Rating: 4.3/5 (4 votes)

Open Days: Generally open daily throughout the year (temporary closures may occur for safety reasons, especially during the rainy season; please check the latest announcements from the national park before visiting)

Opening Hours: Generally 08:00 – 16:30

 

Mae Klang Waterfall is one of the largest and most easily accessible waterfalls in Chiang Mai Province. Located within Doi Inthanon National Park, it is widely regarded as the very first landmark welcoming visitors at the entrance to Doi Inthanon. The powerful stream cascading down a massive cliff in the heart of the forest creates an open, airy, and dramatic atmosphere, distinctly different from deep-forest waterfalls that require long hikes.

 

The highlight of Mae Klang Waterfall is its impressive single-tier drop, approximately 100 meters high. Its source originates directly from Doi Inthanon, allowing water to flow year-round. The waterfall plunges forcefully from the rocky cliff into a deep gorge below, forming two large natural pools known as “Wang Noi” and “Wang Luang,” where the sheer power of the falling water is most clearly felt.

 

During the rainy season, Mae Klang Waterfall carries a high volume of fast-flowing, often murky water. The pools below are deep and the currents can be very strong, so visitors should take extra care and avoid entering the water near the pool edges or unmanaged areas. The winter season is considered the most pleasant time to visit, as the water remains beautiful, the weather is cool, and walking around the area is comfortable.

 

Mae Klang Waterfall is located behind the Doi Inthanon Visitor Center, around kilometer 9 of Highway 1009 (Chom Thong – Doi Inthanon Summit Road). From the park entrance junction, drive approximately 8 kilometers, then turn left and continue another 500 meters along a fully paved road. All types of vehicles can access the site with ease.

 

The national park has developed a pedestrian walkway connecting Mae Klang Waterfall to the visitor center, with a distance of about 400 meters. This path follows the stream and passes a riverside pavilion that once served as a royal pavilion during the visit of His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen to Chiang Mai in 1958.

 

Along the route, visitors can also find an important archaeological site known as the “Pha Kan Na Rock Paintings.” These ancient paintings are hidden on a large limestone cliff and cannot be seen with the naked eye; water must be poured over the rock surface for the images to appear. Caution is advised when viewing this area, as hornets, wasps, and bees naturally inhabit the cliff face.

 

From here, visitors can continue walking to Sala Thep Phithak, a viewpoint offering a higher perspective of Mae Klang Waterfall, before proceeding to the visitor center, which is only a few minutes away. This makes the area an ideal resting stop before heading further up to the higher zones of Doi Inthanon.

 

As the gateway waterfall of Doi Inthanon, Mae Klang Waterfall is surrounded by a cool, shady environment and is well suited for relaxation. It accommodates all types of visitors, including families, elderly travelers, and nature photographers, without the need for strenuous hiking or deep forest trekking.

 

 

A: The waterfall can be visited year-round, but winter offers the best weather and gentler water flow.

 

A: Swimming is not recommended, especially during the rainy season, due to deep pools and strong currents.

 

A: Yes, the site is easily accessible by all types of vehicles and is suitable for visitors of all ages.