Huay Kaew Waterfall Chiang Mai
A serene, free-to-enter waterfall near Chiang Mai, offering a peaceful escape with lush greenery and abundant butterflies.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Strongest water flow
Huay Kaew Waterfall Chiang Mai
Best Time
Strongest water flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, free-to-enter waterfall near Chiang Mai, offering a peaceful escape with lush greenery and abundant butterflies.
"A must-visit for a peaceful nature escape, immaculately clean and blissfully uncrowded."
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Essential for climbing rocks and walking through water. Old sneakers or hiking sandals are best .
💧 Visit After Rain for Flow
Water levels are highest and most impressive during and after the rainy season.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Cascading Falls
Main waterfall area
Experience the refreshing, cool water cascading down the rocks. A truly meditative spot for relaxation.
Butterfly & Old Tree Sanctuary
Surrounding park area
Enchanting natural setting with abundant butterflies and ancient trees, offering a peaceful escape.
Wang Bua Ban Viewpoint Trail
Trailhead near waterfall
A short, moderately challenging hike offering scenic views and a chance to explore canyons.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Flow
Trail Accessibility & Footwear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Essential for climbing rocks and walking through water. Old sneakers or hiking sandals are best.
💧 Visit After Rain for Flow
Water levels are highest and most impressive during and after the rainy season.
🦋 Peaceful Mornings
Arrive early to enjoy the tranquility before crowds arrive.
🚶♀️ Explore the Upper Trails
Hike further up for plunge pools and a more challenging, rewarding experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Essential for climbing rocks and walking through water. Old sneakers or hiking sandals are best.
💧 Visit After Rain for Flow
Water levels are highest and most impressive during and after the rainy season.
🦋 Peaceful Mornings
Arrive early to enjoy the tranquility before crowds arrive.
🚶♀️ Explore the Upper Trails
Hike further up for plunge pools and a more challenging, rewarding experience.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Enjoy a meal by the water; mats can be rented nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Huay Kaew Waterfall is praised as a peaceful, free, and easily accessible nature escape within Chiang Mai. Visitors love the serene atmosphere, the refreshing water, and the surrounding greenery with butterflies. While not the most dramatic waterfall, its charm lies in its tranquility and convenience, though water flow can be low in the dry season.
"This Space is a must-visit for a peaceful nature escape. Open 8 am to 5 pm, it's immaculately clean, free to enter, and blissfully uncrowded. The abundance of butterflies and old trees is enchanting, and the seating near the waterfall offers a truly meditative experience. Highly recommended."
Aaryan Chandra Prakash
"Absolute must visit. The hike was enjoyable. Water was cold. Though you'll only find water as yoh go up higher and not at the entrance (I visited in March first week).
Its relatively deserted in the morning and people crowd up later from afternoon tk evening. I continued to hike upwards to try to see the source of waterfall. I found several plunge pools on my way. However i couldn't go beyond a certain point. Surely recommend a hike upwards, if you're interested, although quite challenging."
Vamsi Krishna
"Beautiful natural spot to get close to cool fresh water and take a rest.
I enjoyed my time here.
Recommended waterfall."
liyang chen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Huay Kaew Waterfall is conveniently located near Chiang Mai Zoo and the Kruba Srivichai Monument. You can easily reach it by songthaew (red truck taxi) or a short motorbike ride from the city center. Some TikTok creators mention it's about an hour's motorbike ride from Chiang Mai center.
Yes, there is free parking available. One Reddit user mentioned a parking lot near a homestay that's a short walk to the falls.
Yes, Huay Kaew Waterfall is situated within the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, offering a natural escape close to the city.
Absolutely. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Chiang Mai and can take you directly to the waterfall.
Taking a local songthaew is a very affordable option. Negotiate the fare before you get in. Renting a scooter is also budget-friendly if you're comfortable riding.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Huay Kaew Waterfall is free to enter. This makes it a very accessible and popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The waterfall is typically open from 8 am to 5 pm. It's best to check locally for any seasonal changes, though it's generally accessible during daylight hours.
No booking is required as there is no entrance fee. You can visit anytime during opening hours.
The entrance is free. You might choose to rent a mat or hire a guide for the upper trails, but these are optional costs.
Yes, it's generally open on public holidays, but expect it to be more crowded than usual.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The main path to the waterfall is relatively easy. For a more challenging adventure, there's a trail leading upwards with rocky sections and streams to navigate. Some visitors describe it as a fun, fairly challenging hike.
The lower areas are suitable for families, offering a place to relax by the water. The upper trails might be too challenging for very young children due to slippery rocks and water crossings.
While you can walk through the water and cool off, swimming might not be ideal due to the rocky terrain and varying water depths. Plunge pools higher up might be more suitable for a dip.
Bring water-friendly shoes, insect repellent, a towel, and perhaps a change of clothes if you plan to get wet. A picnic is also a great idea.
It's generally uncrowded in the early morning and can get busier in the afternoon and evening, especially on weekends.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the cascading water, the lush greenery, and the butterflies. The rocky formations and the surrounding forest also make for beautiful shots. The viewpoint trail offers panoramic vistas.
Yes, the natural beauty provides many opportunities for stunning photos. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for softer light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help manage reflections on the water. A waterproof phone case is also a good idea if you plan to get close to the water.
No specific restrictions are mentioned, but always be respectful of other visitors and the natural environment.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the national park for any restrictions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
🌿 Nature Lovers & Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Huay Kaew Waterfall Trail Experience
For those interested in the geology and naming of the waterfall, the name 'Huay Kaew' translates to 'Crystal Waterfall'. This is due to the high mineral content, specifically limestone, in the water, which over years of erosion has shaped the unique rock formations.
When planning your hike, consider the season. During the dry season, water flow can be minimal, but after the rains, the waterfall becomes more robust and the trails more dynamic. The experience is enhanced by the surrounding lush greenery and the sounds of nature, making it a refreshing escape from the city.
Nature and Wildlife at Huay Kaew
Beyond the visual beauty, the local flora plays a significant role. TikTok creators have highlighted how guides can point out various uses for jungle plants, leaves, and trees, even demonstrating how to start a fire with bamboo or extract water from it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit