Mae Sa Waterfall
Climb. That's my main advice here. Most people park, look at the first tier, take a photo and leave, which means the upper levels of this multi-tiered cascade in Mae Rim are usually the quiet ones. Marked trails link the levels, and there are natural pools at several of them where swimming is allowed in the designated spots. It sits about 30 kilometres from Chiang Mai city, up in forested hills, and you'll feel the temperature drop as soon as you're under the canopy.
Best water is during and just after the rains, roughly July to October, when the flow is loud and heavy. That's also when the rocks are at their most treacherous, so it's a trade-off. Dry season means gentler streams but easier walking. It draws Thai families out for the day as much as it does hikers, so weekends are busier than weekdays.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mae Sa Waterfall, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Also Popular in Chiang Mai
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
Tha Phae Gate
Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.
Wat Phra That Doi Kham
Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.
Mae Sa Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Sa Waterfall worth visiting?
Mae Sa Waterfall holds a 4.4★ rating from 2,513 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Sa Waterfall?
Mae Sa Waterfall is typically open 08:30-16:30 — 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 Sa 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 Sa Waterfall located?
Mae Sa Waterfall is at WV4X+H63, Soi Namtok Mae Sa 4, Tambon Mae Raem, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
WV4X+H63, Soi Namtok Mae Sa 4, Tambon Mae Raem, Amphoe Mae Rim, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50180, Thailand053 210 244Visitor 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 Sa 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.
Nearby Places
Phoenix Adventure Park
Family-friendly adventure park in Mae Rim offering ziplines, high ropes, and a little train for young children.
Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.
Safari World
A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.
Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Mae Sa 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)