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Top 10 Waterfalls Around Pai That Are Pure Jungle Paradise
Maybe it’s okay to ignore TLC’s advice when they sang “Don’t go chasing waterfalls,” because staying home while your friends get a natural water massage sounds like a serious case of FOMO.
Learned that the hard way—one “declined invite” and a bitter night of scrolling through Instagram stories full of clear pools and misty cascades. Never again. Pai is surrounded by waterfalls that are too good to miss, from multi-tiered wonders and hidden jungles to cliffside cascades perfect for cooling after a hike!
So, to help you stop dreaming and start planning that trip, we’ve rounded up the best waterfalls around Pai for your next outing!
Pam Bok Waterfall
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Address: Unnamed Rd Tambon Thung Yao Amphoe Pai Chang Wat Mae Hong Son
Distance from Pai: 8–10 km (15-20-minute drive)
Website
Pam Bok is your go-to spot when you want waterfall vibes without a full-day trek. The drive from Pai zips past rice fields and ends at a parking lot where a quick 10-minute walk—over a wobbly bridge and down moss-slicked steps—drops you into a shady canyon.
The main cascade isn’t huge, but its deep pool is swimmable if you don’t mind chilly water.
For bonus points, scramble up the sketchy but fun dirt path to the right of the falls—it leads to quieter rock pools and a hidden stretch of river perfect for dodging crowds.
Pro tip:
Visit June to October for the strongest flow, and bring around ฿200 for the entry fee in cash—it doubles as a day pass for Tham Lod Cave. Wear water shoes and pair this trip with lunch at Pai Land Split’s cafe, just 2 km away.
Mor Paeng Waterfall
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Address: 99HG+G8M, Mae Na Toeng
Distance from Pai: 7–9 km (15-20 minute drive)
Website
Mo Paeng is Pai’s natural waterpark—a series of limestone terraces and smooth rock slides that turn a jungle outing into a playful adrenaline rush. The drive from town winds through dusty backroads, ending at a parking area where a steep 10-minute climb leads to the main falls.
Once you get there, it splits into three tiers, with smooth rock formations creating slides and shallow pools—perfect for a cool dip. While the lower pools get crowded, especially on weekends, the upper tiers stay quieter if you’re up for a slippery scramble.
You can also stop at Pai Canyon on the way back—it’s just 15 minutes down the road and pairs well with a post-swim sunset.
Pro tip:
Bring quick-dry clothing and a waterproof phone case—you’ll want to ride the slides repeatedly. Avoid flip-flops, and opt for grippy aqua socks or strapped sandals.
Mae Yen Waterfall
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Address: 9G84+QH6, Mae Hi
Distance from Pai: 7–9 km (15-20-minute drive to trailhead)
Website
Mae Yen Waterfall is the kind of hike that rewards effort with raw nature and a refreshing payoff. You’ll start with a motorbike ride to a riverside parking area, where you’ll immediately cross the first of 36 river crossings—yes, you’ll count them.
The final 20-minute climb up steep switchbacks tests your legs, but the three-tiered waterfall at the end (with its shallow pool and mossy cliffs) feels like a hidden jungle reward.
What’s unique here? Unlike Pai’s more manicured falls, Mae Yen feels wild. The water’s surprisingly warm (despite its name “cool” in Thai), thanks to underground thermal springs, making it a rare spot for a lukewarm dip.
Pro tip:
Start by 7 AM to beat the heat and avoid afternoon storms. Wear strapped water shoes—the rocks are slick, and the river crossings demand a good grip.
Hua Chang Waterfall
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Address: CG68+5H, Wiang Nuea
Distance from Pai: 11 km (25-30-minute drive)
Website
Hua Chang Waterfalls is a nice payoff for hikers craving a wild, crowd-free (or at least less busy) adventure. The trail starts with a bumpy scooter ride past rice fields and villages, followed by a muddy, unmarked trek with over 15 river crossings—so, expect wet shoes and slippery rocks.
And it’s nice how it feels untouched: the path weaves through dense forest, past water buffalos, and ends at a multi-tiered cascade with deep pools for a cool dip.
The final stretch involves wading upstream and scrambling over fallen logs, but the reward—a roaring waterfall with zero entry fees—is pure magic.
Pro tip:
Download an offline map (like AllTrails) before heading out—the trail fades near the falls. Put on strapped hiking sandals for river crossings, and avoid March to May when smoke from field burning envelops the air.
Mork Fa Waterfall
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Address: Unnamed Rd Sop Poeng, Mae Taeng District
Distance from Pai: approximately 90 km
Website
Mork (Mok) Fa Waterfall is a spot worth the detour if you’re road-tripping between Pai and Chiang Mai. Tucked into the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, this 60-meter cascade plunges into a sandy-bottomed pool that feels like a secret jungle beach.
The short, shaded trail from the parking lot (10-minute walk) makes it accessible for all ages, though the real thrill is swimming under the falls or going up the rocks behind it for a hidden view.
And don’t miss the nearby Tham Mok Fa Cave—a quick uphill hike gets you to see bat-filled chambers and a bird’s eye view of the falls. Plus, Mork Fa stays quiet, with mostly Thai tourists and zero vendors, so pack your snacks and water.
