Mae Sa Waterfall, Chiang Mai - waterfalls neartrees durng daytime
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Mae Sa Waterfall Chiang Mai

4.4
·2k reviews·Tambon Mae Raem, Thailand

Experience the thrill of climbing a waterfall! Mae Sa Waterfall's unique 'sticky' rocks offer an unforgettable adventure amidst lush nature.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
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Mae Sa Waterfall, Chiang Mai - waterfalls neartrees durng daytime

Mae Sa Waterfall Chiang Mai

Best Time

Morning

Beat the heat and crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the thrill of climbing a waterfall! Mae Sa Waterfall's unique 'sticky' rocks offer an unforgettable adventure amidst lush nature.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"It's a beautiful and unique waterfall experience with 10 different levels to explore!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Getting There Without a Bike

Yellow songthaews go to Mae Rim. For onward travel, book a Grab by the hour or a small group tour. :red_car:

👟 Wear Good Shoes!

The trails can be slippery and mossy. Sturdy, grippy footwear is a must for climbing and exploring. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Multi-Tiered Climb

The Multi-Tiered Climb

The entire waterfall cascade

Ascend the unique, grippy rocks of this multi-tiered waterfall, a truly unforgettable natural adventure.

TikTok
Refreshing Plunge Pools

Refreshing Plunge Pools

Base of each waterfall level

Cool off in the natural pools at the base of each cascade; they're shallow and perfect for a relaxing dip.

Reddit
Scenic Hiking Trails

Scenic Hiking Trails

Pathways between waterfall levels

Explore the lush, shady trails connecting the 10 levels of the waterfall, offering beautiful rainforest views.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Getting to Mae Sa Waterfall

While renting a motorbike is popular, it's not the only option. Yellow songthaews from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal go to Mae Rim, but onward travel to the waterfall can be tricky. Consider booking a Grab by the hour or a small group tour for a hassle-free experience. Reddit

What to Bring for Your Visit

Pack swimwear and quick-dry clothing for swimming. A waterproof phone case is essential for capturing photos and videos. Don't forget sunscreen and water, and wear sturdy shoes as the trails can be slippery. TikTok

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Beat the heat and crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer local tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Climbing up a waterfall in chiang mai
@kyramaeturner6
35.8K likes • 501.3K views

🚗 Getting There Without a Bike

Yellow songthaews go to Mae Rim. For onward travel, book a Grab by the hour or a small group tour. Reddit :red_car:

👟 Wear Good Shoes!

The trails can be slippery and mossy. Sturdy, grippy footwear is a must for climbing and exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

ใครกำลังวางแผนไป #น้ำตกห้วยน้ำเย็น บ้านแม่โขง ต.นาเกียน อ.อมก๋อย จ.เชียงใหม่ เซฟคลิปนี้ไว้ได้เลย 📌 นี่คือคู่มือเที่ยว แบบครบจบในคลิปเดียว ตั้งแต่จุดลงทะเบียน ระหว่างทาง จนถึงน้ำตก ดูจบ เตรียมของแล้วตามมาได้เลยค่ะ . #ที่เที่ยวเชียงใหม่ #tiktokพาเที่ยว #อมก๋อย #ผู้หญิงขี่บิ๊กไบค์
@bb_sobee
6.2K likes • 75.6K views
sticky waterfalls in chiang mai is a fun day out if you’re staying nearby! 🤩🌊 #chiangmai #thailand #southeastasia #travel #traveling #backpacking #traveltiktok #waterfall #norththailand
@thellatravels
3.6K likes • 47.2K views

💧 Bring a Waterproof Case

Protect your phone or camera while capturing epic shots of you climbing or swimming. TikTok :iphone:

🧺 Pack a Picnic

There are picnic benches and grassy areas. Grab some local snacks for a scenic lunch by the water. TikTok :sandwich:

Definitely a must visit if your in Chiang Mai #waterfall #stickywaterfall #chiangmai #thailand #thingstodo #hike #traveltiktok #travel
@compass_fishintv
1.1K likes • 69.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Getting There Without a Bike

Yellow songthaews go to Mae Rim. For onward travel, book a Grab by the hour or a small group tour. Reddit :red_car:

👟 Wear Good Shoes!

The trails can be slippery and mossy. Sturdy, grippy footwear is a must for climbing and exploring. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring a Waterproof Case

Protect your phone or camera while capturing epic shots of you climbing or swimming. TikTok :iphone:

🧺 Pack a Picnic

There are picnic benches and grassy areas. Grab some local snacks for a scenic lunch by the water. TikTok :sandwich:

💰 Entrance Fee

Expect around 100 Baht for foreigners and 30 Baht for parking. A great deal for a full day of fun! Reddit :moneybag:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Mae Sa Waterfall is praised for its unique 'sticky' rocks that allow visitors to climb the cascades, offering a fun and adventurous experience. The multiple levels and refreshing pools provide ample opportunities for exploration and relaxation. While some visitors noted the presence of caterpillars, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its natural beauty and affordability.

