Mae Laad Waterfall

Rating: 3.8/5 (5 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (it is recommended to check official announcements/guidance from Huai Nam Dang National Park and weather conditions before traveling, especially during periods of heavy rain)

Opening Hours: Recommended 08:00 – 17:00 (best visited during daylight hours and to return before dark)

 

Mae Laad Waterfall is a natural waterfall within Huai Nam Dang National Park in the Wiang Haeng area of Chiang Mai. Many people tend to “know the name” more than they “plan a trip,” even though it has all the right ingredients for anyone who loves tropical rainforest atmosphere and beautiful rock formations. The waterfall is around 40–50 meters high and cascades in roughly five tiers, so the experience isn’t about fighting for a famous photo spot, but about the calm of a headwater forest, the sound of water, and a walking rhythm that naturally slows you down without forcing it.

 

The charm of waterfalls around Wiang Haeng is that the nature still feels “not overly staged.” The area is relatively remote, the mountain roads are winding, and you need to allow more travel time than Chiang Mai’s main tourist routes. If you don’t enjoy driving on mountain roads, it can feel far. But if you’re a nature traveler who wants quiet and the real texture of the mountains, that distance acts like a natural filter that helps preserve the atmosphere and gives the forest room to breathe.

 

Because the surrounding landscape is covered with tropical rainforest, the humidity stays fairly high. Soil and rocks can be slippery, especially after fresh rain. If you plan to get close to the water or swim, choose areas where the current is gentle and the ground is not steep. Always watch for signs of sudden runoff, such as water turning cloudy quickly or continuous heavy rain upstream, because flash flows in mountainous headwaters can rise faster than expected.

 

Seasonal changes are what make “the same waterfall feel different.” After rainfall, the forest turns intensely green and the flow is usually fuller and more photogenic, but trails are slick and flash-flow risk is higher. In the dry season, paths are often easier and risks are more manageable, though water volume may naturally decrease. If you want a safer, more comfortable visit, avoid periods of continuous heavy rain and prioritize safety over scenery.

 

Getting There Mae Laad Waterfall is in Wiang Haeng District (Saen Hai/Muang Haeng area). Most trips start from Wiang Haeng town, then follow local routes into the waterfall zone. Use navigation apps and allow extra time because the roads are winding. Fill up fuel before heading into remote stretches. In the rainy season, bring rain gear, a flashlight, and footwear with good traction, and always plan to return before dark.

 

If you want to make the trip feel more “worth the distance,” Huai Nam Dang National Park has visitor facilities and viewpoints known for sea-of-mist scenery, plus the famous hot spring soaking area at “Pong Dueat.” Many travelers do a day trip or stay overnight, then explore different points at an unhurried pace, which makes a long drive to Wiang Haeng feel more rewarding.

 

One more thing that helps you enjoy the place without harming it is responsible travel etiquette: don’t litter, keep noise low, avoid trampling plants along streams, and don’t do risky activities on wet, slippery rock. A waterfall like this lasts because people and forest stay in balance. If you travel responsibly, it can remain a genuinely calming place for a long time.

 

 

A: It is not difficult in terms of technical trekking, but it can feel “far” because Wiang Haeng is remote and the mountain roads are winding. If you are comfortable driving on mountain roads and allow enough time for a round trip, the visit is much easier—especially if you avoid continuous heavy rain.

 

A: After rainfall, the forest is greener and the water flow is usually fuller, but trails are slippery and flash-flow risk is higher. The dry season is generally easier and safer for walking, though water volume may naturally decrease.

 

A: Swimming may be possible only in safe areas with gentle currents. Avoid immediately if there is heavy rain, upstream water turns cloudy, or currents become unusually strong.

 

A: Yes. There are park lodges and camping areas within the national park. The headquarters zone includes houses 102–105, and the Pong Dueat zone includes houses 303–308. It is recommended to book through the national park accommodation system and check the latest announcements before traveling.

 

A: Contact Huai Nam Dang National Park at 082-187-7834 or the Visitor Service Center at 084-908-1531 for the latest advice on weather, access conditions, and any visitation requirements.