Climbing Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall: A day trip from Chiang Mai

When someone first told Sara and I about a waterfall in Chiang Mai that we could climb up with our bare feet, we honestly thought they were exaggerating. Have you ever climbed up a waterfall without any special gear? Waterfalls are supposed to be slippery death traps, right?

It turns out, we couldn’t have been more wrong about Bua Tong sticky waterfall! The first time I placed my foot on those limestone rocks, it gripped the surface like a gecko on glass!

After living in Chiang Mai for three months, Sara and I can confidently say that visiting the Sticky Waterfalls isn’t just a highlight of Chiang Mai—it’s one of the most unique nature experiences in Thailand. That “sticky” reputation isn’t an exaggeration!

In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about this unforgettable limestone waterfall adventure near Chiang Mai. We’ll tell you about our journey there with friends, the storm that derailed our first attempt, and why it became one of our favourite day trips from Chiang Mai.

Ready to climb a waterfall? Let’s do it!

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Why is Chiang Mai’s sticky waterfall so sticky?

You might be wondering what makes Bua Tong Waterfall so special. Wnhat the hell gives these rocks their supernatural grip that defies everything we know about waterfalls?!

If you’re interested in science like I am, then you’ll certainly find this fascinating. The waterfall’s uniqueness comes from limestone deposits built up over thousands of years. Unlike most waterfalls where algae and moss make the rocks slippery, Bua Tong is different.

The water flowing through is rich in calcium carbonate. As this mineral-rich water flows over the rocks, it leaves behind deposits that create a rough, porous surface that constantly replenishes itself.

When Sara and I first stepped onto the rocks, we were genuinely shocked. It felt almost like walking on a giant cat’s tongue—but not as unpleasant! This unique mineral composition creates the “sticky” effect, allowing us to climb up what would otherwise be a fairly dangerous slope.

The Legend of the Bua Tong Waterfall and the Chet Si Fountain

Like many natural wonders in Thailand, Bua Tong Waterfall and the nearby Chet Si spring come with their own local legend.

The story goes that a wise monk was wandering through the dense forest of Northern Thailand when he spotted a golden deer (some versions say it was a white deer). Curious, he followed it deep into the jungle. The deer led him to a beautiful spring with water so clear and pure that it seemed to shimmer with several different colours.

This spring became known as Nam Phu Chet Si, which translates to “The Spring of Seven Colours.” The water from this spring is what flows down the hill to create the Sticky Waterfall.

When Sara and I visited the Chet Si spring after climbing the waterfall, we noticed something super interesting. A tour group was using long wooden ladles to scoop water from the spring and pour it over their heads. After they left, we decided to try it ourselves, scared that if we didn’t it could bring us bad luck!

Our local friends later told us that the water is believed to bring good fortune and cleanse bad spirits. The seven colours are said to represent different types of luck or blessings you might receive. I can’t say if our luck actually improved afterward, but the cool spring water was definitely refreshing after climbing Bua Tong in the humid Thai heat!

Where is Bua Tong sticky waterfall?

Located in the Mae Taeng district, Bua Tong Waterfall sits about 60 kilometres north of Chiang Mai city in Sri Lanna National Park. This makes it an ideal distance for a half-day trip. The waterfall itself is nestled in the foothills that eventually rise up to become the Himalayan mountain range, which is kind of nuts!

The first part of our drive from Chiang Mai was along Highway 1001—your standard Thai highway. But once we turned onto the country roads for the last 20km or so, the scenery changed. We rode past rice fields, small villages, and eventually into a thicker area of forest as we approached the park.

The final stretch winds through beautiful jungle, though be careful if there’s been recent wind or rain. During our first attempt to visit, there were a bunch of fallen branches on the road after a storm hit the area.

Finding the waterfall isn’t difficult with Google Maps—just search for “Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall” and it’ll take you right to the car park. There are also brown tourist signs along the route to help direct you as you get closer.

Things to know about climbing the sticky waterfall

Before you head off on your Bua Tong adventure, there are some important things Sara and I learned that will make your experience much more enjoyable. Here’s what you should know:

• It’s actually several levels – When we first arrived, we thought we’d seen the whole waterfall after climbing the upper-most section. Don’t make our mistake! The waterfall has multiple tiers spanning about 700-800 metres in total.
• The rocks genuinely grip – It sounds unbelievable, but you can climb barefoot with confidence. The limestone surface provides incredible traction, even when wet.
• Watch for green patches – Areas with a greenish appearance are the exception to the stickiness rule. These spots have algae and can be slippery, so step carefully around them. Our friend, Nick, took a tumble on one of them, so they’re worth keeping an eye on.
• Footwear is optional – Sara and I climbed barefoot, while some of our friends wore sandals or water shoes. All worked fine, but flip-flops aren’t ideal as they can fall off.
• Weekdays are less crowded – We visited on a Wednesday morning around 9:30am and had most sections to ourselves. By noon, it was getting noticeably busier.
• Consider your clothing – Wear swimwear or clothes you don’t mind getting wet. A hat can also be ideal for sun protection.
• Bring a towel and change of clothes – Unlike us, be smart and bring these! There are some areas that you can dunk yourself in the water and fully submerged.

