Mae Ya Waterfall Chiang Mai
Thailand's second-highest waterfall, Mae Ya boasts breathtaking tiered cascades and a refreshing, misty atmosphere. A must-visit natural wonder near C...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Most powerful flow, fewer crowds
Mae Ya Waterfall Chiang Mai
Best Time
Most powerful flow, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Thailand's second-highest waterfall, Mae Ya boasts breathtaking tiered cascades and a refreshing, misty atmosphere. A must-visit natural wonder near Chiang Mai.
"Mae Ya Waterfall truly impressed me! It’s absolutely incredible and so beautiful. A must-visit spot!"
🚗 Hire a Car or Driver
Easier access to Mae Ya and other Doi Inthanon sights. Check expat groups for recommendations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short 500m walk from parking to falls, but good grip is helpful on wet rocks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cascading Tiers
Main waterfall area
Witness the breathtaking sight of multiple tiers of water flowing down a rocky cliff, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Refreshing Mist
Base of the waterfall
Feel the cool, invigorating mist on your face and enjoy the refreshing spray, perfect for a hot day.

Scenic Picnic Spots
Designated areas near the falls
Relax and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty, with designated areas offering picturesque views.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Getting There: Plan Your Transport
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Hire a Car or Driver
Easier access to Mae Ya and other Doi Inthanon sights. Check expat groups for recommendations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short 500m walk from parking to falls, but good grip is helpful on wet rocks.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The tiered cascades offer incredible photo opportunities, especially with the mist.
💧 Embrace the Mist
The refreshing spray is a highlight! Bring a waterproof bag for electronics.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Hire a Car or Driver
Easier access to Mae Ya and other Doi Inthanon sights. Check expat groups for recommendations.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
A short 500m walk from parking to falls, but good grip is helpful on wet rocks.
📸 Capture the Majesty
The tiered cascades offer incredible photo opportunities, especially with the mist.
💧 Embrace the Mist
The refreshing spray is a highlight! Bring a waterproof bag for electronics.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entrance fee is around 60 THB, offering great value for the experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Mae Ya Waterfall for its stunning beauty and impressive scale, often calling it one of Thailand's most magnificent falls. The tiered cascades and refreshing mist are highlights, offering a truly immersive natural experience. While the journey from Chiang Mai is a bit of a drive, the easy walk to the falls and affordable entry make it a worthwhile destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
"Mae Ya waterfall truly impressed me! I’ve been to many places in Thailand over the past two years, but this one stood out the most. It’s absolutely incredible and so beautiful. A must-visit spot!"
Мартынов Павел
"Absolutely beautiful waterfall! It’s about a 2-hour drive from Chiang Mai city, and once you arrive, there’s an easy 500-meter walk from the car park to the falls. The path is simple, and the view is totally worth it. We were lucky it wasn’t crowded when we visited—very peaceful and relaxing. Highly recommend!"
John Ben Swainson
"The waterfall is absolutely magnificent! It was our first stop of Doi Inthanon trip, and it definitely set the tone. A great spot for taking photos or just enjoying the refreshing splash on your face and the cool, misty breeze."
hm Loy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mae Ya Waterfall is located about 1.5 hours south of Chiang Mai. The most convenient ways to get there are by renting a car and driving yourself or hiring a private car with a driver.
It's important to note that Mae Ya Waterfall is accessed via a separate road and not through the main entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park.Yes, Mae Ya Waterfall is often included in tours of Doi Inthanon National Park. However, be aware that it has a separate access road, so ensure your tour itinerary specifically includes it.
Renting a motorbike is an option if you are comfortable with longer rides and navigating Thai roads. It offers flexibility but requires caution.
The drive from Chiang Mai city center to Mae Ya Waterfall typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, covering a distance of approximately 70-80 kilometers.
Public transportation directly to Mae Ya Waterfall is limited. Hiring a private car or joining a guided tour are the most practical options for most visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Mae Ya Waterfall is approximately 60 Thai Baht per person, offering excellent value for the stunning natural beauty.
Mae Ya Waterfall is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any seasonal changes or temporary closures.
While Mae Ya Waterfall is located within the broader Doi Inthanon area, it has a separate access road. Your entrance ticket to Doi Inthanon National Park may not cover Mae Ya Waterfall directly, so confirm upon arrival or when booking tours.
There is a parking area available, and while specific fees can vary, it's generally an affordable addition to the entrance cost.
Swimming is generally not advised directly at the main cascades due to strong currents and slippery rocks. However, there are safer areas downstream where you can cool off.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the waterfall's grandeur. The mist can create dramatic effects, so consider bringing a lens cloth.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the falls. A tripod can help with longer exposures, especially in lower light. Consider a waterproof bag for your gear.
Yes, there are several viewpoints along the path leading to the waterfall, offering different perspectives of the tiered cascades.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or park rangers before flying a drone to ensure compliance and respect for other visitors.
Experiment with different angles from the base of the falls to capture the full height and width. Looking up from the bottom emphasizes the scale.
🎫 🌿 Nature & Environment
The rainy season, from June to October, is when Mae Ya Waterfall is at its most powerful and impressive due to increased water flow.
The area is surrounded by lush forest, typical of Doi Inthanon National Park, offering a rich biodiversity. You might see various tropical plants and hear diverse bird calls.
As with many natural, humid environments in Thailand, mosquitoes can be present, especially during dawn and dusk. It's advisable to bring insect repellent.
Yes, there are designated picnic areas with beautiful views, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature.
The path from the parking lot to the waterfall is relatively short (about 500 meters) and generally easy to navigate, though it can be slippery when wet.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers' Paradise
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Mae Ya Waterfall
The waterfall is situated within the Doi Inthanon National Park region, though it requires a separate drive from the park's main entrance. This means that while it's part of the larger natural park system, it's often visited as a distinct destination. The journey itself offers scenic views of the northern Thai landscape. The accessibility is relatively good, with a short, easy walk from the parking lot to the main viewing areas, making it enjoyable for a wide range of visitors.
Beyond the visual spectacle, Mae Ya Waterfall offers a sensory experience. The sound of the water is powerful and soothing, and the cool mist provides a welcome respite from the tropical heat. Designated picnic spots allow visitors to linger and soak in the natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for a day trip focused on nature and relaxation.
Planning Your Visit: Transport and Logistics
When considering transport, think about the time of day you wish to visit. Arriving early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the peak crowds that can gather later in the day. This allows for a more peaceful experience and better opportunities for photography. The walk from the parking area to the waterfall itself is a relatively short 500 meters, making it accessible for most. However, wearing comfortable, non-slip shoes is advisable, as the path can become wet and slippery, especially during and after the rainy season.
The entrance fee is quite affordable, typically around 60 Thai Baht, making it a budget-friendly addition to your Chiang Mai itinerary. While the waterfall is stunning year-round, its power is most dramatic during the rainy season (June to October). However, during this time, road conditions might be more challenging, and some areas could be temporarily closed. The dry season offers easier access and consistently pleasant weather for exploration.
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