Bua Thong Waterfalls, popularly referred to as the Sticky Waterfalls, makes for an exciting getaway about an hours drive from Chiang Mai. The waterfalls are referred to as “sticky” because the rocks...
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 one of Thailand’s best and biggest waterfalls. It is amazingly scenic too, with its stunning cascades pouring through verdant jungles. Located within the Doi Inthanon National Park, it is the...
Mae Sa Waterfall
Mae Raem, Mae RimMae Sa Waterfall (also known as Namtok Waterfall) is one of Thailand’s premier tourist attractions and is best known for its magnificent waterfalls amid the gorgeous natural landscape. The waterfalls are located...
Huay Kaew Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiHuay Kaew Waterfall is a great place for visitors who don’t have a lot of time in Chiang Mai and want to see a waterfall that is close to town. Huay Kaew Waterfall is located near the Chiang Mai Zoo, just 100...
Wachirathan Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Wachirathan Waterfall is an incredible attraction you will encounter within the Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s the second biggest falls on the way to the summit, and is definitely one of the more impressive...
Mae Klang Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Mae Klang Waterfall is a popular natural attraction of near Chiang Mai, located within the picturesque Doi Inthanon National Park. This is a popular site for kids and adults alike, as it provides you with a chance...
Mork Fa Waterfall
Sop Poeng, Mae TaengThe Mork Fa Waterfall is an amazing natural attraction near Chiang Mai. It’s one of the area’s most underrated waterfalls, so don’t expect many travellers here. This is what keeps this place so...
Siriphum Waterfall
Ban Luang, Chom ThongThe Siriphum waterfall is one of the most captivating natural attractions south of Chiang Mai. Located within the Doi Inthanon National Park, these are the third and last of all the major falls that you’ll find as...
Monthathan Waterfall
Suthep, Mueang Chiang MaiThe incredibly beautiful Monthathan waterfall is located within the Doi Suthep National Park. The nine-tiered waterfall gently flows over a cliff, lands over a pond, and is surrounded by the pristine lush greenery that...
Khun Korn Waterfall
Huai Chomphu, Mueang Chiang RaiKhun Korn Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern-Thailand and is not to be missed if travelling around Chiang Rai. The waterfalls are approximately 30kms west from Chiang Rai City and is best...
Mo Paeng Waterfall
Mae Na Toeng, PaiMo Paeng Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction just 10 kilometres from Pai and is popular with both tourists and locals. Best known as a slippery waterfall, one of the most popular activities to enjoy at Mo Paeng...
Mae Yen Waterfall
Mae Yen Luang, PaiThere are many waterfalls in and around Pai accessible by motorbike, but Mae Yen Waterfall is the only one that requires a trek through a jungle. Mae Yen Waterfall is located around 7 km from Pai and takes around 3...
Op Luang Gorge
Hang Dong, HotThe Op Luang Gorge is a scenic zigzagging river found within the national park of the same name. Also known as the Thai Grand Canyon, this incredible lush forest is given life by the river; flanked by amazing teak...
Pam Bok Waterfall
Thung Yao, PaiPam Bok Waterfall is located only a short distance from Pai and is one of the most popular attractions to enjoy whilst you are in Pai. The falls are easily accessible by scooter and is located near to the Pai Land...
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.