Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew WaterfallAbout Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
Overview - The Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall are adjacent landmarks on the lower slopes of Doi Suthep near Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. They commemorate the revered northern Thai monk Kruba Srivichai and provide a nearby natural cascade.
What visitors find - The site combines a sculpted monument and small landscaped park with a short forested walk to the waterfall, offering easy access from Chiang Mai city. Trails and viewing platforms make the waterfall and monument suitable for short visits and photography.
History - The monument honors Kruba Srivichai, a prominent early 20th-century monk credited with organizing construction and restoration projects for temples in the Lanna region, including work on Doi Suthep. The waterfall and surrounding paths have long been used by locals for recreation.
Location - Both features sit on the western approaches to Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, within the greater Chiang Mai area in northern Thailand, and are reachable by short drives from the city.
- Best time to visit: Best visited outside the dry season when the waterfall has stronger flow; both sites are commonly combined with visits to Doi Suthep and nearby university areas.
What to See#
- Kruba Srivichai Monument: A commemorative statue honoring the Lanna-era monk known for religious works and temple construction; the monument sits within a landscaped area accessible from roads leading up Doi Suthep.
- Huay Kaew Waterfall: A small cascade set on a short trail within the Doi Suthep-Pui foothills, frequented by local visitors and students for short walks and picnics.
These two minor attractions sit right next to each other and can be visited on the way to or from Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, or by continuing a short way along Huay Kaew Road from the zoo.
Most Thais stop off at the monument to Kruba Srivichai on their way up the mountain, as it was this monk who was responsible for building the road up to the temple and making it accessible to all. At any time of day you will see a throng of people on their knees before the statue of the monk, making offerings of flowers, incense and candles bought from the stalls opposite. It makes for an interesting photo even if you do not make offerings yourself.
Following the lane that leads away from the main road, past a few shops and food stalls, you will find a path to Huay Kaew Waterfall. The waterfall is not huge, but the rocks on the banks of the stream beside it are a favourite picnic spot for locals and a cool place to relax. If you are feeling energetic, you can follow the trail up beyond the waterfall towards the top of the mountain.
Nearby Attractions to Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
Best Time to Visit Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
For comfortable hiking and sightseeing, visit in the cool season (November-February); the waterfall is fullest during the rainy months but paths can be wet.
Weather & Climate near Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 14°C to 36°C. Abundant rainfall (1061 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 14° - 29° | 21° | 3 mm | mostly sunny | 67% | 0.6 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.0h |
| February | Ideal | 15° - 32° | 23° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 0.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.4h |
| March | Excellent | 19° - 35° | 27° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 52% | 1.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Very Good | 22° - 36° | 30° | 49 mm | some cloud | 56% | 1.2 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 23° - 34° | 32° | 161 mm | overcast | 75% | 1.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.9h |
| June | Good | 24° - 32° | 32° | 119 mm | overcast | 81% | 1.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.1h |
| July | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 151 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| August | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 199 mm | overcast | 87% | 1.1 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.6h |
| September | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 27° | 185 mm | overcast | 89% | 0.8 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 21° - 31° | 26° | 109 mm | overcast | 87% | 0.8 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.6h |
| November | Excellent | 18° - 29° | 24° | 46 mm | some cloud | 82% | 0.6 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| December | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 76% | 0.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 10.9h |
How to Get to Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
The Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall are at the base of Doi Suthep along Huay Kaew Road (the road that leads northwest out of Chiang Mai city). From Chiang Mai city centre (Tha Phae / Old City) take Huay Kaew Road (Route 1004) by red songthaew (shared taxi) or tuk‑tuk - the drive is roughly 10-20 minutes (about 3-6 km) depending on your start point. Private cars and motorbike taxis also use Huay Kaew Road; there is short walking involved from the roadside parking or drop‑off to both the waterfall and the nearby monument.
If you are at Chiang Mai University or the Chiang Mai Zoo, both are within a few minutes’ drive of the Huay Kaew waterfall area and are common local reference points for drivers and songthaews.
Tips for Visiting Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
- Visit early in the morning on a weekday to avoid tour buses on the Doi Suthep approach and to enjoy cooler, less crowded paths around the monument and falls.
- Access the site from Huay Kaew Road (the same route that passes Chiang Mai Zoo) and allow time to walk the short trails above the lower falls-many visitors stop only at the roadside viewpoint.
- Be cautious of slippery rocks on rainy days and stick to marked paths; people often miss the quieter upper cascades a short hike above the main picnic area.