Ban So-Ae Waterfall

Rating: 3.8/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily (recommended to check road and weather conditions with local authorities before traveling, especially during heavy rain)

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

 

Ban So-Ae Waterfall is located in Ban Maeo Mae Thoey, Moo 12, Mae Tuean Subdistrict, Omkoi District, Chiang Mai. It is a natural waterfall in a community-and-watershed forest area. Its charm is not about dramatic “big-name waterfall” grandeur, but about quietness, cool forest humidity, and the kind of journey that lets you “ease into nature” rather than driving in, snapping a photo, and leaving.

 

The Mae Tuean–Omkoi landscape is a mix of mountains and valleys, with communities scattered along streams and ridgelines. Because of that, waterfall trips in this zone often come in multiple stages: driving, riding a motorcycle, and walking. In this context, Ban So-Ae Waterfall suits travelers who want something real and are willing to trade convenience for a setting that still feels un-staged.

 

Getting There According to local authority information, the drive from Mae Tuean Subdistrict Administrative Organization / Mae Tuean municipality area to Ban So-Ae is approximately 28 km. After that, you continue by motorcycle for about 2 km, then walk about 300 m to reach the waterfall. The motorcycle section and the final walk are the parts that require extra caution after rain, because slippery surfaces, muddy patches, and wet rocks can be common.

 

For a smooth trip that does not push the conditions too hard, start early, allow time for breaks, and plan to return before dark. Footwear matters more than most people expect—choose shoes with solid grip, because the truly slippery spots are not only at the waterfall itself, but also along the path and at small stream crossings.

 

This kind of natural waterfall can be “beautiful in different ways depending on the season.” After rain, water flow is often fuller and the forest turns lush and green, but trails can be slick and flash-flood risks increase. In the dry season, water may be lighter, but walking tends to be easier and photography more relaxed. If you want the safer option, avoid periods of continuous heavy rain and check road conditions with local authorities before you go.

 

One more thing that matters here is local etiquette. Ban So-Ae Waterfall sits within a community-and-watershed environment. Not leaving trash, keeping noise low, respecting local residents, and avoiding risky behavior on slippery sections are what help this place remain “pleasant to live with and pleasant to visit” over time.

 

If you want to make the day feel more worthwhile, you can plan a stop at Mae Tuean-area points or head into Omkoi town afterward for food and accommodation. For serious nature travelers, Omkoi also has trekking and conservation-area destinations, but those require checking rules and access conditions in advance.

 

In short, Ban So-Ae Waterfall is for people who want genuine quiet, forest that is not staged, and a journey where “the road itself” becomes part of the memory. With good preparation and respect for the place, it gives back a calmness that does not need extra decoration.

 

 

A: The parts that feel “challenging” are the motorcycle section and the short walk, because the surface can be slippery or rough depending on the season. With good preparation and by avoiding heavy-rain days, the trip becomes much safer and more comfortable.

 

A: The main approach is by car to the village area, then you continue by motorcycle and finish with a short walk. The key is checking the latest road conditions before you go, especially during the rainy season.

 

A: After rain, the forest is greener and water flow is often stronger, but trails can be slippery and flash-flood risks increase. The dry season is generally easier for walking. Check the forecast and avoid continuous heavy rain.

 

A: Yes, if you travel with assistance and choose a day with good conditions. The key factor is the final 300 m walk and how slippery the path and rocks are at that time.

 

A: You can call Mae Tuean Subdistrict Municipality at 052-001590 or Omkoi Subdistrict Municipality at 053-467-058 to ask about road conditions and the latest recommendations before you go.