and Other Places to Visit

Wat Tha Khanun includes a Buddha footprint, Phra Buddha Chedi Khiri and a Burmese-style pagoda on a hill. Near the temple, a suspension bridge crosses the Khwae Noi and offers views of Thong Pha Phum. As the bridge’s condition may change, check conditions before visiting.

Hin Dat Hot Spring is located near Ban Kuimang in Tambon Hin Dat. It is a natural hot spring with an approximate water temperature of 45 to 55°C. A bicycle route and a grass slide are also listed as two of the ten check-in points at Vajiralongkorn Dam.

These sites offer different trip-planning options: mountain landscapes, streams and caves in Lam Khlong Ngu National Park; waterfalls, each with its own characteristics; or cultural sites such as Wat Tha Khanun. For cave visits, plan for a guide, fitness and equipment; at the swimming pool at Pha Tad Waterfall, take seasonal changes in water conditions into account.

Kanchanaburi in the Wider Region

In the wider destination of Kanchanaburi, the Hellfire Pass Memorial Walking Trail runs from Hellfire Pass to Hintok Cutting along the route of the original Burma–Thailand Railway. From the Hellfire Pass Interpretive Centre, Walk 1 leads to the memorial obelisk at Konyu Cutting; the round trip takes 40 to 50 minutes. As of June 23, 2026, the Interpretive Centre is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; annual maintenance periods and holiday closures are listed separately. Check opening hours and closure notices before visiting.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tha Kha-Nun, Chalae, Nong Prue District, Bo Phloi District, Sai Yok, Amphoe Mueang Kanchanaburi.

Back to the regional travel overview: Kanchanaburi.