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Mae Klang Waterfall in Doi Inthanon – A Complete Guide

BySteffan 17 December 202417 January 2025 Updated on17 January 2025

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Table of Contents

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  • Mae Klang Waterfall quick facts
  • Where is Mae Klang waterfall?
  • How to get to Mae Klang waterfall from Chiang Mai
    • Option one: Self-drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Klang
    • Option Two: Take a tour to Mae Klang Waterfall and Doi Inthanon
    • Bonus Option: Stay local at Chom Thong
  • When is the best time to visit mae klang waterfall?
    • When is the best season to visit Mae Klang?
    • When is the best time of day to visit Mae Klang Waterfall?
  • What is the Mae Klang Waterfall Entrance Fee?
  • What are the Opening Times for Mae Klang Waterfall?
  • How far is the walk to Mae Klang Waterfall from the Car Park?
  • What To Expect from Mae Klang Waterfall – Our Experience
  • Photography tips for Mae klang waterfall
  • Can you fly a drone at Mae Klang Waterfall?
  • Important Visitor Information for Mae Klang Waterfall
  • Frequently asked questions about Mae Klang Waterfall
    • are there toilets at Mae Klang Waterfall?
    • Is there food at Mae Klang Waterfall?
    • Can you swim at Mae Klang waterfall?
    • How Much Time do I need to visit Mae Klang Waterfall?
    • Is there parking at Mae Klang Waterfall?
    • What is the weather like at doi inthanon national park?
  • Is Mae Klang Waterfall worth visiting?
  • Where to go after Mae Klang Waterfall?
  • Where to go next in Northern Thailand?
  • Heading back to Bangkok?
  • More Thailand Inspiration!
  • Tips to elevate your photography

Are you struggling to figure out how much time to spend at Mae Klang Waterfall or how to get there? You’re not alone!

Tucked away in Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Klang Waterfall offers the perfect combination of natural beauty and accessibility.

Its cascades tumble over rocky formations, framed by greenery, and it has a beautiful little wooden bridge leading to its base!

Just an easy hour-and-a-half drive from Chiang Mai and a short walk to the falls.

Mae Klang is one of the park’s most picturesque waterfalls and a great starting point for exploring the area. 

Whether you’re a photographer looking to capture Mae Klang or you love nature and the outdoors, Mae Klang is a must-visit when visiting Doi Inthanon.

However, planning your visit isn’t always easy. 

Finding reliable information online about the waterfalls in Doi Inthanon is challenging.

We struggled to track down simple details, such as the distance from the car park to the waterfall.

Or how big the area was. 

So we had no idea how much time we needed to allocate to our visit. 

That lack of clarity can make trip planning frustrating.

Especially if you hope to time your visit perfectly for your photography or are short on time.

A professional landscape photo of Mae Klang Waterfall, featuring a silky, long-exposure effect on the cascading water, framed by vibrant green foliage and rocky outcrops with golden light shining on to the falls
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 35mm

That’s where this guide comes in!

After spending five days exploring Doi Inthanon’s waterfalls, we compiled everything you need to know for a smooth trip to Mae Klang.

We will cover the main topics to help you plan your trip👇

  • How to get there from Chiang Mai
  • The best time to visit Mae Klang Waterfall for photography
  • Entrance fees and ticket info
  • How long the walk to the waterfall is
  • How much time do you need to allocate to the falls

Whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot or a traveller on a tight schedule, this guide ensures you’ll make the most of your visit.

A dramatic drone photo showcasing Mae Klang Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, with its tiered cascades flowing powerfully through lush greenery under soft, natural light. The waterfall is very wide across lots of rocks.
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/11, 1/25 sec, 12mm

Mae Klang Waterfall quick facts

👉Where? Doi Inthanon National Park in Northern Thailand, just two hours from Chiang Mai centre

👉Cost? 300 baht (£6.95 /8.83USD)

👉Distance from the entrance by foot? 500-600 metres 

👉Best Time to Visit? Afternoon

👉Height? 100m but appears more like 30-40 from the base

👉Waterfall Type? Rocky-wide waterfall with lush green surrounds

👉Can you swim? Yes you can


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Where is Mae Klang waterfall?

Mae Klang waterfall is located in Northern Thailand and is the first attraction you will encounter when entering Doi Inthanon National Park. 

Doi Inthanon National Park is just a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai and around 70km. 

In our opinion, this National Park is home to some of the best waterfalls and hiking trails in Thailand.

There are literally so many things to see and do in Doi Inthanon.

The star below shows where you can find Mae Klang Waterfall👇

How to get to Mae Klang waterfall from Chiang Mai

You have two options to get to Mae Klang waterfall from Chiang Mai. 

  • Option One: Self-drive. Hire either a car or a motorbike (if you have a valid licence) 
  • Option Two: Book a guided tour that includes transport to and from Chiang Mai. 

We hired a car in Chiang Mai and stayed locally for five nights to explore everything the National Park offers.

But if you are short on time, then a one-day trip or a guided tour are great options.

We do not consider public transport a good option to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon.

This is because the attractions within Doi Inthanon National Park are not within walking distance of one another.

Which would leave you stranded in one location!

Unless you hire a Grab (Taxi) driver for the day to take you from spot to spot within the park.

But this could be more expensive than just booking a tour with a knowledgeable guide.

🚗 Check out our complete guide on how to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon


A scenic view of a winding road in Thailand, with two people riding a motorbike in the foreground. The road is bordered by lush greenery and houses, with hills and mountains stretching into the background under a sky filled with fluffy white clouds. Power lines cross the scene.

Option one: Self-drive from Chiang Mai to Mae Klang

Hiring a Scooter

When visiting Thailand, renting a scooter is a popular choice for many tourists due to its convenience and affordability.

However, it’s important to know that your insurance will not cover you in case of an accident unless you hold a valid motorbike license in your home country.

This often surprises travellers, as the information online can be quite conflicting. We always like to share this tip so you can confidently plan your Thailand trip.

If you have the proper motorbike or scooter license, you’ll be pleased to know that you can rent one locally for less than £10 a day.

💡TIP: We use SafetyWing Nomad Insurance and have no hesitation in recommending them for your travels. We have had personal experience of filing a claim and dealing with them as an organisation. We found the claims process straightforward, and the payout was very quick!


Hiring a Car 

Since we don’t hold motorbike licenses in the UK and wanted to explore for more than a day, we rented a car instead.

We decided to book local accommodation, allowing us to explore the park and waterfalls over a few days.

Staying nearby meant we could come and go as often as we liked.

Renting a car in Asia is a fairly affordable option and very straightforward if you have an international driver’s permit.

They are inexpensive, but you must apply for this before travelling, depending on your country.

In the UK, we have to apply for this in person, and it costs just £10 and lasts one year.

A silver car in a car park surrounding by other cars with Steffan stood next to it smiling as we collect our hire car to explore Northern Thailand.
Steffan with our hire car!

We hired a car through booking.com from Chiang Mai, which cost us £18 / 23 USD daily. This price included full damage waiver insurance, meaning we wouldn’t have to pay any excess in case of an accident.

We have also used Rental Cars in the past, and Booking.com also owns them.

If you’re comfortable paying an excess, you can find car rentals with insurance for as little as $13 per day.

We rented the car for over three weeks to explore northern Thailand, which was one of our best decisions.

🚗Hiring through Booking.com was a simple experience. There was a minimal deposit of £250 (no credit card required) and free cancellation until the day before we collected the car. We could also extend the hire via WhatsApp, which would have been helpful. I am always cautious about who we hire a car from after hearing one too many horror stories and having an anxious mind, but we found this to be a stress-free hire!

🚗BOOK YOUR STRESS-FREE HIRE CAR HERE🚗


Some of the incredible places we visited included Phu Chi Fa and Doi Mae Salong.

Based on our experience, we can confidently say that driving in Thailand is surprisingly easy.

The roads are wide and well-paved, and the local drivers are generally quite sensible!

Whichever option you choose, don’t forget to download an offline map of the area on Google Maps before setting off.

This ensures you won’t have to worry about losing signal.

Especially as you head deeper into the mountains!

During our 18 months of travel, we became reliant on various mobile travel apps that helped us plan and navigate each destination.

You can get your Free Guide here!

Option Two: Take a tour to Mae Klang Waterfall and Doi Inthanon

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai, and plenty of tours are available if that’s the option you prefer.

Joining a tour can be a fantastic choice if you’re short on time or simply want a hassle-free way to explore the park.

💡When booking a tour, we use Seek Sophie,  Get Your Guide and Viator as they offer free cancellation making it easy to book activities with no pressure or problems if your plan changes!


