Skip to main content

These are the most beautiful waterfalls in the world to visit

Here are the 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the world

Niagara Falls from above
Venti Views / Unsplash

Waterfalls are a visual and aural pleasure, their beauty and sound surrounding you with nature’s bounty. The air seems cleaner and more invigorating near the cascading falls and floating mist. Often, the journey there is as satisfying as the reward, with an arduous hike setting the stage for a worthwhile finish.

Across the globe, stunning falls await, each offering a different take on nature’s power and grace. Besides that, you can explore new cultures on the way and broaden your horizons as a modern traveler. Here’s our list of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Recommended Videos

Here are the 5 most beautiful waterfalls in the world

As you approach, you can hear the rush. The constant flow of water over rocks provides a calming, peaceful sound, combined with the visual delight of rock formations and forests. Though you might have to work to get there, it’s a journey worth taking. Here are our favorite waterfalls around the world.

Thi Lo Su Waterfall, Thailand

Waterfall in Thailand
Tourism Authority of Thailand

Originating in Huai Klotho, traveling along limestone cliffs before dancing down rock formations, Thi Lo Su waterfall offers an unspoiled look at the natural world. Located within the Umphang Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Thailand — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the falls are surrounded by thick forests and swimmable pools. If you feel like exploring, there’s even a small cave behind the falls you can duck into.

To get there, drive five hours from Tak to Uphang, then take a reasonable 1.8 km hike along a trail. Nearby, you can camp out at the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters, with October through December offering the finest views. On the other hand, avoid May to August, when the rainy season can put a damper on your experience.

Gullfoss Falls, Iceland

Iceland's Gullfoss Falls
esse chua / Unsplash

Like a picture out of a dreamscape, Gullfoss “Golden” Falls descend a three-step staircase into broad chasms next to the Hvítá River. Located in southwest Iceland, the falls flow at up to 140 cubic feet per second during summertime and offer multiple viewpoints, including from above. That’s because, interestingly, the falls flow underground. 

Gullfoss Falls is a 1.5-hour drive from Reykjavik and is part of the Golden Circle, a 300 km tourist route that includes popular attractions. On the drive, you can stop at Haukadalur’s geothermal features (including the Strokkur and Geysir geysers), and the Thingvellir National Park.

Plitvice Falls, Croatia

Waterfall into lake, Plitvice, Croatia
Ilse via Unsplash

Situated within the Plitvice Lakes National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — this series of karstic lakes and falls feature varying shapes and mineral-rich waters. Throughout, the waters meander through rock, chiseling out features and creating pools that look out of a dream. 

The highlight of the falls is the Large Waterfall, near the end of the Lower Lakes, with the Pitvica River as its source. You can venture throughout via boat or road or use your own two feet. Additionally, between April and October, buses embark every 30 minutes from nearby locations.

Hannoki Falls & Shomyo Falls, Japan

Japan's Shomyo Falls
Visit Toyama

Hannoki Falls is Japan’s tallest waterfall, at a height of 497 meters. But it’s only viewable between April and July when it’s fed by melting snow from the Midagahara plateau. Outside those times, the adjacent waterfall, Shyomo Falls, takes over as Japan’s tallest. But when both are flowing, it creates a perfect V-shape, hence the nickname “twin falls.”

The ideal time to visit is between April and July when both are flowing strong. Keep in mind the road’s closed in the winter and usually opens in the middle of May. The easiest method is via car, with the road open between 6 am and 7 pm in July and August. Besides that, typical hours are 7 am to 7 pm. You can also use public transportation from May to November, with bus service from Tateyama Station.

Niagara Falls, US & Canada

Overhead picture Niagara Falls
Edward Koorey / Unsplash

A stunning display of nature’s power, Niagara Falls comprises three falls along the border of New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada. The falls include Bridal Veil Falls, American Falls, and Horseshoe Falls (from smallest to largest). 

The source of the Niagara Falls’ power is the Niagara River, flowing from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. That creates the highest flow rate of any North American waterfall, with 168,000 cubic meters flowing over the edge each second before dropping 50 vertical feet. 

In New York, Niagara Falls State Park is easy to get to via car, taking only 25 minutes from Buffalo. You can also take the bus or fly into Buffalo Niagara International Airport. More than 8 million visit the park each year, which is the country’s oldest, being founded in 1885. 

Mark Reif
Mark Reif has a passion for the outdoors and travel, and telling the stories of his experiences. He’s a lifelong…
Around the world in 60 days: The ultimate luxury travel experience
Rajasthan

Recent travel trends suggest travelers are seeking inspiration through entertainment. Thanks to Guy Ritchie's Fountain of Youth, starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman, travelers are now hopping aboard the "around the world" travel trend. Data from Spate suggests that social media views on videos related to travel around the world have increased by 20% this quarter, with an average weekly view of 79.6 million.

Additionally, the search term "trip around the world" has increased by 5% this past quarter, indicating that travelers are interested in continent-hopping. Building on this trend concept, Butterfield & Robinson has launched a new "60-Day Around the World" trip that seamlessly blends luxury, culture, and conscious travel into a single journey.

Read more
This Georgia island was just named the most underrated travel destination in the U.S.
St. Simons Island is a quiet escape just off the coast of Georgia
St. Simons Island

Looking for a beach getaway without the crowds? U.S. News & World Report has just named St. Simons Island, Georgia, the most underrated travel destination in the country. As part of its annual Best Vacations rankings, the outlet evaluated more than 1,500 global destinations, scoring them across categories like culture, food, and adventure. When all the data was in, this quiet Georgia barrier island topped the list.

While St. Simons is a favorite summer spot for Georgians, it's often overlooked by travelers heading to more well-known beach destinations in Florida or the Carolinas. But the largest of the Golden Isles offers plenty of reasons to slow down and stay awhile, from dune-lined beaches and moss-draped oak trees to maritime forests and small shopping villages.

Read more
Kayak says this Canadian city is the top affordable global destination
Toronto, Canada took the top spot
Toronto

Looking for an international summer getaway that won’t break the bank? According to Kayak’s newly released Summer Travel Check-In report, Toronto is your best bet. The travel site analyzed thousands of searches and found that Toronto is the most affordable international destination this season, with average round-trip airfare costing just $331. The average airfare for international flights this summer is down 7% from last year.

Toronto, the capital of Ontario, is a busy, walkable city packed with things to do. You can visit the iconic CN Tower, explore world-class museums like the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum, or catch a Toronto Blue Jays game at the waterfront Rogers Centre. For something more relaxed, hop on a ferry to the Toronto Islands or explore hip neighborhoods like Kensington Market and Queen West.

Read more