7+ Beautiful Waterfall Hikes in Chiang Mai, Thailand
The waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai are next-level. If you’re visiting the jewel of northern Thailand then you definitely want to get your butt into the jungle. Exploring waterfalls is one of my favorite ways to connect with nature and feel the spirituality of Thailand. Once you take a dip in a Chiang Mai waterfall, you’ll understand what I mean.
After living in Chiang Mai for over two years, I’ve gone on a lot of waterfall hikes. Some that are up jagged mountains and through rough terrain, and others where you get to the waterfall after a simple nature walk. Most of these waterfalls are ~1 hour from the old city. Some are popular, and others are favorite local spots. So trust me when I say that I know what I’m talking about!
In most of these waterfall spots you can SWIM in the healing waters. The water is usually cold but feels amazing. Also, most will cost ~100 baht to enter, so bring Thai baht with you on all your adventures.
Now, let’s discuss the best waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai so you too can make the most out of your northern Thailand adventures!
Most beautiful waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai
Monk’s Trail
The Monk’s Trail (Wat Pha Lat Hike) is one of the more popular hikes in Chiang Mai, and for good reason. I’d recommend starting at the bottom by the Chiang Mai zoo, and hiking all the way up to Doi Suthep. You’ll pass stunning waterfalls and temples (make sure to bring something to cover your shoulders). Go early so you’ll be the only one on the path.
There are parts of this hike where it feels like you’re in the middle of the jungle thousands of kilometers from civilization! Then you round a corner and the most stunning temple pops out of midair … it’s very special. Sit by the running water and feel the calming spiritual air.
Tip: Huay Keaw waterfall is on the way to Doi Suthep and really stunning and fun to swim in. If you’re already in the area you should check it out!
Sticky Waterfalls
The Sticky Waterfalls (Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si) is another popular spot ~1 hour from the Chiang Mai old city. I’d recommend gathering some friends and taking a red songtaew to the waterfalls. There’s so much to explore!
It’s a popular family spot for locals and foreigners because of the fun interactive element. Bring water shoes so you can walk up the waterfalls (hence the name ‘sticky’). It’s super freaking cool! You can also swim in some of the different pools at spots on the waterfall. It really is like a giant waterfall playground, and worth it for a day trip!
Doi Inthanon
My favorite three waterfalls in Doi Inthanon national park are true stunners. Doi Inthanon is known for their waterfalls, and I do think that these are the best waterfalls in northern Thailand. The first one that I’ll recommend is super popular because it’s so mighty and huge. The other two are less known but just as beautiful in my opinion!
The Wachirathan Waterfall is probably the most famous in northern Thailand. It is HUGE and mighty as heck. The waters are so powerful that there’s a permanent rainbow at the bottom of the falls. It is absolutely stunning, a true wonder of the world! Tip: Go early before 10am and the loads of tourist vans circle here.
Mae Pan waterfall is a hidden gem in Doi Inthanon. You have to hike ~30 minutes through rough terrain to make it here, and the two-tier cascading waterfall is a sight to behold. We were the only people there, it’s relatively unknown! The roads are super windy to get here so be careful … but there’s a reason I’m recommending it! GO here if you want the authentic northern Thailand jungle experience!!
The other less known waterfall is on the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail. I’d highly recommend doing this hike, necessary with a local guide. The waterfalls are HUGE and powerful, and not super crowded. Your guide will take you to all the hidden spots, and the water falling is a huge part on why this trail is one of my favorites in Northern Thailand.
All you have to do is show up at the trailhead and local guides will be waiting for you. It is cheap and an awesome experience. Go early, before 10am, to miss all the tour busses that come around here.
Tip: You don’t have to pay the 300 baht national park fee if you are just stopping here and not going further in the park.
Mae Sa
Mae Sa is a famous waterfall complex ~1 hour from Chiang Mai old city with over 5 levels of waterfalls to its name. It’s awesome! I’d recommend going all the way to the top, since it’s a bit of a steep climb and the waterfall pool at the top is really fun to swim in. Also, it’s less crowded and more spiritual.
Mae Kampong
Mae Kampong waterfall is a hidden gem of northern Thailand! The drive to get to Mae Kampong town is so fun, the roads are windy and through mountains. The waterfall itself is huge and cascades into many layers. The hike to the top is steep so beware. But once you get to the tippity top, the waterfall pool has healing waters and is so lovely to swim in. Tip: Explore the mountain village and get lunch after your waterfall hike.
Tat Mok
My last waterfall hike in Chiang Mai recommendation is Tat Mok, ~1 hour away from the old city. This waterfall is a favorite local spot. It’s a short, easy walk to get to the waterfall, where it’s so much fun to swim in the pool. This is a great spot for a picnic and a good soul chat. Go here if you hate being around other tourists and want a quiet spot to yourself.
To Conclude
Do you agree with my assessment of the most beautiful waterfall hikes in Chiang Mai? I hope this post gives you inspiration for your own travels to northern Thailand. Waterfall hikes are one of the most special, magical, spiritual things to do here.
xx Gracie
If you liked this article, you may enjoy my others about northern Thailand: