Doi Inthanon’s Hidden Gem: Why Mae Ya Waterfall Is a Must-Visit

Imagine this: you and your partner are standing hand in hand, surrounded by the soothing sounds of rushing water and birds singing in the distance. A cool mist kisses your skin as you gaze up at one of Thailand’s most breathtaking waterfalls—Mae Ya. Unlike the busier spots around Chiang Mai, this hidden gem feels like a secret world just for the two of you.

When my wife and I first visited Mae Ya Waterfall, we almost skipped it in favor of the more famous sites in Doi Inthanon National Park. But the moment we arrived, we knew we had made the right choice. The sheer power of the cascading water, the lush greenery, and the peaceful atmosphere made it one of the most romantic places we’ve ever been. It was the kind of place where you could slow down, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and just enjoy being together.

We loved it so much that when we were looking to buy land for our home and homestay, we were thrilled to find a perfect place right nearby. Suan Sook Homestay is a short drive from the entrance to the Doi Inthanon National Park and Mae Ya Waterfall.

If you’re a couple visiting Thailand for the first time and looking for a mix of adventure and romance, Mae Ya Waterfall should absolutely be on your itinerary. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about the journey there, the quiet moments shared, and the memories you’ll take home.

Why Mae Ya Waterfall Stands Out

Thailand is full of waterfalls, but Mae Ya is in a league of its own. If you’ve ever dreamed of finding that perfect, picture-postcard cascade—one that looks like something out of a fairy tale—this is it.

One of Thailand’s Most Beautiful Waterfalls

Mae Ya isn’t just any waterfall. It’s a multi-tiered beauty stretching over 260 meters high, with water tumbling down like a silver curtain over smooth rocks. Unlike some waterfalls that have just a single drop, Mae Ya’s wide, layered flow makes it look like nature’s own grand staircase. When the sunlight filters through the trees, the whole scene feels magical—like a place you’d expect to find in a love story.

My wife and I just stood there for a minute, taking it all in. It wasn’t just about how stunning it was—it was the feeling of being somewhere peaceful, untouched, and totally romantic.

Serene and Less Touristy

If you’ve already been to some of Thailand’s busier spots, you know how overwhelming the crowds can be. Mae Ya, on the other hand, still feels like a hidden treasure. Unlike the more famous waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, it doesn’t get packed with tour buses or selfie-stick-wielding crowds.

When we visited, there were only a handful of other travelers, and most of them were locals. We were able to find a quiet spot to sit, dip our feet in the cool water, and just enjoy the moment together. If you and your partner love discovering places that feel a little more off-the-beaten-path, you’re going to love it here.

Mae Ya Waterfall: Photogenic Beauty

Part of the fun of traveling as a couple is capturing those special moments together. And Mae Ya delivers on the photo front. Whether you want a dramatic photo in front of the towering waterfall or a sweet candid moment by the river, there’s no bad angle here.

Whether you’re an Instagram-loving couple or just want to snap a few keepsake photos, Mae Ya Waterfall is the kind of place where every picture tells a story. And trust me, it’s one you’ll want to remember.

A Romantic Escape in Nature

There’s something special about sharing a quiet, beautiful place with the person you love. Mae Ya Waterfall isn’t just a stunning sight—it’s an experience that lets you slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with each other in a way that busy tourist spots just don’t allow.

The Scenic Drive to Mae Ya

Part of what makes visiting Mae Ya so special is the journey itself. The drive from Chiang Mai takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Most of the way you’ll travel on well maintained roads with two lanes in each direction. Once you arrive in Chom Thong town you’ll navigate through local roads as you head towards the Doi Inthanon National Park. Be sure to search for Mae Ya Waterfall on your GPS as it has a different entrance point than that of the main way into the park.

Best Time to Visit Mae Ya Waterfall

If you want Mae Ya Waterfall at its most magical, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Mornings bring a soft mist over the water, making everything feel dreamy and surreal. Afternoons, especially around golden hour, bathe the entire area in warm, glowing light—perfect for romantic photos.

On our first visit, my wife and I got there mid-morning, and we practically had the place to ourselves. We spent time just sitting on the rocks, listening to the sound of the water, and watching butterflies dance around us. It felt like we had stepped into our own little world, far away from the noise and rush of everyday life.

Perfect for a Picnic

One of the best ways to enjoy Mae Ya is to bring a picnic and make a date out of it. Pack some fresh mangoes, sticky rice, and iced Thai tea from a local market, and find a shady spot by the river to relax together.

We brought some local snacks from the food stalls next to the car park at the falls—grilled bananas, sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves, and fresh coconut juice. Just the two of us, sitting on a big rock, feet dangling in the cool water, enjoying delicious food and great conversation. If that’s not romance, I don’t know what is.

Mae Ya Waterfall isn’t just a sightseeing stop—it’s a place to truly unwind and enjoy being together. Whether you’re swimming, snapping photos, or just soaking in the moment, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

How to Get There & What to Expect

Mae Ya Waterfall might feel like a hidden paradise, but getting there is actually pretty easy. Whether you’re renting a car, hopping on a scooter, or joining a tour, the journey is part of the adventure. Here’s everything you need to know to make your visit smooth and stress-free.

Location & Accessibility

Mae Ya Waterfall is located inside Doi Inthanon National Park, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Chiang Mai. Unlike the more famous waterfalls deeper in the park, Mae Ya is actually outside the main checkpoint. When you purchase a ticket here, hold onto it because you can use the same ticket to enter the main park within the next day or two.

To make the most of your visit, why not plan to stay a night with us at Suan Sook Homestay. Our comfortable accommodation is located between Mae Ya Waterfall and the main park entrance. You can spend the morning and early afternoon at the falls and then come to check in, any time after 2 pm. After a delicious breakfast the following morning you can then make your way up the main road into the park and enjoy the many attractions there.

You can book your accommodation with us directly or via Booking.com or Airbnb.

If you’re driving yourself, you can use Google Maps to navigate directly to the entrance. The last stretch of road is narrow and winding, but it’s well-paved and easy to follow. If you prefer hiring a driver, many local tour operators offer private day trips that can include stops at other attractions in Doi Inthanon.

For the more adventurous couples, renting a scooter is a great option. The ride through the countryside is scenic and peaceful, with plenty of small roadside stalls where you can grab fresh fruit or a quick snack along the way. Just be sure you’re comfortable with Thai traffic before hitting the road!

Entrance Fees & Opening Hours for Mae Ya Waterfall

Entrance Fee: Around 300 THB per person, plus a small fee for motorbikes or cars.
Opening Hours: Typically 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM, but it’s best to arrive earlier in the day for the most peaceful experience.

We arrived around 9 AM, and there were only a few locals enjoying the falls. By the time we left in the early afternoon, a few more people had shown up, but it was still nothing compared to the crowds you’d find at places like Erawan Falls or Kuang Si Falls in Laos.

What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, pack a few essentials:

Swimsuits & Quick-Dry Towels – While swimming isn’t officially allowed, you can wade in the shallower areas and cool off.
Comfortable Shoes – The short trail to the waterfall is easy but can be a little slippery.
Insect Repellent – Mosquitoes love the jungle setting, so be prepared.
Sunscreen & Hat – Even though there’s shade, the sun can still be strong.
Drinks & Snacks – There are food stalls nearby, but you may like to bring water and something light to eat. Alcohol is not permitted in national parks in Thailand, so don’t bring any when you visit.

Mae Ya Waterfall is all about enjoying the moment—so come prepared, take your time, and soak it all in. And don’t forget that the best way to really make the most of your visit is to spend a night with us here at Suan Sook Homestay.