Description
Pricha Suksan Waterfall, also known as Namtok Preecha Suksan (น้ำตกปรีชาสุขสันต์), is one of several waterfalls within about 45 minutes of Sakon Nakhon city. Two other prominent waterfalls are Namtok Kham Hom and Nam Dtok Kam Maak Fai. Pricha Suksan Waterfall, like other Sakon Nakhon waterfalls, is located on a hillside of the Phu Phan Mountains, much of the forests being part of the immense Phu Phan National Park.
Pricha Suksan Waterfall is a series of small waterfalls, separated by pools of water, creating a kind of waterfall courtyard filled with sandstone rocks. The waterfalls are located only a few kilometers from one of our favorite forest temples Ham Bing Pracha Suk San Priest's Camp Site, with its striking cobra statues at the entrance gate.
If you follow Google Maps directions, you'll need to travel a couple kilometers past where Google says the waterfalls are located. The final part of the road is very rocky and washed out. At one time, you could travel to the end of the road by car, but now you can't, even by truck (unless your truck has a very high clearance). So, you will need to travel by motorcycle to get to the waterfalls.
You will know that you have arrived at Pricha Suksan Waterfall when the road dead ends. Just before the dead end, you will see a small pavilion with a sign for the waterfalls. There is a parking area at the dead end, and sometimes there is a lady in a makeshift hut selling snacks, fruit, beer, and rice whiskey. You'll then see another sign for the waterfalls, showing how there are four levels to the falls if you keep walking up the side of the stream.
You walk on a path for about 100 meters to arrive at the waterfalls. Then you can cross the stream to hike up the left side, or stay on the right side. Both paths are rough and stony. But the right side path is an easier walk, while the left side path involves more rock jumping (and fun). From the paths, you'll find multiple spots where you can enter the stream, including areas with natural water slides. Strangely enough, the higher you climb, the better mobile phone receptions is, so you will have internet access while here (should you need it).
Pricha Suksan Waterfall is a popular destination for high school and college students to visit, and sometimes they don't pick up after themselves as well as they should. So, you may encounter a little trash on the paths, although the locals do try to keep things tidy (especially the mushroom hunters who regularly forage in the woods). However, if you would like to do something for community (which always is rewarding, and makes you feel good). You could bring a trash bag, and pick up any litter that you might encounter, while enjoying these lovely Sakon Nakhon waterfalls.
Lastly, to increase your chances of enjoying the the Pricha Suksan waterfalls (น้ำตกปรีชาสุขสันต์) entirely to yourself, we suggest going on weekends before 10am or on a weekday. Be sure also to wear sneakers or hiking shoes, as the rocky paths are difficult to navigate in sandals. To see our full photo gallery of the waterfall, please go to: Preecha Suksan Waterfall.
