Critical heat flux in an open two-phase thermosyphon has been measured employing water, R113 and R22 for a wide range of L/D=4.8 to 960 and density ratio of ρL/ρG=6.17 to 1602. The CHF data measured are found to be in satisfactory agreement with those calculated from the maximum liquid falling rate in countercurrent annular flow of liquid and vapor. Normal operation of the thermosyphon cannot be obtained for a small tube diameter of less than 2 mm.