Chiang Mai is a city in Northern Thailand that is known for its rich culture, stunning temples, and beautiful natural landscapes. One of the most popular natural attractions in Chiang Mai is its waterfalls. Tourists from all over the world come to Chiang Mai to experience the beauty of these waterfalls firsthand.
Chiang Mai is home to several breathtaking waterfalls that are nestled in the lush green forests of the region. These waterfalls offer visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. From multi-tiered cascades to single-tiered falls, there is a waterfall in Chiang Mai that is sure to take your breath away.
Whether you are an adventure seeker looking for a thrilling hike to a hidden waterfall or a nature lover seeking a peaceful retreat, Chiang Mai’s waterfalls offer something for everyone. With their crystal-clear waters and stunning surroundings, it is no wonder that Chiang Mai’s waterfalls are considered some of the most beautiful in Thailand.
Top Waterfalls in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. These natural wonders attract a lot of tourists every year. In this section, we will take a look at the top waterfalls in Chiang Mai.
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Sa Waterfall is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, about 30 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is a seven-tier waterfall that cascades down a hill. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. The best time to visit Mae Sa Waterfall is during the rainy season, from June to November when the waterfall is at its fullest. The entrance fee is 100 Baht for adults and 50 Baht for children. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Huay Kaew Waterfall is located in the same national park as Mae Sa Waterfall. It is a 10-meter high waterfall that can be reached by a short hike. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The best time to visit Huay Kaew Waterfall is during the rainy season when the waterfall is at its fullest. There is no entrance fee for this waterfall.
Wachirathan Waterfall
Wachirathan Waterfall is located in the Doi Inthanon National Park, about 60 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is a 80-meter high waterfall that is a popular spot for tourists. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and offers a stunning view of the surrounding area. The best time to visit Wachirathan Waterfall is during the rainy season when the waterfall is at its fullest. The entrance fee is 300 Baht for adults and 150 Baht for children.
Monthathan Waterfall
Monthathan Waterfall is located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, about 15 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is a 30-meter high waterfall that can be reached by a short hike. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and is a popular spot for swimming. The best time to visit Monthathan Waterfall is during the rainy season when the waterfall is at its fullest. There is no entrance fee for this waterfall.
Bua Thong Waterfall
Bua Thong Waterfall, also known as the Sticky Waterfall, is located about 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai. It is a unique waterfall that has limestone rocks that allow visitors to climb up the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by dense forest and is a popular spot for tourists. The best time to visit Bua Thong Waterfall is during the dry season. There is no entrance fee for this waterfall.
In conclusion, Chiang Mai has some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Each waterfall has its own unique charm and beauty. Make sure to visit these waterfalls during your trip to Chiang Mai and capture the stunning scenery with your camera.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Waterfalls
Chiang Mai is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. While some of the more popular waterfalls like Mae Sa and Huay Kaew can get crowded with tourists, there are several off-the-beaten-path waterfalls that offer a more secluded and peaceful experience. In this section, we will explore four of the most stunning off-the-beaten-path waterfalls in Chiang Mai.
Mae Ya Waterfall
Mae Ya Waterfall is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, about 60 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai. It is one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand, with a total of 10 levels. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green forests and offers breathtaking views. Visitors can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall or hike up to the upper levels for a more adventurous experience.
Mok Fa Waterfall
Mok Fa Waterfall is located in the Mae Taeng district, about 70 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. The waterfall is known for its picturesque setting and crystal clear water. The hike to the waterfall is relatively easy and takes about 30 minutes. Visitors can swim in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall or relax on the rocks and enjoy the stunning views.
Tad Mork Waterfall
Tad Mork Waterfall is located in the Chiang Dao district, about 70 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. The waterfall is known for its natural beauty and peaceful surroundings. Visitors can hike to the waterfall through the lush green forest and enjoy the stunning views. The waterfall has several levels, and visitors can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall.
Huai Rap Sadet Waterfall
Huai Rap Sadet Waterfall is located in the Mae Taeng district, about 70 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. The waterfall is known for its natural beauty and crystal clear water. Visitors can hike to the waterfall through the lush green forest and enjoy the stunning views. The waterfall has several levels, and visitors can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfall.
