Mae Sa Waterfall

Mae Sa runs down a forested valley in Doi Suthep-Pui National Park in ten numbered tiers, none of them large, connected by a path with parking and picnic areas at several levels so visitors can drive partway up and walk between the ones they want. Tiers four and five are the most used for bathing, with pools deep enough to swim in. Because it is under half an hour from Chiang Mai on a good road, it is a standard local outing and is busy at weekends, when Thai families arrive with food and take the shaded picnic tables early. The Mae Sa valley around it has accumulated a great deal else - orchid farms, a botanic garden, zip lines, and several elephant camps whose practices vary widely, from riding operations to observation-only sanctuaries. Flow is seasonal: strong from July into November and much reduced by the hot months.

What you actually see

• The ten tiers - numbered up the valley, linked by a path.
• The bathing pools - tiers four and five, deep enough to swim.
• The picnic areas - shaded tables taken early at weekends.
• The Mae Sa valley - orchid farms, gardens and elephant camps along the road.

When to go

July to November for water. Weekdays are far quieter than weekends. The dry season leaves the tiers thin.

Honest expectations

Busy at weekends with picnic crowds. Much reduced flow in the hot season. Rocks are slippery. Elephant camps in the valley differ enormously in welfare standards - riding and bathing operations are widely criticised, and it is worth researching any before booking.

Nearby

Doi Suthep and Chiang Mai are south; the Mae Sa valley road continues to Samoeng.