If you’re considering a tour, we’ve highlighted two of the best one-day tours below to help you decide.

We understand how frustrating it can be to scroll through endless options only to find they don’t meet your needs!

When searching for a tour that includes Mae Klang waterfall, you may find that the itineraries tend only to include Wachirathan Waterfall.

After searching for over an hour on the Get Your Guide website, we have determined that the best option is to book a private tour rather than shared tour.

This way, you can ask your driver to visit Mae Klang Waterfall on the way into or out of the park.

❗NOTE: Mae Klang Luang is mentioned on almost all Doi Inthanon National Park tours, but be warned that it is not the same as Mae Klang waterfall! It’s a Karen Hill Tribe Village with a similar name. So be sure to remember this when booking a tour, and do not mistake it for the waterfall!


The tours below are the best options to see Mae Klang Waterfall and other key attractions within Doi Inthanon National Park.

A large stone sign at the entrance of Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand. The text is etched into the gray stone with colorful flags, including Thai and royal flags, fluttering above. The backdrop includes trees and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.

The main difference is that Tour One includes a short boardwalk nature trail, Ang Ka Nature Trail. 

Tour Two includes the option of a longer hike, either the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail or the Pha Dok Sieo Nature Trail Trek.

If you enjoy hiking, we recommend Tour Two!

  • Steffan stands at the end of a bamboo bridge looking at A cascading waterfall at Doi Inthanon National Park, Vibrant green vegetation surrounds the scene, and rocks scatter the river below.

Incredible waterfalls on the Pha Dok Seio Nature Trail


Tour One (Without the longer hike)

🏔️Private Doi Inthanon Tour with Waterfall

  • Free cancellation – cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • 9.5 hours duration
  • Pick up and drop off from Chiang Mai included

👉Itinerary and what you will see

  • Visit the highest point in Thailand
  • Visit the King & Queen’s Royal Pagodas and manicured gardens
  • Explore Wachiratharn Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall with the option of including Mae Klang Waterfall
  • Ang Ga Nature Trail, the magical forest and nature walk
  • Enjoy lunch
  • Visit the White Karen village and enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee at Ban Mae Klang Luang
Book Doi Inthanon Waterfall Tour Now

Tour Two (With the option of longer hikes)

🏔️Doi Inthanon National Park, Private Tour

  • Free cancellation – cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • Reserve now and pay later
  • 9.5 hours duration
  • Pick up and drop off from Chiang Mai included

👉Itinerary and what you will see

  • Visit the highest point in Thailand
  • Visit the King & Queen’s Royal Pagodas and manicured gardens
  • Explore Wachiratharn Waterfall and Mae Ya Waterfall with the option of including Mae Klang waterfall
  • Three options for shorter to longer hikes depending on your fitness levels
  • Visit the White Karen village and enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee at Ban Mae Klang Luang
Book Doi Inthanon National Park Tour Now

‼️‼️Important Note: You will see elephant tours advertised A LOT in Thailand.

Please ensure you are booking with a truly ethical sanctuary where they are completely hands-off.

🐘This means No bathing – No touching – and No feeding.🐘

A truly ethical sanctuary is 100% hands-off and encourages natural elephant behaviours.

🐘 You can learn how to choose an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand here.


📍 In Chiang Mai? We recommend Chang Chill Sanctuary, an hour from Chiang Mai, which is the sanctuary that we chose to visit.

📍In Bangkok or Kanchanaburi? We recommend Somboon Legacy Foundation just a few hours from Bangkok, where we volunteered for a month.


🚌The only tour company we recommend for elephant tours is Seek Sophie as they are pioneers for responsible and ethical travel.


📚Please see The Call to Conserve website for a list of an up-to-date list of ethical elephant facilities in Asia.

Note: We will never recommend any tours involving animals unless we have been on these ourselves or have assurances from conservationists that they are ethical facilities.

Bonus Option: Stay local at Chom Thong

We decided to base ourselves in Chom Thong for five nights and make daily trips to Doi Inthanon National Park.

Chom Thong is the nearest main town to Doi Inthanon National Park and is about a 20-to 30-minute drive from most attractions.

This approach worked brilliantly for us, especially since we had extra time to dedicate to this part of Thailand.

As photographers, capturing the best light during the early morning or late afternoon is incredibly important.

Trying to fit everything into a single day can make this quite challenging!

