Mae Yen Waterfall Trail Pai
An adventurous jungle trek leading to a stunning waterfall with refreshing pools, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Mae Yen Waterfall Trail Pai
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An adventurous jungle trek leading to a stunning waterfall with refreshing pools, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience.
"Challenging hike, but the waterfall is beautiful and worth the effort for adventurers!"
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Sturdy sandals or shoes you can walk through water in are essential. Flip-flops are not recommended.
🦟 Pack Strong Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent. This is a must-have for a comfortable hike.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mae Yen Waterfall
End of the trail
A stunning cascade offering a refreshing natural pool for a swim, a rewarding sight after a challenging trek.
Jungle Trek
The trail itself
An adventurous 6-hour journey through lush jungle, featuring numerous stream crossings and diverse flora.
River Crossings
Along the trail
Multiple stream crossings, some reaching waist-deep, add an adventurous element to the hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trek Smart: Prepare for the Trail
Safety First: Go Prepared
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Sturdy sandals or shoes you can walk through water in are essential. Flip-flops are not recommended.
🦟 Pack Strong Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent. This is a must-have for a comfortable hike.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Phone service is unreliable. Use apps like Maps.me or AllTrails to navigate.
⚠️ Don't Go Alone
The trail can be challenging and confusing. Traveling with a buddy is highly advised for safety.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Sturdy sandals or shoes you can walk through water in are essential. Flip-flops are not recommended.
🦟 Pack Strong Bug Repellent
Mosquitoes and other insects are prevalent. This is a must-have for a comfortable hike.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Phone service is unreliable. Use apps like Maps.me or AllTrails to navigate.
⚠️ Don't Go Alone
The trail can be challenging and confusing. Traveling with a buddy is highly advised for safety.
⏰ Start Your Hike Early
Beat the midday heat and enjoy fewer crowds at the waterfall.
💧 Be Ready for Water Crossings
Expect to cross streams, some can be waist-deep. The current can be strong.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mae Yen Waterfall is a beautiful but challenging hike, with many praising the stunning cascade and lush jungle trek. However, visitors warn of the trail's difficulty, including unmarked paths, numerous river crossings that can be waist-deep, and potential hazards like hornets. It's a rewarding experience for prepared hikers but not recommended for the unprepared or those seeking an easy stroll.
"Don't go alone and start early
Bug repellent is your very very good friend!!
It will take at least 4 hours, and the path after 30 minutes will starts to fade, I got lost a few times on the way, as well as crossing the river many many times, and it can sometimes get to waist level.
Nevertheless its absolutely beautiful and enjoyable for most of the hike."
Ohad Katz
"Is this waterfall beautiful? Yes. Is my body hurting from the hike? Yes. Would I do it again? Absolutely not. The first 3-5kms is all you need. Even pre-teens could do it. There are lots of rapids and it is a very nice hike which is possible to do barefoot. After that is where the trouble starts.
The "path" is worn down areas which dissapears sometimes. There are fallen trees blocking the way. I couldn't tell you how many times I ended off the path.
I fell about 7 times and the water hit my shorts during a number of the crossings. Even got caught in a rainstorm on the way back.
All for about 20 minutes in a waterfall with a very small area to relax in.
Thailand is full of beautiful waterfalls, if you are a serious hiker, you will love this. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend going to full distance"
Rebekah Newmeyer
"Beautiful waterfall and I loved the jungle hike to this wonderful place. You can see butterflies in every colour and also so amazing trees. Of course this hike is kinda long (but if you’re fast you can also do it in 4h) and has some hard passages, so you shouldn’t wear Flipflops. We loved it."
Julina S.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is located north of Pai town. You can rent a scooter or hire a songthaew (red truck taxi) to get to the starting point. The journey to the trailhead itself is part of the adventure.
While the general direction is known, the exact starting point can be a bit elusive. It's best to use a GPS or ask locals for directions to the trailhead.
Walking the entire distance from Pai town to the waterfall is a very long trek, likely exceeding 10 kilometers one way. It's more common to travel to the trailhead by scooter or songthaew and then begin the hike.
Renting a scooter offers the most flexibility and is a popular choice for travelers in Pai. Alternatively, a songthaew can be hired for a more comfortable, though potentially more expensive, journey.
