Rating: 3.2/5 (9 votes)

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: Generally 08:30 – 16:30 (hours/conditions may change depending on official announcements and seasons)

 

Mae Takhrai National Park is an important watershed forest area in Northern Thailand, located along the Chiang Mai–Lamphun boundary. It suits anyone who wants a real forest experience without traveling too far. The landscape is a complex mountain range, rising from roughly 400 up to about 2,030 meters above sea level, so the forest mood shifts with elevation and humidity—from dry dipterocarp and mixed deciduous forests to several types of evergreen forest. It also plays a key role as a headwater catchment for multiple streams that ultimately connect to the Ping River basin.

 

What makes Mae Takhrai enjoyable is that it is not a park where you have to rush to “tick every spot.” You can set your own pace. If you want an easy, nature-filled start, begin around Mae Takhrai Reservoir, where the park office is located. The area is surrounded by mixed deciduous forest and bamboo stands, and there is a nature study trail circling the reservoir at about 3 kilometers—comfortable to walk without pressure. The reservoir loop is especially good for families or anyone introducing children to gentle forest walking, because you get water views, shade, and a calmer sense of safety than deeper routes.

 

If you want a stronger “into-the-forest” feel, Mae Takhrai Waterfall is a suitable option because it is not far from the park office (the drive is commonly described as about 6 kilometers). Along the way, you may notice seasonal forest plants and the character of a stream that helps you understand how a watershed forest works. For more serious adventure, Tad Moei Waterfall is usually the bigger challenge: the approach includes rough dirt sections and some steep portions, and after reaching the checkpoint area you continue on foot. It is for visitors who accept effort in exchange for a deeper forest atmosphere and viewpoints along the route—on clear days, the outlook can feel surprisingly wide.

 

Another highlight is the pair of viewpoints along the Mae Takhrai–Huai Kaew route. When the sky is clear, the panorama makes the scale of the surrounding forest and ridgelines feel genuinely vast. And if you are truly into multi-day trekking, the Doi Langka / Phu Langka Luang area (around 2,030 meters) is a more serious destination that requires careful planning for time, equipment, and fitness, because it is a much more demanding hike than the reservoir zone.

 

Getting There From Chiang Mai city, a commonly used route is Highway 1006 toward Mae On, then continue onto Route 1229, passing checkpoints before entering the reservoir/park office area. Road conditions can vary by season, especially in the rainy period, so it is wise to allow extra time and ensure your vehicle is ready (tires, brakes, lights, fuel) for a safer, less stressful trip.

 

Because Mae Takhrai is a watershed area and still supports a variety of wildlife, low-impact travel matters here more than most people expect. The simplest habits help the most: pack out all trash, stay on designated paths, keep noise down in natural zones, and avoid disturbing headwater streams unnecessarily. If you do that, the trip becomes more than a visit—it helps the place remain beautiful and functional for both people and nature for years to come.

 

 

A: If you like lush greenery and strong waterfalls, the rainy season through late rainy season is often at its best—just allow extra time and drive carefully on slippery roads. In the cool season, the weather is comfortable and the reservoir walk feels especially pleasant.

 

A: Start at Mae Takhrai Reservoir and walk the ~3 km nature trail around the water, then decide whether to add a waterfall or a viewpoint based on your remaining time. It keeps the day enjoyable without overloading your energy.

 

A: There is generally a camping area near the reservoir. Contact the park directly to confirm conditions, availability, and any seasonal rules before you go.

 

A: Wear shoes with good grip, bring drinking water, insect repellent, and rain protection by season, and plan extra time because there can be rough road sections plus a walking segment. Start early and avoid pushing through poor weather.

 

A: Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, keep noise low, and avoid disturbing headwater streams or natural water sources unnecessarily.