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Chiang Mai

Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park

4.7(7,457 reviews)

You don't stand and admire this one. Mineral springs loaded with calcium carbonate rise from underground and run over travertine terraces, coating the streambed in a hard, chalky white surface that grips like sandpaper. So people walk straight up the falls, tier by tier, using the fixed rope where they want it. Reviewers mention children and older visitors managing it without trouble. The black patches are the slippery ones, so avoid those and you'll be fine.

Getting there means a staircase down, about ten minutes to the base, then the climb back up at whatever pace suits you. Allow two hours minimum. It's free, it's genuinely well kept, and the Chet Si springs nearby add more of the same odd mineral colouring. The catch is popularity. One reviewer found the crowds spoiled the remote feel, and progress up the terraces slows to a shuffle when it's busy. A weekday morning is your best bet.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Located near the 42-kilometer marker on the Chiang Mai–Phrao Road, in Ho Phra Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, this site features mineral springs rich in calcium carbonate that surge up from underground, flowing into streams and small waterfalls. The streambed beneath the water is hard and sparkling white, coated with calcium carbonate, creating a truly unusual and eye-catching sight. The charm that makes Bua Tong Waterfall and the Seven-Colored Spring Forest Park so enchanting lies in its landscape of high mountain ranges alternating with valleys and streams, at elevations of approximately 400–900 meters above sea level. The area around Bua Tong Waterfall and the Seven-Colored Spring itself is relatively flat, forming a basin-like valley. The forest remains lush and fertile, shaded by dense, large trees, beautifully preserving the characteristics of tropical evergreen forest and mixed deciduous forest. The park also offers scenic viewpoints, and its most important stream is Huai Mae Pon. Highlights • Bua Tong Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall with the unique characteristic of limestone rock formations. The waterfall is about 100 meters high, with an average slope of approximately 50 degrees, and consists of two tiers. Along the stream flowing down to Huai Mae Pon, the surroundings are cool and verdant. There are also several small mineral waterfalls where calcium carbonate-rich water emerges from the ground, making the area especially fascinating to explore. • Seven-Colored Spring: A cool natural spring measuring approximately 6 × 8 meters, with water continuously bubbling up from underground throughout the year. Its most striking feature is the crystal-clear water that sparkles in rainbow hues when it catches the sunlight. The Seven-Colored Spring is considered the source of Bua Tong Waterfall, with the water flowing along a stream for about 100 meters before reaching the waterfall. Location: Within the Mae Taeng National Reserved Forest, Moo 8, Mae Ho Phra Subdistrict, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.

A must do experience if you are in the area. The fact that it's free and well maintained surprised us. It's not just a regular waterfall hike, it's an outdoor adventure where you actually get to walk in the river and climb the waterfall without feeling you're gonna slip. A quick tip bring flipflops and swim wear amd bring a towel and don't take with you valuable belongings so you fully enjoy without worrying about your things getting wet. I would also recommend to go bearfeet down the trail as on your way up you will be walking in the water. The views were stunning!

The waterfall itself would be very beautiful and is in a remote place, but the amount of tourists it attracts ruins it. Going up the waterfall is fun, not slippery and if you stay near the rope it‘s completely safe. Make sure to pack a second pair of clothes though and if you want to film you should bring waterproof equipment. But again, going up will take alot of time because of the huge amount of people. If you‘re an active person you can challange yourself and try to climb it as fast as possible (but be mindful of the other people!!)

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 7,457 reviews on Google.

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Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park worth visiting?

Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park holds a 4.7★ rating from 7,457 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park?

Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park is typically open 08:30-16:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park located?

Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park is at หมู่ที่ 8 ตำบล แม่หอพระ อำเภอแม่แตง เชียงใหม่ 50150, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)

Where to stay near Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park

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Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

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Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

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