  • A bustling street in Chom Thong, Thailand, with a gently curving road lined by small shops and houses. A tuk-tuk with passengers is driving on the right side of the road, while other vehicles are parked or moving in the background. Overhead, a network of power lines crisscrosses the scene, with palm trees and traditional temple rooftops visible in the distance, adding a cultural touch to the urban setting.
  • A vibrant display of colorful lanterns hanging on a bamboo frame in Chom Thong, Thailand. The lanterns feature intricate patterns and are adorned with long, flowing paper tassels in shades of orange, yellow, blue, and red. Behind the decoration, modern buildings and power lines contrast with the traditional craftsmanship, highlighting a blend of cultural heritage and urban surroundings.

We also find it so enriching to travel that bit slower.

To eat at small, family-run restaurants and shop at local supermarkets. 

Things like this help us feel connected to the area and deepen our appreciation for the community.

There are lots of red songthaews in Chom Thong town (public taxi vans) that will bring you to the park each day or you can do what we did and hire a car.

Where should you stay when visiting Doi Inthanon National Park?

We stayed at the Sailom Resort, just 30 minutes from Doi Inthanon National Park.

It took just 22 minutes to get to Mae Klang Waterfall by car. 

We paid only 600 baht (£13) a night, which was a fantastic price. It was one of our favourite places during our Northern Thailand road trip.

The staff was super friendly. The room was spacious, with a desk and hot shower. We were given free tea, coffee, and snacks ( a daily supply of lychees was so appreciated!). There was free parking, and local eateries were within easy walking distance.

So, if you plan on spending a few nights, we HIGHLY recommend the Sailom Resort in Chom Thong. 

  • A broader view of the hotel room at Sailom Resort, showcasing a neatly made bed with white bedding, a wardrobe, and a vanity mirror. The space is bright and welcoming, illuminated by a ceiling light and natural light through the window.
  • A cozy and minimalist hotel room featuring a small wooden desk and stool, a mounted TV, and a refrigerator. The room is clean and modern, with tiled flooring and a window with red curtains.
  • A simple, clean white dresser and wardrobe setup in the Sailom Resort Hotel in Chom Thong, Thailand. The dresser includes a small mirror, folded white towels, a toilet paper roll, and a shelf below with additional storage space. The room’s minimal design and polished tile flooring.

🛎️Book your stay at the Sailom Resort🛎️


🚂Are you still figuring out how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai? If so, we highly recommend catching the overnight sleeper train! It is one of the most memorable things we experienced during our 18 months of travel! If you prefer to travel during the day, you can always opt for the day train, which is still a great way to travel sustainably.


When is the best time to visit mae klang waterfall?

When is the best season to visit Mae Klang?

The ideal season to visit Mae Klang Waterfall is during or after the rainy season (Which runs from June to October), especially if you hope to capture stunning photos of waterfalls. You don’t want to visit at the start of the rainy season though (after months of no rain, the falls won’t be at their best), so any time from September onwards is perfect.

We visited in November, at the beginning of the dry season, and the waterfalls were still incredibly powerful.

While they might be less dramatic later in the dry season, their size ensures they won’t completely dry up.

A picturesque wooden bridge surrounded by dense green vegetation, leading to a viewpoint of Mae Klang Waterfall cascading in the background with Steffan walking along it.

When is the best time of day to visit Mae Klang Waterfall?

The best time of day to visit Mae Klang waterfall is in the afternoon. 

We arrived at the waterfall around 4 pm, and we just missed the golden light shining onto the falls. 

We would suggest arriving at 3 pm to catch the magic that the golden hour tends to bring. 

Mae Klang was not busy even at 4 p.m., unlike many other tourist attractions. We were the only people there, and two others were just leaving!


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  • What is Travel Photography? Start your adventure today!
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A picturesque wooden bridge surrounded by dense green vegetation, leading to a viewpoint of Mae Klang Waterfall cascading in the background with Steffan walking along it.

What is the Mae Klang Waterfall Entrance Fee?

Given that Mae Klang Waterfall sits inside the gates to Doi Inthanon National Park, you must purchase a ticket for the whole park.

The cost is 300 baht (£6.95), providing entry for five consecutive days. 

If you are a Thai citizen, the cost is 50 Baht per person.

