Wisai River Bike Tour (30 Km)

The Wisai River is found in the Sawi district of Chumphon Province. Sourced in the hills of the Tenasserim Mountain Range, it runs through a limestone valley to the estuary in Thung Kha Bay. Along its route are a number of waterfalls which naturally create large ponds. These areas are great for a cooling swim or just relaxing.

As roads run parallel with the river on both sides its possible to do a circular route around the river, taking in the main places of interest. Whilst the route can be easily done in a car, doing it on a bike is much more enjoyable. The roads are in a good condition, there is only one short steep section and the whole route is about 30 km.

Wisai River is 29 km south of Chumphon town. Take the Asia Highway (Road 41) south for 26 km and turn right onto Road 1005.

Just over 2 km along this road you should see the sign to the a Kaeng Roi Ru Waterfall on the left. If cycling this is a good place to leave your vehicle as its quiet and trees offer shade.

Kaeng Roi Ru Waterfall 

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/qVQT2RCN2uYxGBTk7

This waterfall used to be very popular, but nowadays the locals chose Pho Sa Le. Sadly as a result the whole area has become neglected.

Kangprong Waterfall

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/fr294LJgw474XqjX6

This waterfall is again off Road 1005 about 2 km west from Kaeng Roi Ru. On the northern river bank a few platforms and seating areas have been constructed, however you will find the waterfall mostly in its natural state. The rock formation retains a good quantity of water making a nice place to swim. The water is not deep. The restaurant here, Pluem Udom Garden, is only open at weekends and holidays.

Khao Chan Toh Shrine

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/LT3xSuNwZ9UjxsZQ8

Continue westwards along Road 1005 for 2.5 km and just after a school, on the right, you will see this shrine. This a nice place to stop as large trees offer shade. Not sure the background of the shrine but would guess it was built to appease the spirits that the locals believe live in trees. Some having to be cut down to allow the road through. As cars and motorbikes pass the shrine they honk their horns in a sign of respect.

Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Park

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/9q5g6acgR3WicMLn8

Continue westwards along Road 1005 for 6 km and you should see the track down to the park on the left.

It is not really a park but a reservoir. There is shaded seating and you get a good view of the mountains.

From Chaloem Phrakiat Rama 9 Park continue westwards on Road 1005 for just over 1 km. After the school you need to take the road to the left (signposted for Ban Had Prig). This road takes you over the Wisai River where shortly after you need to take the road to the left, opposite the Police Office. The road on this side follows the river closely. You will pass this large dam.

Kaeng Anurak Waterfall

Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/9nsytGeM2CJKGY2T8

A number of places where the water flows through a series of rocks.

Kaeng Phong Waterfalls

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/VX8QpaPk3AQhUd3Z7

Behind an abandoned restaurant you will see a large area of water which is the upper extent of the pond created by Pho Sa Le Waterfall. Kaeng Phong Waterfalls can be found by walking around the bank of the pond. This is a lovely area for swimming where the water is always clear.

From the restaurant it is a lovely view down onto the waterfall.

Pho Sa Le Waterfall

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/ehwTdcFmx68VvPFA6

Pho Sa Le Waterfall can be found 100m down the road from Kaeng Phong Waterfalls. This waterfall is the biggest on the Wisai river and creates a large catchment pond.

This is certainly the most popular waterfall for the locals and can be busy on holidays. 

Rapids Water Park

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/U26CWaKRsyrNGfAs9

Rapids Water Park is 500 m down the road from Pho Sa Le Waterfall, opposite the large Government building. The series of waterfalls create catchment ponds which are nice for swimming. Parking is shaded so no returning to a hot car. This waterfall is also popular with the locals.

Highway Waterfall

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/QfhRHWYkAfCEpGRJ7

Continue down the road for 4 km and you will come to the Asia Highway (Road 41). Here turn left onto the highway and after 50m you will come to the bridge where the highway crosses the Wisai river. The waterfall is directly after the bridge. As this is on the opposite carriageway it is not easy to cross the highway, avoid visiting this waterfall if unsure.

No construction on either banks, thus a waterfall in its natural state. There is a deep pool after the fall giving a nice place to swim.

Other Nearby Places of Interest

Location - https://goo.gl/maps/kvbYoS7d6EzbK5vj6

Wisai Tai Cave  -

https://chumphonplaces.blogspot.com/2015/06/tambon-wisai-tai-cave.html

Khao Roi Yot. - https://chumphonplaces.blogspot.com/2021/02/khao-roi-yot-viewpoint-and-cave.html

Wat Tham Sing - https://chumphonplaces.blogspot.com/2015/11/sing-cave.html