We hope these tips help you have a smoother experience than we initially did. The learning curve is part of the fun though, right?

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Visit the natural spring near the sticky waterfall – Chet Si

After climbing the waterfall, take a short walk to the Chet Si natural spring—the source of Bua Tong’s water. This small but striking bright blue pool is considered sacred by locals.

Sara and I followed a well-marked 10-minute trail from the top of the falls. When we arrived, we found the water’s intense blue against the green forest striking. Though it was smaller than we expected, the spring’s beauty was undeniable.

Like we mentioned, we watched a tour guide demonstrate a water-blessing ritual using wooden ladles. This then spurred us to do the same, and you should too! If only to get a small respite from the heat.

Swimming isn’t allowed, but the spring is a peaceful place for quiet appreciation or taking part in the ritual. If you love photography, the vibrant colours make for great photos—just be mindful of its cultural significance.

The Bua Tong Temple

Right beside Chet Si sits a small Buddhist temple that many visitors won’t actually realise is a temple.

That’s because it isn’t as grand as some of Chiang Mai’s famous temples like Doi Suthep, but along with the natural spring, it has a peaceful atmosphere that makes it worth a quick visit. Being in the forest, it offered us a short moment of tranquility away from the excitement of the waterfall.

Remember to dress respectfully if you plan to visit, though you can usually borrow a sarong if needed.

The Bua Tong Cave

While exploring the area around Bua Tong Waterfall, we heard a rumour about a cave nearby. Even though Sara and I love a good cave, finding any concrete information proved a bit challenging.

The Bua Tong Cave doesn’t seem to be as well-documented or visited as the waterfall itself. Supposedly, it’s a relatively small limestone cave within walking distance of the waterfall. During our visit, however, we didn’t manage to find clear signs pointing it out.

If you’re really keen on exploring the cave, we’d recommend asking the park rangers at the information desk for directions. They usually speak enough English to point you in the right direction or might even arrange for someone to guide you there.

The Bua Tong Cave is more of a local secret, which could offer a little side quest of sorts.

How to get to Bua Tong

There are three main ways to reach the Sticky Waterfall from Chiang Mai. Each has its advantages depending on your budget, time constraints, and comfort level with Thai transportation.

With a tour

For the most hassle-free experience, we’d recommend booking an organised tour from Chiang Mai. There are tons of different day trips that include Bua Tong along with a few other attractions. They typically cost 1000-2000 baht ($29-$58) per person and include transport, a local guide, and sometimes lunch.

We often hop on tours because the advantage is that everything is pre-arranged, and we often learn interesting facts about the area from our guide. But the downside is less flexibility with timing – tours are on a fixed schedule rather than being able to stay as long as we’d like.

By scooter

Renting a scooter is how Sara and I reached Bua Tong, and it’s the most flexible and cost-efficient option, in our opinion, if you’re comfortable riding in Southeast Asia. A basic 125cc scooter cost around 200-300 baht ($5-$9) per day and gave us complete freedom to explore at our own pace.

We rented a Honda Click 125cc, which handled the journey fine. If you’re considering this option but haven’t driven in Thailand before, we’d recommend practicing in quieter areas of Chiang Mai first. Thai highway traffic can be unpredictable, and driving in Chiang Mai has its own unwritten rules.

Also, technically you should have an international driving permit with a motorcycle endorsement, as police checkpoints occasionally pop up around Chiang Mai. But you also may not even get stopped!

Songthaew

If riding a scooter isn’t your cup of tea, hiring a songthaew (red shared taxi truck) is a great alternative. These can be booked for day trips from Chiang Mai, and the drivers will wait while you enjoy the waterfall.

Expect to pay around 1000-1500 baht ($29-$44) for a round trip, which becomes quite affordable if you share it with 4-6 friends. We recommend negotiating the price and waiting time before hopping in to leave.

Best time to visit Bua Tong

Making sure that you time your visit to Bua Tong right can make a big difference to your overall experience. There are two different times to consider.

Season-wise

We think the ideal time to visit is during Thailand’s dry season (November to April). We visited in November, just after the rainy season ended, but failed to visit in October because of that super inconvenient tropical thunderstorm.

The waterfall flows year-round since it’s fed by a spring, so there’s no need to worry about water levels. But the experience is definitely elevated when it’s not raining!

Time of day

Like most tourist attractions, visiting in the early morning is definitely ideal. We arrived around 9:30am on a Wednesday and had most sections of the waterfall to ourselves for the first hour or so. By midday, tour groups and more independent travellers had started to turn up.

Weekends and Thai holidays are more than likely significantly busier, so visit on weekdays if you prefer a quieter experience. Remember that the park closes at 5:00pm, with the last entry usually at 4:30pm.

What is the entrance fee to the sticky waterfall?

Surprisingly, there is no entrance fee to Bua Tong. The waterfall and adjoining natural spring are completely free to visit, which was a bit of a shock when we turned up!

Considering the lack of revenue, the park does pretty well at maintaining facilities like the toilets, car park, and shops. 