💡NOTE: Pricing for foreigners and locals is split, as is common in many national parks across Thailand. Some tourists have been known to try to negotiate this cost, but be aware that the rates are fixed, so it’s best to plan accordingly. We know many people view split pricing negatively; however, we completely understand why it’s done and have no issue paying a “tourist price”.


A wooden sign reading 'Mae Klang Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand,' set against the backdrop of the stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery

What are the Opening Times for Mae Klang Waterfall?

Doi Inthanon National Park is open all year round from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Given Mae Klang waterfall is inside the gates of Doi Inthanon National Park, the opening times will be the same as those for the National Park.  

So you can visit at almost any time of day that suits your itinerary once you are inside the park.

How far is the walk to Mae Klang Waterfall from the Car Park?

The walk is very accessible. It is a flat, well-paved path that is 500-600 metres long. We walked from the car park in about 10 minutes.

A shaded pathway surrounded by tall trees and lush greenery, leading toward Mae Klang Waterfall, offering a serene forest experience.

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What To Expect from Mae Klang Waterfall – Our Experience

Mae Klang waterfall is our second favourite waterfall of all four waterfalls we saw at Doi Inthanon National Park! 

Mae Ya Waterfall was our ultimate favourite, as it is so unique!

But this one was not far behind!

It’s not the biggest or the most dramatic (that award goes to Wachirathan Waterfall), but it’s extremely picturesque. 

And even though none of the falls are the gorgeous, clear blue you see at Erawan in Kanchanaburi, they are all pretty special in their own way.

The walk to the base of the falls is along an easy path surrounded by tall trees. It’s very peaceful, and all you can hear as you make your way is birds singing and rushing water!

A smooth concrete walkway with visible footprints, bordered by dense vegetation, leading visitors through the forest toward Mae Klang Waterfall

When you arrive at the waterfall, you will be greeted by small wooden benches where you can sit and take it all in.

As well as a cute wooden bridge leading to the base of the falls!

A small wooden bridge at Mae Klang Waterfall with a scenic pathway surrounded by rocks, greenery, and views of the cascading water

It’s not a large area, and you could easily arrive, take some photographs, and leave again within a 30-minute window. 

But it’s worth spending a little more time here. 

We walked back and forth over the bridge multiple times just because it was fun. It felt so peaceful to hear nothing but the sounds of rushing water.

We flew the drone. 

We took some pretty photographs of the falls, sat on the benches, and had a snack.

A circular stone picnic table and benches located near Mae Klang Waterfall, shaded by tall trees with views of a bridge and the forest below

It’s a beautiful little spot, and it’s worth spending some time there to soak it all in!

It truly is beautiful, and to this day, we have no idea why no one else was there!

It really felt like a hidden gem within the park. 

💡Visiting Tip: No need for hiking shoes as the path is well paved and fairly flat most of the way, so even flip flops will do at this waterfall!


Photography tips for Mae klang waterfall


  • Try capturing some long exposures! This technique gives the water a smooth, soft, and flowy appearance. Our absolute favourite way to photograph waterfalls!
  • Visit in the afternoon! We visited around 4 p.m., and the falls had just started to fall into shadow, but the light was beautiful. We imagine that if you arrived at 3 p.m., the light would soften, illuminating the falls beautifully, which would be perfect for photography. It was also very quiet, with no one else there except for two other people!

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A collage of six vibrant photographs capturing cultural and natural beauty. The top left showcases lush green rice terraces bathed in golden sunlight, with a mountain in the background. The top right features a baby orangutan clinging to its mother against a blurred jungle backdrop. The middle left displays a collection of colorful traditional hand fans arranged in an intricate pattern. The middle right shows people waving massive, rainbow-colored kites under a clear blue sky. The bottom left highlights terraced rice fields with rich greenery, palm trees, and soft lighting. The bottom right portrays an elderly craftsman seated at a wooden table, surrounded by intricate shadow puppets, as his work casts a silhouette on the wall.

A view of Mae Klang Waterfall captured with a foreground of lush green plants, blending natural textures with the smooth flow of water in a professional long-exposure shot. Green grass sits at at the front with lots of large boulders in the falls.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 19mm
  • Don’t be afraid of clouds! Photographing waterfalls on a cloudy day can be a good thing. If you can’t visit during golden hour when the light is at its best, then clouds can soften the light for you. Ensuring your waterfall is not reflecting a lot of light back at you and ruining your photos!
  • Fly your drone! It offers a completely unique perspective, and Mae Klang looks especially dramatic from above. It’s definitely worth sending it up to see what stunning shots you can capture!
  • Try alternate compositions! The area in front of the falls is not massive, so you have limited options. But you can try taking photographs from alternate angles with different lenses. Such as straight on or from the side to capture the falls in a different light with different backdrops.

