Tikole Waterfall

Rating: 4.5/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (it is recommended to check weather conditions and road conditions before traveling, especially during periods of heavy rain)

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

 

Tikole Waterfall is located in Ban Mae Ra-a Nai, Moo 9, Mae Tuen Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai Province. This is a nature-focused waterfall in a community and headwater forest zone, where the charm lies not in grand scale but in subtle details—the sound of flowing water that naturally slows your pace, the humid forest air that gently calms the mind, and the rock surfaces and stream where, if you take time to observe, beauty emerges without any need for embellishment.

 

If you are looking for a Chiang Mai waterfall that is uncrowded and offers a true “deep forest” atmosphere rather than a photo-spot destination, Tikole Waterfall fits perfectly. This place is ideal for visitors who want to rest their eyes and minds, letting nature quietly work on their emotions. You may find yourself spending more time listening to the water than engaging in activities—and that is precisely the honest appeal of this waterfall.

 

From a geographical perspective, waterfalls in Mae Tuen Subdistrict are closely connected to small watershed systems that sustain both forest ecosystems and local communities. For this reason, moderation in tourism is essential—no littering, no food waste in the water, and no damage to riverbanks or rock formations. A headwater forest is not just a poetic term; it is a real and fragile area that takes far longer to recover than urban tourist sites. Traveling gently helps preserve this landscape for future generations.

 

Seasonality significantly affects the experience. During the rainy season, the forest becomes intensely green and the water flow is more pronounced, but this is also the riskiest period due to slippery rural roads and the possibility of sudden flash floods in small streams. For lower risk, late rainy season through winter is recommended, when the weather is more comfortable, trails are generally more stable, and lighting is ideal for photography. In the dry season, water levels may drop, but trails are easier to walk, making it suitable for those who enjoy observing rock textures, soil layers, and the quiet mood of the forest.

 

It should be stated honestly that deep-forest waterfalls often carry risks in small details—especially slippery rocks, moss, and steep sections. After recent rainfall, rock surfaces become particularly slick, and fallen leaves can obscure footing. Safety should always come first: stand only on stable ground, avoid edges and strong currents, and if traveling with children or elderly visitors, focus on enjoying the surroundings rather than venturing deep into risky areas.

 

Getting There Tikole Waterfall requires both driving and walking. Route information indicates that visitors travel by car from the Mae Tuen Subdistrict Administrative Organization to Ban Mae Ra-a Nai, a distance of approximately 49 km. Upon reaching the village, a walk of about 0.8 km (800 meters) is required to reach the waterfall. Extra travel time should be planned, especially after rain, and returning before dark is strongly advised for safety.

 

Before setting out, it is recommended to prepare shoes with good traction, sufficient drinking water, insect repellent, a light rain jacket (during rainy periods), and a bag to carry out all trash. Cleanliness is essential in natural areas like this. Responsible travel simply means taking all waste back with you, avoiding food scraps in the water, keeping noise levels low, and refraining from climbing steep rocks—helping both your own safety and the long-term preservation of the area.

 

 

A: Late rainy season through winter is recommended for easier walking and lower risk. The rainy season offers lush greenery and stronger water flow but requires extra caution.

 

A: After reaching Ban Mae Ra-a Nai, visitors need to walk approximately 800 meters (0.8 km) to reach the waterfall.

 

A: Generally yes, if road conditions are good and you drive carefully. After heavy rain, some rural roads may become slippery or rutted, so allowing extra time or postponing the trip is safer.

 

A: Shoes with good grip, sufficient drinking water, insect repellent, a light rain jacket during the rainy season, and a bag to carry out all trash.

 

A: Take all trash back, avoid throwing food scraps into the water, keep noise levels low, and avoid climbing steep or slippery rocks to protect both safety and the natural environment.

 

A: You can continue to other waterfalls in Mae Tuen Subdistrict, such as Mae Tuen Noi or Thung Ton Ngio, or return to Omkoi District for supplies and overnight stays. Refer to the summary table to plan according to time and season.