Pha Chor Tourist Point is a group of tall, eroded sediment cliffs in Mae Wang National Park, southwest of Chiang Mai. Often compared with a small canyon, its fluted walls and earth pillars rise above a narrow walking...
Chiang Mai Nature
Chiang Mai is surrounded by mountains, forests, waterfalls, lakes and gardens, making nature one of the strongest reasons to explore beyond the Old City. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Huay Tung Tao Lake, Mae Sa Valley, Mon Cham, Monks Trail and Mae Klang Waterfall, alongside several other natural attractions across northern Thailand.
The category is broader than the separate National Parks or Waterfalls sections. It works best as an umbrella for mountain scenery, lakes, gardens, forest walks, viewpoints and other outdoor places that do not fit neatly into a single specialist category.
Explore Chiang Mai Nature
- Mountains and viewpoints – Visit Doi Inthanon, Mon Cham and other highland areas for cool air, panoramic views and scenic drives.
- Forest walks and trails – Explore routes such as the Monks Trail and other paths through Doi Suthep-Pui and surrounding forest.
- Lakes and peaceful outdoor areas – Huay Tung Tao Lake provides an easy escape for picnics, cycling and relaxed time beside the water.
- Gardens and plant life – Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden combines tropical glasshouses, forest trails and a canopy walkway in Mae Rim.
- Waterfalls and valleys – Mae Klang Waterfall, Mae Sa Valley and other natural areas add cascades, streams and lush scenery to day trips outside the city.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai nature attractions, mountain scenery, forest walks, gardens and outdoor places across northern Thailand.
Pha Chor Tourist Point
Yang Khram, Doi Lo
Mork Fa Waterfall
Sop Poeng, Mae TaengMork Fa Waterfall, also written Mok Fa or Mok Fah, is a forest waterfall in the northern section of Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. It lies near the Chiang Mai-Pai road in Mae Taeng, with a short woodland approach leading...
Siriphum Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongSiriphum Waterfall is a pair of narrow falls descending a forested cliff above Khun Klang village in Doi Inthanon National Park. Its most recognisable view is the two pale ribbons of water seen across the valley, rather...
Monthathan Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiMonthathan Waterfall, also written Mon Tha Than, is a forest waterfall in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park on the mountain west of Chiang Mai. Its lower visitor area offers a relatively short approach to falling water...
Pha Soet Hot Spring
Doi Hang, Mueang Chiang RaiPha Soet Hot Spring, also known as Doi Hang Onsen, is a mineral-bathing destination in Ban Pha Soet Phatthana west of Chiang Rai. An outdoor communal pool and private bathing facilities offer different ways to enjoy the...
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
Tap Tao, ThoengPhu Chi Fa is a mountain viewpoint in Chiang Rai Province, known for a pointed cliff and sunrise views across the border towards Laos. When conditions suit, mist fills the valleys beneath the ridgeline; on clearer...
Doi Luang National Park
Mae Yen, PhanDoi Luang National Park protects a large mountain and forest landscape spanning Chiang Rai, Phayao and Lampang. Waterfall walks are its most accessible visitor experiences, while the Doi Luang-Doi Nok mountain route...
Khun Chae National Park
Mae Chedi Mai, Wiang Pa PaoKhun Chae National Park protects forested mountains, streams and waterfalls in Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai Province, northeast of Chiang Mai. The landscape rises from wooded valleys to high ridges, making the park a choice...
Doi Hua Mae Kham
Mae Salong Nai, Mae Fa LuangDoi Hua Mae Kham is a highland area near the Thai-Myanmar border in Mae Fa Luang district, Chiang Rai. Its mountain views, villages and seasonal yellow bua tong flowers reward a carefully planned journey beyond the...
Doi Sa Ngo
Si Don Mun, Chiang SaenDoi Sa Ngo is a hillside viewpoint and community tourism area in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province. It looks across the border-country landscape towards Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, with hills, lowlands and...
Khun Korn Waterfall
Huai Chomphu, Mueang Chiang RaiKhun Korn Waterfall is a tall forest cascade southwest of Chiang Rai, reached by a roughly 1.4-kilometre walking trail from the ranger and parking area. The approach through shaded vegetation is part of the appeal...
Doi Khun Tan National Park
Tha Pla Duk, Mae ThaDoi Khun Tan National Park occupies forested mountains between Lamphun and Lampang, southeast of Chiang Mai. Its defining outing combines the Northern Line railway at Khun Tan with an uphill walk into the park and a...
