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Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon: A Photographer’s Guide

BySteffan 13 December 202418 December 2024 Updated on18 December 2024

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Table of Contents

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  • Mae Ya Waterfall Quick Facts!
  • Where is Mae Ya Waterfall?
  • How to Get to Mae Ya Waterfall from Chiang Mai?
    • Option One: Self-drive to Mae Ya Waterfall
    • Option two: Book a Tour
    • Bonus Option: Stay local at Chom Thong 
  • When is the Best time to Visit Mae Ya Waterfall?
    • The best season to visit Mae Ya Waterfall
    • The best time of day to visit Mae Ya Waterfall
  • What is the Mae Ya Waterfall Entrance Fee?
  • What is the opening time at Mae Ya Waterfall?
  • How far is the walk to Mae Ya Waterfall from the Car Park?
  • What To Expect from Mae Ya Waterfall – Our Experience
  • Photographing Mae Ya Waterfall
    • Photography Compositions 
    • Photography Gear Checklist
    • Can you fly a drone at Mae Ya Waterfall? 
    • Photography Tips for Mae Ya Waterfall
  • Important Visitor Information for Mae Ya Waterfall
  • Frequently asked questions about mae ya waterfall
    • Are there toilets at Mae Ya waterfall? 
    • Is there food at Mae Ya Waterfall? 
    • Can you swim at Mae Ya Waterfall?
    • Is there a restaurant at Mae Ya waterfall in Doi Inthanon? 
    • How long do I need to spend at Mae Ya waterfall? 
    • Is there parking at Mae Ya Waterfall?
    • What is the weather like at doi inthanon national park?
  • Where to Go Next After Visiting Mae Ya Waterfall?
    • Where to go next in Doi Inthanon National Park
    • Where to go next in Northern Thailand?
  • Is Mae Ya Waterfall Worth Visiting?
  • Heading back to Bangkok?
  • More Thailand Inspiration!
  • Tips to elevate your photography

Are you dreaming of capturing the perfect shot of a waterfall in Thailand? 

Mae Ya Waterfall, hidden in Doi Inthanon National Park, offers the opportunity to capture stunning cascades without the tourist crowds.

It is just a short two-hour drive from Chiang Mai and is frequently referred to as one of the best waterfalls in Thailand. 

Mae Ya Waterfall stands proudly at 280 metres high, and its waters cascade over tiers of rock to the pools beneath. 

And as the water flows down, it creates a curtain-like effect, which is mesmerising!

It is the perfect location for photography, even in the dry season.  

Despite being one of the most stunning Thailand waterfalls, Mae Ya is less visited, and planning a trip can be frustrating. 

We struggled to find basic details like the best time to visit or how long the hike would take.

This made planning pretty tough and resulted in us visiting twice.

Arriving the first time, we quickly realised that the sun was too low in the sky for photography, and it was pretty crowded.

We didn’t waste much time and left feeling a little disappointed. 

Because our first visit didn’t go as planned, we returned the following day to ensure we got our photographs and could use what we learned to create a hassle-free visitor guide!

A wide-angle view of Mae Ya Waterfall framed by natural elements like rocks and lush greenery. A central tree emerges prominently from the tiers of water, adding a focal point to the smooth cascades created by the long exposure technique. The combination of the tree, water, and rugged terrain creates a balanced composition.
Camera Settings – ISO-125, f/8, 1/3 sec, 70mm

We know it’s unusual to have time to visit the same place twice, so this guide will eliminate all of the guesswork and confusion.

Arriving the next day for the second time, we felt so much more prepared and managed to leave with some really beautiful photographs.

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

  • How to get there from Chiang Mai
  • How far the Mae Ya Waterfall hike actually is
  • When is the best time to visit 
  • Entrance and ticket costs for Mae Ya Waterfall
  • Lots and lots of photography tips so you can leave happy with your shots! 

Whether you’re a photographer seeking the perfect shot or an outdoor enthusiast eager for adventure, this guide has everything you need to know.

Mae Ya Waterfall in Thailand, a stunning multi-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery. The rushing water flows over smooth rocks, creating a misty, serene atmosphere at the foot of the waterfall. A single tree grows near the cascade. Long exposure shot.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 36mm

Mae Ya 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? Morning

👉Height? 260m 

👉Waterfall Type? Curtain waterfall that cascades over rocks (it’s very pretty!)

👉Can you swim? Yes you can


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Where is Mae Ya Waterfall?

Mae Ya Waterfall in Thailand is located in Doi Inthanon National Park, one of Thailand’s most popular National parks. 

It is just a two-hour drive from Chiang Mai city centre.

Doi Inthanon National Park is well known for its beautiful Thai waterfalls, mountain hikes, and remote villages. 

Unlike the other waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, Mae Ya is located south of the National Park and not inside the main gates.

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


How to Get to Mae Ya Waterfall from Chiang Mai?

Mae Ya Waterfall is located between 90 minutes and a 2-hour drive southwest of Chiang Mai (around 55 miles).

For most of the route, you will drive down Highway 108, a well-paved, wide road that is easy to navigate. This road leads to Route 1009.

As you get closer, you travel down some smaller country roads, but they remain easy to navigate.

So, the journey from Chiang Mai is fairly straightforward and fast.

To get to Mae Ya Waterfall, you have four options. 

  1. Hire a car or a scooter
  2. Book a tour
  3. Take a songthaew (red public car) or book a Grab car. 
  4. Bonus option! – Stay locally for a few days to explore more of the National Park!
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.

We would not recommend getting a songthaew or Grab car after visiting Doi Inthanon National Park ourselves.  

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!

Public transport or a Grab car are only good options if you plan to visit only Mae Ya waterfall.

In this instance, booking a Grab car and asking them to wait for you could work well.

But we recommend self-driving or taking a tour to see what else the National Park offers.

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


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.

Option One: Self-drive to Mae Ya Waterfall

Hiring a Scooter

When travelling to Thailand, most tourists hire a scooter as it is an easy and affordable option. 

However, it’s essential to be aware that unless you have a motorbike licence in your home country that permits you to drive scooters or bikes abroad, your insurance will not cover you in the event of an accident. 

Many travellers don’t realise this, as there is so much conflicting information online. We always like to mention it so you can make an informed decision about your Thailand trip. 

However, you can book one locally for less than £10 a day if you have the correct motorbike or scooter license.

💡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 do not have a motorbike licence in the UK and wanted to explore for more than one day, we hired a car from Chiang Mai.

We then chose to book accommodation and stay local.

This meant we could spend a few days exploring the park and waterfalls and travel in and out as much as we wanted to. 

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!

Hiring a car is a relatively affordable option in Asia, and it is simple to do 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.

We hired a car from Chiang Mai through booking.com and paid £18 / 23 USD a day. We have also used Rental Cars in the past, and Booking.com also owns them.

This included full damage waiver insurance, so we would not have to pay an excess if we had an accident.

If you are happy to pay an excess, a car rental with insurance can cost as little as $13 a day. 

We hired a car for over three weeks to explore northern Thailand.

🚗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🚗


We visited some stunning places, such as Phu Chi Fa and Doi Mae Salong, so we feel confident when we say that driving in Thailand is pretty simple.

The roads are well-paved and wide, and other drivers are quite sensible!

Whatever option you choose, be sure to download the location area map on Google Maps for offline use.

This way, you won’t need to panic if your signal drops out as you venture toward the mountains! 

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

You can get your Free Guide here!

Option two: Book a Tour

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai, so if you prefer this option, you will find many tours.

Booking a tour can be a great option if you are short on time or want to cut the hassle out of the trip. 

If you think a tour is the best option, check out both one-day tours below.

