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Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon – A Complete Guide

BySteffan 10 January 202517 January 2025 Updated on17 January 2025

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Table of Contents

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  • Quick Facts on Wachirathan Waterfall
  • Where is wachirathan waterfall?
  • When is the Best time to Visit Wachirathan Waterfall?
    • The best season to visit Wachirathan Falls
    • The Best Time of day to visit Wachirathan Waterfall
  • What is the Wachirathan Waterfall Entrance Fee?
  • What are the Opening Times for Wachirathan Waterfall?
  • How far is the walk to the Waterfall from the Car Park?
  • Our Experience at Wachirathan Waterfall
  • Photography Tips for Wachirathan Waterfall
  • Can you Fly a Drone at Wachirathan waterfall?
  • Tips for Visiting Wachirathan Waterfall
  • How to get to Wachirathan Waterfall from Chiang Mai?
    • Option One: Self-drive to Wachirathan
    • Option Two: Book a tour to Wachirathan Falls
    • Bonus Option: Stay local
  • Questions about visiting wachirathan falls
    • Are there toilets at Wachirathan waterfall?
    • Can you swim at Wachirathan waterfall?
    • Is there a restaurant at Wachirathan waterfall in Doi Inthanon?
    • How long do I need to spend at Wachirathan waterfall?
    • Is there parking at Wachirathan waterfall?
    • What is the weather like at Doi Inthanon National Park?
  • Is Wachirathan waterfall worth visiting?
  • Where to Go Next After Visiting Wachirathan Waterfall?
  • Where to go next in Northern Thailand?
  • Heading back to Bangkok?
  • More Thailand Inspiration!
  • Tips to elevate your photography

Wachirathan Waterfall is the most popular waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park.

Almost every tour includes it, and every visitor has it in their itinerary.  

It’s huge. It’s dramatic, and it’s usually very busy. 

But is it good for photographers?

As far as waterfalls go, Wachirathan is impressive and makes a great subject for photography. 

Although not the easiest.

There are some things you will want to know before visiting. 

When we were planning our five-day trip to Doi Inthanon National Park, we struggled to track down practical details.

Like when the lighting was best for photos, how much time we needed to explore, and what the ticket costs are. 

The lack of clarity made trip planning frustrating, and we arrived with no idea what to expect. 

Given that Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the most popular day trips from Chiang Mai, we really thought it would be easy to find information.

However, this part of Thailand is much less visited than the rest (there are way fewer crowds).

And the downside is that there is much less information available. 

But being avid photographers, we spent multiple days exploring Doi Inthanon to ensure we could provide the most useful tips for your visit.

We now know the best times to visit, how to get to Wachirathan waterfall from Chiang Mai, and how much time you need to allocate.

And of course, we have lots of photography tips to help you get your beautiful shots! 

So whether you’re a photographer chasing the perfect shot or a nature lover keen to explore Thailand’s best waterfalls, this guide will tell you everything you need to know.

A wide-angle landscape shot of Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, showcasing its powerful cascades enveloped by vibrant green forest under soft, natural light
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 16mm

Quick Facts on Wachirathan Waterfall

👉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? A 2 minute walk

👉Best Time to Visit? Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds

👉Height? 40-60m 

👉Waterfall Type? Cascading spanning across a rock face

👉Can you swim? No, swimming is prohibited


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A composed shot of Wachirathan Waterfall with a vibrant foreground of lush green plants and mossy rocks, emphasizing the waterfall's grandeur through a long-exposure effect
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 19mm

Where is wachirathan waterfall?

Wachirathan Waterfall is in Doi Inthanon National Park, one of Thailand’s most popular parks and one of Northern Thailand’s best attractions. 

It’s only about a two-hour drive from Chiang Mai city centre, so it’s super easy to get to.

The park is famous for its amazing waterfalls, hiking trails, and small, remote villages.

There’s literally a ton of things to see and do.

If you love nature and beautiful views, it’s definitely worth including it in your Thailand itinerary.

The star below shows where you can find Wachirathan in relation to Chiang Mai!

A close-up of Wachirathan Waterfall showcasing its powerful water crashing over dark rock, framed by vibrant green foliage on either side

When is the Best time to Visit Wachirathan Waterfall?


The best season to visit Wachirathan Falls

The best time to visit Wachirathan Waterfall is during or just after the rainy season (June to October).

Especially if you plan to take photos.

You’ll want to skip the very start of the rainy season, after months without rain, the waterfalls haven’t quite come back to life yet.

We visited in November, at the start of the dry season, and all of the waterfalls in Doi Inthanon were still powerful.

While the falls might be less dramatic later in the dry season, they’re large enough that they won’t completely dry up.

A close-up, long-exposure shot of Wachirathan Waterfall, highlighting the silky, cascading water flowing down rugged, moss-covered rocks surrounded by lush greenery
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 35mm

The Best Time of day to visit Wachirathan Waterfall

Wachirathan waterfall is the most popular and busiest waterfall that we visited during our three weeks in Northern Thailand. 

Almost every single tour available includes a visit to this waterfall and its known as the best waterfall in the park.

So its highly unlikely that you will get this place all to yourself. 

However, if you want to give it a shot, you should arrive at opening time (6am) or much later in the day just before closing time at 5pm.

Do not do what we did and arrive mid-day when it’s heaving with people and the light is too bright.

Stone steps leading to a viewpoint filled with visitors, all admiring the powerful flow of Wachirathan Waterfall in the distance. Showing the crowds at the viewpoint.

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What is the Wachirathan Waterfall Entrance Fee?

Since Wachirathan Waterfall is within Doi Inthanon National Park, you’ll need to purchase a park ticket.

The cost is 300 baht (£6.95) and covers entry for five consecutive days.

For Thai citizens, the ticket price is just 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”.


What are the Opening Times for Wachirathan Waterfall?

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

Since Wachirathan Waterfall is inside the park, its opening hours are the same.

Once inside, you can visit at any time that fits your schedule!



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

Its so close that you can literally see the waterfall from the car park. 

Making this one of the most easily accessed waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park in terms of distance.

It takes just 1 minute to walk to the viewpoint, making it extremely easy to visit even if you are on a tight schedule.

There are however, some steps leading up to the viewpoint.

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  • 11 Types of Travel Photography Every Traveller Should Explore
  • 16 Game-Changing Tips on Travel Photography

A group of visitors walking up stone steps surrounded by greenery, heading towards Wachirathan Waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park, with mist from the falls visible in the background

Our Experience at Wachirathan Waterfall

Despite usually arriving at photo spots early in the day we decided to come here mid-afternoon on our way to the Royal Pagodas. 

Just to check it out and see if it was worth coming early another day to take some photos. 

We quickly realised that visiting at this time was a mistake. 

The car park was full of tour vans and coaches.

We walked the short 1 minute up some concrete steps to the main view point and honestly it felt a little overwhelming. 

The viewpoint was swarming with more people than we had seen in days. 

It felt pretty frantic with people pushing to get their waterfall selfie or a photo with the Wachirathan sign. 

A wooden sign with "Wachirathan Waterfall" written in Thai and English, standing against the backdrop of the cascading waterfall
I managed to get this photo without anyone in it by zooming in!

But it makes sense so many people want to come here! 

Wachirathan is the biggest and most dramatic waterfall we visited during our five days at the park. 

It doesn’t have the clear waters you see at Erawan Falls in Kanchanaburi, but its sheer size makes up for it!

The sheer power of the falls is super impressive, and the fact you are hit with the waterfall’s spray regardless of where you stand makes it really fun!

But don’t panic too much, you won’t get soaking wet. 

But you are going to be damp when you leave.

So if this is not your idea of fun, bring a poncho!

Steffan capturing Wachirathan Waterfall with a digital camera, framed by a wooden railing and green foliage.

The spray did however make it pretty difficult to take photos.

Even when using a rain cover, Steffan’s camera was constantly covered in spray.

I had to put my little camera away as its not water proof, which means sadly I have little to no video of this place.

We spent around 45 minutes here getting a few obligatory selfies and trying our best to get some nice waterfall photographs.

The waterfall itself is stunning and we really enjoyed just watching it!

Its absolutely worth visiting even if you dont think you will get amazing photos. 

And even if its crowded. 


💡Visiting Tip: Pack a poncho if you dont want to get wet. And bring a casing and waterproof cover for your mobile phone and camera if they are not completely water resistant, as they WILL get wet!


Photography Tips for Wachirathan Waterfall


We found photographing Wachirathan waterfall pretty challenging.

Mainly due to the constant spray coming off the falls, the crowds and the lack of composition opportunities. 

But we are still happy with some of the photos we took. What you pack in your photography bag will make or break your visit so don’t forget those essentials 👇

Steffan focusing closely with his camera on the cascading water of Wachirathan Waterfall, surrounded by greenery and mist and wooden railings infront of him

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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.

  • The biggest tip we can give you is to try to keep your equipment dry. It’s not easy here as there is so much water spraying off the falls. Bring a towel to wipe spray away so it doesn’t affect your shots and pack a rain cover as well.
  • If your camera is not waterproof, then we don’t recommend getting it out unless you have a case for it!
  • Our favourite photographs were taken from the viewpoint to the left of the main “Wachirathan sign.” It seemed to be less crowded than the main viewpoint, and you are not in the direct firing line of the waterfall spray!
A paved viewing platform overlooking Wachirathan Waterfall, with several visitors taking photos or admiring the powerful falls surrounded by lush forest
  • Don’t worry about cloudy days—they’re actually great for photographing waterfalls! If you can’t visit during golden hour, clouds help soften the light, reducing harsh reflections and making your waterfall shots look even better.
  • Give long exposures a try! This technique creates a smooth, soft, and flowy effect on the water—it’s our favourite way to capture waterfalls!
A side-angle photograph of Wachirathan Waterfall, capturing the dramatic flow of water over jagged rocks with a misty atmosphere created by the spray and lots of green trees and foliage surrounding it
Camera Settings – ISO-100, f/8, 1/2 sec, 16mm
  • Experiment with different compositions! The space in front of the falls isn’t huge, but you can still get creative. Try shooting straight on or from the side to showcase the falls with unique angles and backdrops.
  • If you arrive early and there are fewer people, you can explore the viewpoint to the right of the falls by following the path down to the riverbank. This will offer an alternate perspective.

📱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!


💡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

A group of tourists walking along a dirt path bordered by lush greenery, with Wachirathan Waterfall misting in the background showing a different viewpoint.

Can you Fly a Drone at Wachirathan waterfall?

Yes, you can fly a drone at Wachirathan Waterfall, but be aware that you legally need a drone license to fly in Thailand.

For details on the required licenses and approvals, check out the Drone Travellers blog—they’ve got all the info on how to get started!

You would also need to take off in a quiet spot away from the crowds so as not to disturb anyone.


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A composed shot of Wachirathan Waterfall with a vibrant foreground of lush green plants and mossy rocks, emphasizing the waterfall's grandeur through a long-exposure effect

Tips for Visiting Wachirathan Waterfall

  • There’s a large car park, so finding a spot won’t be an issue if you’re driving.
  • Keep in mind alcohol is strictly prohibited here—there are plenty of signs to remind you! Save the drinks for dinner back in Chiang Mai.
  • Bring waterproofs if you want to stay dry as you will be hit by the spray coming off the falls.
  • Wachirathan Waterfall is a popular spot, so if you’re into photography, head there early to beat the crowds and catch the best light. 
  • Many food and drink stalls in the car park offer local meals and snacks, so don’t forget to bring some cash if you want to grab a bite while you’re there!
  • 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 quaint cafe near Wachirathan Waterfall with outdoor seating, a wooden chalkboard menu listing beverages, and plants adding to the cozy atmosphere

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How to get to Wachirathan Waterfall from Chiang Mai?

There are two ways to get to Wachirathan Waterfall from Chiang Mai:

Option 1: Drive yourself. You can rent a car or a motorbike from Chiang Mai to Bangkok (just make sure you’ve got a valid license).

Option 2: Book a guided tour that includes transport to and from Chiang Mai.

We went with the car option and stayed nearby for five nights so we could really explore everything the National Park has to offer.

If you’re short on time, though, a one-day trip or a guided tour is a solid choice.

Public transport?

Not the best option for getting from Chiang Mai to Doi Inthanon. The attractions in the park are pretty spread out, so walking between them isn’t really doable.

