You have to go and visit the sticky waterfall in Chiang mai! It is a once and a lifetime opportunity that you cannot see anywhere else. This is one of the most popular things to do in Chiang Mai also known as the bua tong sticky waterfall.
As a whole Chiang Mai is a historic and culturally rich city located in northern Thailand and is a true gem in Southeast Asia. It is home to stunning temples, bustling night markets, an incredible street food scene, and an amazing old town. Plus, Thailand recently legalized marijuana. With so much going on it’s easy to see why Chiang Mai has become one of the top travel destinations in Thailand.
Chiang Mai is also home to some of the most breathtaking natural wonders. There are hikes through the rolling hills and lush jungles to the famous Sticky Waterfall, this city has it all.
Located just outside of Chiang Mai, the Sticky Waterfall is a unique and unforgettable experience. Unlike any other waterfall, you have ever seen, the walls of this waterfall are coated in a natural, sticky substance that allows you to climb up and down the rocks and waterfall with ease.
It’s a fun and exhilarating experience that will have you grinning from ear to ear. So whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Chiang Mai and the Sticky Waterfall are a must-visit. Pick out your favorite swimsuit and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime exploring the delightful world of the Sticky Waterfall in Thailand.
How to Visit The Sticky Waterfall in Chiang Mai 2023 Guide!
Are the Sticky waterfalls worth it?
Yes! The Thailand sticky waterfall is so worth a visit. No matter what age you are you cannot help but smile when you spider man up and down the stickiness. Plus, the waterfalls are inside a beautiful national park. The national park is surrounded by lush green gardens, restaurants, and souvenir shops. It is very easy to spend the whole day here with a big ole smile on your face.
How do you get to Sticky waterfalls in Chiang Mai?
There are a few different ways to get to the Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls. It all depends on how you want to get around Chiang Mai when you are visiting. You can rent a car and drive 70 kilometers (43 miles) from the center of Chiang Mai. Or you can also get there on a scooter just make sure to be careful on the steep, mountainous roads.
Also, if you do decide to drive a scooter you will want to make sure to bring a jacket because it does get very cold in the mountains, no matter what time of the year you are visiting Chiang Mai.
The next way to get there would be to hire a red truck or Songtheaw for the day. These are the taxi-like red trucks that drive around town. You can rent a driver for the day for you and your family and be taken around anywhere you want. Be sure to agree on a price beforehand, and it never hurts to tip.
You can always ask your accommodation in Chiang Mai for help booking any of these ways to get from the sticky waterfalls, most of the time, they will recommend amazing and reliable locals.
Why are sticky waterfalls sticky?
They are sticky because of a natural phenomenon caused by the minerals in the water. The water that flows over the rocks contains high levels of magnesium and calcium, which form a type of mineral deposit called limonite. This sticky substance covers the rocks and makes them less slippery and easier to climb.
Your body’s natural heat and friction cause the mineral deposit to become even more sticky, creating an even better grip for climbing. The rocks even give way just a bit making your foot sink into the rock ever so slightly for an even better grip. It is a crazy experience, you have to try for yourself.
Can you Swim in the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall?
Unfortunately, there is no sticky waterfall swimming. You will still get plenty wet climbing up and down the falls but you can not swim. On the bottom level, there is a spot where you can wade in the water. But no swimming. The water can be dangerously slippery and you can really get hurt.
Plus, the water flows fast, especially in the rainy season, and it makes it hard to keep your balance. And last but not least, the water is full of minerals that make the rocks sticky and can be dangerous if ingested. It is best to climb up and down the rocks and follow the rules posted.
What to do at the Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai
If you are thinking about exploring this amazing site on your own it is totally doable. Once you get to the park you will head back and the falls are on your right. You cannot miss it. There is also a pretty overlook to view the forest if you continue walking straight.
For reference, there are three different layers that make up the white-washed sticky waterfall. The main section of the waterfall is the second, or middle layer. This is the level where you can really enjoy climbing and pretending to be a spider.
When you get down to the second level you will see that there are two sides to explore. The right side is a bit easier to climb up while the left is steeper. Take your time, and enjoy both sides, you are going to love it. You can climb all the way to the top with the ropes provided.
After you have your fun on the second level, head down to the bottom. This is where you can wade in the waist-deep water and cool off a bit. Remember that you are not supposed to swim in the waterfalls, so be extra careful.
It is best to take your shoes off and grab the rocks with your bare feet if this is not something that works for you make sure you are wearing slip-resistant water shoes.
Sticky Waterfall Chiang Mai Price
The sticky waterfall in Thailand is always free to visit. You do not have to pay for parking or entrance to the national park. There are plenty of places to stop and grab a cold drink, or a full meal. It is also an amazing place for a picnic if you want to stop and grab food in Chiang Mai before you head up. There are plenty of picnic tables in the shade where you can take a break after your big day of exploring.
Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfall Tour Options
Chiang Dao Cave Trekking Full-Day Tour
The Chiang Dao Cave and the full-day trekking tour are one of the best ways to get out in nature which is so much more than a sticky waterfall Chiang Mai tour. The Chiang Dao cave is 7 miles long and is an amazing escape underground. Explore and trek your way through 5 different limestone caverns with beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, and impressive Buddha statues and is full of offerings from faithful locals.
One of the most impressive sights at the Temple is the 13-foot Budda in the first cavern which is on full display and illuminated by electric lights. You can expect the cavern to stay right around 70°F (21°C) every day of the year making it the perfect escape from the Thailand heat.
After your underground cave tour, you will stop for lunch at a local market. Your tour guides will help you navigate and teach you how to order your lunch. Then it is time for your short drive to the sticky waterfall where you can cool off and climb the sticky walls of the waterfall. Finally, you will be taken back to your hotel or accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
Your tour options are here: GetYourGuide.com
Private Doi Suthep Temple and Bau Tong Waterfall Tour
On this sticky waterfall tour, you will get to experience two of the best outdoor activities in Chiang Mai. Your 8-hour tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai and takes you to the beautiful Doi Suthep Temple. Where you have the option to take the 306 steps up or take a funicular ride. At the Doi Suthep Temple, you will be blessed by a local Munk. There is also the chance to participate in a holy wrist-tiding ceremony.
After the excitement at the Temple, your next stop will be at the Sticky waterfalls in Chiang Mai for an afternoon of fun. Your experienced tour guide will provide your party lunch and drinking water, but you are always welcome to bring snacks. This would be an excellent way to experience both a temple and waterfall tour in Chiang Mai on the same day.
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Boat Ride and Cycling Tour to Sticky Waterfall
One of the most unique ways to see the bua thong sticky waterfalls tour is with a bicycle and boat tour. This tour in Chiang Mai starts off with a complimentary pickup and coffee at a local coffee house. Then you can relax in the comforts of the A/C on your 45-minute ride to Toyota Fortune. This is where the long tail boat tour portion of this trip starts. As you glide across the Mae Kuang reservoir you can take in the sites and sounds from the comfort of the boat.
Eventually, the boat will dock and the cycling fun starts. You will ride up and downhill through caves and the verdant teak forests. This should last a few around 25 km with the option to ride along in with the tour guides in the car, making it the perfect trip for the entire family.
At the end of the bike trail, you will be rewarded with refreshing sticky waterfalls. You can enjoy the rushing waterfall as long as you would like before your complimentary lunch. When you are ready your tour will end with a ride back to Chiang Mai. If you are looking for an adventurous day out in the elements and exploring new sites, this is the perfect tour for you.
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Private Elephant Sanctuary and Sticky Waterfall
You cannot visit Thailand and not make a few elephant friends. When booking this tour you will be in their presence for half a day. You get the chance to make them a healthy snack, wear traditional elephant taker clothing, and feed and bathe them. You will do all of this while they relax in their natural habitat. This is one of the best tours to take to learn about the long-lasting relationship between the Thai and the elephants
Next up on this full-day tour of the sticky waterfalls Thailand and the elephant sanctuary you will be escorted to the beautiful sticky waterfalls outside of Chiang Mai. But before you dive in, or climb up, the walls you will treat to a local lunch full of delicious Thai flavors. When the day is done you will be driven back to your hotel with new memories and ready to take on the nightlife. After a short nap, you are on vacation!
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Chiang Mai & Pai: 2-Day Sticky Waterfalls Private Trip
Another way to knock out the bua tong sticky waterfalls Chiang mai is to make a pit stop on your way to visit the nearby, popular town of Chiang Rai. When booking this private tour they will plan out two perfect days for you. The first day starts early at 8 am with a pickup and a stop at the famous Golden pagoda Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep. Visit here for while before loading up to go head straight to the sticky waterfall.
You will have plenty of time here to explore, climb up and down the falls, and get wet. Then your drive to Phi continues with a quick stop at an iconic WWII bridge for a photo op. After you have your new Instagram photo they will drive you to your hotel in Phi to check in. Spend your night relaxing in your hotel, or hit the town’s night markets and local restaurants.
Day 2 starts with an early start at the Baan Santichon Chinese Village at Yun Lai. This is no ordinary village the views here are to die for. Then your next stop is what Chiang Phi is famously known for, the lovely Mae Yen Temple. This is the home of the white Buddha.
After your temple tour you will be taken for lunch followed by a quick stop for coffee and cheesecake, yum! Finally, your last stop on this two-day tour is Pai Canyon. Here you can explore the canyon and take in the site. You could not plan a better way to get so much culture and learn more about Thailand than this amazing 2-day trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Phi!
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Half-Day Waterfall Private Half-Day Tour
If you are looking for a hassle-free Private tour of the Sticky Waterfalls in Thailand, you seriously need to book this tour. Here you will have a private tour guide for 5 hours with pick-up and drop-off from your hotel. This tour does not include lunch or drinks be sure to be prepared and bring your own. The local tour guide will speak English and answer any questions you may have. Book your spot today, you will not regret it!
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