Mae Klang Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction located in the picturesque Doi Inthanon National Park near Chom Thong in the Chiang Mai Province of Thailand. It is one of the most popular waterfalls in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to marvel at its beauty and tranquility. The waterfall is administered by the National Park, Wildlife, and Plant Conservation Department, and it is easily accessible by road.
The Mae Klang Waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northern Thailand. The waterfall is located at the bottom of Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand, and it is surrounded by lush jungles and forests that are home to a diverse range of wildlife. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the Mae Klang Waterfall Nature Trail, which is an easy 0.9-mile out-and-back trail that takes an average of 53 minutes to complete. Along the way, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the waterfall and the surrounding landscape.
Location and Access
Mae Klang Waterfall is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong in the Chiang Mai Province of Northern Thailand. The waterfall is situated off Route 1009 Ban Luang and is easily accessible by car or tour. The park is known for its beautiful forest, and the waterfall is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Getting There
To reach Mae Klang Waterfall, visitors can take a car or tour to Doi Inthanon National Park. Once inside the park, there is a parking area where visitors can park their vehicles. From the parking area, visitors can walk to the waterfall, which is approximately 450 meters away. The walk is a slight incline, and visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes.
For those who prefer to hike, there are several trails that lead to the waterfall. Trail 1, Mae Klang Luang Waterfalls, is a popular option for visitors. The trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and takes about an hour to complete. Visitors are advised to check the weather conditions before embarking on a hike, especially during the rainy season.
Directions
The waterfall is located at latitude 18.5216° N and longitude 98.5179° E. From Chiang Mai, visitors can take Route 108 to Chom Thong and then turn onto Route 1009. The park entrance is located approximately 30 kilometers from Chom Thong. Visitors can also take a tour or hire a car to reach the park.
Vicinity
Mae Klang Waterfall is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, which is known for its beautiful forest and scenic views. Visitors can explore the park and its many attractions, including other waterfalls, hiking trails, and viewpoints. The park is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Suggested Time
Visitors are advised to spend at least half a day exploring Doi Inthanon National Park and Mae Klang Waterfall. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds. The best time to visit the waterfall is during the dry season, from November to February, when the water flow is at its strongest.
In summary, Mae Klang Waterfall is a beautiful attraction located in Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand. Visitors can reach the waterfall by car or tour and can explore the park’s many attractions, including other waterfalls and hiking trails. The park is open from 9 am to 6 pm, and visitors are advised to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Features and Attractions
Mae Klang Waterfall is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts alike. The waterfall is surrounded by lush green jungle, and the area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Here are some of the features and attractions that you can expect to find at Mae Klang Waterfall.
Waterfall Features
Mae Klang Waterfall is a stunning natural wonder that cascades down a series of rocky steps. The waterfall is approximately 100 meters high, and the water flows into a large pool at the bottom. Visitors can swim in the pool and enjoy the refreshing water. The waterfall is most impressive during the rainy season, from May to November, when the water flow is at its highest.
Wildlife and Plants
Mae Klang Waterfall is located in the Doi Inthanon National Park, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife and plants. Visitors can expect to see a range of birds, insects, and mammals, including macaques, gibbons, and deer. The park is also home to the Plant Conservation Department, which works to preserve the region’s unique flora.
Other Waterfalls
Mae Klang Waterfall is just one of several waterfalls in the Doi Inthanon area. Visitors can also check out the Wachirathan Waterfall and the Mae Ya Waterfall, both of which are located nearby. The Wachirathan Waterfall is approximately 80 meters high and is surrounded by lush jungle. The Mae Ya Waterfall is located in a remote area and requires a short hike to reach.
Picnic Areas
Mae Klang Waterfall is an ideal location for a picnic. There are several picnic areas located near the waterfall, and visitors can enjoy the scenic views while they eat. The area is also a popular spot for photography and videography.
Doi Inthanon Summit
Doi Inthanon Summit is the highest point in Thailand, and it is located near Mae Klang Waterfall. Visitors can take a scenic drive up to the summit and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. The summit is also home to several temples and pagodas.
Naphamethanidon and Naphapholphumisiri Chedis
The Naphamethanidon and Naphapholphumisiri Chedis are located near the Doi Inthanon Summit. These chedis are dedicated to the King and Queen of Thailand and are adorned with intricate carvings and decorations.
Route 1009
Route 1009 is a scenic road that runs through the Doi Inthanon National Park. The road offers stunning views of the surrounding area and is a popular route for tourists.
Mae Klang Waterfall is a popular tourist attraction in Northern Thailand. Visitors can enjoy swimming, hiking, and picnicking in the area, and there are several other waterfalls and attractions located nearby. Whether you’re a nature lover or an adventure seeker, Mae Klang Waterfall is a must-visit destination.