Pro tip:
Bring ฿100– ฿200 cash for the foreigner entry fees (includes national park access). Pait this stop with the Sticky Waterfall (Bua Tong) near Chiang Mai for a full waterfall day.
Huai Nam Dang Waterfall
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Address: 8H3X+HGH, Kuet Chang, Pai District
Distance from Pai: 50-60 km (1.5 hour drive)
Website
Huai Nam Dang Waterfall is a four-tiered cascade tucked deep in the national park’s rainforest, a nice and less noisy alternative to Pai’s busier falls. This 50-meter tall and 40-meter wide waterfall features a year-round flow and even transforms into a misty spectacle during the rainy season.
The trail to the falls starts near the park’s entrance, winding through forest and past mossy boulders. And keep an eye out for birdlife like kingfishers and bulbuls darting through the canopy.
Not to mention, you’ll likely have the plunge pools to yourself, and the jungle backdrops feel untouched. Just don’t expect handrails or snack vendors—this is raw nature.
Pro tip:
Visit November to February for cooler temps and the park’s famous “sea of mist” at dawn. Wear hiking shoes with grip—the trail gets slick, and the ฿300 foreigner entry fee (includes park access) is cash-only.
Mae Sa Waterfall
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Address: WV4X+H63, Soi Namtok Mae Sa 4, Mae Raem, Mae Rim District
Distance from Pai: approximately 165 km (3-4-hour drive via Chiang Mai)
Website
Though a solid 3-4 hour drive from Pai, Mae Sa Waterfall is a prime pit stop if you’re road-tripping to Chiang Mai. Nestled in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, this 10-tiered cascade system offers a mix of easy-access pools and rugged trails.
The drive itself is through mountain roads and rural villages, making it a scenic addition to your journey. Lower tiers (1-6) feature gentle swimming holes and picnic spots, while upper tiers (7-10) demand muddy climbs and reward with secluded falls.
While it’s not Pai’s backyard, the waterfall’s popularity with locals and proximity to Chiang Mai (just 40 minutes away) make it a logical break for drivers. Not to mention, the 1.5-km trail is dotted with food vendors selling grilled chicken and sticky rice, so you can refuel mid-hike.
Pro tip:
Arrive by 8 AM to dodge crowds and secure parking. Bring ฿100– ฿200 cash for entry (foreigners pay more). Pair this with a stop at Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden or Mae Sa Elephant Camp to maximize your day.
Huay Kaew Waterfall
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Address: Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District
Distance from Pai: approximately 135 km (3-4-hour drive)
Website
Huay Kaew Waterfall is a refreshing pit stop if you’re road-tripping from Pai to Chiang Mai or exploring northern Thailand’s natural gems. The trailheads start just 1 km from Chiang Mai University, making it easy to combine with a visit to the iconic Wat Phra That Doi Suthep temple.
Just note that the waterfall itself isn’t massive, but its charm lies in its jungle setting. The rocks here are polished smooth and slippery—water shoes are a must, especially if you’re climbing up the falls for photos or a natural “water massage.”
What sets it apart? It’s free to visit, family-friendly, and rarely crowded outside weekends. And here’s a bonus: the trail connects to Wang Bua Ban Waterfall and Pah Ngerb Cliff for a longer 10-km jungle trek if you’re up for it.
Pro tip:
Wear sturdy sandals or water shoes—the rocks are polished smooth and slippery. Skin rainy afternoons, especially from July to October, and bring cash for snacks at the entrance stalls (grilled chicken and papaya salad is a must-try).
Sai Ngam Hot Spring
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Address: F95H+JXP U-Mong Mae Na Toeng, Pai District
Distance from Pai: approximately 17 km
Website
While not technically a waterfall, Sai Ngam Hot Springs earns its spot on this list for its cascade systems and mineral-rich pools. Tucked into the Lum Nam Pai Wildlife Sanctuary, these natural hot springs bubble up at 50–60°C, creating warm soaking spots.
The main area has man-made stone pools (cooled by diverted river water) and bamboo benches for lounging, while upstream, you’ll find quieter, wilder pools surrounded by ferns and butterflies.
We also noticed that many travelers pair this with Tham Lod Cave (15 minutes away), using the same ฿200 sanctuary pass. And keep in mind that the dry season is prime time while rainy months flood the river, closing some pools.
Pro tip:
Visit early morning or post-sunset to avoid midday heat. Bring water shoes (the riverbed rocks are sharp) and skip March to May—smoke from field burning ruins the vibe.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
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Address: Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District
Distance from Pai: approximately 119 km
Website
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls flips the script when it comes to your idea of a waterfall—watching water cascade down and maybe taking a dip at the bottom. Thanks to the unique mineral deposits on the rocks, you can actually walk up the waterfall without slipping.
You see, the limestone formations create a naturally grippy surface that makes it feel like you’ve got superhero-level traction. It’s such a surreal experience to climb against the flow of water, and honestly, it’s more interesting than just swimming around.
The climb itself is surprisingly fun, and there are ropes to help if you’re feeling a little unsure. And the surrounding jungle offers a peaceful backdrop and the water’s crips—just an awesome spot to spend a couple of hours.
Pro tip:
Bring water shoes for extra grip, though many people go barefoot since the rocks are quite comfortable to walk on.
