“Over 40-meter high waterfall with a viewing balcony amidst an evergreen forest, along the route to Doi Inthanon summit.”
Sirithan Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Doi Inthanon National Park, located around kilometer 23 on the road leading up to Doi Inthanon summit. It was formerly known as "Pa Kha Waterfall" before being graciously renamed "Sirithan Waterfall" by Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, after she visited and witnessed its beauty.
The waterfall originates from Mae Klang Stream, an important waterway flowing down from Doi Inthanon summit. It then plunges about 40 meters from a high cliff, splitting into two streams that cascade down into a basin below, surrounded by lush evergreen forest. This ensures water flows throughout the year, especially during the rainy season when the water volume is high, creating a misty spray and an exceptionally beautiful landscape.
A highlight of Sirithan Waterfall is its wooden viewing balcony, built to extend out in front of the waterfall. This allows visitors to admire the full view of the waterfall without having to descend to its base. The distance from the parking lot to the viewpoint is only about 100 meters, taking just 5–10 minutes to walk. The path consists of well-maintained wooden bridges and stairs, suitable for all ages, including the elderly and families with children.
The surrounding area is also a watershed forest rich in diverse flora, such as moss, ferns, wild orchids, and evergreen trees. It is also a habitat for many species of birds and wild animals, making it ideal for those who enjoy nature photography, studying ecosystems, and experiencing the cool forest atmosphere year-round.
Although this waterfall is not open for swimming due to its high cliff, strong currents, and for ecosystem preservation, it remains one of the most popular stops for visitors heading up Doi Inthanon. This is because a visit doesn't take long, and it offers complete facilities including a parking lot, restrooms, and interpretive signs about the watershed forest and the waterfall's history.
If you continue further along the same route, you can also visit other important attractions on Doi Inthanon, such as Vachirathan Waterfall, Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon-Naphaphonphumisiri, Doi Inthanon Royal Agricultural Station and Doi Inthanon Summit, making Sirithan Waterfall an ideal stop for a full day of touring Doi Inthanon.
How to Get There
- From Chiang Mai city, take Highway 108 (Chiang Mai–Hot) to Chom Thong District, approximately 58 kilometers. Then, turn right onto Highway 1009 (the road up Doi Inthanon). Pass the Doi Inthanon National Park checkpoint and continue driving until kilometer 23, where you will find the entrance to Sirithan Waterfall on your left. There is a parking lot available. From there, walk approximately 100 meters along a wooden bridge and stairs, taking only 5–10 minutes, to reach the viewing balcony.
Travel Tips
- It is best to visit during August–October, which is when the waterfall has the most water and is at its most beautiful.
- The cool morning air is suitable for photography and avoiding large crowds of tourists.
- Swimming or climbing rocks in the waterfall area is not allowed for safety and nature conservation.
- Wear shoes with good grip, as the wooden bridge and walking path can be slippery from water spray, especially during the rainy season.
- You can plan your visit to include Vachirathan Waterfall, Phra Mahathat Naphamethanidon–Naphaphonphumisiri, and Doi Inthanon Summit all in one day.
Admission Fee:
There is no additional admission fee for the waterfall, as it is included in the Doi Inthanon National Park entrance fee.
- Thai Nationals: Adults 60 Baht / Children 30 Baht
- Foreigners: Adults 300 Baht / Children 150 Baht
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 08:00–16:30.