They both include Mae Ya Waterfall and some of the other must-see sights! 

💡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!


To save you time, we have researched the best tours for Mae Ya Waterfall and outlined them below.

We know how overwhelming it can be to search through pages and pages of tours only to find they are not suitable!

The tours below are the best option to see Mae Ya Waterfall and other attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park.

The only difference is that 👇

  • Tour One includes the Royal Pagodas and Ang Ka Nature Trail, which is a very short boardwalk.
  • Tour Two excludes the Royal Pagodas but includes a longer nature hike called Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail instead.

If you prefer nature and hiking, we recommend tour number two, as the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail was our favourite hike from Chiang Mai!

  • 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

It passes some epic waterfalls through beautiful rice terraces and villages you would otherwise miss if you choose tour two.

It is, however, a little strenuous, with lots of steps and uneven ground.

So, if this does not sound like your thing, stick with tour one!

Tour One (Without the longer hike)

🏔️Private Doi Inthanon Tour with Mae Ya 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 both Wachiratharn Waterfall and Mae Ya 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 Tour with Mae Ya Waterfall now

Tour Two (Includes the longer hike)

🏔️Mae Ya Waterfall and Pha Dok Siew Trail Trek from Chiang Mai (Available as a private or group 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 Wachiratharn Waterfall
  • Meet a local hill tribe guide who will take you to Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail (our favourite trek in Doi Inthanon!)
  • Visit Rak Jung waterfall and trek through a forest and a small local farm. Learn about different plants and trees as you pass the rice fields at Ban Mae Klang Luang (rice fields depend on the season)
  • Finish your trek in the white Karen hill tribe village with a cup of freshly ground, locally grown coffee and lunch.
  • Visit Mae Ya Waterfall, one of Thailand’s most beautiful and most prominent waterfalls. At 280 meters high, it is a 30-story cliff, which makes it stunning. If you wish, you can swim at this place (depending on the weather conditions and water levels).
Book Mae Ya Waterfall & Pha Dok Siew 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 chose to spend five nights in Chom Thong and travel to Doi Inthanon National Park daily.

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 is a fantastic option if you have more time to allocate to this part of Thailand.

It is essential for us as photographers to arrive at the best time to take photographs, often in the morning or late afternoon. 

This is often difficult if you have just one day to explore!

Allocating extra days to explore meant we could see everything the Park had to offer and arrive at golden hour each day to take photos. 

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

  • 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.

If you enjoy slower travel like we do, we highly recommend spending a few nights staying local and hiring a car. 

One of the things we love most about travel is staying places longer than everyone else. Of course, we are extremely lucky to have the time to do this. 

If you have the time, we highly recommend spending a few days and not rushing your visit. 

We love eating at local restaurants, meeting the local people, and really taking the time to explore and connect with the area.

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 Ya 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 Ya Waterfall?


The best season to visit Mae Ya Waterfall

The best season to visit Mae Ya Waterfall is during or immediately after the rainy season. 

Which runs from June to October.

Especially if you are planning to photograph the 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 during November, the start of the dry season, and the waterfalls remained powerful. 

The waterfalls may be less dramatic if you visit during the dry season, but given their size, they will not run dry.

A single tree surrounded by the flowing tiers of Mae Ya Waterfall, its vibrant greenery standing out amidst the white, smooth streams captured through a long-exposure technique.
Camera Settings – ISO-125, f/8, 1/2 sec, 24mm

Love capturing photos while you travel? ✈️📸

Check out my Travel Photography series for easy tips and tricks to help you take stunning shots on the go! I cover everything you need to know to improve your photography while exploring the world.

  • What is Travel Photography? Start your adventure today!
  • 11 Types of Travel Photography Every Traveller Should Explore
  • 16 Game-Changing Tips on Travel Photography

The best time of day to visit Mae Ya Waterfall

The best time of day to visit Mae Ya Waterfall is early morning.

