Hiking to Mae Yen Waterfall, Pai – Thailand

Hiking to Mae Yen Waterfall, Pai – Thailand

Mae Yen Waterfall is an epic jungle waterfall near the peaceful mountain town of Pai in Thailand. If you're looking for epic day trip adventures or short independent hikes in Pai, then Mae Yen Waterfall might be just the thing for you!

The path to the waterfall is an adventure in itself. Although the hike is fairly easy, it takes at least two hours one way. Along the way, you'll pass banana plantations, jungle river systems and incredible landscapes in northern Thailand.

How to get to Mae Yen Waterfall?

The best way to get to Mae Yen Waterfall is to rent a motorbike in Pai and drive to the trailhead. As far as I know, there are no guided hikes to Mae Yen, so you'll have to do these on your own.
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Do you need a private transfer from Chiang Mai Airport? – Book in advance for under $15!

Starting point of Mae Yen waterfall

The Mae Yen waterfall trailhead is located next to a campsite called “Wonderland Camping,” about 10 minutes from Pai. You can find it marked on the map below, or alternatively you can search for “Mae Yen Waterfall Hiking Trail”.

Once you arrive at the campsite you can park your motorbike and cross the first river next to the campsite. The first crossing gives a little taste of what awaits you along the way!
alt=“MAE YEN WATERFALL HIKE IN PAI”>The first river crossing.

Mae Yen Waterfall Hiking Trail

After crossing the first river, you continue following the wider road, through a banana plantation and a small village, until you finally enter the denser jungle scrub.
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From here, you will follow the river, which is actually the source of the waterfall, for the entire 2-hour hike. Along the route you cross the same river 36 times (we counted) before finally climbing a fairly steep final section and finally reaching Mae Yen waterfall.

For free! Unlike some other waterfalls in Pai, this one won't cost you a single baht!

Hiking Length: The hike to Mae Yen Waterfall takes approximately 2 hours each way.

Distance: Approximately 6 km each way.

Hike Difficulty Level: The trail is flat and relatively easy for most of the hike, except for a steep final section at the end.
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TIP: It is usually possible to buy bananas in the small village near the start of the trail.

Mae Yen Waterfall GPX file

If you want to be on the safe side, you can download this GPX file for your cell phone or GPS watch.

GPX file: Download

My Strava: Visit

Traveling to Chiang Rai? Don't miss my favorite waterfall: Mae Sai Waterfall

Mae Yen Waterfall

Although it is less popular than other waterfalls in the area, in my opinion this is the best waterfall in Pai! Once you arrive, you enter a beautiful jungle oasis surrounded by steep, moss-covered rock faces.

Mae Yen Waterfall is actually made up of three steep tiers that flow into small pools. The lower bool is fairly shallow and definitely does not allow cliff jumping or diving. However, you'll probably want to make the most of it by cooling off in the fresh flowing waters.

If you are careful, it is possible to climb up the right side of the waterfall to sit in a small, waist-high pool at the bottom of the second river. You need to be careful as it is very slippery and remember to always look out for changes in conditions.

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Best place to stay in Pai

My Pai Accommodation: Wake Up in PaiThis place was one of the cheapest options for a clean dorm with free breakfast in Pai. Located in the center near motorbike rentals, cafes and the Walking Street Market.

Top Rated Guesthouse: Pai Yard BackpackersSuper affordable accommodation with incredible reviews. Clean rooms, good location, good price and good food.

Famous Pai Hostel: Circus Hostel PaiThis place is a favorite in Pai for those looking for a great atmosphere. There is a large pool with rolling mountain backdrops and campfires every evening. If you want to meet other backpackers to visit Mae Yen Waterfall with them, then this is probably the place.

Compare the best accommodation options in Pai with Booking.com or Agoda.

Over to you

I hope this travel guide to Mae Yen Waterfall in Pai Thailand is enough to take you off the beaten path and into the epic jungles of Northern Thailand. If you have any questions, please leave a comment or even send me a message.
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