CHIANG MAI – Bua Tong Waterfall and the Seven Colors Hot Spring in Mae Taeng District have seen a surge in tourists, as crowds head there to cool off in clear water and see something rare in Northern Thailand. Local operators say visitor numbers have jumped, and on busy days the area feels like an international holiday hub.
The water begins at the Seven Colors Hot Spring, a natural spring that bubbles up year-round. The pool stays clear and looks clean, and it contains minerals. When sunlight hits the surface, the water can reflect soft rainbow-like shades, which is where the “seven colors” name comes from. From there, the flow continues down a small stream and becomes Bua Tong Waterfall.
As the water runs over limestone, it leaves mineral deposits behind over time. That process creates a rough surface, closer to sandpaper than smooth rock.
Because of that texture, and because algae does not build up much in the main climbing areas, visitors can walk and climb up and down the falls with solid footing. For many foreign travelers, it’s a must-try experience, and it’s often listed as Sticky Waterfall on travel plans.
A well-known local story says Princess Bua Tong from the Lanna era once prayed for a water source to help her followers. The spring then appeared, and people continued to connect the place with local beliefs for generations.
Even for travelers who come mainly for a swim, the legend gives the site a little extra meaning.
The site draws visitors all year, but patterns change by season. From November to February, the area enters peak season, and daily numbers can rise to 3,500 to 4,000 people. Many of them are foreign tourists who come to climb the sticky waterfall and relax by the water.
Once March arrives, more Thai visitors show up to escape the heat. Even then, the place stays lively, with around 2,800 to 3,000 visitors per day on average.
Tourists data shared locally shows strong growth. Between 2020 and 2024, the park welcomed 856,086 visitors in total, including 393,656 Thai visitors and 462,430 foreign visitors. In 2025 (2568) alone, the total reached 610,327. Then, from October 2025 to January 2026, another 271,568 visitors arrived.
For now, the area does not charge an entrance fee because it sits under a “preparation” status for national park designation. Officials have completed the review steps and are waiting for approval from the next government.
After an official announcement in the future, the site may start charging fees like other national parks, with the goal of supporting care and conservation.
Because visitors can climb the waterfall without sliding, Bua Tong Waterfall and the Seven Colors Hot Spring stand out from typical waterfall trips. Add the spring’s shimmering look on sunny days, plus the local legend, and it’s easy to see why travelers keep putting this Chiang Mai spot on their lists.
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