You could hire a Grab (taxi) driver to take you around for the day.

But honestly, that might end up costing more than just booking a tour with a guide who knows all the best spots.

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 Wachirathan


Hiring a Scooter / Motorbike

When you’re in Thailand, renting a scooter is a super popular option for tourists.

It’s cheap and really convenient.

But here’s something you should know.

Your travel insurance won’t cover you if you’re in an accident.

Unless you have a valid motorbike license from your home country.

Many travellers don’t realize this because the info online can be pretty confusing.

We always like to give a heads-up so you can plan your trip without any surprises.

If you do have the right license, you’re in luck!

You can rent a scooter locally for less than £10 a day, making this the most affordable option for getting around.

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.

💡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 have motorbike licenses in the UK and wanted to explore for more than just a day, we decided to rent a car instead.

We also booked some local accommodation, which gave us the freedom to explore the park and waterfalls at our own pace over a few days.

Staying nearby was super handy—it meant we could pop in and out of the park whenever we felt like it.

Renting a car in Asia is pretty affordable and easy to arrange, as long as you have an international driver’s permit.

These permits are cheap, but you’ll need to sort one out before you travel.

In the UK, you have to apply for it in person, and it costs just £10.

It’s valid for a whole year, so it’s worth getting if you plan to drive abroad!

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 booked our car through Booking.com in Chiang Mai, and it cost us £18 (about $23 USD) per day.

That price included full damage waiver insurance, so we wouldn’t have to pay any excess if something went wrong—definitely worth the peace of mind!

We’ve also used Rental Cars in the past, which is owned by Booking.com, so both are solid options.

🚗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!


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

We ended up renting the car for over three weeks to explore northern Thailand, and honestly, it was one of the best decisions we made!

We visited some amazing spots perfect for photography

Driving in Thailand turned out to be much easier than expected—the roads are wide, well-paved, and local drivers are pretty sensible.

🚗BOOK YOUR STRESS-FREE HIRE CAR HERE🚗


Whichever option you go for, make sure to download an offline Google Map of the area to avoid losing signal, especially in the mountains.

Over 18 months of travel, we found mobile travel apps to be a lifesaver for planning and navigating!


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


Option Two: Book a tour to Wachirathan Falls

Doi Inthanon National Park is one of the top day trips from Chiang Mai, with plenty of tours available if that’s your preferred way to explore.

Tours are a great option if you’re short on time or just want a stress-free way to see the park.

We know how tiring it can be to sift through endless options only to find they’re not quite right!

To make things easier, we’ve highlighted two of the best one-day tours below.

💡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!


The two tours also include a visit to Mae Ya Waterfall (Thailands most beautiful waterfall!) which was our favourite waterfall in the whole of Northern Thailand! 

Its stunning!

So we highly recommend you include a visit to this waterfall as well regardless of how you travel here!

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.
Mae Ya Waterfall! Known as the most beautiful waterfall in Thailand

Here’s the key difference between the two tours:

Tour One: includes the Royal Pagodas and the Ang Ka Nature Trail, which is a short boardwalk.

Tour Two: skips the Royal Pagodas but features the longer Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail instead.

If you’re into nature and hiking, we recommend Tour Two— the Pha Dok Siew Nature Trail was our favorite hike near 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.
Waterfalls on the Pha Dok Seio Trail

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

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 Waterfalls & Doi Inthanon Tour Here✨

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 largest 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 Waterfalls & Pha Dok Siew Tour Here✨

‼️‼️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

We spent five nights in Chom Thong, just 20–30 minutes from most attractions in Doi Inthanon National Park.

Making it the perfect base for daily visits.

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.

As photographers, staying local allowed us to capture the best light in the morning and late afternoon—something hard to do on a one-day trip.

If you enjoy slower travel, we highly recommend staying a few nights, hiring a car, and taking your time to explore.

Spending extra days meant we could enjoy the park fully, eat at local restaurants, meet the community, and experience the area at our own pace.

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.

A bright red "songthaew" (shared taxi) parked at Doi Inthanon National Park, surrounded by greenery and a sunny blue sky. The vehicle features white text in Thai, a roof rack, and an open rear seating area, typical of local transportation in Thailand

Where should you stay when visiting Doi Inthanon National Park?

