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 

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

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


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

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

Kaeng Phong Waterfalls

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

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

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

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


Wisai Tai Cave  -

Comments

  1. Hi, I wanted to send you an email to thank you for this website but I couldn't find any contact data :) Anyway, please never stop this website! It shows that places that are less popular and at first glance don't have much to offer, are often more than worth a visit. Thanks for this. I've got so much great stuff from here already making Chumphon one of my favorite places in Thailand now. Keep up the GREAT work!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Nick. No intention of stopping as the blog brings together my three main interests, exploring, photography and trying to improve my computer skills. And Chumphon does not stop giving for only the last Friday, with some help, found two new caves and a viewpoint. Glad you found the blog of use.

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