Takokha Waterfal

Rating: 3.4/5 (14 votes)

Open Days: Generally daily (recommended to check weather and road conditions before entering, especially during heavy rain)

Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00 (recommended to start early to allow enough time for the hike in–out and return before dark)

 

Takokha Waterfall is a natural waterfall in Omkoi District, Chiang Mai, often described as “hard to reach, but worth it.” This is not the kind of place where you drive in, stroll a few steps, and you’re there. If you like nature that’s quiet, raw, and requires real intention to find, this one fits. The waterfall is located in Moo 8, Ban Takokha, Sobkhong Subdistrict, and it cascades down a steep cliff face. Its standout feature is that the water flows in “two streams,” creating a cool, shaded atmosphere that feels deeply forested and unforced.

 

The charm of Takokha Waterfall is the “steepness and honesty of the terrain.” You feel it even before you arrive because the route doesn’t let you get careless. That’s what makes the experience clearly different from more famous waterfalls. The sound of water gradually grows louder, the shade thickens, and once you reach the falls, you’ll see a tall cliff releasing water without needing any staging. For nature photographers, the cliff angles and occasional mist can produce images that look genuinely wild—without trying too hard.

 

That said, this kind of destination is best for people who prioritize safety first. It’s real nature: steep drops, damp ground, and rocks that can be far more slippery than they look—especially where moss or green algae appears. If you plan to get closer to the waterfall or enter the water, choose areas with gentler flow and stable footing, avoid climbing wet rocks, and if you’re traveling with children or older adults, define a clear safe zone and keep everyone within sight. Natural streams can change quickly, especially in the rainy season.

 

For the best overall experience, the “cool season and dry season” are recommended because road and trail conditions are usually more stable and safer for driving and walking. During the rainy season, the water can be beautiful and the forest turns intensely green, but the risk level rises sharply: slippery tracks, small landslides along mountain slopes, and sudden flash flooding. If you still plan to go in the rains, check the forecast and local conditions carefully, and avoid days after continuous heavy rainfall.

 

To keep the trip “fun without unnecessary risk,” bring grippy shoes or water-walking sandals, a change of clothes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, enough drinking water for the whole day, a waterproof pouch for your phone and car keys, a power bank, and your own trash bag to carry everything out. Places like this stay worth visiting because visitors help keep them clean. Don’t leave trash, don’t dump food scraps into the stream, and avoid using soap or shampoo in the water.

 

Getting There Takokha Waterfall requires a 4WD vehicle only. From Omkoi town to Ban Takokha is approximately 55 km. From there, reaching the waterfall involves a forest trek (a nature-study trail). Start early, drive at a sensible speed, watch for narrow sections and slippery stretches after rain, and plan to be back before dark (this is not a destination suited for late-night return travel).

 

 

A: The cool season and dry season are generally best because road and trail conditions are more stable. The rainy season can be stunning, but it’s also much riskier due to slippery tracks and potential flash flooding, so always check conditions before going.

 

A: Not recommended. The route to Ban Takokha is best suited to 4WD vehicles only, especially when the road is rutted or slippery after rain.

 

A: Yes. After reaching the village area, accessing the waterfall involves a forest trek. Wear shoes with good traction and allow enough time for the hike in–out.

 

A: You can enter the water in suitable spots, but avoid strong currents, slippery rocks, and steep areas near the cliff. After rain, conditions can become hazardous quickly, so choose shallow areas and supervise children and older travelers closely.

 

A: Grippy shoes or water-walking sandals, a change of clothes, enough drinking water, insect repellent, waterproof pouches for valuables, a power bank, and a trash bag to carry everything out.