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Chiang Mai

Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre

4.3(47 reviews)

Nestled within a forested park on the outskirts of Chiang Mai, Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre serves as the entry point to a peaceful natural area centred on a pair of cascading waterfalls. The site attracts visitors looking for a relatively accessible slice of nature without venturing far from the city, and the surroundings are widely described as beautiful and relaxing.

Visitors can explore a paved 1.6km loop trail that connects the two waterfalls, or take on a longer approximately 2-hour hike that leads to an upper tier of the falls before looping back to the visitor centre. The atmosphere tends to be quiet, particularly on weekdays, making it a genuinely peaceful retreat. A small cafeteria is on site for refreshments after the walk.

A practical note for travellers: the park charges a separate entry fee for foreign visitors, which recent visitors have reported at somewhere between 100 and 200 THB — it is worth confirming the current rate at the gate. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, especially if attempting the longer trail. Those looking to skip the entry fee should be aware that the upper falls can reportedly be accessed via hiking trails from above, with routes available on standard trail apps, though this requires more effort and navigation. There is no official website listed, so it is advisable to check current opening hours locally before making the trip.

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Experience hints

Hidden gem

Pair your visit. After Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

The walk from the main road to here is all paved but worth doing in my opinion. The place is absolutely beautiful, there is also a 2h hike you can do, that starts and ends there and brings you to another waterfall. If you have comfortable shoes (and a swimsuit!) I would highly recommend it. Had a beautiful afternoon here. To get here, take a grab, it’s super easy

I was all alone when I visited. So peaceful sitting by the waterfall, there’s a 2km nature trail to to upper tier of waterfall. 100thb entry for foreigners, 20thb for locals

Racist/xenophobic pricing. Automatic 1 star review, best to avoid. But if you want to go and don't mind a bit of hiking you can get to it from the top of the falls, check out trails on any app like backcountrynavigator, suunto etc. The trail should be preloaded on the map. But be prepared for a long walk. The plus side is you will see upper levels of the same waterfall that you otherwise probably wouldn't. I walked in that way and out via the road, the checkpoint is next to the main road where the staff might ask you to pay if its a quiet day and they know you didn't enter that way. Just offer to pay the nornal price, then walk away when they ask you to pay the inflated price.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 47 reviews on Google.

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Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre worth visiting?

Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre holds a 4.3★ rating from 47 Google reviews — a strong rating for activities & tours in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre?

Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre 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 Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre?

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 Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre located?

Montha Than Waterfall Visitor Centre is at RW8G+P9C, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Location Info

RW8G+P9C, Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
Opening Hours
MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

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

High

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)

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Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

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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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