Overall, Chiang Mai is a paradise for nature lovers, and these off-the-beaten-path waterfalls are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Northern Thailand. Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous hike, these waterfalls offer something for everyone. If you are interested in exploring these waterfalls, we recommend booking a trekking tour with a local guide who can take you to the best spots and provide valuable insights about the natural beauty of the region.
Waterfall Hopping in Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, and exploring them is a must-do activity for any nature lover. With several waterfalls located within a short distance of the city, waterfall hopping is a popular activity among tourists and locals alike. Here are some of the most popular waterfalls to check out:
Sticky Waterfall
Located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai, the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong Waterfall) is a unique attraction that’s worth a visit. The waterfall gets its name from the limestone rocks that make up the falls, which have a unique texture that provides excellent grip. Visitors can climb up the falls and explore the different levels, which include several plunge pools that are perfect for swimming.
Tham Mok Fa
Tham Mok Fa is a hidden gem located in the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. The waterfall is not as well-known as some of the other falls in the area, but it’s definitely worth a visit. The falls are surrounded by lush greenery and the water flows into several small pools that are perfect for swimming. The only downside is that the rocks can be quite slippery, so visitors should exercise caution when climbing around the falls.
Mae Takhrai Waterfall
Mae Takhrai Waterfall is located about 30 kilometers from Chiang Mai and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The falls are set in a beautiful forested area and there are several trails that lead to different viewpoints. The water flows into several plunge pools that are perfect for swimming, and there are also several picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Mae Sa Pok Waterfall
Mae Sa Pok Waterfall is one of the most popular waterfalls in Chiang Mai and is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area. The falls are located in the Mae Sa Valley and are surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. There are several levels to the falls, each with its own plunge pool, and visitors can climb up the rocks to explore the different levels.
Overall, waterfall hopping in Chiang Mai is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim in a plunge pool or an adrenaline-fueled climb up a waterfall, there’s something for everyone. Just be sure to exercise caution when climbing around the falls, as the rocks can be slippery.
Waterfalls in National Parks
Chiang Mai is home to several national parks, each with its own unique set of waterfalls. These national parks are filled with lush jungles, towering trees, and a wide variety of plants and animals. Here are some of the best waterfalls to visit in Chiang Mai’s national parks.
Doi Suthep National Park
Doi Suthep National Park is located just outside of Chiang Mai and is home to several stunning waterfalls. One of the most popular waterfalls in the park is Huay Kaew Waterfall. This waterfall is easily accessible and is located just a short walk from the entrance to the park. Another popular waterfall in the park is Monthathan Waterfall, which is located deeper in the jungle and requires a bit more effort to reach.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park is located about 60 kilometers from Chiang Mai and is home to some of the highest waterfalls in Thailand. One of the most popular waterfalls in the park is Mae Klang Waterfall, which is over 100 meters tall. Another popular waterfall in the park is Wachirathan Waterfall, which is located near the entrance to the park and is easily accessible.
Si Lanna National Park
Si Lanna National Park is located about 80 kilometers from Chiang Mai and is home to several stunning waterfalls. One of the most popular waterfalls in the park is Mae Takhrai Waterfall, which is located near the entrance to the park and is easily accessible. Another popular waterfall in the park is Mae Sapok Waterfall, which is located deeper in the jungle and requires a bit more effort to reach.
Chiang Mai’s national parks are home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Visitors to the parks may see everything from bats to monkeys to deer. The parks are also home to a variety of different types of forests, including deciduous forests and rainforests.
Whether you’re looking for an easy hike to a stunning waterfall or a more challenging trek through the jungle, Chiang Mai’s national parks have something to offer for everyone.
Waterfalls Near Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai is surrounded by lush green forests, mountains, and natural wonders, including some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. Here are some of the best waterfalls near Chiang Mai that you should visit during your trip to Northern Thailand.
Pai
Pai is a small town located in Mae Hong Son Province, about 135 km from Chiang Mai. The town is surrounded by stunning mountains, waterfalls, and hot springs, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Pai include:
- Mo Paeng Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Pam Bok Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
- Mae Yen Waterfall: a hidden gem that requires a 3-hour hike through the forest to reach, but the stunning views are worth the effort.
