Mae Cho Fa Waterfall (Tat Mei Waterfall)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 08.00 – 17.00

 

Mae Cho Fa Waterfall, also known as Tad Moei Waterfall, is a deep-forest waterfall in Tham Pha Thai National Park, Lampang Province. It is located near Ban Thung Hang, Moo 1, Thung Phueng Subdistrict, Chae Hom District. The waterfall is one of the most beautiful and peaceful nature destinations in this part of Lampang, known for its 9 waterfall levels, year-round flow, lush forest surroundings, and quiet atmosphere suitable for travelers who enjoy nature, trekking, birdwatching, camping, and conservation-based travel.

 

The waterfall’s main attraction is its stream flowing down through 9 natural rock levels. Each level has a different character depending on the shape of the rocks, the slope of the land, and the seasonal water volume. Some sections flow as soft curtains of water, some cascade over rocks, and some form clear natural pools. This layered structure makes Mae Cho Fa Waterfall more engaging than a single-drop waterfall because visitors can experience the movement and rhythm of water throughout the forest route.

 

The waterfall is especially beautiful from May to September, when the forest is green and water levels are generally higher. During this period, the surrounding landscape becomes rich with moisture, moss, ferns, and shaded vegetation. However, the rainy season can also make the access road rougher and more slippery, so visitors should check route conditions before traveling, especially after heavy rain.

 

Mae Cho Fa Waterfall lies within Tham Pha Thai National Park, a protected area with mountainous terrain and fertile forest. The waterfall is part of a broader forest ecosystem that supports streams, plants, birds, insects, and other wildlife. For conservation-minded travelers, the area offers more than scenic beauty; it provides an opportunity to understand the relationship between water, forest, rock formations, and seasonal rainfall in northern Thailand.

 

The name Tad Moei is associated with the mist-like atmosphere created by water spray and forest moisture. When sunlight filters through the trees and touches the moving water, the waterfall can appear soft and luminous. The scenery is ideal for nature photography, especially in the morning or in gentle natural light. Visitors can capture waterfall tiers, shaded streambanks, mossy rocks, and the quiet depth of the surrounding forest.

 

The area around the waterfall is home to Tham Pha Thai National Park Protection Unit 3, also known as the Tad Moei Waterfall unit. The unit area is spacious and suitable for resting, camping, nature study, birdwatching, and short forest walks. Although this gives the site a clearer management structure, visitors should still prepare for a basic natural setting because the waterfall is located deep in the forest rather than in an urban-style tourist area.

 

Getting There starts from Ban Thung Hang, Moo 1, Thung Phueng Subdistrict. From the village, take the Ban Thung Hang – Tad Moei Waterfall route for about 9 km. The road is laterite, rough, and uneven, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a vehicle suitable for forest routes is recommended. Travelers unfamiliar with the road should ask local residents or park staff for current conditions before entering the route.

 

Visitors traveling from Chae Hom town should first head toward Thung Phueng Subdistrict and then continue to Ban Thung Hang. It is best to enter the waterfall route in the morning or during the daytime, allowing enough time for travel, nature walking, photography, and leaving the area before dark. Starting late in the day is not recommended because the road is rough and the area is surrounded by forest.

 

Visitors should prepare carefully. Recommended items include drinking water, snacks, trekking shoes, long-sleeved clothing, insect repellent, a raincoat or waterproof bag, a flashlight, a basic first-aid kit, and a trash bag. Those planning to camp should contact the park unit in advance and bring suitable camping gear, bedding, and food supplies while following park regulations.

 

Mae Cho Fa Waterfall is suitable for travelers with a reasonable level of fitness and comfort with natural routes. Families can visit, but children should be supervised closely near water, rocks, and slippery sections. Elderly visitors or visitors with mobility limitations should assess the road and walking conditions before traveling. Water play should be limited to safe, shallow areas where the bottom is visible.

 

Responsible travel is essential. Visitors should not litter, use soap or shampoo in the stream, damage plants, disturb wildlife, carve rocks or trees, or make excessive noise. Everything brought into the waterfall area should be taken back out. Since the waterfall remains a valuable natural site within a national park, careful behavior helps protect both the scenery and the ecological health of the area.

 

Mae Cho Fa Waterfall can be combined with nearby attractions in Thung Phueng and Chae Hom District. Route-compatible places include Tad Mok Waterfall, Wat Chaloem Phra Kiat Phrachomklao Rachanuson, Chae Son National Park, Chae Son Hot Spring, and Chae Hom town. For most travelers, the waterfall itself should be the main destination of the day because the road requires time and the setting deserves a slow visit.

 

Food options near Ban Thung Hang and Thung Phueng are limited, so travelers should prepare water and snacks. Restaurants with public contact information are mainly in Chae Hom town, such as Aeaw Im Restaurant and other local eateries. Accommodation options are available in Chae Hom, including Leelawadee Resort, Pha Daeng Resort, and Duean Daeng Resort. Travelers who want more services can stay in Lampang city, but the driving distance is longer.

 

Overall, Mae Cho Fa Waterfall, or Tad Moei Waterfall, is one of Lampang’s impressive deep-forest waterfalls. With 9 levels, year-round water flow, a national park setting, and a remote forest atmosphere, it is ideal for travelers seeking natural beauty, quietness, and a meaningful connection with the forest. The journey requires preparation, but the experience rewards visitors with one of Chae Hom District’s most memorable nature landscapes.

 

 

A: It is located near Ban Thung Hang, Moo 1, Thung Phueng Subdistrict, Chae Hom District, Lampang Province, within Tham Pha Thai National Park.

 

A: Mae Cho Fa Waterfall, or Tad Moei Waterfall, has 9 levels and flows throughout the year.

 

A: The waterfall is especially beautiful from May to September, when water levels are higher and the forest is greener, but visitors should check road conditions during rainy periods.

 

A: Travel to Ban Thung Hang in Thung Phueng Subdistrict, then take the Ban Thung Hang – Tad Moei Waterfall route for about 9 km. The road is rough laterite, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended.

 

A: Suitable activities include trekking, nature study, birdwatching, photography, resting in the forest, and camping in permitted areas.

 

A: Yes. Tham Pha Thai National Park Protection Unit 3, also known as the Tad Moei Waterfall unit, is located near the waterfall.

 

A: Visitors should prepare drinking water, snacks, trekking shoes, insect repellent, rain or waterproof gear, a flashlight, a first-aid kit, and a trash bag.

 

A: It is suitable for families who are prepared for nature travel, but children should be supervised closely because the road is rough and waterfall areas may be slippery.