Mae Sa

Valley

Mae Sa valley north of Chiang Mai contains waterfalls, orchid farms and elephant centres. Tourists visit for day hikes, waterfall pools, botanical gardens and nearby hill-tribe villages.

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In this guide

Mae Sa essentials

Country: Thailand
Driest months: Dec-Feb
Pay in: Baht (฿)
Language: Thai
Emergency: 191

Mae Sa at a Glance

About 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.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mae Sa

Best in the cool season (November-February) for hiking and outdoor activities; rainy season can be lush but slippery.

Cool season
November-February · 18-30°C (64-86°F)
Pleasant temperatures and lower humidity for hiking and outdoor activities.
Rainy season
June-October · 22-32°C (72-90°F)
Lush vegetation but expect sudden showers and slippery trails.

Weather & Climate near Mae Sa

Climate

Mae Sa's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with hot summers (peaking in April) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 12°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1081 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 82 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
FebruaryJanuaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
41°
Warmest Month
5°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 12° - 27° 19° 2 mm mostly sunny 67% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
February Ideal 14° - 30° 22° 8 mm mostly sunny 56% 0.9 m/s 1.7 very high 11.4h
March Ideal 17° - 33° 25° 23 mm mostly sunny 52% 1.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Very Good 20° - 34° 28° 53 mm some cloud 56% 1.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.4h
May Acceptable 21° - 32° 27° 163 mm overcast 75% 1.3 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.9h
June Good 22° - 30° 26° 121 mm overcast 81% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 13.1h
July Good 22° - 29° 25° 160 mm overcast 83% 1.2 m/s 1.9 very high 13.0h
August Good 21° - 29° 25° 214 mm overcast 87% 1.0 m/s 1.8 very high 12.6h
September Good 21° - 29° 25° 181 mm overcast 89% 0.8 m/s 1.8 very high 12.1h
October Very Good 20° - 28° 24° 103 mm overcast 87% 0.7 m/s 1.6 very high 11.6h
November Excellent 17° - 27° 22° 42 mm some cloud 82% 0.7 m/s 1.5 very high 11.2h
December Ideal 13° - 25° 19° 11 mm mostly sunny 76% 0.7 m/s 1.4 high 10.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mae Sa

Mae Sa lies about 20-30 km north of Chiang Mai city. From Chiang Mai, take Route 107 northwards then local roads toward Mae Rim and Mae Sa; a car or reputable taxi/driver is the typical way to reach waterfalls and gardens. Motorbike rental is common for experienced riders.

Tips for Visiting Mae Sa

  • If exploring the Mae Sa area in Chiang Mai, combine visits to nearby waterfalls and botanical gardens for a full-day itinerary.
  • Hire a local guide for jungle walks or elephant-related activities from reputable, ethical operators only.
  • Expect steep, narrow roads in the foothills; motorcycles and careful driving are common locally.