Mae Sa Waterfall closed after tourists swept away

Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai has been closed after a sudden rush of forest runoff swept several tourists downstream on 15 August. All visitors were rescued, with one person taken to hospital after suffering dizziness.

The incident happened at about 3pm at the waterfall in Mae Rim district, within Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. Visitors had been swimming and enjoying the falls when the water level and current suddenly intensified.

Most of those involved were foreign tourists, according to park officials.

Visitors and officials rush to help

Footage of the moment was recorded by a visitor and posted on Facebook by a user named Arttie Martin. The person said they had been about to remove their shoes and walk into the middle of the stream to photograph the waterfall with a foreign man when they heard an official's whistle.

"It was literally a split second of life," the post said, adding that the surge happened very quickly.

Picture courtesy of Armin

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park staff immediately moved in to assist those caught by the fast-moving water. A male tourist also helped a female tourist, while visitors who had stayed out of the water shouted for assistance as others were carried along by the current.

Officials and fellow foreign visitors helped bring people to safety and checked the area for anyone who might be missing.

Closure remains in place

Park staff put up red flags and ropes to stop people entering the water. They later confirmed that nobody was missing and that everyone had been safely assisted.

Several people suffered only minor abrasions. One visitor became dizzy and was taken to hospital.

Mae Sa Waterfall will remain closed until water conditions have eased, officials said.

For foreigners and tourists planning trips to Chiang Mai's waterfalls during the rainy period, the incident is a reminder that water levels can change rapidly even when conditions appear safe at the falls. Visitors should follow ranger instructions, warning flags and any temporary closure notices, and avoid entering streams when staff signal an alert.

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17 August 2026

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