One of the best waterfalls in Doi Inthanon, Wachirathan Waterfall is an impressive set of falls and a must-see if you’re heading to Doi Inthanon National Park.
There are so many waterfalls you can do in Doi Inthanon, but personally, this is one of the best and must be on your list if you are in Chiang Mai!
One of the biggest and most impressive falls of the day. Wachirathan Waterfall was on the list of 5 other waterfalls in one big scooter loop of Doi Inthanon national park, taking in all the best parts it has to offer.
Quick Facts about Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon.
- Distance: Less than 1km out and back
- Time from Chiang Mai: 60-90 minutes directly, but can be tied in with other falls and sights
- Time needed: Could be done in a 2 hours from Chiang Mai
- Best travel time: I would say morning or evening to avoid crowds
- Difficulty: Some small steps on the way but nothing crazy.
- Cost: Free
High Points of the Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon
- Huge set of waterfalls, impressive to see!
- Easy to reach and very accessible
- Superb scenery on the drive into the waterfall
- Can be paired with multiple other waterfalls for one big day!
Low Points of the Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon
- One of the busier falls in Doi Inthanon, so can get crowded midday!
How to get to the Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon
Located in the beautiful Doi Inthanon National Park, home of Thailand’s tallest mountain. The Wachirathan waterfall is a beautiful set of waterfalls. Impressively tall, and cascading down the side of the mountain above.
Around a 90-minute drive from Chiang Mai itself, but I spent a whole day on the scooter exploring Doi Inthanon and made it to multiple waterfalls across the day.
The drive through the wonderful National Park is beautiful, and I’d strongly suggest hiring a scooter in Chiang Mai and adventuring for yourself.
The Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon is super accessible and there’s no real hike to this one.
Once you’ve reached the turn-off for the national park, you’ll head down into the car park and you can see, and hear, the waterfall straight away.
I headed down first towards the base first. Giving a different perspective of the falls first. Then made my way up the small trail to get a better, and different perspective. Personally, I think the lower perspective is better. The beautifully placed banana tree serves as the subject of the frame.
The higher viewpoint takes you closer to the waterfalls and gives you a real scale of how big, and how loud this waterfall is. It does look like there was a path that lead higher to the falls, but unfortunately, it’s now closed off. Presumably, because it looked unsafe, wet, and slippery rock underfoot next to a massive waterfall…
…disaster maaaate.
My Experience of the Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon
The waterfall is beautiful.
One of the tallest and most forceful in Northern Thailand. Or at least from what I saw whilst there for nearly 2 months.
The drive through the National Park is incredible. Winding through the mountain roads, passing elephants, banana plantations and the wonderful jungle northern Thailand has to offer, it really does have it all.
The waterfall itself is one of the more accessible ones. It still doesn’t take away from how impressive this falls is. I timed it quite badly with several coaches rocking up at the same time as me.
But thankfully, after a few selfies, they were back in the coach and off on the road again.
This is just one of several waterfalls on what can be a long and adventurous day away from the hustle and bustle of Chiang Mai.
There are places to eat, drink coffee and get Ice Cream. If you’re hungry, or need to stock up on some snacks then I would do so here. When you get further around the loop, you’ll have fewer options.
Whilst you’re in Doi Inthanon don’t forget to visit Thailand’s highest point.
Also be sure to check out these other waterfalls too:
Mae Ya Waterfall – Thailand’s most impressive waterfall!
If you’ve any questions about the Wachirathan Waterfall, Doi Inthanon, then drop them in the comments below and I’ll be happy to help.
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