Wachirathan Falls
Waterfall Scenic waterfall in Doi Inthanon National Park
A tiered waterfall on the Mae Klang river en route to Doi Inthanon; popular stop for photographers, short hikes and cool mountain views on the way to Thailand’s highest peak.
Wachirathan Falls is a prominent waterfall within Doi Inthanon National Park in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand. It lies on the Mae Klang River and is one of several major cascades protected inside the national park.
The fall is a powerful, multi-tiered cascade that can be seen from a parking area and a short stair-linked viewpoint, making it a popular stop for visitors traveling the park road. The site is often visited in combination with other nearby park attractions rather than as a long standalone trek.
As a natural feature inside Doi Inthanon National Park it is part of the protected landscape of Thailand’s highest mountain area and is accessed via the park road linking the main trailheads and visitor facilities.
The waterfall is located within Doi Inthanon National Park, roughly 65-75 km southwest of Chiang Mai city, along the route toward the mountain’s summit.
- Roadside access: A roadside viewing platform and short stairway allow easy access to the main viewpoint, making it a quick stop on the park route.
How to Get to Wachirathan Falls #
Wachirathan is about 20-30 minutes’ drive from Chom Thong town and roughly 1-1.5 hours from Chiang Mai city by car. Public songthaews and private tours to Doi Inthanon typically include a stop at the falls.
Tips for Visiting Wachirathan Falls #
- Visit early morning to avoid buses of tourists and to catch the water at its loudest and most dramatic.
- Wear shoes with good grip - the rocks around the falls are constantly wet and slippery.
- Combine with other Doi Inthanon sites (King and Queen Pagodas) to make the drive worthwhile.
Best Time to Visit Wachirathan Falls #
Best visited in the cool, dry season for accessibility and comfortable temperatures; monsoon months mean dramatic flow but wet trails.
Weather & Climate near Wachirathan Falls #
Wachirathan Falls'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 11°C to 32°C. Abundant rainfall (1057 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (168 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (113 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (137 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (191 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 20°C. Significant rainfall (179 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 16°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm).
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December
December is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
