Description
Namtok Kam Hom (น้ำตกคำหอม), which is often referred to on Sakon Nakhon tourist guides as Kham Hom Waterfall, is a popular place for both tourists and locals alike, as it provides a cool and shady place to relax on the Phu Phan mountainside. The name of the waterfall in Thai sounds like "nahm-dtok kum hawm" and it means the "sweet smelling waterfall". It is located on the famous Ping Ngu Curve or Snake Curve (โค้งปิ้งงู) that you must travel along as you descend the Phu Phan Mountain toward Sakon Nakhon City.
While there is parking at the base of the waterfall, the dirt/rock road is usually quite washed out and difficult to travel upon unless you have a truck or motorbike. So, we would suggest that you park at the rest stop that is located right before you reach Kham Hom Waterfall (if you are coming from the city) or just after the waterfall (if you are coming down the mountain). Then walk up to the entrance gate. The waterfalls are only about 50 meters past the gate.
If you enjoy hiking, there is plenty of area for you to hike up and down the mountain side, along which Kham Hom Waterfall runs. There are vendors selling drinks and snacks like look-chin at the parking lot (grilled pork balls) should you work up a thirst or hunger while hiking.
Some websites say that Kham Hom Waterfall provides the best views of Sakon Nakhon, but this is incorrect because your view is blocked by the woods. Some of the best views of Sakon Nakhon from a mountain vantage point are places such as Wat Tham Kham, Wat Tham Pha Daen, and Pra That Phu Phek (if you are able hike up the 487 steps!).
Another equally nice Sakon Nakhon waterfall, one which is more off the beaten track, is Nam Dtok Kam Maak Fai, which is located in Tambon Phang Khwang, about 30 minutes from downtown. As with Namtok Kam Hom, there is a long path on which you can hike and enjoy the falls. The best time to visit either of these waterfalls is August - October, the middle to the end of the rainy season.
