Discover Top 5 the most stunning waterfalls in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai offers stunning waterfalls tucked away in lush green jungles, rather than a beach destination. Take a refreshing dip in the water after a day of hiking, or ride a motorbike to a waterfall for a picnic with friends. With so many options available, it's impossible to see them all. Our list features a range of waterfalls, including small showers, glistening pools, slippery rock formations, and also multiple-tier cascades. You'll even encounter enormous falls that are sure to impress. This article will  discover everything you need to know about Chiang Mai's best waterfalls.

Bua Tong Waterfall

The Bua Thong Waterfall, commonly known as the Sticky Waterfall, is a popular attraction due to its unique rock formation. The rocks are sticky because of a mineral in the spring water that leaves a grip on the surface. Climbing up and down the falls is not slippery, making it a fun experience.

The Sticky Waterfall is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or through a joined tour. It's located approximately 60 kilometers or an hour's drive north of the old city in Chiang Mai. You can also combine a visit to the Sticky Waterfall with a trip to the Mae Ngat Dam Lake in Sirilanna National Park. It's recommended to leave early to make the most of your time on the lake, which is a fantastic spot for lunch or even an overnight stay on one of the houseboats. If you're driving from Chiang Mai to Pai, you can take a short detour to enjoy lunch and bathe at the falls.

We offer a day trip to the Sticky Waterfall from Chiang Mai, which includes a visit to Doi Suthep, Wat Pha Lat, The Orchid and Butterfly Farm, and lunch. For more information, please click on the link below.

Tad Mork Waterfall

Tad Mork Waterfall, situated in the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui national park, is a natural wonder that's worth a visit. If you've already visited Mae Sa Falls, you can use the same entrance ticket to access the Tad Mork Waterfall. It's just a 20-minute drive north of Mae Sa Falls on the way to Mon Jam. The waterfall is an impressive sight, standing at 15 meters high, and the plunge pool is a great place to take a dip, particularly during the rainy season.

After visiting Tad Mork Waterfall, it's recommended to continue driving up to Mon Jam Mountain. The views over the Northern plains are breathtaking, making it an ideal spot for a well-deserved lunch and a refreshing beer.

The Wachirathan Waterfall

The Wachirathan Waterfall is a breathtaking attraction in Doi Inthanon National Park. The unique combination of mossy rocks, misty atmosphere, and vibrant green water creates an otherworldly ambiance. When the sun shines through the mist, a colorful rainbow appears in front of the waterfall, making it an ideal location for photography enthusiasts. Although bathing is not permitted at the Wachirathan Waterfall, a short hike to the top offers additional opportunities to capture stunning pictures.

The Wachirathan Waterfall is located 100 kilometers south of Chiang Mai, and many visitors combine their visit to this waterfall with a trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, which boasts the highest peak in Thailand. A day trip from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park is highly recommended to make the most out of your visit.

Mae Sa Pok Waterfall

The Mae Sa Pok Waterfall is a beautiful natural shower in Mae Wang National Park, located around 60 kilometers south of Chiang Mai. It's one of the highlights of our two-day Exclusive Trekking and Chiang Mai Elephant Legend tour programs. Visitors can walk through the waterfall and take shelter behind the rocks, making it a great spot to cool down during hot and humid Chiang Mai summers.

The waterfall is easily accessible by private transportation and there are several other waterfalls in the vicinity, including the Mae Wang Waterfall and a secluded waterfall known as Namtok Haad Sai (meaning "Jungle Beach Waterfall" in Thai). For a private day trip away from the crowds, you can combine a visit to the Pha Chor Canyon with a stop at one of these waterfalls. We recommend avoiding the dry season when the waterfall can dry up completely. The best time to visit is during the months of July to November.

Mae Sa Waterfall

The Mae Sa Waterfall in Mae Rim is a popular destination, just over 20 kilometers north of the old city of Chiang Mai. Located in the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park, foreigners must pay a 150 Baht entrance fee, which is worth it. 

The Mae Sa Waterfall consists of 10 tiers and you can easily spend 2 hours walking up to the last tier and back.

There are refreshing pools for a dip, and on weekends, many local Thais enjoy picnics with their families and friends by the water. You can also combine a visit to the Mae Sa Waterfalls with the Samoeng Loop, a 100-kilometer road trip around Doi Suthep. 

The loop provides breathtaking views and is a great day trip by motorbike or car to get a taste of life in the Northern Thai mountains.