There will be more visitors in the afternoon, and the sun is too low in the sky to shine on the falls. 

We visited twice. 

The first time we visited was at 4 p.m. on a Friday, and there were only about 15 other people.

Which was not too bad compared to most tourist spots in Thailand.

Unfortunately, the sun had already fallen too low in the sky, so there was no light on the falls—not ideal for photography.

So we returned the following day at 7:30 a.m. to try to capture the falls in light. Despite being a Saturday, we were the only people there, and the sun shone beautifully on the waterfall!

A close-up of the lower tiers of Mae Ya Waterfall, showcasing intricate patterns in the cascading water. The sunlight highlights the tree growing between the rocks, with its bright green leaves standing out against the flowing water and the rugged, sunlit foreground.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 28mm

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What is the Mae Ya Waterfall Entrance Fee?

The entrance fee to Mae Ya Waterfall is 300 baht (£6.95) per person. 

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

However, if you plan on seeing more of Doi Inthanon National Park, we recommend purchasing a National Park ticket from Head Quarters first.

The Doi Inthanon entrance fee is just 300 baht per person for five days.

And this covers your entire park entrance and all the waterfalls, not just one. 

It costs the same as the Mae Ya Waterfall entrance ticket, so paying for the National Park ticket makes much more sense.

Even if you only have one day, you could certainly squeeze in a few more things in Doi Inthanon after Mae Ya!

💡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 green informational sign providing details about Mae Ya Waterfall, set against a rocky and forested background.

What is the opening time at Mae Ya Waterfall?

Official opening times are 8 am-6 pm. 

But we arrived at the car park at 7 am and entered without issues. 

We often arrive at tourist sports events earlier than the official opening times during our travels to catch the golden hour!

And we have always been able to enter.

However, if you arrive early, you may have to wait. However, this has never happened to us! (maybe we were just lucky!)

A colorful shrine wrapped around a large tree trunk, adorned with cloth and garlands, near Mae Ya Waterfall.
A peaceful spot near Mae Ya Waterfall featuring a stone bench by a small stream surrounded by rocks, vibrant green foliage, and cascading water in a natural forest setting

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

The walk to Mae Ya Waterfall from the car park is approximately ten minutes long and 1.5 km long on flat ground.

It took us 10-15 minutes to walk along the stream towards the waterfall’s base. 

The path is well-paved and lined with little viewpoints and picnic benches.

Emma hiking on a stone pathway surrounded by dense jungle greenery on the way to Mae Ya Waterfall.

So it’s worth allocating more time if you want to explore a little on your way.

As you wander through giant trees and up the stream, you will also pass over some rather cute small wooden bridges.

A charming wooden bridge crossing a small rocky stream, framed by vibrant green foliage near Mae Ya Waterfall.

We found that the Mae Ya Waterfall walk is a lovely experience in itself, and it is one of our favourite waterfall hikes from Chiang Mai!

There are also toilets halfway to the falls if you want to make a quick pit stop. 

💡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!


A paved pathway surrounded by lush greenery leading to Mae Ya Waterfall, with a wooden sign reading 'Mae Ya Waterfall' in both Thai and English, and a distance marker of 300 meters

📸 FREE Guide – 11 Simple Tips To Elevate Your Travel Photos

✅ Designed to help anyone take better travel photos, with no technical jargon, no confusing settings, and no need for fancy gear. 

🎉 Simple, practical tips to take better photos – whether you’re using a camera or your phone!

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What To Expect from Mae Ya Waterfall – Our Experience

When you arrive at the base of Mae Ya Waterfalls, I am sure you will be just as amazed as us. 

We spent three month in Indonesia capturing some fantastic travel photos, we saw some epic waterfalls, including Tumpak Sewu and Kapas Biru.

However, we must admit that the waterfalls in Northern Thailand rival the very best!

Mae Ya Waterfall is a 280-metre multi-tiered cascading curtain waterfall. 

