Mae Yen Waterfall
Tall multi-tier waterfall reached only by a river-crossing jungle trek east of Pai.
- Category
- Waterfalls
- Entrance fee
- Free (as of 2026)
- Hours
- Daylight only (trek back before dark)
- Best time
- Dry season Nov-Mar only; start early to allow the full round-trip in daylight
- Time needed
- Half day (4-6 hours round trip)
- Difficulty
- Moderate-Hard: long trek with repeated river crossings; unsuitable in the rainy season
About Mae Yen Waterfall
This one is for hikers who actually want to work for it. There's no shortcut to Mae Yen, you reach the tall multi-tier falls only by a long jungle trek east of town, wading the stream dozens of times along the way. The payoff is a proper adventure and near-guaranteed solitude at the end.
Be realistic about the effort: it's demanding, the crossings are constant, and you need to start early to get the full round-trip done in daylight. A local guide is worth considering if you're not confident on unmarked jungle trails.
Only attempt this in the dry season. When the rains come, the stream crossings become genuinely dangerous, and this is a hard no in the wet months.
Highlights
- Tall multi-tier waterfall deep in the jungle
- Reached only on foot via a river-crossing trek
- Near-guaranteed solitude for fit hikers
- A proper half-day adventure from Pai
Tips
- Dry season only, the crossings turn dangerous in the rains
- Start early so you finish the round trip in daylight
- Consider a local guide for the unmarked jungle route
- Wear footwear you don't mind soaking, you'll wade repeatedly
How to get there
Trailhead is about 7 km east of town; from there it is a 2-3 hour jungle trek with many stream crossings (roughly 6 km each way on foot, no vehicles for the final stretch).