Neil Aronson Here are four of the biggest, most fun, and best waterfalls to visit in Northern Thailand. And the best part is they are all near each other. Three are part of Doi Inthanon National Park, while Mae Tia Waterfall is less than an hour southwest in Op Luang National Park. We are fortunate to live near the entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park, and Mae Klang Waterfall, my favorite.
The four waterfalls on this list are Mae Klang, Wachirathan, Mae Ya, and Mae Tia. What makes these waterfalls fun is they are a lot more than just the waterfall itself. If you love the mountains, hiking, picnics, rivers, even camping, these four waterfalls will delight you. From Chom Thong city they are a short drive away. From Chiang Mai, the drive to Chom Thong is straightforward and takes about 45 minutes.
Of course most people don’t have their own car, so tours or private drivers, or busses can be arranged. Sign up with a ‘small group’ all day Tour with Viator. More on that below. Many people ride motor bikes to them as well. And its not just about the waterfall, there is a lot more to these spots than just the falls.
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Mae Klang Waterfall
Two of the best three waterfalls in Doi Inthanon are not up the mountain in the main part of the park. One of them, and my favorite, is Mae Klang. Besides the fact the waterfall and river below are amazing, the fact you don’t have to drive up the mountain to get to it is a huge bonus.
Our house is very close by, so we frequent this waterfall often just to hang out and have lunch. Just before you turn to go up the hill to the main part of the park, you will take a slight left to this waterfall. And the parking lot is just right there.
They have an amazing picnic area along the river. You get get grilled food at one of the several stands. Eat along the river on picnic areas that are set up with matts and maintained by someone working there. Or you can sit at the covered tables overlooking the river. Order some chicken, sticky rice and a cold beer and you are set.
Pass the parking lot you will go up a small paved road to the waterfall, about 100 meters. You pass the entrance booth to pay, however the last couple times we were there no one charged us. Along the way there are nice restrooms and more picnic areas. You can also find a lot of butterflies. Once you reach the waterfall, there is a trail that goes up to the right and an observation tower.
Mae Ya Waterfall
Although technically inside the park, you will not enter the main part of the park to visit this one. That is because to get there you need to go to another entrance, 17km southwest of the main one. You will have to pay the standard entrance fee, which is good for the rest of the park. It is a cascading waterfall plunging from several tiers over 250 meters.
The road up however is a slow road with sharp turns up to the waterfall. Once at the parking area, you will have to walk a bit up the road to the falls, or take the trail along the river which is super nice. Well worth the effort getting there as this is considered one of the top waterfalls in all of Thailand.
Between the parking lot and the falls are opportunities to eat, shop, picnic, swim in the river, and do some hiking. In the parking lot there are food stalls and shopping for locally made items.
To get to the waterfall from the parking lot you can either walk up the road, which is shady, or take a trail along the river which is super nice. Along the river are many areas to picnic and swim, and dip in the river.
Wachirathan
By far the most popular to visit in Doi Inthanon National Park, and perhaps all of Thailand. Reasons why it is so popular will become evident once you are there. It is also easily accessible, close to the main road with ample parking.
A spectacular waterfall with great vantage points, extensive tropical grounds and good Thai food, coffee, and facilities on site. A great spot to have a picnic. Many people enjoy swimming in the river below. This can be dangerous during the rainy season and the waterfall gets very large with fast moving water below and lots of large rocks.
Rainbows can be seen in the spray from the waterfall when the sun is angled in the afternoon. You will also get wet on the trail closest to the falls, when trying to take your selfie. It is a great place to cool off as you will get wet in the fall.
The Coffee Shop has good Wi-Fi, I used it to write this article. Go early in the morning if possible before the tour busses show up.
In the parking lot are a few very good lunch options. The local Thai food is pretty good, and the smoothie place is great.
Mae Tia Waterfall
I cannot believe I had never been to Mae Tia Waterfall in Op Luang National Park until recently. This waterfall is only about 35 minutes up the mountain from Chom Thong City. It is actually in the Hot District, although just barley. The drive up is beautiful, and you first drive through rice fields and past a couple large temples and a famous meditation place.
It is not the easiest Waterfall to get to, which is one reason it is not as crowded as others. The roads are in good condition, but steep and very narrow, with lots of blind curves. We drove a big truck up, which makes it harder to pass, but feels safer. Once you park, there is a 1.5km road you need to hike up. And along the way there is this cool house in the rice fields. It was dry season, so it probably looks amazing in the rainy season.
Crossing the river you enter a beautiful shady, and large, area to spend the day or even overnight. There are areas for camping, nice toilets, and even a little food stand.
Mae Tia Waterfall originates from the lower Mae Tia Stream. It is two-tiered continuous waterfall about 80 m in height and 40 m in width. It flows all year around, except like all in Northern Thailand is is best from October-December. This is one of the special waterfalls and camping spots.
To get to Mae Tia Waterfall from Chiang Mai by car, take Highway 108 until reaching Chom Thong district and turn right next to the district office or turn right close to Sop Tia Temple or take a bus from Chiang Mai to Hot or from Chiang Mai to Chom Thong. Then, take a motorcycle to the waterfall entrance, where a ride service to the waterfall is provided.
Getting To The Waterfalls
The easiest way to get to Doi Inthanon National Park is by car. There is also an option to take the bus from the Arcade Bus Station in Chiang Mai up into the park. The bus station is located at the end of Kaeo Narawat Rd just before it meets the superhighway.
12Go is the most recommended source for transportation around Thailand. Finding a private driver in Chiang Mai is pretty easy. There are tour operators all over town, and your hotel most likely knows someone. Drivers and tours to Doi Inthanon Waterfalls are popular, but going to Mae Tia will take either your own car or hiring a driver.
There are also a few tour companies that offer day trips to the park from Chiang Mai. I would recommend if you are staying in the city and don’t want to drive or rent a car, then sign up with a ‘small group’ all day Tour with Viator. You will at least get to stop at all the popular spots. Go on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds.
Recommended Hotels Near The Falls
These three resorts are all near each other and located just outside the park. I would recommend them all. They are located off route 1009 which goes from the main route 108 into Doi Inthanon.
Touch Star Resort. Highly Recommended by us. Located just 5 minutes from the first checkpoint. Very spacious grounds with lush landscape and various types of rooms. Wi-Fi, TV and all the modern amenities.
There are standard hotel rooms, small Chalets, as well as small and large group houses to rent. Wedding and banquet facilities if you’re going down that route! Friendly local staff. Good restaurant. My wife and I have stayed in both a deluxe room and chalet and loved it both times. Rates are 1,200 baht and up.
Inthanon Highlands Resort. This resort is just across the road from Touch Star. Also has beautiful grounds, a great Thai restaurant we tried, and a quiet atmosphere. It is more booked by locals.
Doi Inthanon View Resort. Also located right outside the park entrance on route 1009. They have really neat looking individual chalets. This is a higher end resort offering small villa type rooms. The property features lush gardens, with restaurant and activities. There is a nice looking Thai restaurant. We have not stayed here, but walked around and it looks great.
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