We stayed at Sailom Resort, just 30 minutes from Doi Inthanon National Park and only 22 minutes by car to Wachirathan Waterfall.

At just 600 baht (£13) per night, it was a great deal and one of our favorite stops on our Northern Thailand road trip.

The staff were incredibly friendly, and the room was spacious with a desk, a hot shower, and daily free tea, coffee, snacks—and even fresh lychees!

There was free parking, and local restaurants were just a short walk away. Highly recommended!

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.


Questions about visiting wachirathan falls

Are there toilets at Wachirathan waterfall?

Yes, there are toilets at Wachirathan Waterfall. You’ll find them in the car park and at many of the restaurants open to you.

Can you swim at Wachirathan waterfall?

No you cannot swim at Wachirathan waterfall. There are no access points and it would be super dangerous to try.

Is there a restaurant at Wachirathan waterfall in Doi Inthanon?

Yes there are a few different restaurant options in the car park so bring some cash with you.

How long do I need to spend at Wachirathan waterfall?

This depends on whether you plan on taking many photos like we did. If not, 20-30 minutes is plenty. But if you are really tight on time you could see it in 10 minutes if you dont plan on walking down to the lower view point and just want a photo with the main sign!

Is there parking at Wachirathan waterfall?

Yes there is a large car park at Wachirathan waterfall.

What is the weather like at Doi Inthanon National Park?

Compared to the rest of Thailand, the weather at Doi Inthanon National Park is quite chilly, ranging from 10-15°C some spots. Make sure to pack some layers to keep warm!

A scenic view of Wachirathan Waterfall framed by a wooden railing and dirt path, surrounded by vibrant green vegetation and rocks

Is Wachirathan waterfall worth visiting?

Despite Wachirathan not being the easiest to photograph, we still really enjoyed seeing it. 

Its an epic waterfall that really makes you appreciate nature! 

Although Wachirathan Falls tends to attract more visitors than the other falls we explored, we highly recommend a visit!

It’s absolutely worth a slot in your itinerary!

A close-up of Wachirathan Waterfall, showcasing powerful cascading water with mist rising, framed by a single hanging vine in the foreground

Where to Go Next After Visiting Wachirathan Waterfall?


Doi Inthanon National Park has so much to see!

Make sure to add some of the below sights to your itinerary.

  • Mae Ya Waterfall: A stunning cascading waterfall that’s a dream for photographers and nature lovers. It’s our absolute favourite in Doi Inthanon National Park!
  • Mae Klang Waterfall: A picturesque and photogenic waterfall. Perfect for snapping photos or flying your drone. It’s our second favourite after Mae Ya.
  • Sirithan Waterfall: A short 100-meter walk takes you to a wooden platform with 360-degree views of the waterfall and lush surrounding trees. It’s not the most dramatic, but it’s worth a little stop-off if you have time. 
  • Ang Ka Nature Trail: A magical boardwalk through a moss-covered forest filled with tropical birds and interesting information boards. No guide required!
  • Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail: The park’s most popular trail, offering breathtaking views of the area and the Royal Twin Pagodas. A guide is provided at the entrance.
  • Pha Dok Siew Trail: A scenic hike featuring incredible waterfalls, massive trees, and peaceful rice fields. Easily our favourite hike in the park!
  • Royal Twin Pagodas: Beautifully landscaped gardens surround these two ornate pagodas, built to honour King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikit. Don’t miss them!

Where to go next in Northern Thailand?

Chiang Mai and Doi Inthanon National Park are cool but you are missing SO MUCH if you don’t venture further north. 

We explored Northern Thailand for 3 weeks and visited some true hidden gems that tourists haven’t yet discovered. 

If you have the time we highly recommend visiting them beautiful landscapes, unique experiences and a chance to go where the locals go!

  • Doi Mae Salong  –Stunning green mountain views, fascinating Chinese heritage, and endless 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 landscapes, a magical foggy sunrise, and panoramic views stretching into Laos.
Misty sea of clouds from Phu Chi Fa viewpoint in North Thailand as the sun rises
  • Lampang  – A stunning temple perched atop dramatic mountains—a true hidden gem for mountain enthusiasts 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 beauty spots.


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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.
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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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