Bua Tong Waterfall

Bua Tong waterfall is located outside the Chiang Mai city. The most practical way to go is to rent a car or hire a taxi for the day. It is not a popular tourist attraction, but is well known by local people. Even though it is about 45 km from Chiang Mai, if you have the time and transportation to get there, it is worth the trip.

The water source for Bua Tong waterfall is the Rainbow or Seven Colors Spring. The spring water contains a high amount of calcium carbonate. As the spring water cascades down the falls, the calcium is deposited on the rocks. The calcium carbonate then adds a non-slip surface to the rocks. Believe it or not, the rocks look slick but it is very easy to walk up the face of the falls without slipping. It is almost as if someone decided to pour cement down over the rocks and it hardened under the water. This single feature makes it a worthwhile visit to Bua Tong waterfall. However, don't go just for the falls, go for the beauty of the forest as well.

Bua Tong waterfall is located north of Chiang Mai on highway 1001, the road to Phrao. It is inside the Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve. National Forests in Thailand have an entry fee. There have been rumors that there will soon be a fee to visit the Bua Tong waterfall. The last time we visited, there was still no admission fee. The park is open from dawn to dusk.

During weekends and holidays, there are a few small restaurants serving Thai food and drinks in the park area at Bua Tong waterfall. If you visit during a weekday, you may wish to pack a lunch.

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