Bua Thong Waterfalls, also spelt Bua Tong and known as the Sticky Waterfalls, is a forest outing north of Chiang Mai with an unusual attraction: climbing up pale limestone while water runs over your feet. Mineral...
Chiang Mai Waterfalls
Chiang Mai is surrounded by impressive waterfalls hidden in mountain forests, national parks and jungle valleys, making them some of the best natural attractions for day trips from the city. The current Chiang Mai Travel Hub inventory includes Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls, Mae Ya Waterfall, Mae Sa Waterfall, Huay Kaew Waterfall, Wachirathan Waterfall, Mae Klang Waterfall, Mork Fa Waterfall, Siriphum Waterfall and Monthathan Waterfall, along with several waterfalls around Pai and Chiang Rai.
Some waterfalls are easy roadside stops, while others require short forest walks or longer hikes. Water levels are generally strongest during and just after the rainy season, although access conditions can vary and some trails become slippery when wet.
Explore Chiang Mai Waterfalls
- Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls – Climb the unusual mineral-coated limestone cascades north of Chiang Mai, where the rock surface provides much more grip than a typical waterfall.
- Doi Inthanon waterfalls – Visit Wachirathan, Mae Ya, Mae Klang and Siriphum while exploring Thailand’s highest mountain and surrounding national park.
- Mae Sa Waterfall – Explore a multi-tiered waterfall in Mae Rim, with forest scenery and a series of cascades spread along the stream.
- Waterfalls close to the city – Huay Kaew and Monthathan provide relatively easy nature escapes around Doi Suthep-Pui National Park.
- Northern Thailand waterfalls – The wider directory also includes Mork Fa near Mae Taeng and waterfalls around Pai and Chiang Rai for longer regional trips.
Browse the listings below to discover Chiang Mai waterfalls, forest walks and scenic cascades across northern Thailand.
Bua Thong Waterfalls (Sticky Waterfalls)
Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng
Mae Ya Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Ya Waterfall is a broad, tiered cascade in the southern part of Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong. Water spreads over a stepped rock face surrounded by forest, creating a different spectacle from a narrow...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a short forest escape at the foot of Doi Suthep, beside the Chiang Mai Zoo area. The main cascade is reached on foot from the Huay Kaew Road approach, making it a practical choice when you want...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongWachirathan Waterfall is one of the most dramatic roadside stops in Doi Inthanon National Park, southwest of Chiang Mai. A broad torrent drops over a forested rock face, filling the viewing area with noise and drifting...
Mae Klang Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongMae Klang Waterfall is an early stop on the approach to Doi Inthanon National Park, near Chom Thong southwest of Chiang Mai. Water spreads over a broad rocky face into the stream below, with a short visitor approach...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
What are the best waterfalls near Chiang Mai?
Popular choices include Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls, Mae Ya Waterfall, Mae Sa Waterfall, Huay Kaew Waterfall and Wachirathan Waterfall.
What is special about Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls?
Bua Thong is famous for its mineral-coated limestone surface, which provides unusual grip and allows visitors to climb sections of the flowing cascades.
When is the best time to visit waterfalls in Chiang Mai?
Waterfalls are generally strongest during and shortly after the rainy season, roughly from May to October. Forest scenery is also especially green then, although trails can be wetter and more slippery.
Are there waterfalls close to Chiang Mai city?
Yes. Huay Kaew Waterfall and Monthathan Waterfall are both around Doi Suthep-Pui National Park and are much closer to central Chiang Mai than waterfalls such as Mae Ya or Wachirathan.