Namtok Mae Surin National Park : Attractions in Mae Hong Son
Namtok Mae Surin National Park is a hidden jewel of Mae Hong Son, located across Khun Yuam and Mueang districts in Thailand’s mountainous northwest. Covering nearly 400 square kilometers, this is Thailand’s 37th national park, declared in 1981 to protect its pristine ecosystems and dramatic landscapes.
The park is home to one of the tallest single-tier waterfalls in the country, the iconic Mae Surin Waterfall, and the cone-shaped Doi Pui Mountain with its flat summit cloaked in cool air throughout the year. Beyond waterfalls and mountains, the park shelters rare orchids, mysterious caves, lush forests, and diverse wildlife — making it a destination where science, adventure, and beauty converge.
Geography
The park’s terrain is dominated by rugged mountain ranges, limestone cliffs, and towering ridges, especially around Doi Khun Nam Rin and Doi Pui. Elevations range from 300 meters up to 1,722 meters above sea level, with steep valleys acting as watersheds for tributaries of the Pai River.
The variety of altitude creates diverse forest zones:
- Mixed deciduous forest
- Dry evergreen forest
- Deciduous dipterocarp forest
- Coniferous forest
This patchwork of forest types makes the park one of the most biodiverse areas in Mae Hong Son.
Climate
The climate here is generally comfortable but varies with the seasons:
- Cool season (Nov–Feb): Crisp, chilly weather, sometimes dipping below 10°C at higher elevations. The best time for trekking and scenic views of mist and fog.
- Hot season (Mar–Apr): Warm but pleasant in the highlands, with clear skies perfect for viewpoints.
- Rainy season (May–Oct): Heavy rains nourish the waterfalls and forests but often make transportation challenging. Trekking routes may be slippery.
For most travelers, the cool and dry months are the ideal time to visit.
Flora and Fauna
The park’s ecological richness is a haven for botanists and wildlife enthusiasts.
Flora:
- Lowland areas near streams host Dipterocarpus alatus, Terminalia bellirica, and bamboo groves.
- Steep ridges are dominated by conifers like Pinus merkusii and Pinus kesiya.
- Rare orchids thrive, including the prestigious Vanda coerulea and delicate lady slipper orchids (Paphiopedilum).
Fauna:
The dense forests provide refuge for many species, including:
- Mammals: Asiatic black bear, Malayan sun bear, sambar deer, muntjac (barking deer), wild boar, civets, macaques, langurs, mouse deer, gibbons, and even tigers in the past.
- Birds: A wide variety of forest birds including barbets, cuckoos, minivets, broadbills, and rare species endemic to the northern mountains.
- Reptiles & Insects: Snakes, lizards, frogs, and a dazzling array of butterflies.
Attractions in Namtok Mae Surin National Park
Mae Surln Waterfall
The star of the park and one of the highest waterfalls in Thailand. Water plunges in a single drop of about 180 meters into a deep gorge. Surrounded by lush evergreen forest, the falls are most impressive in the rainy season but accessible only in the dry and cool months due to trail conditions. Located about 38 km from Khun Yuam district, it is the park’s most iconic viewpoint.
Doi Pui Luang Mountain
This cone-shaped peak with a flat summit sits at 1,722 meters above sea level. Known for its year-round cool climate, it supports temperate plants and alpine meadows. From the top, travelers can enjoy panoramic views of layered mountain ranges and seas of fog in the early morning.
Doi San Fa Viewpoint
Perched at around 950 meters, Doi San Fa offers breathtaking views over Mae Hong Son town and the surrounding mountain ranges. The viewpoint is especially magical during the cool season, when a thick sea of fog blankets the valley below. It’s one of the best sunrise spots in the park, where golden light slowly unveils the misty landscape.
Pha Bong Waterfall
Damkhon Waterfall (Pha Bong Waterfall) A smaller but charming two-tier waterfall, about 30 meters high, only 12 km from Mae Hong Son town. It can be visited year-round and is a favorite for families and those seeking a quick nature escape.
Mae Sakut Waterfall
Located along the Huai Mae Sakut Nature Trail, this medium-sized waterfall is tucked deep in the forest, creating a peaceful spot where water tumbles gracefully into a pool surrounded by ferns and orchids. It’s less dramatic than Mae Surin but more intimate — perfect for those who love quiet, hidden corners of nature. Visiting Mae Sakut together with nearby Kuet Luang Waterfall makes the 1.8 km eco-trail one of the most rewarding hikes in the park.
Pai River : The river has beach which is a nice place for camping. The exciting white water ratting tour is available on this river.
Nong Khiao : The vast plain situated on the ridge is covered with coniferous forest. Tourists require to trek 2 hours from Mae Surin Waterfall
Nam Hu Haichai Cave : It is a strange natural phenomenon. Every 25 minutes, the cave wall always breathe out water from the holes. It is assumed that such phenomenon is resulted from water pressure deep from the underground. The cave is in Tambon Pha Bong. Amphoe Mueang of Mae Hong Son. Visitors require to walk for 3-4 hours from Ban Huai Nam. Mae Sakuet.
Huai Mae Sakut Nature Trail
Must-Do Activities
- Huai Mae Sakut Nature Trail – A 1.8 km interpretive trail with 17 learning stations about local ecology, ending with the Mae Sakut and Kuet Luang waterfalls.
- Trek from Ban Huai Hi to Doi Pui Luang – A 3 km climb through pine forests and wildflower meadows leading to the summit with Pha Phiang Fa Cliff and WWII plane wreckage.
- Birdwatching & Orchid Spotting – Rare species thrive here, making it a paradise for nature photographers.
- Camping & Stargazing – The park’s remote location ensures brilliant night skies.
- Community-based Tourism at Ban Huay Hee – Experience Karen culture with weaving workshops and homestays.
Facilities & Travel Information
- Entrance Fee: Thai (Adult 40 THB, Child 20 THB), Foreigners (Adult 200 THB, Child 100 THB).
- Accommodation: Park lodges (800–2,000 THB) and designated camping areas.
- Visitor Center: Offers maps, guides, and basic amenities.
- Best Season: November to February for cool weather, December for sunflower fields nearby, and rainy season for waterfall lovers (with caution).
Getting There
- From Mae Hong Son town: Drive 38 km south on Highway 108 to Khun Yuam, then continue onto Highway 1263 for about 40 km to the park entrance.
- From Chiang Mai: Take the scenic Mae Hong Son Loop, a 5–6 hour drive through winding mountain roads, offering spectacular landscapes along the way.
Our services :
Private car rental with driver to Namtok Mae Surin National Park
Namtok Mae Surin National Park Map
My absolutely favorite park of all visited in North Thailand with one of the highest waterfalls in the country. It is a bit out of the way but once you reach the area you will never regret it. Already on the way to the park, there is great scenery to be seen and many interesting points to stop. The park itself is huge and very diverse. From rich jungle-like vegetation near a lake to highest waterfall ever seen to very scenic, vegetation bare landscape views of the hills towards Myanmar.