The eight tiers of Mae Sa Waterfall make it a reasonably scenic cascade, though none of the tiers is very high. It’s a very popular spot for a picnic, especially at weekends, when it can get quite crowded.
However, if the crowds are too much around the main waterfall, just follow the water uphill and there are numerous hideaways where you can sit under the jungle canopy and enjoy some solitude.
Most people come out to Mae Sa simply to enjoy the sounds of cascading water and have a picnic. There are a couple of swimming holes when there’s enough water, and you’ll likely see young Thais splashing around.
The waterfall is incredibly easy to access off the paved road and therefore it sees a steady flow of visitors. This may be about to change, however, as a recent hike in national park fees means foreigners have to pay a whopping entrance fee of 500 baht (the falls are within the Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park).
Instead of forking out for these falls, we recommend you make a right turn by a gas station about 4km along H1096 and look out for Taad Mork Falls on the left after about 9km. There’s no charge to sit by these falls, and it’s also a good spot for a picnic.
Getting There
The Mae Sa Waterfall is clearly signposted to the left of H1096 in the Mae Sa Valley after about 7km. To get there, drive north from Chiang Mai on H107, pass through Mae Rim and then turn left into the Mae Sa Valley.
Need to Know
- What is it? A rather ordinary waterfall
- When to go: November is the best time, when the flow of water is at its greatest.
- Nearest Town: The falls are about 8km northwest of Mae Rim and about 25km north of Chiang Mai.
- Address: 7km along H1096.
- Opening hours: 08:00-17:00
- Entrance fee: Adults 500B, children 300B, car 30B.