Mae Lai Waterfall

Rating: 4.6/5 (7 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (recommended to avoid heavy rain and check water/road conditions before traveling)

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (best to visit in daylight and head back before dark)

 

Mae Lai Waterfall is a natural waterfall located upstream above Ban Mae Lai Village (Village No. 2), Huai Kaeo Subdistrict, Mae On District, Chiang Mai. The overall character of this place is “cool, clear headwater flowing down through the village,” which means a visit here doesn’t feel like you’re just stopping to look at a waterfall and leaving. It feels more like slowing your pace beside a stream, sitting with the green valley landscape, and seeing how a community has genuinely grown alongside this waterway.

 

If you’re searching for a “Chiang Mai waterfall” that still carries both forest atmosphere and village life at the same time, Mae Lai fits well. The waterfall lies within the Ban Mae Lai area, and travel guides commonly describe Mae Lai Waterfall as having 12 tiers. That tiered structure gives hikers a satisfying sense of gradually “unfolding” the valley’s natural map page by page, instead of treating the place as one single checkpoint and done.

 

Another highlight is the “walking route.” Based on local descriptions, from the Ban Pok – Mae Lai route, continuing in for about 800 meters brings you to the first tier, and many sections are on footpaths that make the walk easier. Along the way, you pass shaded natural scenery with cool, moist air, and there’s a section that runs beside coffee gardens. That coffee-and-stream landscape is part of what makes Ban Mae Lai stand out—an upland valley village with water, forest, and community-grown economic crops living together.

 

A well-known highlight is “Tier 4,” locally referred to as “Khon Lang Waterfall,” which is said to be around 30 meters high. It’s also associated with a long-told story about a “fallen log spanning the waterfall” that has been there for many years. What’s interesting is that even if we don’t confirm the log’s age scientifically based only on oral accounts, from a visitor’s perspective it turns this spot into a signature symbol of Mae Lai Waterfall—one of those places where arriving feels instantly “worth it,” with the view, the sound of water, and the cool air rising from the pool below.

 

Another tier some people hope to see is a very tall drop that may reach around 100 meters. In mountain-valley waterfalls like this, what you’ll actually see depends heavily on weather and seasonal water volume—those factors determine “how beautiful it looks” on any given day. So if you plan to hike beyond the popular tiers, it’s best to go on a stable-weather day without heavy rain and to leave enough time to walk back before dark.

 

One thing that deserves extra attention is “safety.” Mae Lai Waterfall sits in valley terrain, and when heavy rain falls in the headwater area, water levels can change quickly. Rocks can become far more slippery than expected, and crossing small stream sections sometimes requires as much focus as effort. If you’re traveling with children or older adults, it’s best to enjoy the water only at spots you feel confident are safe, with stable footing and close supervision at all times.

 

If you’re choosing the best season, late rainy season into winter is often the most balanced time—cool air, clear water, trails that aren’t too harsh, and a riverside rest that doesn’t drain your energy. In the rainy season the waterfall can look powerful and beautiful, but slipperiness and flash-flood risk rise noticeably. In summer it’s great for a quick cool-down—soaking your feet or enjoying certain pools—but water volume can drop at times.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, drive toward the San Kamphaeng – Mae On area, then enter Huai Kaeo Subdistrict to reach Ban Mae Lai. Ban Mae Lai is described as being about 24 kilometers from the Mae On District Office and about 50 kilometers from Chiang Mai city (overall distance depends on your exact starting point). Once you enter the community area, drive slowly, watch for curves and narrower road sections, and plan to return before dark for safety.

 

If you want a “complete” trip without rushing, a smooth rhythm is to arrive in Ban Mae Lai in the morning, hike up the waterfall as far as your energy and time allow, then return to rest or eat something in the village or a nearby café zone. After that, you can continue to nearby points such as Mae Kampong or other attractions in Mae On District. This helps you avoid long back-and-forth drives and keeps the day feeling like a relaxed valley trip rather than a checklist of rushed stops.

 

 

 

A: Travel information commonly describes Mae Lai Waterfall as having 12 tiers, and you can choose how far to hike based on your time and fitness.

 

A: You can enjoy the water at certain safe pools depending on season and conditions, but it’s best to avoid entering right after heavy rain, watch for slippery rocks, and always monitor water level changes in valley terrain.

 

A: Based on local descriptions, from the Ban Pok – Mae Lai route, continuing in for about 800 meters leads to the first tier. Actual walking distance may vary slightly depending on parking and the exact trail used.

 

A: Many visitors mention Tier 4, locally known as “Khon Lang,” because it stands out in height and is associated with the well-known story of a log spanning the waterfall.

 

A: Late rainy season through winter is often the most comfortable—cooler air, clearer water, and easier walking. The rainy season can look dramatic but increases slipperiness and flash-flood risk.

 

A: You can continue to Mae Kampong area, stop by the Teen Tok Royal Project center, or visit San Kamphaeng Hot Springs. Plan your time so you can return before dark for safety.