Best Waterfalls Near Chiang Mai by Scooter (2026)

Chiang Mai’s mountains feed a genuine spread of waterfalls, from a full-day dedicated destination to quick roadside stops folded into a longer route. None require hiking gear or a 4x4 — every one below is reachable on a standard rental scooter.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls — the one worth a dedicated trip

Bua Tong is unlike anywhere else near Chiang Mai: the falls’ calcium-rich limestone deposits create a naturally grippy surface that visitors climb, barefoot or in water shoes, with fixed ropes assisting at each level. It’s roughly 65-70km north of the city via Route 107 and Route 1414, free to enter, and best visited before 9 AM to get the climb largely to yourself before tour groups arrive from 10-11 AM. See the full route guide for directions and timing.

Mae Sa Waterfall — the easy add-on

A multi-tier waterfall close to the road on the Mae Rim loop, Mae Sa is the kind of stop you fold into a bigger ride rather than plan a trip around. Easy access from the parking area, minimal walking, and a natural pairing with Mon Jam and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden on a Mae Rim day. See the Mae Rim Discovery Ride for the full loop this fits into.

Wachirathan Waterfall — the one on the way to the summit

Directly on the road up Doi Inthanon, Wachirathan is one of the park’s most powerful falls, particularly impressive in and just after rainy season (June-October) when flow is at its heaviest. It’s not a separate destination — it’s a natural stop on the way up or down Thailand’s highest point. See the Doi Inthanon route guide for the full day plan.

Planning a waterfall-focused day

If waterfalls are the point of your ride rather than a stop along the way, Bua Tong is the strongest single destination — free, distinctive, and close enough to Chiang Mai for a half-day round trip. If you’re already riding Mae Rim or Doi Inthanon for other reasons, treat Mae Sa and Wachirathan as built-in bonuses rather than separate trips.

Wet-season riders (June-October) get the most dramatic flow at all three, at the cost of wetter, more careful riding on the approach roads — see our rainy season riding guide before you go.