Pha Sua Waterfall Mae Hong Son
A wide, powerful waterfall on the Mae Hong Son Loop, offering a scenic stop with a captivating sound and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Potentially free entry & open facilities
Pha Sua Waterfall Mae Hong Son
Best Time
Potentially free entry & open facilities
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wide, powerful waterfall on the Mae Hong Son Loop, offering a scenic stop with a captivating sound and beautiful surrounding landscapes.
"Absolutely worth the ride! Not to mention the small villages you pass through and the amazing views."
🚗 Vehicle Recommended
Attractions are spread out; a car or motorcycle is best for visiting all included sites .
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Stairs lead down to the waterfall; wear shoes for safety and better grip .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pha Sua Waterfall
Main viewing area
A wide and powerful waterfall, even when the water flow is lower. The sound is captivating.
Scenic Drive
Road to the waterfall
The journey to Pha Sua Waterfall offers stunning views and passes through charming villages.
Nearby Attractions
Pang Ung & Fish Cave
Your entry ticket includes access to Pang Ung national park and Fish Cave, valid for one day.
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Planning Your Visit
Entry Fees & Access
Best Viewing & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Vehicle Recommended
Attractions are spread out; a car or motorcycle is best for visiting all included sites.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Stairs lead down to the waterfall; wear shoes for safety and better grip.
🚫 No Swimming/Smoking
Respect the signs; swimming and smoking are prohibited at the waterfall.
📸 Photo Opportunity
Capture the impressive waterfall, even if viewing from a distance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Vehicle Recommended
Attractions are spread out; a car or motorcycle is best for visiting all included sites.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
Stairs lead down to the waterfall; wear shoes for safety and better grip.
🚫 No Swimming/Smoking
Respect the signs; swimming and smoking are prohibited at the waterfall.
📸 Photo Opportunity
Capture the impressive waterfall, even if viewing from a distance.
💰 Entry Fee Note
100 Baht for foreigners, 20 Baht for locals. Some find it pricey for limited access.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pha Sua Waterfall is a scenic stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop, appreciated for its powerful sound and the beautiful drive to reach it. While some find the 100 Baht entry fee for foreigners steep for limited viewing access, others feel it's worthwhile, especially when combined with visits to Pang Ung and Fish Cave. The stairs down offer a closer perspective, but safety and adherence to no-swimming rules are important.
"100 baht entry fee for foreigners, just to watch the waterfall from far away and take a picture. Better watch it from the car park... Pang Ung is closed, why didn't the park management reconsider adjust the prices then? Asking 5 times more the price than thr locals it is pure discrimination"
Iulia Alexandra Ciobanu
"Nice waterfall but not worth the 100 baht payment to enter.
You can just view it from far,
The entrance is blocked"
Shay Zilbernagel
"Touristy but it’s not too crowded actually. Everyone just snaps a photo and then leaves but it’s worth spending a while just listening to the sound. It’s a powerful waterfall even though it’s not big."
Jessie W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pha Sua Waterfall is located on the Mae Hong Son Loop. You can reach it by car or motorcycle. Many travelers include it as a stop between Mae Hong Son and Pai, enjoying the scenic drive and surrounding villages.
The roads leading to the waterfall are generally good, offering beautiful views. Some sections might be winding, typical of mountain roads, but it's considered a worthwhile drive.
Yes, many Mae Hong Son tours include Pha Sua Waterfall as it's a popular stop on the Mae Hong Son Loop. It's often visited alongside Ban Rak Thai village and Pang Ung.
The Mae Hong Son Loop is a famous scenic route in Northern Thailand, known for its winding roads, stunning mountain landscapes, and cultural attractions. Pha Sua Waterfall is a key highlight along this route.
Yes, parking is available for cars and motorcycles. There is a fee associated with parking, which is usually included in the overall entry ticket price.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Pha Sua Waterfall is 100 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for Thai locals. This ticket is valid for one day and grants access to Pha Sua Waterfall, Pang Ung, and Fish Cave.
The 100 Baht ticket includes entry to Pha Sua Waterfall, Pang Ung national park, and Fish Cave. However, these attractions are not located close to each other, so having your own transport is recommended.
