Namtok Mae Surin National Park – Explore Waterfalls & Treks

Venture into Namtok Mae Surin National Park – where waterfalls thunder, mountains whisper, and trails lead to discovery!

Namtok Mae Surin National Park, located in Mae Hong Son province, is one of Thailand’s most enchanting natural reserves. Covering nearly 398 square kilometers, this park is a sanctuary of pristine mountains, rare orchids, towering waterfalls, and thriving wildlife. Its crown jewel, the Mae Surin Waterfall, is among the tallest single-tier waterfalls in Thailand, plunging from rugged cliffs into a deep valley below. For travelers seeking untouched beauty and authentic experiences, this park is an essential stop on a Mae Hong Son Loop Tour.

Geography and Nature

The park’s terrain is shaped by steep, forested mountains with altitudes ranging from 300–1,722 meters above sea level. The highest peak, Doi Pui Luang, offers sweeping views of the surrounding ranges. The landscape consists of mixed deciduous forest, dry evergreen, pine forest, and montane evergreen zones, creating an ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Visitors will encounter tree species such as Lithocarpus (oak), Toona ciliata, Dipterocarpus, Terminalia, and a remarkable variety of orchids, including the rare lady’s slipper orchids.

Flora and Fauna

The park is a biological treasure:

• Plants: Oak forests, pine groves, lush ferns like Cyathea gigantea, wild ginger, and a spectrum of orchids including Dendrobium, Paphiopedilum (lady slipper), and seasonal wildflowers.
• Wildlife: Mammals such as the Asiatic black bear, Malayan sun bear, serow, barking deer, gibbons, and civets roam the dense forest. The birdlife is impressive, featuring species like the Scarlet minivet, Emerald cuckoo, and the rare Siamese fireback pheasant. Reptiles, amphibians, and butterflies are also abundant, making this a paradise for eco-tourism and nature studies.

Highlights & Atmosphere

1. Mae Surin Waterfall
   The iconic symbol of the park, Mae Surin Waterfall, is a single-tier cascade plunging nearly 180–200 meters from a sheer cliff into a gorge below. Visitors can admire it from an upper viewpoint, where the waterfall appears as a silver ribbon cutting through the greenery, or descend to its base to witness the immense power and hear the thunderous roar up close. Surrounding the trail are rare orchids and ferns, such as Paphiopedilum villosum, Dendrobium wardianum, and giant tree ferns.

   • Best time: During the rainy season (July–October), the flow is majestic and dramatic. In the cool season (November–February), the atmosphere is serene, often with mist and sea of fog enveloping the cliffs.

2. Doi Pui Luang
   At 1,722 meters, this rounded summit resembles an upturned rice bowl with a flat grassy plateau at the top. Known as the “Phu Kradueng of Mae Hong Son,” it is covered with pine trees, montane grasses, and colorful alpine flowers like rhododendrons.

   • Atmosphere: The viewpoint Pha Phiang Fa (Sky Cliff) is a spectacular spot to watch the sunrise, sea of fog, and the vast mountain ranges stretching endlessly.

   • Historical touch: On its slopes lie the wreckage of a Japanese aircraft from World War II, adding a sense of mystery and history to the trek.

3. Doi San Fa Viewpoint
   At about 948 meters above sea level, this vantage point offers sweeping views of Mae Hong Son town and its surrounding mountain ranges. In winter, thick blankets of mist create a dreamlike panorama, making it one of the most photogenic spots in Namtok Maesurin National Park.

4. Nam Hu Breathing Cave
   A unique natural wonder, this cave releases water from its walls every 25 minutes, accompanied by a sound resembling breathing. It’s a rare geological phenomenon that fascinates geologists and casual visitors alike.

5. Pha Bong Waterfall (Nam Khum Khon)
   A smaller but picturesque waterfall about 40 meters high, surrounded by deciduous forest. Its calm pools at the base invite visitors for a refreshing dip during the cool season.

Must-Do Activities

1. Huai Mae Sakut Nature Trail

This 1.8-kilometer nature trail begins at the park’s Ranger Station 3 (Mae Sakut), located about 9 kilometers from Mae Hong Son town. The trail runs alongside the Huai Mae Sakut stream, cutting through deciduous and dry evergreen forest.

• Highlights along the trail:
  • 17 interpretive stops explain ecological interactions, tree species, and local biodiversity.
  • Visitors will see large native hardwoods, orchids, and giant ferns.
  • The trail concludes at two scenic waterfalls: Mae Sakut Waterfall and Kuet Luang Waterfall, both medium-sized but strikingly beautiful amidst lush greenery.
• Best season: Rainy and cool seasons, when water is plentiful and the forest is alive with birdsong and fresh greenery.
• Recommended for: Nature enthusiasts who want a short but immersive trek that combines education, relaxation, and scenic beauty.

2. Trekking from Huai Hi Village to Doi Pui Luang

One of the most adventurous experiences in the park, this trek starts from Huai Hi Village, leading up to the summit of Doi Pui Luang. The trail is about 3 kilometers long, passing through montane forests, pine stands, and flowering meadows.

• What to expect along the way:
  • Dense vegetation changing with altitude, from mixed deciduous to montane evergreen and pine.
  • Seasonal wildflowers and rhododendrons brightening the trail.
  • Panoramic viewpoints opening gradually as you ascend.
• At the summit:
  • A wide grassland plateau with cold alpine-like weather.
  • Pha Phiang Fa Cliff, a jaw-dropping viewpoint for sunrises and fog-filled valleys.
  • The wreckage of a WWII Japanese aircraft, adding a unique historical dimension to the natural setting.
• Recommended for: Adventurers seeking both natural grandeur and cultural history within a single trek.

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Facilities & Entrance Fees

• Park entrance fee:
  • Thai: Adults 40 THB, Children 20 THB
  • Foreigners: Adults 200 THB, Children 100 THB
• Accommodation:
  • Park lodges (800–2,000 THB per night)
  • Tent camping areas with basic facilities
• Visitor services:
  • Small shop selling drinks and snacks at headquarters (08:00–16:30)

Getting There

• From Mae Hong Son town: Drive south along Highway 108 to Khun Yuam, then turn onto Highway 1263 for another 40 km to reach the park’s entrance.
• Travel time: About 2–3 hours depending on conditions.
• For travelers from Chiang Mai: The scenic Mae Hong Son Loop route takes about 5–6 hours by private car or tour service.

Nearby Attractions

Doi Mae U Kho

Renowned for its breathtaking fields of wild sunflowers, blooming every November–December. Hillsides turn golden yellow, attracting photographers and nature lovers from all over.

Su Tong Pae Bridge

A bamboo bridge stretching across rice paddies, connecting a local temple with rural communities. Walking here at sunrise or sunset offers a serene countryside atmosphere and cultural immersion.