How to keep safe at Bua Tong sticky waterfall

Sara and I will always be concerned about people’s safety, especially when climbing a waterfall! Here are some important safety tips we think you should know based on our experience at Bua Tong:

• Test before you trust – Despite the “sticky” reputation, always test each foothold before putting your full weight on it, especially in areas that look greenish.
• Use the ropes – The ropes along steeper sections provide extra security, particularly for first-time visitors still getting used to the strange grippy sensation.
• Climb up, walk down – We saw one tourist struggling to walk down the waterfall face-first, and he kept falling over. It’s much safer to use the stairs and paths for getting down rather than attempting to climb down the waterfall itself.
• Stay hydrated – The humidity in the forest was a tad intense, and climbing was more strenuous than we expected. Bring plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Protect from the sun – Some parts of the waterfall are exposed to the sun, so wear sunscreen and a hat to avoid getting burned.
• Avoid solo climbing – Having Sara around made the experience both more fun and safer. If you’re travelling alone, there are usually other tourists or guides nearby.
• Mind your belongings – While theft in Thailand isn’t common, it’s best to keep your valuables safe and never leave expensive items unattended.
• Wear appropriate footwear – Either go barefoot (surprisingly effective) or wear water shoes/secure sandals. Flip-flops can easily come off while climbing and aren’t recommended.
• Be mindful of others – Some sections get narrow, so be patient and courteous when others are climbing near you.

Tips and tricks for visiting Bua Tong

After visiting the sticky waterfall, here are some more tips that might make your visit even better:

• Arrive early or late – For the best photos and most peaceful experience, aim to be there right when it opens (8:00am) or after 3:30pm when most of the  tour groups have left.
• Pack a picnic – There are lovely green spots near the top of the waterfall where you can enjoy a packed lunch with a forest view.
• Have toilet paper ready – While the toilets are well maintained, sometimes they lack toilet paper.
• Bring a dry bag – I climbed with a large camera bag which was a bit uncomfortable. A small waterproof bag would be perfect for your essentials.
• Combine with other attractions – Make it a full day out by visiting Chiang Dao Cave or Dantewada artificial waterfall on the same trip.
• Know your limits – Although the entire waterfall can be climbed, some sections are steeper than others. Don’t feel pressured to take on every part if you’re not comfortable.
• Leave no trace – Pack out all your rubbish to help preserve this beautiful natural attraction.
• Take your time – We spent about 2.5 hours total exploring the entire park, which felt perfect and not too rushed. We’d have stayed even longer if we planned to climb again!
• Look for wildlife – Keep your eyes open for butterflies, birds, and small lizards in the surrounding forest.
• Bring small change – Some facilities like toilets might require a small fee, so having smaller change is useful.
• Respect the sacred areas – Particularly around the Chet Si spring, be mindful of local customs and keep noise levels down.

Is Bua Tong sticky waterfall worth visiting?

If we’re being completely honest, we didn’t have high expectations before visiting Bua Tong. We thought it would be just another attraction overrun with tourists, overhyped, and ultimately underwhelming.

However, we couldn’t have been more wrong! Bua Tong ended up being one of the absolute highlights of our three months in Chiang Mai. The experience is so unique that it’s impossible to compare it to anything else we’ve ever done before.

So yes, Bua Tong sticky waterfall is definitely worth visiting! We think it should be a guaranteed stop on your Chiang Mai must-see list.

For an even better experience, why not combine it with another stop like the mysterious Chiang Dao Cave, or Dantewada artificial waterfall? This is what we planned to do before the storm rolled in. Alternatively, if you’re finished in Chiang Mai, maybe it’s time to head up to Chiang Rai?

If you’re looking for something to do on a different day, we really enjoyed our time at Chai Lai Orchid Eco Lodge. This ethical elephant sanctuary also provides crucial support and education to struggling women from local tribes.

For digital nomads heading to Chiang Mai, we also have extensive guides about coworking spaces in the city, as well as which laptop-friendly cafés were our favourites. Or maybe you’re looking for which area of Chiang Mai to stay in?

And if you’re a backpacker looking to earn money while travelling, check out our free Digital Nomad Starter Pack. It’ll teach you the one thing you need to get your journey to nomadism started!

Otherwise, we hope you enjoy your time at Bua Tong sticky waterfall just as much as we did!

We hope that our guide covered everything you need to know about visiting Bua Tong sticky waterfall in Chiang Mai. We always strive to offer the most accurate and up-to-date information we can but if you think something we’ve said is wrong, please let us know!

Read more about life in Chiang Mai:

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• 22 Best coworking spaces in Chiang Mai
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• 7 Best Chiang Mai coliving spaces to stay in as a digital nomad
• 8 Best areas to stay in Chiang Mai for tourists and nomads
• Is Chiang Mai safe in 2025? Everything you need to know!
• Chiang Mai vs. Chiang Rai: Which City Fits Your Style?
• Chiang Dao Cave: Thailand’s Hidden Underground Gem
• Climbing Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall: A day trip from Chiang Mai
• Chai Lai Orchid Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai: A Must-Visit!