"Entrance fee: 100 foreigner/20 local
Parking: 20 motorbike

Beautiful and amazing place to enjoy nature, there are 10 different areas to choose from. Water is refreshing not freezing cold, also pools aren't deep (you'll have to sit or get on your knees)

If you want to walk and get to know the whole place leave your vehicle in parking #1, if not go straight to parking #3 it's short walk to area #4

Starting from area #4 you'll find 3 beautiful small waterfalls in a row. It's worth it going all the way to area #10 (around 15 minute walk from area #4)

Toilets available in every parking lot #1 and #3. In parking lot #3 there are many places selling food.

Date 13/3/25"

Julian Aguilar

"I recently visited Maesa Waterfall in Chiang Mai, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and unique waterfall experiences I’ve ever had. What makes Maesa truly special is that it’s not just one waterfall — it’s a series of 10 different waterfalls, each with its own charm, flow, and natural pool. I’ve never seen anything like it!

The entire area is well-maintained and easy to explore. Each waterfall has a calm pool at the base where people were swimming, relaxing, or simply sitting and soaking in the peaceful surroundings. I saw families having picnics, couples relaxing, and travelers enjoying the cool water. Despite being popular, the place didn’t feel overcrowded — it had a lovely, laid-back vibe.

The entry fee was just 100 Baht, and there’s a 30 Baht parking fee, which felt completely reasonable considering how much beauty you get to experience. You can easily spend a few hours here if you want to visit all the waterfalls, swim, or just unwind in nature.

If you’re in Chiang Mai and want a serene, scenic, and refreshing escape, Maesa Waterfall is a must-visit. It’s a perfect blend of adventure, nature, and falls. Highly recommended. 🤌🏻🤌🏻"

Priya Bansal

"Very well maintained with signs and cleaning. The waterfall itself is beautiful and we are able to follow the trail to the top."

Tanya S

What People Like

Unique sticky rocks for climbing
Multiple waterfall levels
Refreshing swimming pools

What People Dislike

Presence of caterpillars

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

You can take yellow songthaews from Chang Phueak Bus Terminal to Mae Rim. From Mae Rim, onward transport can be challenging. Many travelers opt to book a Grab taxi by the hour for flexibility or join a small group tour. Reddit Some locals suggest that songthaews might be available, but their schedules can be unpredictable. Reddit

Getting a taxi back can be difficult as drivers might find the fare unreasonable for the return trip. Booking a Grab by the hour in advance or arranging a round trip with a driver is often recommended. Reddit

Yellow songthaews typically go to Mae Rim or specific points like Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens. While some songthaews might be found near the waterfall, their availability and schedule are not guaranteed, making them a less reliable option for a return journey. Reddit

Mae Sa Waterfall is located about 30-40 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city, typically taking around 45 minutes to an hour to reach by car or motorbike, depending on traffic. TikTok

Yes, many tour operators in Chiang Mai offer day trips that include Mae Sa Waterfall, often combined with other attractions in the Mae Rim area like Mon Jam or Queen Sirikit Botanical Gardens. Booking through platforms like Klook or TripAdvisor can be a convenient option. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee for Mae Sa Waterfall is typically 100 Baht for foreigners and 20 Baht for locals. Parking fees are separate, usually around 20-30 Baht for motorbikes. Reddit

Yes, there are multiple parking areas. Parking #1 is recommended if you want to explore the entire waterfall area from the beginning. Parking #3 is closer to areas #4 and #5, which are popular spots. Reddit

Mae Sa Waterfall is generally open daily from morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's advisable to check locally for the most up-to-date hours, especially around public holidays. Reddit

Tickets are usually purchased on-site upon arrival. Advance booking is generally not required unless you are part of a pre-arranged tour. Reddit

The entrance fee covers access to the waterfall and its trails. There are no additional fees for climbing the 'sticky' sections of the waterfall itself. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Yes, you can swim in the natural pools at the base of the waterfalls. The water is refreshing and the pools are generally shallow, making them suitable for relaxing and cooling off. Reddit

The 'sticky' nature comes from mineral deposits on the rocks, which create a grippy surface that allows you to walk up the waterfall. It's a unique natural phenomenon that makes climbing possible and fun. TikTok+1

Mae Sa Waterfall is a series of 10 distinct levels, each with its own charm and a small pool at its base. Exploring all of them can take a couple of hours. Reddit

Yes, there are free toilet and shower facilities available, particularly at parking lot #3. Changing rooms are also provided for visitors. TikTok

The lower levels and pools are generally safe for families, but climbing the steeper, 'sticky' sections might be challenging for very young children. Adult supervision is always recommended. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls and small restaurants located near parking lot #3, offering local Thai dishes and snacks. TikTokReddit

Absolutely! Many visitors bring their own picnics to enjoy at the designated picnic benches and grassy areas. It's a great way to save money and enjoy the natural surroundings. TikTok

You'll find typical Thai street food, including grilled meats, noodles, snacks, and refreshing drinks. It's a good opportunity to try some local flavors. Reddit

There is a small cafe located near the car park, offering drinks and light refreshments for visitors. TikTok