📱Mobile Phone Photography Tip: To capture the waterfall with a flowy, dreamy effect (long exposure), ensure your camera is set to “live mode”. Keep your phone still for 2 seconds before and after you take the photo. Once you have taken the photo, click on it, select “live exposure”, and let your phone work its magic!


A frontal, long-exposure photograph of Mae Klang Waterfall highlighting its multi-tiered cascades, surrounded by dense trees and illuminated by soft, golden-hour light with lots of green grass in the foreground and trees in the background
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 28mm

💡Are you keen to learn more about capturing stunning photographs of waterfalls?

👉Our waterfall photography guide has got you covered!

📸Explaining step by step the best camera settings for waterfall photography, camera gear you may need and lots more helpful tips!

Perfecting waterfall Photography Guide

Can you fly a drone at Mae Klang Waterfall?

Yes, flying a drone at Mae Klang Waterfall is possible, but a valid drone license is required in Thailand.

The Drone Travellers blog offers detailed information on the licenses and approvals needed, as well as how to apply for them.

An aerial photo capturing Mae Klang Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park with a drone, surrounded by dense green forest and cascading water flowing through rocky terrain into the valley below
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/400 sec, 12mm

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Important Visitor Information for Mae Klang Waterfall

  • There is a spacious car park, so finding a spot will be easy if you are driving.
A spacious car park near Mae Klang Waterfall lined with parked cars and vendor stalls, framed by forest trees under a clear blue sky.
  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the National Park, —so save those cheeky drinks for dinner back in Chiang Mai!
  • If you’re bringing food, there are plenty of little picnic areas along the walk to the base of the falls, perfect for a relaxing break.
  • Pack a reusable water bottle – we recommend Water-to-Go filter bottles, as they can be used almost anywhere and filter out viruses and bacteria. Keeping you hydrated, safe and reducing single-use plastics!
A directional sign at Mae Klang Waterfall pointing to the ranger station, waterfall, car park, and restaurant, blending into the natural surroundings
  • Several food and drink stalls and shops offer local meals and snacks in the car park. So be sure to bring some cash if you plan to grab a bite while you’re there.
Local vendor stalls with triangular bamboo roofs selling refreshments and souvenirs near Mae Klang Waterfall, surrounded by trees and a peaceful natural setting
  • Unlike many other waterfalls, this one doesn’t soak you through just by standing nearby. Unless you choose to go for a swim, you will stay dry!
A scenic viewpoint overlooking Mae Klang Waterfall, framed by dense greenery and a rocky stream flowing through the forest

Frequently asked questions about Mae Klang Waterfall


are there toilets at Mae Klang Waterfall?

Yes, there are toilets at Mae Klang Waterfall. They are located at the car park and halfway along the short walk to the base of the falls.

A stone staircase leading through lush greenery to a restroom area at Mae Klang Waterfall, with a small wooden sign marking the location

Is there food at Mae Klang Waterfall?

Yes, food is available for purchase at Mae Klang Waterfall. Several small local pop-up shops and stalls sell local food and drinks.

Can you swim at Mae Klang waterfall?

You can swim at Mae Klang Waterfall, although the pool is not easily accessible, as you may find at the base of many single-drop waterfalls.

How Much Time do I need to visit Mae Klang Waterfall?

You should allocate 1-2 hours to Mae Klang Waterfall. The walk to the falls is very short, but if you plan to fly a drone, take photographs or go swimming, you must factor this in. If you just want to take a look and head back to the car park, then an hour is plenty.

A stone bridge at Mae Klang Waterfall with people crossing over it, overlooking the flowing stream below and surrounded by dense forest trees

Is there parking at Mae Klang Waterfall?

Yes, there is free parking at Mae Klang Waterfall for about 30 cars and motorbikes, so you should have no problem finding a spot.

What is the weather like at doi inthanon national park?

Compared to the rest of Thailand, it’s pretty chilly! Temperatures at Doi Inthanon National Park typically range between 10-15°C, so don’t forget to pack some layers to stay comfortable.

Is Mae Klang Waterfall worth visiting?

