The Waterfalls of Mae Wang: A Local Guide
- Mountain Springs Team
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Easy, moderate, and adventurous waterfall trips from Ban Huai Hoi
There are two kinds of waterfall travellers.
Some people want the postcard waterfall. They want to arrive in clean shoes, take a photo, and leave.
Other people want the real thing: the walk, the humidity, the muddy trail, the sound getting louder as you get closer, and the moment you step into cold water after sweating through the forest.
Mae Wang is built for the second type.
This region of Chiang Mai has waterfalls that still feel wild. Some are simple to reach. Some take effort. Some feel like you’ve entered a secret. And because Mountain Springs is based in Ban Huai Hoi, guests can explore these places without the rushed “day tour” energy.
This guide breaks Mae Wang waterfall trips into three levels: Easy, Moderate, Adventurous.
Why Mae Wang waterfalls feel different
Mae Wang sits in a landscape shaped by water.
Rain feeds the forests. Forests feed the streams. Streams carve trails. Trails lead to falls. It’s all connected.
Many trekking routes in Mae Wang highlight waterfalls as a core part of the experience.→
Unlike some famous Chiang Mai waterfalls, Mae Wang waterfall visits often feel:
quieter
less commercial
more natural
more seasonal and alive
That means they can also be more unpredictable. The waterfall you see in April is not the waterfall you see in August. That’s part of the magic.
Mae Wang Waterfalls: choose your difficulty level
LEVEL 1: EASY WATERFALL DAYS
Best for: families, couples, relaxed travellers, photo lovers
These are waterfall trips where:
the walk is short
the trail is simple
you can return easily
you can combine it with rafting or village exploring
What it feels like:A nature reset. You leave Mountain Springs, breathe mountain air, reach water without struggle, and still feel like you earned the day.
Tips for Easy waterfall days
Go early for cooler air and softer light
Bring water shoes or sandals with grip
Bring a towel and dry clothes
Keep noise low so the place stays peaceful
LEVEL 2: MODERATE WATERFALL HIKES
Best for: active travellers, hikers, guests who want “real Chiang Mai”
Moderate hikes usually include:
uneven trails
longer walking time
mud or stream crossings in rainy season
more time in the forest
The reward is worth it: fewer people, deeper nature, stronger sense of discovery.
One well-documented route is the Mae Puai Waterfall hike via Ban Huai Hoi, which is listed as a trail route in the area.
What it feels like: A proper day in the hills. The kind of day where your body feels tired in a good way, and the shower afterward feels like a luxury.
Tips for Moderate hikes
Wear real footwear (no flip flops)
Bring 1.5–2L water per person
Pack snacks and electrolytes
Start in the morning so you return with daylight
LEVEL 3: ADVENTUROUS WATERFALL TRIPS
Best for: experienced hikers, adventurous guests, small groups
These are the waterfall trips where:
the trail is less defined
the terrain changes quickly
conditions depend heavily on season
local guidance is strongly recommended
In Mae Wang, the adventurous trips often become the most memorable. Not because the waterfall is bigger, but because it feels like it belongs only to the people who made the effort.
What it feels like:The “real North.” Dense green forest. Mist. The smell of wet earth. Silence. Water louder than voices.
Tips for adventurous trips
Ask locals about trail conditions
Avoid hiking after heavy rain
Bring a headlamp, rain layer, and basic first aid
Never swim in fast-moving water
Go with a guide if you are unfamiliar with the area
Swimming: when it’s safe (and when it’s not)
Waterfall swimming can be incredible. It can also be risky.
Safe swimming conditions
calm pools
clear visibility
low to moderate water flow
stable rocks and entry points
Unsafe conditions
strong current
murky water after heavy rain
deep pools with hidden rocks
fast water directly under falls
Rainy season warning:The same rains that make waterfalls beautiful can also make them dangerous. When in doubt, sit and watch instead of swimming.
The best season for waterfalls in Mae Wang
Dry season (Nov–Apr)
easier trails
less mud
more comfortable hiking
waterfalls may be lower flow, especially late dry season
Rainy season (May–Sep)
powerful waterfalls
vivid green landscapes
slippery trails
more insects
higher chance of flash flow after storms
Shoulder season (Oct, early Nov)
This is often the sweet spot:
strong water
improving trail conditions
fewer tourists
comfortable temperatures
What to pack for a waterfall day from Mountain Springs
This is your “don’t regret it later” list.
Essentials
water (minimum 1.5L per person)
towel
swimwear
sunscreen
insect repellent
snacks
Strongly recommended
waterproof phone pouch
dry bag
extra socks
light rain jacket
basic first aid kit
A perfect Mae Wang waterfall day (Mountain Springs style)
If you want the best version of this day:
Breakfast with mountain views
Leave mid-morning
Walk slowly, take breaks
Waterfall arrival: rest, eat, swim (if safe)
Return before late afternoon
Hot shower, sunset view, quiet evening
The waterfall is only half the experience.The other half is how it changes the rest of your day.
Responsible waterfall travel (keep Mae Wang wild)
Mae Wang waterfalls stay beautiful because they stay respected.
Please:
take all rubbish out
avoid soap or shampoo in natural water
do not carve names into trees or rocks
keep music off
respect local land and village paths
Mae Wang waterfalls are not just scenery
A waterfall day here does something.
It clears the mind. It softens the mood. It makes sleep deeper. It makes conversation slower and better.
That’s why people come to places like Mountain Springs.
You don’t visit Mae Wang waterfalls to “do an activity.”You visit to feel human again.
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