Thi Lo Su Waterfall

Thi Lo Su Waterfall

The hidden giant

TAK PROVINCE. A weekend at Thi Lo Su may make you come

home drained of energy, but with piles of spectacular photos and

fun memories.

Visitors must steel themselves right from the start. The ‘Sky Highway

1090’ winds from Mae Sot to Umphang through a mountainous region

inhabited by hill tribes. Its 1,219 sharp curves, zigzagging through

lush, forested landscapes, have churned many stomachs. After four

hours, visitors arrive in Umphang, the biggest district in Thailand,

sharing a 180 km border with Myanmar. It used to be inhabited solely

by the Karen people, prior to Thais moving in from the North. Now, it

is a hub of accommodation and tour operators organizing trips to the

majestic Thi Lo Su Waterfall.

Thi Lo Su is beautiful in her many guises. During the rainy season,

visitors will be awed by the sight of an endless line of mighty water

crashing down 300 m onto the rocks below. In the dry season, the

gigantic waterfall spanning 500 m turns into numerous small cascades

separated by mossed rocks and trees, making it appear as a

patchwork of verdant gardens.

Thi Lo Su is the star of the Wildlife Sanctuary, but its sister waterfall,

Thi Lo Cho, should not be missed. To fully explore the area, a three-day

tour is recommended. A typical programme will combine rafting on the

Mae Klong River; visits to Thi Lo Su and Thi Lo Cho Falls; some trekking;

and, upon request, stays in Karen villages, and total forest immersion

via elephant back. However, it should be noted that the likelihood of

seeing large animals during any of these activities is low. Also, trekkers

should bring mosquito repellant and antimalarial medication