


Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park
Set near the 42-kilometre marker on the Chiang Mai–Phrao Road in Mae Taeng District, this national park centres on a geological rarity: calcium carbonate-rich mineral springs that rise from underground and flow over a series of travertine limestone terraces, forming shallow, walkable pools at every level. Unlike conventional waterfall viewpoints, visitors here wade directly through the tiers, climbing upward through the formations on foot — an active, hands-on experience that draws comparisons to a natural playground. The Chet Si Fountain formations nearby add further visual interest, with mineral content producing distinctive colour variations in the water. The atmosphere is decidedly outdoorsy and energetic. A staircase descent of around ten minutes leads to the base of the waterfall, from which visitors make their way up through the terraces at their own pace. The park is free to enter and well maintained, with lockers available on-site for a small fee. It is a popular destination, and weekday mornings tend to offer a quieter experience than weekends. A three-star reviewer notes that the volume of tourists can detract from the setting, so timing matters. Good to know: The park closes strictly at 16:30, so an early arrival is advisable to explore without rushing. Waterproof sandals or grip-soled shoes are strongly recommended, as the limestone surfaces are consistently wet underfoot. The site is remote, and there is no website or public transport information available, so arranging private transport or booking a tour from Chiang Mai in advance is the most reliable approach. Water levels are at their most impressive during and shortly after the rainy season, roughly May through October.
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Buatong Waterfall-Chet Si Fountain National Park, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
We went on a Thursday around 10am it was a bit busy but it's honestly so awesome I would definitely come back! When you get to the waterfall you'll need to walk the stairs down it's about 10min to the bottom of the waterfall. Climbing up the waterfall is easy, I saw children and old people having no problem. There is a rope to help if you need. Some parts are slippery so be careful. You don't need special shoes I saw people wearing whatever and even no shoes, but I recommend bug spray there was all kids of bugs everywhere. You shouldn't get too wet unless you walk under the falling water, and at the start it's only about knee deep. It's a little busy at the bottom but everyone gets up pretty quick. You can take different paths going up. But once you make it to the top there is pretty much only 1 way and everyone gets stuck it's very crowded. You don't even have to start at the bottom you can go halfway if you want. I think we took about 40min getting from bottom to top because we stopped for photos and the crowds. Overall it was really fun and alot easier than I first thought and I would definitely recommend.
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!
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
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.
Book Through Klook or GetYourGuide
These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.
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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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
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
Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.