Mae Sai Waterfall Chiang Rai is a two-level waterfall that is a little bit off the regular two-day Chiang Rai tourist itinerary route. This waterfall is perfect for swimming, cooling off and even getting a sneaky cliff jump in.
Here’s how to get there, what to expect, and some tips for your trip!
Where is Mae Sai Waterfall?
Mae Sai waterfall is located in Mae Yao, Chiang Rai. To get here by motorbike, it's approximately 35 minutes from the city.
The waterfall itself is on a small trail leading from a large carpark that is very hard to miss.
How to Get to Mae Sai Waterfall
As far as I know, there aren't any regular tour buses or groups that visit this waterfall. This means, that if you want to see it, you'll have to hire a motorbike and drive yourself.
- Motorbike rental price in Chiang Rai: 200-300 Baht per day.
The drive to Mae Sai Waterfall is very scenic, passing several tea plantations, rice fields, and rolling hills on the way. The roads in and around Chiang Rai are also very good, which means you shouldn't have much trouble finding it.
Once you arrive at the pin above, park your bike and follow the trail past the tourism shed for about 5 minutes until you reach the bottom level.
For the top level, you can divert back a few steps and take the first steep dirt trail leading up. After less than 5 minutes, you'll reach the second level.
Mae Sai Waterfall Entrance Fee
The Mae Sai Waterfall is completely free! You don't have to pay to visit this waterfall in Chiang Rai.
What to Expect at Mae Sai Waterfall
The bottom level of Mae Sai Waterfall is a small little oasis in the jungle with a roughly 10-meter plunging waterfall that flows into a 2.5 m+ deep, but narrow pool.
The waterfall pool is quite deep and easy enough to swim in.
The second waterfall level is a little larger. However, this level reveals more of a cascading waterfall, which flows down the jagged rocks into another pool for swimming.
Waterfall Cliff Jump
After testing out the water depth (always necessary), I decided it was deep enough to try a cliff jump on the bottom-level waterfall.
The jump is only about 6 meters high, but a little challenging as you'll need to land exactly in the middle of the pool where the water is deepest.
If you decide to jump at Mae Sai waterfall, make sure that you check out the conditions and depth. Also, you'll want to avoid the shallow edges and aim to jump exactly in the center of the water hole.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
Looking for a great accommodation pick near Chiang Rai? Here are three options for every budget.
1. The Riverie Luxury
Nestled on the island in the middle of the Kok River, The Riverie by Katathani offers luxurious rooms surrounded by lush gardens and amazing views.
2. SuanTung Guest House Top-Reviews
This is one of the highest-rated budget guest houses in Chiang Rai. It’s super central, only a few minutes walk to the night market and the clocktower and the bus station.
3. Baan Mai Kradan Budget
With a 9.2/10 rating with hundreds of reviews, this might be the top-rated hostel in Thailand. Get Hi is a great social hostel in Chiang Rai for young adult travelers who want to meet people and have fun.
Waterfall Day Trip From Chiang Rai
If you're looking for a full-day Chiang Rai waterfall adventure, then you can follow the route we took. We started the day at Mae Sai waterfall, then cut back and drove to the second waterfall; Huay Kaew, followed by a stop at the nearby hot springs.
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Plan Your Thailand Accommodation
Still in the planning stages of your trip? Perhaps you're booking on the fly. The below accommodation guides will help you plan where to stay in Thailand.
Ken Albertsen
Monday 4th of July 2022
Hi Ollie, too bad we didn't meet earlier. I resided in Chiang Rai from 1998 thru to 2019. I put together Boomerang Rock Climbing and Adventure Park - which had a lot of fun activity for about 7 years until 2015. You sound like you're enjoying many of the same outdoor places that I indulged in. I like your site and how you showcase outdoor places for low-budget travelers to enjoy. chok dee, Ken