As the water falls, it flows over layer upon layer of smooth rocks and spans such a distance that it gives a curtain-type effect. 

Staring at waterfalls is something we could never get bored of.

But even if you are not a massive fan of chasing waterfalls, were sure this one will impress you!

The water isn’t as blue as Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi but its sheer size makes up for it!

A close-up of the lower tiers of Mae Ya Waterfall, showcasing intricate patterns in the cascading water. The sunlight highlights the tree growing between the rocks, with its bright green leaves standing out against the flowing water and the rugged, sunlit foreground.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 28mm

It also has some interesting features, such as a tree protruding from one of the rocks to the left of the falls.

And many picturesque rockeries further down the falls.

You can climb a few huge boulders very easily to sit and take it all in.

Despite being on a photography schedule, we both took some time out and just sat watching the waterfalls and listening to the birds in the trees above us. 

It really is a beautiful little photo spot to connect with nature. On both days that we visited, there was not a huge crowd of other tourists, which made the trip even more special.

A view of Mae Ya Waterfall with multiple tiers of water cascading over rocks, framed by lush vegetation and a sign in he foreground.

You can swim at Mae Ya Waterfall, but unlike many single-drop waterfalls, there isn’t an easily accessible pool at the base. But if you fancy a dip, bring your swimwear and a towel!

We chose not to as it really isn’t all that warm in Doi Inthanon National Park (around 10-15c), but we did some other brave travellers jumping in!

If you arrive early (around 7 a.m.), you may even have the falls to yourselves!

Photographing Mae Ya Waterfall


💡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

Photography Compositions 

There are a few different compositions and vantage points here, so take your time looking around before you take your camera out. 

A group of photographers set up with tripods on the rocky terrain to capture the beauty of Mae Ya Waterfall.

If you are short on time, don’t panic.

We have listed our favourite compositions below to help you on location!

  1. Use the large boulder directly opposite the waterfall to gain some elevation and an alternate perspective from ground level.
Steffan kneels near a rushing stream at Mae Ya Waterfall, setting up a camera on a tripod amidst the rocky landscape.

2. Getting as low to the running stream as possible gives you an opposite perspective to being on top of the boulder. It works quite well if you are trying to capture the movement in the rushing water. You will find small ledges to stand on closer to the base of the falls. 

3. Using a person to stand on one of the rocks in front of the falls offers an alternate type of shot and can make for a more interesting capture!

Mae Ya Waterfall in Thailand, a stunning multi-tiered cascade surrounded by lush greenery. The rushing water flows over smooth rocks, creating a misty, serene atmosphere at the foot of the waterfall. A single tree grows near the cascade. Long exposure shot.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 36mm

📸Outdoor photography comes with its own challenges!

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Photography Gear Checklist

You don’t need fancy equipment to photograph waterfalls, especially if you use your mobile phone or a point-and-shoot camera.

But if, like us, you shoot with a DSLR or mirrorless, then the photography checklist below👇 will make shooting waterfalls much easier.

  • Tripod – To steady your camera when capturing long exposures.
  • ND Filter – Required to capture long exposure shots that create that dreamy effect!
  • Circular Polarising Filter – Minimises glare reflected by the water
  • Remote Shutter Release – Prevents blur when taking long exposures
  • A small cloth – Super helpful in wiping away waterfall spray from your lens
  • Raincover – To keep your camera body and lens dry
  • Wide angle lens – Allows you to get close to the waterfall and still capture the whole scene
  • Take out a comprehensive photography insurance policy! Camera gear is expensive, and capturing waterfalls is always a little risky, so ensure you have a decent policy in place!

📱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!

Can you fly a drone at Mae Ya Waterfall? 

Yes, you can fly a drone at Mae Ya Waterfall. But be aware that you legally need a drone license to fly a drone in Thailand. 

The Drone Travellers blog provides more information on which licences and approvals you need and how to obtain them. 

A wide-angle drone image of Mae Ya Waterfall cascading through the dense jungle, showcasing its multiple tiers and blending natural symmetry with photographic composition.
Drone Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/400 sec, 12mm

Photography Tips for Mae Ya Waterfall

  • Get someone in your photograph! If you are travelling with someone else, asking them to be a subject in your photograph is worth asking. Posing for photographs is not my favourite thing, especially if other people are watching! But Steffan nearly always convinces me, and the photographs do look more interesting most of the time. So, it’s worth giving it a go for an alternative type of photograph to a typical waterfall capture!
Emma stood in a flowing white dress stands on rocks in front of the majestic Mae Ya Waterfall, captured with a long exposure to create a soft, ethereal effect on the cascading water.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 24mm
  • Try alternate compositions! There are a few options here, so be sure to take your time and explore all of them to get different shots.
  • Use the tree! The tree midway up the falls is a fascinating subject, so be sure to use it in your photographs.
A centered tree amidst flowing waterfalls, with the soft, dreamy texture of the cascading water achieved through long-exposure photography.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2sec, 58mm
  • Be aware of the light. The light tends to be quite harsh as it rises in the morning. So, photographing Mae Ya Waterfall is actually easier on a cloudy day, given the clouds diffuse some of the bright light.
  • Use narrower aperture values of around f/8 – f/14.0 to ensure the whole scene is in focus.
  • Capture some long exposures! Use a long exposure to make the water look smooth, flowy and soft. Our favourite type of waterfall shot!
A vibrant tree to the left of Mae Ya Waterfall, framed by cascading water and rocks, showcasing the juxtaposition of stillness and motion in this composed shot.
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 112mm
  • Be prepared for shooting in a wet environment. Packing a dry cloth to wipe your lens will be a lifesaver, and if you don’t have a rain cover, just bring a plastic bag; it will do the job!
  • Visit in the morning! We visited once in the afternoon around 3/4pm and then the next day at 7.30-8am and the light was so much better in the morning. If you want to capture some golden light, plan your morning visit since the sun drops too low in the afternoon and is too harsh at midday. – See below examples to show the difference that light made to our photo! 👇
A serene view of Mae Ya Waterfall captured under overcast or shaded conditions. The multiple tiers of cascading water appear soft and smooth due to a long-exposure technique. The lack of direct light creates a muted palette, emphasizing the cool tones of the rocks and water, while the tree in the foreground blends subtly into the scene, adding to the atmosphere.
Not much light to create contrast in the image
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/120 sec, 12mm

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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 vibrant view of Mae Ya Waterfall illuminated by natural sunlight. The flowing water sparkles under the light, bringing out the details of each cascade and highlighting the textures of the rocks. The foreground tree glows with enhanced greenery, standing out sharply against the bright, dynamic waterfall. The lighting transforms the scene into a lively and visually striking composition, showcasing the impact of sunlight on the photograph.
More light on the tree and rocks creates good contrast in the image
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/10, 1/2 sec, 28mm

  • Fly your drone! Using a drone gives an entirely different perspective, and Mae Ya looks quite dramatic from above, so it’s worth sending it up to take a look and see what you can capture.
A stunning aerial shot of Mae Ya Waterfall surrounded by dense greenery, highlighting the waterfall’s grandeur and seamless integration into the natural forested landscape. Taken with a drone.
Drone Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/400 sec, 12mm

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Important Visitor Information for Mae Ya Waterfall

  • There is a large car park, so you will have no issues finding a spot if you hire a car.
  • Alcohol is strictly prohibited, and there are lots of large signs stating this. So save your cheeky drinks for dinner in Chiang Mai!
  • 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!
  • Mae Ya Waterfall is a very popular destination for visitors. If you enjoy photography, be sure to visit early in the day to beat the crowds and capture the best light on the falls.
  • A rustic wooden signboard marking Mae Ya Waterfall, situated under a simple roofed structure and surrounded by dense vegetation.
  • A stream of cascading water at Mae Ya Waterfall, framed by lush foliage and illuminated by golden sunlight filtering through the trees.

