Mae Kampong Waterfall
Most people stop at the first drop, decide it's pleasant, and turn around. That's the mistake. The lower tier sits about 50 metres in from the trailhead, and the real walk starts after it: roughly 20 minutes of rocks, concrete steps and narrow jungle path running alongside the stream, climbing past pool after pool. Higher up the water runs clearer than at the base, and the noise of it follows you the whole way.
It pairs naturally with Mae Kampong village, which is where the approach begins. You can walk the paved road up, around two kilometres of steady incline with views and a coffee stop or two along the way, or pay about THB 20 per person for the pick-up jeep, which is steep and bumpy but saves your legs for the climb itself. My advice is jeep up, walk down through the village and stop at the wooden temple on the way.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mae Kampong Waterfall, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
You can walk to this waterfall (starting point) from Mae Kampong Village, a bit of a hilly walk on a paved road but it is an easy walk. Once you arrive at the starting point of the trail leading to the waterfall(s), there is a mixture of well-maintained steps/tracks with a steep climb. The steps and tracks are wet/muddy and require appropriate shoes. You walk along the seven tiers which can be reached via a narrow path, leading into the jungle along the stream. The roaring sound of the cascading waterfall descending over a steep, rocky surface feels like being immersed in raw, untamed nature. The steps/track goes almost to the top of the waterfall, but I didn’t go to the end of the track as there were no proper steps. I returned back on a different track which run through the forest, a bit away but runs parallelly (almost) from the main track along waterfalls.
The waterfall is not too well managed like some others. There are human-constructed concrete stairs to higher levels. Still natural in many ways. Problems during my visit in mid Jan 2026 - road from Kiew Fin to the waterfall is under construction, you may be able to drive through if you are lucky, no official staff at the waterfall - not sure how to manage in case of emergency.
Nice waterfall in a forest context. My suggestion is to have someone bldriving you up there by car/motorbike, enjoy the sorroundings and come back to the Mae Kampong village walking. It's 2 kms with nice views, coffee bar to stop and don't forget the wooden temple.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 2,930 reviews on Google.
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Mae Kampong Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Kampong Waterfall worth visiting?
Mae Kampong Waterfall holds a 4.5★ rating from 2,930 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Kampong Waterfall?
Mae Kampong Waterfall is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Mae Kampong Waterfall?
The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).
Where is Mae Kampong Waterfall located?
Mae Kampong Waterfall is at สันกำแพง Tambon Huai Kaeo, Amphoe Mae On, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50130, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
สันกำแพง Tambon Huai Kaeo, Amphoe Mae On, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50130, ThailandVisitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)
Where to stay near Mae Kampong Waterfall
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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours
Vet Elephant Sanctuaries
Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.
Book Popular Activities Online
Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning
Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.
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Where to stay near Mae Kampong Waterfall
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – October
Avg. temperature
15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)
Getting there
Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.
Getting around
- •Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
- •Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)