While by no means the most spectacular waterfall in northern Thailand, Nam Tok Mo Paeng is certainly worth a visit. It is not far from town, is free to access and has three nice pools for swimming, as well as thrilling chutes to slide down.
The falls only plummet around 20 meters, but are nonetheless impressive around the time of the wet season. The swimming here is also pleasant and refreshing, and more impressive then the falls themselves is the surrounding landscape, which is one of high mountains and dense forest.
There are three tiers to the falls, with each succeeding tier fairly easy to get to via smooth rocks; in places you can slide down natural chutes. You can also follow a tight trail up into the mountains or kick back under a large tree and read a book for a time.
The falls are about 8 kilometers west of Pai, passing pretty, uncongested countryside along the way (including the turn-off to Ban Santichon), and it makes a fun motorbike trip, with the last steep stretch providing a bit of a challenge.
Don’t be surprised if on your arrival you are bombarded with offers of all kinds of illegal dope from local hilltribe people—the place has a bit of a reputation. Given the Pai police and their eagerness to stamp out drugs locally, it’s probably best to decline politely.
Getting There
There is no public transport to the falls, although you can walk it from the town in about two hours, or cycle in 45 minutes or so. The route is also accessible to motorbikes and cars, though it’s narrow and poorly surfaced.
Need to Know
- What is it? A pretty waterfall set in the hils above the mountain town of Pai.
- Opening hours: daily, year round
- Entrance fees: free
- Address: 8km west of Pai
- Where: it’s west of Ban Santichon along a bumpy sealed road