Yes, there is usually space to park scooters or motorbikes at the beginning of the Mae Yen Waterfall trail. Ensure your vehicle is secured.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Currently, there is no official entrance fee mentioned by visitors for Mae Yen Waterfall. The primary costs are associated with transportation to the trailhead.
Mae Yen Waterfall is a natural attraction and does not have set opening hours. It's accessible during daylight hours, but starting early is recommended for the hike.
No booking is required for Mae Yen Waterfall. It's a natural trail, and you can visit anytime during daylight.
No permits are generally required for the Mae Yen Waterfall trail. It's an open natural trail for hikers.
Parking at the trailhead is typically free for scooters and motorbikes.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike to Mae Yen Waterfall typically takes about 3-4 hours one way, making it a 6-8 hour round trip. Some faster hikers can complete it in under 4 hours total.
The trail is considered moderately difficult due to its length, uneven terrain, and multiple river crossings. The first part is easier, but the latter half is more challenging.
Yes, there is a natural pool at the base of the waterfall where you can swim. Be cautious of the current, which can be strong.
Wear sturdy, quick-drying shoes that you don't mind getting wet, as you'll be crossing streams. Lightweight, breathable clothing is also recommended.
The trail can be poorly marked and the path sometimes fades, especially after the first few kilometers. Downloading an offline map is highly recommended.
No, there are no facilities along the Mae Yen Waterfall trail. You need to bring all your own supplies, including water and snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfall itself is the main attraction, but the lush jungle and stream crossings also offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Capture the scale of the falls and the surrounding greenery.
Early morning light can be beautiful for capturing the waterfall and jungle. Midday sun can be harsh, but the mist from the falls can create interesting effects.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the waterfall and jungle scenery. A waterproof bag for your camera is essential due to stream crossings and potential rain.
Look out for colorful butterflies, interesting trees, and the diverse flora and fauna along the jungle path. The buffalo sighting mentioned by one visitor is also a unique photo op!
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you have older, adventurous children who are experienced hikers, the first part of the trail (approximately the first 30 minutes) offers a pleasant walk with some stream crossings that might be manageable. However, venturing further requires a level of stamina and navigation skill that most young children would struggle with. Prioritize safety and consider shorter, more accessible waterfalls in the Pai area if traveling with younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Once at the trailhead, the hike itself is free. Pack your own water and snacks to avoid purchasing overpriced items. While the hike is challenging, it offers a significant natural experience without a hefty price tag, making it a great value for those seeking adventure on a budget.
❤️ Couples & Adventurous Travelers
Consider tackling this hike together as a team. The shared effort of navigating the trail and crossing streams can be a bonding experience. Pack a picnic to enjoy by the waterfall, making it a romantic and adventurous day out. Remember to prioritize safety and enjoy the journey!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mae Yen Waterfall Trek: A Comprehensive Guide
Safety is paramount on this trail. Many travelers strongly advise against going alone due to the potential for getting lost, encountering wildlife, and the physical demands of the hike. Downloading an offline map is essential as phone signal is virtually non-existent. Some visitors have reported encountering hornets and experiencing painful stings, so carrying a basic first-aid kit and any necessary medication is a wise precaution. Despite the challenges, the beauty of the jungle and the eventual reward of the waterfall make it a memorable experience for those prepared.
What to Expect on the Trail
* Terrain: Varied, from dirt paths to rocky sections and stream beds.
* River Crossings: Numerous, some can be waist-deep and have a strong current.
* Navigation: Trail can be faint and disappear; offline maps are vital.
* Wildlife: Potential for insects, butterflies, and other jungle creatures. One visitor even encountered a buffalo at the waterfall!
Preparing for the Elements: What to Pack
Beyond footwear, bug repellent is non-negotiable. The jungle is teeming with mosquitoes and other insects, and a good repellent will make your trek significantly more comfortable. Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. A small backpack to carry these essentials, along with a camera and a basic first-aid kit, is highly recommended. Consider packing a lightweight, quick-drying towel if you plan to swim at the waterfall.
For those concerned about the weather, especially during the rainy season, a waterproof bag for your electronics and valuables is a good idea. While the waterfall itself is a highlight, the journey through the lush jungle, with its diverse plant life and occasional wildlife sightings, is equally captivating.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit