Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon: A Photographer’s Guide
InWanderment contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase or a booking using these links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. This helps with the cost of running InWanderment. See our Privacy Policy page for more information. We appreciate your support!
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!
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 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
💡 Planning a trip but not sure where to start? 🤔
👉 Grab your FREE Guide to 50+ of the BEST travel apps – Apps to help you navigate, find volunteer roles, house swapping, transport, planning, and more!
✈️ As full-time travel photographers, we’ve personally tested and used every app in this guide during our 18 months on the road, and they honestly made travel smoother, smarter, and way more fun.
📩Pop in your email and we’ll send it straight over – hope it helps make your next adventure a little easier!
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.
- Hire a car or a scooter
- Book a tour
- Take a songthaew (red public car) or book a Grab car.
- Bonus option! – Stay locally for a few days to explore more of the National Park!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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!
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
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).
‼️‼️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.
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.
🚂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.
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.
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!
✨ Share your photos in my Travel Photography Facebook group! ✨
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”.
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!)
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.
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.
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!
📸 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!
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!
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.
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!
Photography Compositions
There are a few different compositions and vantage points here, so take your time looking around before you take your camera out.
If you are short on time, don’t panic.
We have listed our favourite compositions below to help you on location!
- Use the large boulder directly opposite the waterfall to gain some elevation and an alternate perspective from ground level.
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!
📸Outdoor photography comes with its own challenges!
Download our FREE photography planning guide below👇 packed with 8 simple location tips to help you capture breathtaking photos and ensure you don’t miss the golden hour!
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.
📱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.
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!
- 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.
- 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!
- 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! 👇
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/6.3, 1/120 sec, 12mm
Want to improve your travel photography but not sure where to start?
📸 Join Travel Photography Fast-Track – Personalised 1-on-1 coaching to take your travel photography to the next level!
Not ready for coaching?
✨ Try Photo Feedback+ – Get expert feedback and a step-by-step plan to transform your photos.
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.
Would you like to connect with other photographers who share your passion?
✨ Exclusive content on finding beautiful photography locations – how to get there, the best times to visit, and what shots to capture!
✨ Tips, advice and tailored support on photography gear and techniques!
✨ Inside information on the best photo spots in specific locations to help you plan your next trip!
✨ Connecting with other Travel Photography lovers!
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.
- 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.
- 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!
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.
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
- 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!
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!
📸FREE Photography Guide
Want to take your photography skills to the next level?
Download our FREE photography planning guide! It’s packed with 8 simple location tips to help you capture breathtaking photos, no matter your skill level.
Simply enter your details below, and we’ll send you the guide along with additional tips and tricks to inspire your photography journey. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your craft, this guide will set you up for success.
Download our FREE guide below👇
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.
More Thailand Inspiration!
- Visiting Phu Chi Fa Mountains in Thailand – A Photographers Guide
- 2-Week Northern Thailand Itinerary for Photographers
- How to get from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon National Park
- Guide to Ang Ka Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park
- Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail – Doi Inthanon National Park
- How to choose an ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand
- Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail in Doi Inthanon National Park
- Mae Ya Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park – A Photographers Guide
- Mae Klang Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park – A Complete Guide
- Mae Salong in North Thailand – A 2-Day Itinerary
- Things to do in Doi Inthanon – A Day trip from Chiang Mai
- The Overnight Sleeper Train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
- How to Visit Thailand’s Sky Temple in Lampang
- How to Travel from Chiang Mai to Bangkok by Day Train
- Ultimate Guide to Wat Sam Phran Dragon Temple in Bangkok
- Visitors Guide To Sirithan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon
- Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon – A Complete Guide
- 4 Beautiful Doi Inthanon waterfalls You Shouldn’t Miss
- A Complete Guide to 3 Beautiful Doi Inthanon Hikes
- A Complete Guide to Twin Royal Pagodas at Doi Inthanon
- Chang Chill – An Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai
- Is It Safe to Drive in Thailand? Everything You Need to Know
- Chiang Mai Lantern Festival: Is it Worth it? An Honest Guide
- 11 Best Places to Visit in Northern Thailand for Photography
- 4 Day Chiang Mai Itinerary for Photographers
- Guide to The Tiger Cave Temple in Kanchanaburi – Wat Tham Sua
- The Photographer’s Guide to Erawan Waterfalls, Kanchanaburi
Tips to elevate your photography
- Mastering What Shutter Speed to Use for Perfect Shots
- Must Have Travel Photography Gear for Your Next Adventure
- How To Find Photography Spots: A Travel Photographers Guide
- When is the Best Time to Take Pictures Outside?
- Best Lens for Travel Photography: What to Pack and Why
- 17 Photography Composition Techniques for Top Travel Photos
- Understanding Aperture: Examples & Photos for Beginners
- Practical Tips to Elevate Your Photography on a Cloudy Day
- 21 Tips for Photographing Mountains
- Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Waterfall Photography
- What is Travel Photography? Start your adventure today!
- 11 Types of Travel Photography Every Traveller Should Explore
- 16 Game-Changing Tips on Travel Photography
- Beginners Guide To Photographing People While Travelling