Mae Ya Waterfall
Time your visit to the water and this one pays off. The falls drop in tiers through thick forest off Highway 1009 in Chom Thong, with pools forming at the base and at various levels up the cascade, and they run hardest during and just after the rains from May to October. Come in the dry months and you'll still get the forest and the cool air, but the volume drops off noticeably.
It's a moderately active outing rather than a viewpoint you drive up to. Expect walking and some climbing if you want the upper tiers, and expect wet rock the whole way. Wear shoes with real grip. The shade is the other reason to come, because the canopy keeps the heat off in a way that Chiang Mai city, an hour or so north, does not. Bring swimwear if you plan to get in the pools, and water for the exposed stretches of path.
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Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around Mae Ya Waterfall — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Mae Ya 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 Ya Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mae Ya Waterfall worth visiting?
Mae Ya Waterfall holds a 4.8★ rating from 2,169 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Mae Ya Waterfall?
Mae Ya Waterfall is typically open 08:00-18:00 — 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 Ya 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 Ya Waterfall located?
Mae Ya Waterfall is at Highway 1009, Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
Highway 1009, Ban Luang, Chom Thong, Chiang Mai 50160, Thailandticket-advance.com/doi-inthanon-national-park-full-day-small-group-tourVisitor 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 Ya 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.
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 Ya 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)