Pai River
Wiang Tai, PaiThe Pai River winds through Pai’s valley landscape, giving the town a riverside setting and a starting point for several different outdoor experiences. A relaxed view from a riverside cafe, a guided bamboo-raft...
Lod Cave
Tham Lot, Pang MaphaLod Cave, also called Tham Lod or Tham Lot, is a river cave near Soppong in Pang Mapha District, Mae Hong Son Province. A guided visit combines lamp-lit limestone chambers with a bamboo-raft journey along the stream...
Yun Lai Viewpoint
Wiang Tai, PaiYun Lai Viewpoint looks across the Pai valley from the hillside above Santichon, the town’s Yunnanese Chinese village. Fields, scattered buildings and mountain ridges fill the panorama, with sunrise bringing the...
Mo Paeng Waterfall
Mae Na Toeng, PaiMo Paeng Waterfall is a forest waterfall near Ban Mo Paeng, about 10 kilometres west of Pai in Mae Hong Son Province. Its stepped cascades, broad rock surfaces and pools make it a popular countryside outing from town...
Ang Kaew Reservoir
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiAng Kaew Reservoir is a landscaped lake within Chiang Mai University’s main campus at the foot of Doi Suthep. The water, tree-lined surroundings and mountain backdrop make it a favourite place for a walk, an easy...
Huay Kaew Arboretum
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Arboretum is a compact wooded public garden on Huay Kaew Road near Chiang Mai University and the foot of Doi Suthep. Shaded paths, labelled trees and simple exercise areas make it a useful place for a gentle...
Rama IX Lanna Park
Chang Phueak, Mueang Chiang MaiRama IX Lanna Park is a public green space in the Chang Phueak area north of Chiang Mai’s Old City. Trees, lawns and paths make it a useful place for an unhurried walk or some outdoor exercise away from a day of...
Op Luang Gorge
Hang Dong, HotOp Luang Gorge is the dramatic river passage at the heart of Op Luang National Park, also commonly written as Ob Luang. West of Hot, the river is squeezed between steep rock walls, making the sound and force of the...
Pha Daeng National Park
Mueang Na, Chiang DaoPha Daeng National Park, formerly called Chiang Dao National Park, protects a large mountain and forest area in northern Chiang Mai Province. For a manageable first visit, Sri Sangwan Waterfall and Pong Ang Hot Spring...
Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao, Chiang DaoChiang Dao Cave, or Tham Chiang Dao, brings limestone caverns and Buddhist shrines together at the foot of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, north of Chiang Mai. The visit begins at Wat Tham Chiang Dao and continues underground...
Kok River
Wiang, Mueang Chiang RaiThe Kok River flows from Myanmar through northern Thailand, passing Tha Ton and Chiang Rai before joining the Mekong. In Chiang Rai, it forms a broad waterside setting north of the city centre, with bridges, riverbank...
Pam Bok Waterfall
Thung Yao, PaiPam Bok Waterfall, also written Pambok or Pham Bok, is a compact waterfall in a narrow rocky setting south-west of Pai. The short approach from the parking area leads towards a shaded pool and cliff-lined channel...
Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, All Over Chiang MaiTrekking Chiang Mai is a popular activity for the quintessential visitor traversing northern Thailand, thanks to its lush jungles on the mountain peaks.
Chiang Rai Trekking
Many Trekking Options Available, Around Chiang RaiChiang Rai trekking takes you beyond the city’s sights into forested hills, waterfall paths and village landscapes. Trips range from a day’s walking with a guide to an overnight stay with community hosts...
What are the best nature attractions in Chiang Mai?
Popular choices include Doi Inthanon National Park, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden, Huay Tung Tao Lake, Mon Cham and Mae Klang Waterfall.
Where can I find mountain scenery near Chiang Mai?
Doi Inthanon, Doi Suthep, Mon Cham and the Mae Rim highlands are among the strongest options for mountain views, cooler temperatures and scenic drives.
Are there easy nature trips close to Chiang Mai city?
Yes. Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, Huay Tung Tao Lake and the Monks Trail are all relatively close to the city and work well for shorter half-day outings.
What is the difference between the Nature and National Parks categories?
The Nature category is broader and includes lakes, gardens, forest walks, valleys and viewpoints, while the National Parks category is better suited to officially protected park areas such as Doi Inthanon and Doi Suthep-Pui.