Thankowain Waterfall is located in Alikadam Upazila of Bandarban District, in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh. The Thankowain creek feeds it, and it sits about 12 kilometers from Alikadam Bazar. Travelers love it for clear water, green hills, and a trekking route that stays relatively easy.

Here is how to reach Thankowain Waterfall. First, reach Alikadam in Bandarban. Then take a CNG or auto to Amtali Bazar, ride an engine boat for about two hours to Duchori Bazar, and pick up permission and a local guide at the army camp. After that, a two-hour trek brings you to the falls.

Where is Thankowain Waterfall?

Thankowain Waterfall sits in Alikadam Upazila, one of the upazilas of Bandarban in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. The water comes from the Thankowain creek, so the hills above keep it flowing. From Alikadam Bazar, the falls sit about 12 kilometers away. Because the area stays calm and green, a trip here clears city tiredness quickly. Even now, this corner of Bandarban feels peaceful next to the busier trails I have walked.

Also see: Kumari Waterfall, Bandarban, Langlok Waterfall, Bandarban.

What to see and do at Thankowain Waterfall

The path itself is half the reward, so the day stays enjoyable from start to finish. Besides the falls, you get a few different experiences along the way.

A boat ride on the Toain Khal

The trip includes a long boat ride on the Toain Khal, the canal that cuts straight through the hills. To reach the falls, you spend a good stretch of time on this water. Meanwhile, the green slopes rise on both sides, so the ride feels like part of the adventure rather than just transport.

Trekking beside the canal

After the boat, you trek a fair distance along the edge of the Toain Khal. The whole route runs through natural hill scenery, so the walking never gets dull. Take it steady, because the ground can be uneven in places.

A swim at the base of the falls

At the foot of Thankowain Waterfall, the water collects into a clear, cool natural pool. A short swim here washes off the heat and the tiredness of the trek. For me, that first dip in the cold water is always the best moment of the day.

Camping in the hills

If you have extra time, you can camp in tents on the hills with friends. The nights stay quiet, and the views open up once you climb above the trees. Because the ground is rocky and uneven up there, it helps to know a little about pitching on rocky ground before you go.

This trip can also work as a warm-up. The district holds bigger waterfall treks, from the popular path to Nafakhum to the longer haul out to Amiakhum.

How to reach Thankowain Waterfall

Getting to Alikadam from Dhaka

Direct buses run from Dhaka to Alikadam, which keeps the trip simple. From Sayedabad in Dhaka, operators like Shyamoli NR Travels, Hanif Enterprise, Saudia, Ena, and Emad run coaches straight to Alikadam. The fare sits around 1,100 taka (BDT). Going straight to Alikadam saves time, so you also arrive with more daylight to work with.

From Alikadam to the trailhead

From Alikadam, you can hire a reserved car to Amtali Bazar, or take a CNG or auto for about 50 taka. At Amtali Ghat, board an engine boat for the roughly two-hour ride to Duchori Bazar. Then, at the Duchori Bazar army camp, collect your permission and a local guide before you start. After that, the trek to the falls takes around two hours.

Where to eat

Food near the falls is simple but filling, so you will not go hungry. Around Alikadam and the Panbazar area, several local hotels serve home-style meals. The menu usually covers rice with chicken, meat, and fish. A meal costs roughly 150 to 300 taka. Nothing here is fancy, yet the quality stays decent after a long trek.

Where to stay

You can see Thankowain Waterfall in a single day and head back, so an overnight stay is optional. If you want to rest nearby, Alikadam has a few choices. For example, the Damtua Inn or the Zilla Parishad Dak Bungalow (rest house) both work for a night. Travelers heading deeper into the district sometimes pair this with the viewpoints near Mirinja, since Alikadam sits close by.

When to plan your trip

From what I have seen across the Bandarban hills, the falls run fuller after rain, while the trail turns slippery and tougher at the same time. Drier stretches make the trek and the boat ride easier, though the water flow can drop. So pick your window based on whether you want a strong flow or an easy walk. Either way, check local conditions before you lock in dates, because hill weather shifts fast.

Tips for visiting Thankowain Waterfall

A little preparation makes this trek smoother and safer. Keep these in mind before you go:

• Move slowly and carefully when you climb down toward the falls, since wet rock gets slick.
• Wear trail shoes with a dependable grip. Getting the shoe fit right also keeps you steady on uneven ground.
• Carry a photocopy of your national ID, because checkpoints may ask for it.
• Pack a power bank so your phone and other gadgets stay charged.
• Bring a torch and a basic first aid kit for cuts, scrapes, and blisters on the trail.
• Leave the area as you found it, and avoid anything that harms the natural surroundings.

FAQs on Thankowain Waterfall

Do I need permission and a guide for Thankowain Waterfall?

Yes. You arrange both at the Duchori Bazar army camp before the trek begins. A local guide knows the trail well, and the permission step is normal for this part of Bandarban.

Is the Thankowain Waterfall trek hard?

The route sits on the easier side for Bandarban, but it still asks for effort. You combine a long boat ride with about two hours of trekking over uneven ground. So a reasonably fit beginner can manage it, though it is not a casual stroll.

Can I visit Thankowain Waterfall in one day?

Yes, most travelers reach the falls and return the same day. However, if you want to camp or take your time, an overnight near Alikadam fits nicely.

Is it safe to swim at the base of the falls?

Usually yes, since the pool at the foot of the falls stays calm and shallow in spots. Still, check your footing on the wet rock first, and avoid swimming alone or right after heavy rain when the flow gets strong.

Final thoughts

Thankowain Waterfall rewards the effort it asks for. You get a boat ride through the hills, a green trek beside the Toain Khal, and a cool pool waiting at the end. The route stays manageable, the costs stay low, and the scenery stays with you long after. So pack good shoes, carry your ID, respect the hills, and travel with a guide. Do that, and this Alikadam trek easily becomes one of the more peaceful waterfall trips in Bandarban.