Wachirathan Waterfall
This is the one people remember from a Doi Inthanon day trip, and it earns it. The falls hit hard enough to throw mist across the whole clearing, so you'll get damp just standing there. Come in the morning and sunlight through that spray throws rainbows across the rock, sometimes several at once. There are three viewpoints at different distances, so you can pick how wet you're willing to get.
Access is easy by Thai waterfall standards. You can see the cascade from the car park, and a short paved path with steps takes you down to the base. No hiking involved. Parking is plentiful and there are toilets on site. It's busy, and tour groups roll in through the day, which is the main argument for arriving early. My advice is to treat it as a stop on the way up or down the mountain rather than a destination in itself.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Wachirathan Waterfall, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
"Nature’s Powerhouse – Refreshing and Energizing" Wachirathan is the most energetic waterfall I’ve ever visited. If you’re feeling stuck or mentally exhausted, the sheer power of this place will wake you up. The mist is everywhere, and standing near the base feels like a literal cleansing of the spirit. It’s much more popular and busier than Mae Ya, but the energy here is infectious. Watching the rainbows form in the spray is a highlight that never gets old. It’s the perfect place to stop, take a deep breath of that fresh mountain air, and feel the "reset." An absolute must-see in Doi Inthanon!
Good pit stop to make on the way down from Doi Inthanon. Several in the area but we only went to this one cos of timing. Parking : plenty within the area Toilets : yes Distance : you can see the falls from the carpark so its easy for almost everyone Ticket : Free ( included in your doi inthanon national park fees ) Travel Tip : Raincoat needed if u want to take closer pictures
This was one of several waterfalls we visited, nice scenery and not a difficult walk. We visited as part of a packaged day out. I love spending time looking at waterfalls
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 10,752 reviews on Google.
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Wachirathan Waterfall: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wachirathan Waterfall worth visiting?
Wachirathan Waterfall holds a 4.7★ rating from 10,752 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Wachirathan Waterfall?
Wachirathan Waterfall is typically open 06:00-17:00 — 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 Wachirathan 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 Wachirathan Waterfall located?
Wachirathan Waterfall is at 1009, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
1009, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Thong, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50160, 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 Wachirathan 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
Sirithan Waterfall
A quiet roadside waterfall in Doi Inthanon, easily reached via a short paved walk from the parking area.
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 Wachirathan 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)