Yes, the entrance fee for Thai locals is significantly lower at 20 Baht compared to the 100 Baht for foreigners.
Some visitors have reported visiting for free in the late afternoon, around 4 PM, when facilities might be unattended. However, this is not guaranteed.
No specific age restrictions are mentioned for entry to Pha Sua Waterfall. However, children should be supervised, especially when navigating the stairs.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While you can see the waterfall from the car park, there are stairs leading down for a closer view. Visitors recommend taking the time to listen to the powerful sound of the water, even if the flow is not at its peak.
There isn't a significant hike to reach the main viewing area of Pha Sua Waterfall. However, there are stairs that lead down to a closer vantage point.
No, swimming is prohibited at Pha Sua Waterfall. Signs clearly indicate that swimming and smoking are not allowed.
Restrooms are available, but some reviews mention they are not well-maintained. It's advisable to use facilities before arriving if possible.
Despite being a tourist spot, it's often not overly crowded. Many visitors take a quick photo and leave, allowing for a more peaceful experience if you choose to stay longer and enjoy the atmosphere.
📸 📸 Photography
The main viewing platform offers a good perspective. For different angles, consider the stairs leading down, but be mindful of safety. The surrounding lush greenery also provides a beautiful backdrop.
While drone footage can capture the scale of the waterfall and its surroundings, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in national parks and protected areas.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful, while late afternoon might offer a golden hour glow. Consider the angle of the sun to avoid harsh shadows on the waterfall.
Yes, you can get a view of the waterfall from the car park area, though it's more distant. Some visitors suggest this view is sufficient if you're on a tight schedule.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the waterfall and its surroundings. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water and enhance colors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember that swimming is not allowed, so plan for other water activities elsewhere if that's a priority. The 100 Baht entry fee for foreigners covers multiple sites, so if you have a vehicle, you can extend the day's adventure to Pang Ung and Fish Cave, offering more variety for kids. Pack snacks and water, as facilities might be basic.
🚗 Road Trippers & Cyclists
Consider visiting in the late afternoon for a potentially free entry and a more relaxed atmosphere.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during the softer light of early morning or late afternoon to capture the best shots. A wide-angle lens is recommended to encompass the waterfall and its environment. The scenic drive leading to the waterfall also provides ample opportunities for landscape photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mae Hong Son Loop Experience
+1 The journey itself is as much a part of the experience as the destinations, offering unforgettable views and a sense of adventure.Travelers often describe the drive as incredibly scenic, with lush green landscapes and charming local villages dotting the way. It's a route that allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and tranquility of the region. Many recommend dedicating several days to fully explore the loop, allowing ample time for spontaneous stops and soaking in the atmosphere.
When planning your trip, consider that the loop can be challenging due to its numerous twists and turns, but the rewards are immense. Pha Sua Waterfall, with its powerful cascade and the surrounding natural beauty, is a perfect example of the wonders you'll encounter on this unforgettable journey.
Understanding the Entry Fee and Value
While this fee grants access to multiple sites, some travelers feel that the viewing experience at Pha Sua Waterfall itself is limited, with the main cascade visible from a distance or requiring a descent down stairs.This perception leads to varied opinions on the value for money. Some visitors find the fee reasonable for the opportunity to see these natural attractions, especially considering the cost of maintaining the park areas. Others, however, believe the price is too high, particularly when compared to the significantly lower fee for locals (20 Baht) and the perceived limited direct access to the waterfall itself.
It's worth noting that the ticket's value is amplified if you plan to visit Pang Ung and Fish Cave on the same day. However, be aware that these locations are not in close proximity, necessitating your own transportation to make the most of the combined ticket.
Some visitors have found ways to experience the waterfall for free by visiting late in the afternoon, though this is not a guaranteed option.Navigating the Terrain and Safety
Visitors are reminded to adhere to the posted signs, which clearly state that swimming and smoking are prohibited in the waterfall area.
Beyond the immediate waterfall area, the journey to Pha Sua Waterfall itself offers a chance to explore the beautiful Mae Hong Son province. The roads are scenic, passing through small villages and offering panoramic views. Being prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear will enhance your overall experience of exploring this natural wonder and its surroundings.
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