Kruba Srivichai Monument and Huay Kaew Waterfall
Monument Monument and nearby waterfall honoring Kruba Srivichai
Near Chiang Mai, the Kruba Srivichai monument and Huay Kaew waterfall draw visitors for short mountain hikes, a roadside temple memorial to a revered monk, and cool cascades popular with locals on hot afternoons.
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.
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.
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.
January
January is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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May
May is hot, feeling like 32°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (119 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (199 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (185 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
