Sacred Grove in Secret Forest- Buatong Waterfall

Our secret forest with its sacred grove is the Buatong Waterfall and Jed Sii Fountain Forest Park which is located deep in the forest of the Mae Taeng National Park.

Buatong waterfall has a drop of over 100m and has 3 levels. At the top of the waterfall where there are several pools of crystal clear water, is a magnificent viewpoint across to the nearby hills. A steep path of earth and log steps leads down to the first low level of the waterfall. From here, the water forms several channels as it cascades down towards the lower levels where they rejoin into a single stream which plunges down to the lowest level, and it is possible to walk on the the bare rock. The falls have the appearance of a river of concrete because of the high level of Calcium Carbonate in the water which has been deposited on the rocks over many years making a completely non-slip surface. The whole scene is delightful, with sunlight filtering down through the trees giving an almost Eden like impression.

Returning up the waterfall to the car park, cross over and follow a stepped walkway which leads through the trees to a clearing where there is a large pool of dazzlingly clear water. This is the Jed Sii Fountain ( jed sii means 7 colours and therefore this spring is sometimes referred to as the Rainbow Spring). Depending on the sunlight, the water in the pool is multi coloured and at its deepest point is blue green in colour. Beside the spring are some Spiriit Houses and the area is surrounded by enormous trees banded with saffron cloth giving the impression of a sacred grove. This spring is the source of the water for the Buatong waterfall below.

There is a legend associated with this sacred grove. Back in the days of the Kingdom of Lanna, there was a fierce battle and both the King and his wife were killed.

Their 2 daughters, Buakaew and Buatong escaped and hid in the forest. Unfortunately, the area had no water so together they prayed and Phra Mae Thoranee, the Goddess of Earth and Water answered their prayers and created this forest spring. A Spirit named Kumpun was ordered to protect the area and to keep the water clean and crystal clear for all time.

The Buatong Waterfall and Jed Sii Fountain Forest Park is about a 45 minute drive from Chiang Mai and is on the road from Chiang Mai to Phrao. There is a large sign to the right at the 75km marker. The Park is open daily from 8am- 4:30pm and entry is free.