Mae Wang National Park
Mae Wang National Park is located about 50 km from Chiang Mai and is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The park is also known for its stunning viewpoints, hiking trails, and elephant sanctuaries. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mae Wang National Park include:
- Mae Wang Waterfall: a 9-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Wachirathan Waterfall: a 80-meter tall waterfall that is one of the most popular attractions in the park.
- Huai Sai Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
Mae Taeng District
Mae Taeng District is located about 70 km from Chiang Mai and is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The district is also known for its elephant camps, white-water rafting, and hot springs. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mae Taeng District include:
- Mae Takhrai Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
- Mae Sapok Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Mae Klang Waterfall: a 9-tier waterfall that is located in the middle of the forest and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Mae Rim District
Mae Rim District is located about 20 km from Chiang Mai and is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The district is also known for its orchid farms, elephant sanctuaries, and adventure activities. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Mae Rim District include:
- Mae Sa Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Monthathan Waterfall: a 6-tier waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
- Mae Sa Mai Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is located in the middle of the forest and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is located about 200 km from Chiang Mai and is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The city is also known for its stunning temples, hot springs, and hill tribe villages. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Chiang Rai include:
- Khun Korn Waterfall: a 70-meter tall waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
- Huai Mae Sai Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Pong Phrabat Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is located in the middle of the forest and offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
Bangkok
Bangkok is located about 700 km from Chiang Mai and is not known for its waterfalls. However, if you are in the city and want to escape the hustle and bustle, you can visit one of the nearby waterfalls. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls near Bangkok include:
- Erawan Waterfall: a 7-tier waterfall that is located in Erawan National Park, about 200 km from Bangkok.
- Namtok Samlan National Park: a park that is home to several beautiful waterfalls, located about 150 km from Bangkok.
- Sai Yok Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is located in Sai Yok National Park, about 200 km from Bangkok.
Lamphun
Lamphun is located about 40 km from Chiang Mai and is home to several beautiful waterfalls. The city is also known for its stunning temples, hot springs, and traditional handicrafts. Some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lamphun include:
- Mae Tho Waterfall: a 5-tier waterfall that is perfect for swimming and picnicking.
- Mae Klong River Waterfall: a 3-tier waterfall that is surrounded by lush greenery and offers stunning views.
- Mae Ping Waterfall:
Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai Waterfalls
Chiang Mai is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in Thailand, and visiting them is a must-do activity for any nature lover. Whether you are looking for a refreshing swim, a picnic with friends, or just a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Chiang Mai waterfalls have something for everyone. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your visit:
Be Prepared
Before heading out to the waterfalls, make sure you have everything you need. Bring a towel, a change of clothes, and plenty of cold water to stay hydrated. You can also grab some delicious local food, such as sticky rice, papaya salad, or sai oua, from the food stalls near the entrance. If you plan to spend the whole day there, consider bringing a packed lunch and a blanket to sit on.
Check the Weather
Chiang Mai has a tropical climate, which means heavy rain can occur at any time, especially during the rainy season (May to October). If you are visiting during this time, be prepared for sudden downpours and flash floods. Always check the weather forecast before heading out and keep an eye on the sky. If it starts to rain heavily, seek shelter immediately and wait until it subsides.
Respect the Locals
Chiang Mai waterfalls are not just tourist attractions, but also sacred places for the locals. When visiting, be respectful of their customs and traditions. Avoid loud music, excessive drinking, and any behavior that may offend the locals. Also, make sure to dress appropriately, covering your shoulders and knees, especially when visiting temples.
Enjoy the Nightlife
Chiang Mai has a vibrant nightlife scene, and some waterfalls, such as the Sticky Waterfall, are open until late at night. You can enjoy a swim under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the forest. However, be careful when walking on the mossy rocks and streams, as they can be slippery at night.
Explore the Surroundings
Chiang Mai waterfalls are not just about the water. They are also surrounded by lush forests, butterfly farms, orchid gardens, and temples. Take some time to explore the surroundings and discover the hidden gems of Northern Thailand. You may be rewarded with stunning views of emerald water, rainbows, and cloudy mist, or encounter some fascinating insects and wildlife.
In conclusion, visiting Chiang Mai waterfalls is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed. By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit and enjoy the natural beauty of Northern Thailand.