Mae Klang Waterfall is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls we’ve encountered during our travels in Asia.

It’s a must-visit destination for anyone who loves photography or chasing waterfalls!

Despite being located within Doi Inthanon National Park, it doesn’t attract the crowds you see in Bangkok or southern Thailand.

If you only have one day to explore Doi Inthanon and want to experience its most stunning waterfall, we can’t recommend Mae Klang enough.

A view of Mae Klang Waterfall captured with a foreground of lush green plants, blending natural textures with the smooth flow of water in a professional long-exposure shot. Green grass sits at at the front with lots of large boulders in the falls.
Sony A7R3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 19mm

Where to go after Mae Klang Waterfall?

Doi Inthanon National Park is packed with amazing beauty spots!
If you are nature lovers like us then try to include these must-visit sights in your plans.

  • Wachirathan waterfall: A Jurassic-sized waterfall! Although it is the busiest Doi Inthanon waterfall, it has to be seen to be believed! Just bring a raincoat!
  • Mae Ya waterfall: A stunning cascading waterfall perfect for photography and flying your drone. Our ultimate favourite waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park. 
  • Sirithan Waterfall and Viewing Platform: A short 100-metre walk down to a wooden platform with 360 views of the trees and waterfall.
  • Ang Ka Nature Trail: This is a magical forest walkway with mossy trees, tropical birds, and an interesting path. No guide is needed!
  • Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: This is the most popular hiking trail in Doi Inthanon. It offers a dramatic view of the whole area and the Royal Twin Pagodas. A guide is allocated at the entrance gate.
  • Pha dok Seio Trail: A scenic and enjoyable hike that passes some incredible waterfalls, giant trees, and rice fields. Our favourite hike in Doi Inthanon National Park. 
  • Royal Twin Pagodas: Royal manicured gardens and two very large and ornate Pagodas. Built to honour the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit
A charming wooden bridge at Mae Klang Waterfall, leading through greenery and offering a picturesque view of the cascading waterfall

Where to go next in Northern Thailand?

Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon are amazing, but Northern Thailand has so much more to offer!

We spent 3 weeks uncovering hidden gems that most tourists miss.

If you can spare the time, head north for stunning landscapes, authentic experiences, and the chance to explore like a local.

  • Doi Mae Salong  – Epic green mountain views, a rich Chinese history and sweeping tea plantations
Wat Phra That Santitham Temple in Mae Salong - Thai pink, white and golden temple surrounded by green trees taken with a drone from above
  • Phu Chi Fa  – Breathtaking mountain views, the mysterious blanket of fog at sunrise and 360 views across into Laos.
View of cloud below the green rolling mountains at Phu Chi Fa as the sun rises
Mavic 3 – Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/320 sec, 12mm
  • Lampang  – A breathtaking temple perched on top of dramatic mountains! A real hidden gem perfect for mountain and photography lovers!
A drone image of white bell shaped Pagodas which make up the temple of Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in North Thailand. In the background is a green mountain range.
The Sky Temple View in Lampang Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/800 sec, 12mm

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Heading back to Bangkok?

Schedule some time in your itinerary to visit Kanchanaburi with its peaceful temple, interesting history, ethical elephant sanctuary and clear blue waterfalls!

Just a short few hours by train from Bangkok, Kanchanaburi is packed with photography spots and has a fraction of the crowds you find in both Chiang Mai and the capital city.


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Steffan

I’m Steffan, the founder of InWanderment, a travel and photography blog dedicated to sharing my experiences and insights from around the world.

I’m a self-taught photographer with a passion for helping others explore the outdoors through photography. My goal is to make capturing the beauty of nature feel accessible to everyone — whether you’re shooting with a professional camera or just your phone.

Now back in the UK after 18 months of travel across Asia, I’m focusing on creating new content, editing thousands of photos, and sharing everything I’ve learned along the way to inspire others to get outside and start shooting.

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Steffan, a bearded man with long, curly hair tied back, stands on a white wooden bridge holding a professional camera with a large lens. He wears a blue and green insulated jacket, a yellow bandana around his neck, and carries a black backpack with photography gear. Behind him, colorful houses in shades of pink, green, and blue are built on a hillside, with bright natural light casting a warm glow on the scene.
Hello!

I'm Steffan

Photographer, nature lover, and avid traveller!

I love sharing beautiful places, unique travel spots, and tips to help you take better photos!

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