  • If you plan on bringing some food, many picnic benches along the short walk to the base of the falls will make for a nice rest stop. When you arrive at the waterfall itself, there are signs prohibiting food and drink.
  • A conservation sign at Mae Ya Waterfall, cautioning visitors against littering, with nearby rocks and greenery.
  • Mae Ya Waterfall flows in multiple tiers with a lush forest backdrop, highlighted by a green informational sign in the foreground.

  • Many food and drink stalls in the car park sell local meals and snacks. So bring some cash with you if you plan to grab something while you are here
  • 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 row of local vendors near Mae Ya Waterfall with red umbrellas covering stalls selling fresh produce and snacks, set against a backdrop of trees and a paved walkway

Frequently asked questions about mae ya waterfall


Are there toilets at Mae Ya waterfall? 

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

Is there food at Mae Ya Waterfall? 

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

Can you swim at Mae Ya Waterfall?

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

A partial view of Mae Ya Waterfall framed by trees and large boulders, with water cascading in the background.

Is there a restaurant at Mae Ya waterfall in Doi Inthanon? 

As of 2024, there are no restaurants at Mae Ya Waterfall, but there are many little food stalls where you can purchase food.

How long do I need to spend at Mae Ya waterfall? 

You should allocate 1-3 hours to Mae Ya Waterfall. The walk to the falls is very short, but if you want to allocate time to photography or swimming, you will need to factor this in. 

Is there parking at Mae Ya Waterfall?

Yes, there is free parking at Mae Ya Waterfall for around 30 cars plus motorbikes, so you should have no issue finding a spot. 

What is the weather like at doi inthanon national park?

Compared to the rest of Thailand, it’s cold! The weather at Doi Inthanon National Park is around 10-15 degrees C, so be sure to bring some layers with you.

Where to Go Next After Visiting Mae Ya Waterfall?

So, you are planning your trip to Mae Ya Waterfall, but where should you go next?

Where to go next in Doi Inthanon National Park


There’s so much to explore in Doi Inthanon National Park!

If you can allocate the time, try including some of these beauty spots to make the most of your visit.

  • Wachirathan waterfall: A Jurassic-sized waterfall! Although the busiest in Doi Inthanon waterfall, it has to be seen to be believed! Just bring a raincoat!
  • Mae Klang waterfall: A beautiful picturesque waterfall perfect for photography and flying your drone. Our second favourite after Mae Ya Waterfall.
  • 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

Where to go next in Northern Thailand?

There’s more to Northern Thailand than Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon!

Over 3 weeks, we found incredible hidden gems that most visitors overlook.

If you can make the time to venture further—you’ll discover gorgeous scenery, unique adventures, and spots that the locals seem to love.

  • 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  – Breath-taking mountain views, the mysterious blanket of fog at sunrise and 360 views across into Laos.
  • Lampang  – A stunning temple perched on top of dramatic mountains! A real hidden gem perfect for mountain and photography lovers!
A drone landscape image of vast green mountain ranges covered in trees with small white bell shaped Pagodas perched on top of the mountains that make up the Sky Temple known as Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat in Thailand.
Floating pagodas over the mountain ridge Mavic 3 Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/800 sec, 12mm

Is Mae Ya Waterfall Worth Visiting?

Mae Ya Waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls we have seen during our Asia travels.

It’s a ” must-see” bucket list location if you enjoy photography or you just love chasing waterfalls!

Although it is very well known and a popular waterfall, it is often overlooked because it sits outside the park.

You will not encounter the vast crowds that you may encounter in Bangkok and the south of Thailand.

If you have just one day to visit Doi Inthanon National Park and want to see its most beautiful waterfall, we highly recommend Mae Ya!

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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, 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.
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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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.

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