Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai | Complete Guide to Bua Tong Waterfall

Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai | Complete Guide to Bua Tong Waterfall

Bua Tong Waterfall, also known as Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai, is a multi-tiered limestone waterfall that flows through lush jungle, just a short drive from the city of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand.

If you've ever visited a few waterfalls, you know that climbing them is a slippery game. Normally you would have to scoot up and hold on to vines, hoping your feet would suddenly slip underneath you. However, at Bua Tong Waterfall, the dense limestone deposits and relatively tame slope allow you to comfortably climb up and down the multiple tiers of the falls without risking a fall.

Although limestone waterfalls are more common in places like the Philippines, Thailand's northern waterfalls are typically found in areas with more slippery sedimentary rock. The unique, grippy mineral deposits have earned Bua Tong the apt nickname Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai.

Location of sticky waterfall

Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai is located about 60 km north of Chiang Mai Old Town. The waterfall is located in a protected natural area known as Lanna National Park.

I've marked the exact location on the map below to make it easier for you to find it.

Heading to Chiang Rai? Don't miss this epic guide to Chiang Rai Waterfalls.

Sticky Waterfall Directions – How to get here

Getting to Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai is possible in three different ways: rent a motorbike and drive yourself, take a waterfall tour from Chiang Mai, or transportation options including a local songthaew or taxi.

Independent option: Motorbike from Chiang Mai

For independent travelers, the best way to get to Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai is to rent a motorbike in Chiang Mai and drive yourself.

You can rent a motorbike near the old town for around 150-200 baht per day. I would recommend buying at least a Honda Click or 100CC+ motorcycle variant as you will be riding on highways for a long portion of the journey.

In total, the drive from Chiang Mai to Sticky Waterfall takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You need to follow Route 1001 and turn right towards Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai as marked above.

Total cost: 200 baht (motorcycle rental) + 100 baht (fuel costs) =300 baht

Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai Tour

Understandably, driving a motorcycle on a Thai freeway isn't for everyone. For those who prefer a local guide and tour, there are a few to choose from.

Bike and Sticky Waterfall Tour in Chiang Mai For under 1,700 baht, you can book a full-day tour from Chiang Mai City that takes you on a long-tail boat ride to explore a hidden cave and ends with a scenic bike ride to explore Sticky Waterfall.

Doi Suthep and Sticky Waterfall TourAlternatively, you can also book this personalized small-group tour, which stops at Chiang Mai's holiest temple and includes a guided tour of Bua Tong Waterfall. This tour is a little more expensive but has incredible reviews and apparently the guides know all the good climbing spots.

Songthaew to the sticky waterfall

Depending on your negotiating skills, it is also possible to book a Songthaew to Sticky Waterfall from Chiang Mai Old Town at a reasonable price. Songthaews are larger pick-up truck style taxis that can accommodate larger groups than tuk tuks.

Although the driver will almost certainly start higher, you can expect to pay around 1000 baht for a half-day trip from the Old Town to Sticky Waterfall. This should include a round trip ride and the driver will be waiting for you at the waterfall.

Alternatively, you could book a Grab, but I've found that Songthaews are usually cheaper and the Grab driver doesn't stay with you while you enjoy the waterfall.
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Sticky Waterfall Entrance Fee 2020

From 2020, the Bua Tong Waterfall will be free of charge. This means you can climb and swim at the waterfall without spending a single baht apart from transportation.

Planning a visit to Pai and looking for free things to do? – Read: Top 10 Things to Do in Pai for Free

Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfall – Bua Tong Waterfall

Once you arrive at the Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai parking lot, you can follow the paved path through the garden. Almost immediately to your right you will see the top of the highest level.

In total, there are three main levels to Bua Tong Waterfall. There are fixed ropes on all levels so you can start at the top and descend to the lowest level.

Tip: Visit Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai early to have the entire area to yourself! Tour groups usually arrive at midday or afternoon.
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Climbing the waterfall – what to expect

As you would expect, you can only climb the waterfall with your bare feet. The dense limestone mineral and calcium-rich deposits in waterfall rock give it a rough and grippy texture. Additionally, slippery moss doesn't grow on this type of stone, giving it a really "sticky" feel.
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Check out the lower levels

The main waterfall level at Bua Tong is the middle or second level. You reach this point after climbing down the first level. This section is the steepest, and there are even signs warning you not to climb it up to a certain point.

Although there are no signs or paths, I would recommend climbing down another level until you reach the bottom. This section has a waist-deep natural pool that flows to the shores of the dense Thai jungle. This is a great place to take some shots and enjoy a swim.
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Visit the natural spring – Chet Si

After climbing and swimming at the waterfall for over two hours, we decided to visit the natural spring that feeds the Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai.

You will find the spring directly opposite the top of the first level near the entrance garden. There is a wooden boardwalk and a path that leads up to a cleared area where you can see the turquoise natural spring. The source is called “Chet Si” or the source of the seven colors.

Although you can't swim here, it's worth walking and seeing the surprisingly calm source of the powerful current to the falls.
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History of Bua Tong Waterfall

The Bua Tong waterfall and natural spring are significant in local folklore and history. It is said that the spring was created after an escaped princess fled an attack on the Lanna Kingdom and set up camp near the spring.

The princess named Buatong (Golden Flower) prayed for water to maintain her hiding place. Her wish was granted when the Earth Goddess cracked open the earth, revealing the Chet Si Spring and creating the Bua Tong Waterfall.

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Waterfall day trip from Chiang Mai

For independent travelers who want to experience a full-day waterfall adventure, it is possible to combine another nearby waterfall with this day trip.

After visiting Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai, we decided to go to Mork Fa Waterfall. There is a small detour, but it shouldn't take more than 50 minutes to reach this waterfall, which also shortens the return trip to Chiang Mai.

Enjoying this Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai Guide? Do you have questions? Feel free to leave a comment or reach me personally by email.

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