Namtok Mae Surin National Park Park

Namtok Mae Surin National Park is a protected area in northwestern Thailand’s highlands, named for the prominent Mae Surin waterfall within its boundaries. The park preserves montane forest, streams, and waterfall landscapes and is used for day hikes and nature recreation.

Trails in the park lead to the waterfall and through forested slopes characteristic of the region, and the area supports a mix of evergreen and deciduous forest communities. The park is also linked with local ethnic communities and hill-country agriculture outside the protected area.

The site was designated for conservation to protect its watershed, waterfall features, and upland forest habitats while providing access for visitors on marked routes.

The park sits in the highland districts of northwestern Thailand and is reached by road from nearby towns in the province; its terrain is hilly and forested with permanent streams feeding the waterfall.

• Mae Surin Waterfall: The park is named for the Mae Surin waterfall, a primary attraction that draws day visitors and local picnickers.

Established in 1981 and covering nearly 400 square kilometres, the park takes in many high peaks, including the 1,700-metre Doi Pui in the Thanon Tongchai range. The summit of Doi Pui is not usually accessible, but if you are keen on a rigorous hike, park staff may be able to help you reach it. The park headquarters lie a few kilometres northeast of Mae Hong Son off Highway 1095, though this section is for staff only.

The main draw is Mae Surin Waterfall, reached via Highway 1263 from the town of Khun Yuam on Highway 108. The single-tier falls plummet around 100 metres, most powerfully towards the end of the rainy season in October and November, and are especially dramatic viewed from the cliff top opposite; if you are feeling energetic you can clamber down to the foot and get drenched in the spray. Time your visit for November or early December and you can also pass fields of Mexican sunflowers that blanket the hillsides in gold on the way.

Also of note are the Huai Mae Sakid Nature Trail and the Nam Hu Hai Jai Cave, set amid lush forest and wildflowers. Wildlife includes sun bears, golden cats, gibbons, pythons and cobras, along with hundreds of bird species. The best time to visit is from early November through February.

The park is reached by road from Mae Sariang (about 30-40 km) or Mae Hong Son (roughly 80 km). Most visitors drive on Route 108 and then take local roads toward the park headquarters near the Mae Sariang-Mae Hong Son axis. The final stretches are rural; a high-clearance vehicle is useful in the rains.

• Start early and follow the signed trail to Mae Surin waterfall before the midday heat - the path gets slippery after rain.
• Bring insect repellent and a light rain jacket: the park sits on a watershed and clouds can roll in fast.
• Ask at the small ranger station about seasonal trail closures - access to some ridges is restricted in the wet season.