Hiking and Walking
Mae Klang Waterfall is a popular destination for hiking and walking enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of Doi Inthanon National Park. The trails around the waterfall offer a variety of options for hikers of all skill levels.
Hiking Trails
There are several hiking trails that lead to Mae Klang Waterfall. The most popular trail is the Mae Klang Waterfall Nature Trail, which is an easy 800-meter round trip hike that takes about 30 minutes to complete. The trail is well-maintained and features a wooden walkway that makes it easy to navigate. Along the way, hikers will encounter a variety of trees and plants, including ferns, orchids, and bamboo.
For more experienced hikers, the Huai Pong Trail is a challenging 9-kilometer hike that takes about 4-5 hours to complete. The trail starts at the Huai Pong Ranger Station and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Hikers should be prepared for steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Suggested Routes
For those who want to explore the area around Mae Klang Waterfall, there are several suggested routes that offer a variety of hiking options. One popular route is the Mae Klang Waterfall Loop, which is a 2.6-kilometer hike that takes about 1-2 hours to complete. The route starts at the Mae Klang Waterfall parking lot and follows the Mae Klang Waterfall Nature Trail before branching off onto the Siribhume Waterfall Loop.
Another suggested route is the Doi Inthanon Summit Trail, which is a 4-kilometer hike that takes about 2-3 hours to complete. The trail starts at the summit of Doi Inthanon and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Hikers should be prepared for steep climbs and rocky terrain.
Camera
Hikers and walkers are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture the stunning natural beauty of Mae Klang Waterfall and the surrounding area. There are plenty of opportunities for scenic photos along the hiking trails, including panoramic views of the mountains and valleys, as well as close-up shots of the waterfall and the flora and fauna of the park.
Overall, Mae Klang Waterfall is a must-visit destination for hiking and walking enthusiasts who want to explore the natural beauty of Northern Thailand. With a variety of hiking trails and suggested routes to choose from, there is something for hikers of all skill levels.
Facilities and Accommodations
If you’re planning to visit Mae Klang Waterfall, it’s important to know what facilities and accommodations are available. In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about accommodations, restaurants and vendors, parking, and picnic areas.
Accommodations
Unfortunately, there are no accommodations available at Mae Klang Waterfall itself. However, there are many options for accommodations in the nearby Jom Thong district. These accommodations range from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider staying at the Mae Klang Luang Hill Resort, which is located within Doi Inthanon National Park.
Restaurants and Vendors
There are a few restaurants and vendors located near Mae Klang Waterfall. These vendors sell snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. However, if you’re looking for a more substantial meal, you’ll need to head to the nearby town of Jom Thong. There are several restaurants in Jom Thong that serve delicious Thai cuisine.
Parking and Picnic Areas
There is a large parking area located near the entrance to Mae Klang Waterfall. The parking fee is 30 baht per car. There are also several picnic areas located throughout the park. These picnic areas are equipped with tables and benches, making them the perfect spot to enjoy a meal or a snack.
In summary, while there are no accommodations available at Mae Klang Waterfall, there are plenty of options in the nearby Jom Thong district. There are also several restaurants and vendors located near the waterfall, as well as a large parking area and picnic areas throughout the park.
Tips and Updates
When planning a trip to Mae Klang Waterfall, there are a few things to keep in mind to make the most of your visit. Here are some tips and updates to help you prepare for your trip:
Comments
Before you go, check out some comments and reviews from other travelers who have visited Mae Klang Waterfall. This can help you get an idea of what to expect and any potential issues to be aware of. Some common comments include:
- Crowds: Mae Klang Waterfall can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early in the morning.
- Layers: The weather at Mae Klang Waterfall can be unpredictable, so it’s a good idea to bring layers. In the morning and evening, it can be quite chilly, while during the day it can get quite hot and humid.
- Sirithan Waterfall: If you have time, consider visiting Sirithan Waterfall as well. It’s a smaller waterfall located nearby that is less crowded and can be a nice alternative if Mae Klang Waterfall is too busy.
- Foreigners: Some travelers have reported that they were charged a higher entrance fee than locals. While this is not always the case, it’s a good idea to be aware of this possibility and bring your passport or another form of identification to prove your nationality.
Reviews
Here are some recent reviews from travelers who have visited Mae Klang Waterfall:
- “The waterfall was beautiful, but it was very crowded. We had to wait in line to take pictures and swim in the pool.”
- “We visited in the morning and it was quite chilly, but the mist made the waterfall look even more beautiful.”
- We did a day trip from Chiang Mai and it was definitely worth it. The waterfall was stunning and we had a great time hiking and swimming.”
- “The entrance fee was a bit high, but the waterfall was definitely worth it. We also visited Sirithan Waterfall, which was less crowded and just as beautiful.”
Overall, Mae Klang Waterfall is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Northern Thailand. Just be prepared for crowds and unpredictable weather, and consider visiting nearby Sirithan Waterfall as well.