At Namtok Phlio in Chanthaburi, a beautiful waterfall carries a deeply personal story connected to King Chulalongkorn and Queen Sunandha Kumariratana.
This is not only a place of natural beauty. It is also a place of memory, love, and loss in Thai history.
A Royal Place of Memory
King Chulalongkorn visited Namtok Phlio several times and deeply admired this peaceful place. The waterfall later became connected with the memory of Queen Sunandha Kumariratana, whose tragic death left a lasting sorrow in the royal family.
Among the forest, clear water, and ancient stone structures, the story of their love and loss still seems to remain.
The Tragic Death of Queen Sunandha
On May 31, 1880, Queen Sunandha Kumariratana was travelling by royal boat toward Bang Pa-In Palace with her young daughter, Princess Kannabhorn Bejaratana.
During the journey, the royal boat became involved in an accident and overturned. The queen and her daughter were trapped in the water. Boatmen attempted to rescue them and attendants tried to revive them, but both died. The queen was also pregnant at the time.
King Chulalongkorn was devastated by the loss of his wife, his young daughter, and their unborn child. His grief later became closely connected with Namtok Phlio, a place the royal family had visited and loved.
The Memorial Pyramid
Near the waterfall stands a small stone pyramid known as Alongkon Chedi. King Chulalongkorn ordered it to be built in memory of Queen Sunandha Kumariratana after her tragic death in 1880.
Inside the monument, her ashes were once enshrined. The simple stone structure gives the peaceful forest a feeling of quiet sorrow and remembrance.
A Waterfall Filled with Life
Namtok Phlio is also famous for its clear pools and large schools of soro brook carp. The fish gather naturally in the cool water, creating one of the most memorable sights in the national park.
Visitors walk through the shaded forest, cross small bridges, and follow the sound of flowing water toward the main waterfall. The peaceful scenery makes it easy to understand why King Chulalongkorn admired this place so deeply.
Visitor Information
Namtok Phlio National Park is located in Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province. The main waterfall is reached by a short, shaded walking path from the entrance.
Visitors should wear comfortable shoes because some areas may be wet and slippery. Swimming conditions can change with the weather, so always follow the instructions of park officials.
Opening hours and entrance fees may change, so it is best to check the latest information before visiting.
Location
Namtok Phlio National Park is located in Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand.
The park is easily reached by road from Chanthaburi city, and parking is available near the entrance. From there, visitors can walk along a shaded forest path to the waterfall and royal memorial monuments.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TVK8MgkxHRUodqSQ7
Why This Place Matters
Namtok Phlio is more than a beautiful waterfall. It is a place where nature and royal history meet.
The forest, the stone memorial, and the flowing water preserve the memory of love, loss, and remembrance. For visitors, it offers both a peaceful journey and a deeper connection to Thailand’s past.