While specific vegetarian options might vary, you can usually find dishes like fried rice or noodle dishes that can be prepared without meat. It's best to ask the vendors directly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Every level offers unique photo opportunities. Capture the 'sticky' rocks in action, the serene pools, and the lush greenery. The view from the top looking down is also spectacular. TikTok+1

It's best to be cautious. Use a waterproof phone case and secure your device. Consider taking photos from stable points or having someone else take them while you climb. TikTok

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photos. Midday sun can be harsh, but the water spray can create interesting effects. TikTok

Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check with local authorities or park management before flying a drone to ensure compliance with any restrictions. Reddit

Focus on the texture and grip of the rocks. Shots of people climbing, with water flowing over them, or close-ups of the mineral deposits will highlight the unique nature of the waterfall. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mae Sa Waterfall offers a fun and engaging experience for families. The lower levels feature shallow pools perfect for children to splash and play in safely. Reddit The 'sticky' rock sections provide an exciting, albeit supervised, climbing adventure for older kids. TikTok

Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as there are picnic areas available. TikTok While the main trails are manageable, ensure children wear appropriate footwear to prevent slips. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and make the experience more relaxed for everyone. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

Mae Sa Waterfall is an affordable destination. The entrance fee is reasonable, and parking is inexpensive. Reddit To save money on transport, consider taking the yellow songthaews to Mae Rim and then trying to negotiate a fare with a local taxi or songthaew driver for the onward journey. Reddit Alternatively, look for budget-friendly group tours that might include this stop. Reddit

Packing your own picnic lunch and snacks is a great way to cut down on expenses, as food stalls can add up. TikTok Enjoying the natural beauty and swimming in the falls are free activities that offer immense value. Reddit

📸 Adventure Seekers & Photographers

For those seeking a unique adventure, climbing the 'sticky' rocks of Mae Sa Waterfall is a must-do. The grippy surface allows for an exhilarating ascent, offering a thrilling experience unlike any other waterfall. TikTok+1

Photographers will find endless opportunities to capture stunning shots. The multi-tiered cascades, lush greenery, and the unique interaction of people with the rocks provide dynamic compositions. Remember to bring a waterproof phone case to protect your gear while capturing action shots or swimming. TikTok The early morning light offers the best conditions for photography, with softer light and fewer people. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Science Behind the 'Sticky' Rocks

Mae Sa Waterfall, often called the 'Sticky Waterfall,' owes its unique climbing ability to a fascinating geological process. The rocks are coated with a thick layer of limestone deposits that form from the mineral-rich water flowing over them. This natural coating creates an incredibly grippy surface, preventing algae growth and providing excellent traction for visitors to ascend the cascades. TikTok

This phenomenon is quite rare and makes Mae Sa Waterfall a standout attraction. Unlike typical slippery waterfall rocks, these mineral deposits offer a secure footing, transforming a natural wonder into an interactive adventure playground. It’s this unique characteristic that draws many visitors seeking an unusual and memorable experience in Chiang Mai. TikTok

When you visit, you'll notice how the water constantly flows over these rocks, maintaining their grippy texture. It’s a testament to the dynamic geological processes at play, offering a safe and exhilarating way to connect with nature. Remember to wear appropriate footwear to take full advantage of this natural climbing wall. TikTok

Navigating Mae Sa Waterfall: Trails and Levels

Mae Sa Waterfall is not a single cascade but a series of 10 distinct levels, each offering a slightly different experience. The journey typically begins at the lower levels, where you'll find the most accessible pools and gentle cascades. As you ascend, the terrain becomes more challenging, with steeper 'sticky' rock faces to climb. Reddit

It's recommended to start your exploration from the lower parking areas (like #1) if you wish to experience all 10 levels. The walk from parking #3 to area #4 is relatively short, but continuing to the higher levels can take about 15 minutes of walking from area #4. The trails are generally well-maintained, shaded by trees, and offer beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest. Reddit

Wear sturdy shoes, as the moss and water can make the paths slippery. While the climb is manageable for most, take your time and enjoy the journey. Each level provides a new perspective and a refreshing spot to rest or swim. TikTokReddit

Getting Around Chiang Mai: Transport Options

For travelers without a driver's license or who prefer not to rent a motorbike, navigating Chiang Mai and its surroundings requires some planning. Yellow songthaews are a common form of public transport, particularly for routes connecting the city to nearby towns like Mae Rim. However, their routes can be limited, and onward travel from Mae Rim to attractions like Mae Sa Waterfall might require alternative arrangements. Reddit

Grab and Bolt are popular ride-hailing apps in Chiang Mai, offering a convenient way to book taxis. For attractions further afield, booking a Grab by the hour is a practical solution, allowing the driver to wait for you while you explore. Some travelers have found success negotiating round-trip fares with Grab drivers, especially if they opt for cash transactions. Reddit

Alternatively, small group tours booked through platforms like Klook, GetYourGuide, or TripAdvisor offer a hassle-free way to visit multiple attractions, including Mae Sa Waterfall. These tours often include transportation, guides, and sometimes even lunch, making them a good option for those seeking a structured and convenient experience. Reddit

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