Chao Doi Waterfall

Open Days: Contact Mae Moei National Park before visiting

Opening Hours: Contact Mae Moei National Park before visiting

 

Chao Doi Waterfall in Tak Province is a medium-sized natural waterfall located inside Mae Moei National Park, Mae Song Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. The waterfall lies near the Mae Salit – Mae Ramoeng route, also known as Highway 1267, and is about 5 km from the Mae Moei National Park headquarters. From the roadside access point, visitors walk approximately 500 meters through a shaded forest trail to reach the waterfall. This makes Chao Doi Waterfall a rewarding destination for travelers who want a short nature walk, a peaceful waterfall, and a quieter side of Tak’s mountain landscape.

 

Chao Doi Waterfall is a single-tier waterfall with a height of about 40 meters. Water flows down from a rocky cliff into a lower stream area, creating a clear white curtain of water against the green forest background. Its beauty is simple but memorable. The waterfall does not rely on large tourist facilities or heavy development; instead, its appeal comes from the natural forest, the sound of falling water, the streamside atmosphere, and the feeling of being surrounded by the mountains of Mae Moei National Park.

 

Mae Moei National Park is one of the important protected forest areas in Tak Province. It is known for mountain viewpoints, sea of mist scenery, forest trails, waterfalls, and the natural landscape of Tha Song Yang District. Well-known places in the park include Mon Pui Mok, Mon Kruba Sai, Mon Kio Lom, Mon Phun Suda, Mae Ramoeng Waterfall, and other forest viewpoints. Chao Doi Waterfall can be included as part of a Mae Moei National Park route, especially for travelers who want to combine waterfall scenery with mountain viewpoints.

 

One of the advantages of Chao Doi Waterfall is that it is not too difficult to access compared with many remote waterfalls in Tak Province. The walking distance is about 500 meters, making it suitable for travelers who want a short forest walk rather than a long trek. Along the trail, visitors can enjoy tall trees, shaded ground, stream sounds, and the moisture of the forest environment. Even though the trail is short, sturdy walking shoes are recommended because some parts may be damp, uneven, or slippery depending on the season.

 

Chao Doi Waterfall is suitable for eco-tourism and conservation-oriented travel. The area remains natural and is not a heavily commercialized tourist site. Visitors should avoid littering, making loud noise, collecting plants or stones, disturbing wildlife, or using soap and chemicals in streams. The waterfall and nearby stream are part of the national park ecosystem, so responsible behavior helps protect the forest and keeps the area pleasant for future visitors.

 

As a natural learning site, Chao Doi Waterfall helps visitors understand the relationship between forest, water, rocks, and climate. The waterfall is formed by water flowing from a higher forested area through layers of rock with different elevations. The area around the waterfall is humid, supporting streamside plants, mosses, ferns, and small living organisms that depend on moisture. A visit here can therefore be more than a scenic stop; it can be a short lesson in watershed forest ecology.

 

The atmosphere at Chao Doi Waterfall is quiet and relaxing. Visitors can hear the sound of water hitting the rocks, birds in the forest, and wind moving through the tree canopy. The area is not designed around restaurants or large commercial services, so travelers should bring drinking water and basic personal supplies before entering the trail. The site is ideal for those who appreciate simple natural beauty rather than busy tourist facilities.

 

For photography, Chao Doi Waterfall offers several strong visual elements: the falling water, rocky cliff, stream pool, forest shade, and green vegetation surrounding the waterfall. Morning light or soft daylight is often best for photographing the water and forest details. During periods of stronger flow, water mist may spread around the waterfall, so visitors should protect cameras and phones from moisture and step carefully on wet ground.

 

Getting There is most convenient by private car. Travel to Tha Song Yang District in Tak Province and continue toward Mae Moei National Park. From the national park headquarters, drive along the Mae Salit – Mae Ramoeng road for about 5 km. Around kilometer markers 17 – 18, visitors reach the trailhead, then walk about 500 meters to the waterfall. The walking time is about 10 – 15 minutes depending on weather, trail conditions, and visitor fitness.

 

Travelers driving to the area should check their vehicle before entering the mountain route. Brakes, tires, and fuel should be in good condition because roads in Tha Song Yang District include curves, slopes, and mountain sections. Driving slowly and carefully is recommended, especially during rain, fog, or low visibility. Visitors who are not familiar with the route should travel during daylight and contact park staff before entering the area.

 

The short walk to the waterfall should still be treated as a forest walk. Visitors should wear closed shoes or hiking shoes, carry drinking water, use insect repellent, and bring a small trash bag. In the rainy season, the trail may become muddy or slippery, so walking carefully is important. Visitors should not leave the trail or enter restricted areas.

 

Swimming may be possible only in safe areas where the water is calm and shallow enough. Visitors should avoid swimming during heavy rain or immediately after rainfall because water levels can change quickly. Jumping from rocks, entering strong-flowing water, or approaching slippery cliff areas should be avoided. Children should be closely supervised at all times.

 

For families, Chao Doi Waterfall is suitable for those whose members can handle a short forest walk. Older children may enjoy learning about waterfalls, streams, and forest ecology. However, families with very young children or elderly members should check trail conditions first because the path may be uneven or slippery in some sections.

 

For students and nature groups, Chao Doi Waterfall can serve as an outdoor learning site. The short access trail and clear natural features make it suitable for learning about streamside plants, moisture-dependent ecosystems, rock erosion, and responsible tourism in national parks. It is also a useful place to encourage awareness about carrying trash out of natural areas.

 

Chao Doi Waterfall adds variety to a Mae Moei National Park trip. Many travelers visit the park for misty mountain viewpoints, but adding this waterfall allows the route to include both highland scenery and forest stream ecology. A balanced itinerary can include Chao Doi Waterfall, Mae Ramoeng Waterfall, Mon Pui Mok, Mon Kruba Sai, and other viewpoints depending on weather and time.

 

The surrounding area also reflects the character of Tha Song Yang District, a border district known for mountains, the Moei River, local communities, and quiet nature routes. A visit to Chao Doi Waterfall gives travelers a deeper view of Tak Province beyond its better-known destinations such as Mae Sot, Bhumibol Dam, and central Tak. It is a reminder that Tak still contains many peaceful natural sites waiting to be explored responsibly.

 

Visitors should respect Mae Moei National Park rules at all times. They should stay on designated routes, avoid restricted areas, refrain from feeding wildlife, and take all waste back out. Good nature travel is not only about reaching the destination, but also about leaving the place clean and undisturbed. With proper preparation and responsible behavior, Chao Doi Waterfall remains a beautiful and peaceful natural attraction in Tak Province.

 

In summary, Chao Doi Waterfall is a medium-sized single-tier waterfall in Mae Moei National Park, Mae Song Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province. It is about 5 km from the park headquarters and requires a forest walk of about 500 meters. With its 40-meter drop, shaded trail, peaceful forest setting, and connection to other Mae Moei attractions, it is an excellent stop for travelers who enjoy nature, short trekking, photography, and quiet waterfall scenery.

 

 

A: Chao Doi Waterfall is located inside Mae Moei National Park, Mae Song Subdistrict, Tha Song Yang District, Tak Province.

 

A: Visitors walk about 500 meters from the trailhead, which usually takes around 10 – 15 minutes depending on conditions.

 

A: Chao Doi Waterfall is a medium-sized single-tier waterfall about 40 meters high.

 

A: From Mae Moei National Park headquarters, drive about 5 km along the Mae Salit – Mae Ramoeng road or Highway 1267, then walk to the waterfall.

 

A: It is suitable for nature lovers, short-trail hikers, photographers, and visitors who want a peaceful waterfall experience in Mae Moei National Park.

 

A: Swimming is possible only in safe areas where the water is calm. Visitors should avoid swimming after heavy rain and follow park staff advice.

 

A: Visitors should bring closed shoes or hiking shoes, drinking water, insect repellent, a waterproof bag, and a trash bag for carrying waste back out.

 

A: Nearby places include Mae Ramoeng Waterfall, Mon Pui Mok, Mon Kruba Sai, Mon Kio Lom, and other viewpoints in Mae Moei National Park.