Mae Sa

Mae Sa is a valley and rural-tourism area in Chiang Mai Province of northern Thailand, known for waterfalls, farms, and outdoor attractions. It lies within the Mae Rim District and serves as a convenient day-trip area from Chiang Mai.

Outdoor highlights include multi-tiered waterfalls, short hiking trails, and tourism facilities such as elephant camps and horticultural attractions. The area also provides opportunities for short treks, local market visits, and botanical displays.

Historically the valley has supported agriculture and small-scale farming; over recent decades parts of the valley have developed tourism infrastructure geared to visitors from Chiang Mai and international tourists.

Mae Sa sits in the foothills of northern Thailand’s highlands, approximately 20 kilometers north of central Chiang Mai and accessed by regional roads that climb into the surrounding hills.

• Access from Chiang Mai: Located in Mae Rim District, roughly 20 kilometers north of Chiang Mai city center and reachable by a 30 to 45 minute drive depending on traffic.
• Best time to visit: The cool season, from November through February, offers the most comfortable weather for visiting outdoor attractions and trails.

What to See #

• Mae Sa Valley: A scenic valley area north of the city of Chiang Mai known for waterfalls, small farms, and tourism amenities; many attractions are accessed by local roads from Chiang Mai.
• Mae Sa Waterfall: A multi-tiered waterfall system popular for short hikes and picnic stops, with pools and cascades accessed by a stepped trail network.
• Tourism and attractions: Tourism facilities including privately run elephant camps, orchid and butterfly farms, and nearby botanic gardens that cater to day trips from Chiang Mai.