Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls: Chiang Mai’s Most Unique Climb

Sticky Waterfalls? What the hell kind of waterfalls are sticky? Is it like slimy sticky?

These are valid questions if you’ve seen the Sticky Waterfalls pop up as one of the top nature getaways in Chiang Mai. As a local who’s visited, I have answers for you.

At the Bua Tong Waterfall, known by its English nickname as the Sticky Waterfalls, the rocks are so grippy, you can just walk right up the rocks. Literally up the rocks and against the stream.

So no, it’s not slimy sticky, thank goodness! It’s the nicest, cleanest kind of sticky!

Mind you, some people who took day tours of it have misheard their guides and thought it was called the Stinky Waterfall, because language barriers are hilarious like that. It’s also NOT stinky.

If you’ve got a few hours free from temple-hopping (or cafe-hopping), why not drive out? It’s only 90 minutes north of Chiang Mai city, and the entrance is free for all!

Why Is the Waterfall Sticky, Though?

Okay, so I told you that you can walk against the current up the Sticky Waterfalls without using your hand for stability.

But how come that’s the case? Why aren’t the rocks slippery like at most other waterfalls?

Let’s answer that first.

It’s Not Slime (Whew!)

Yup. You can rest easy knowing you won’t be walking on some disgusting, sticky slime on your trip. The rocks are clean to the touch, with a texture similar to that of coral.

The water at the falls comes up from a natural spring and is rich in minerals.

When it flows over, it creates layers of Tufa, a variety of limestone rich in calcium carbonate, formed when minerals dry out of water in unheated rivers.

How to Safely Climb the Waterfall

The Tufa completely coats the rocks where water flows, which is why you’ll see people walking up the rocks like it’s nothing. What a cognitive dissonance.

One very important tip is to always walk against the stream.

Instinctively, we always want to avoid the stream so we don’t get knocked over, right? At the Sticky Waterfalls, avoid the stream and you’ll slip and fall on your butt faster than you can blink.

Why? The stream cleans the rock surface, and algae grow where there’s no stream!

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls: Visitors’ Information

• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
• Admission: FREE
• Location: Mae Ho Phra, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai 50150
• Time Needed: 4 hours, travel time included (at least 45 minutes at the falls)

Bua Tong Waterfall Park Facilities

Bathrooms: There’s only one past the visitors’ center, with clear signage. Take off your shoes and wear one of the sandals they provide before going in.

Restaurants: There are a handful on the side of the parking lot opposite the visitors’ center. These are open-air, rural-style places. Nothing fancy.

There’s a lot going on in and around the parking lot where you’ll get dropped off, from restaurants, park signs, and the visitor center.

Unless you have a large backpack that you need to put into lockers, you can follow the signs straight to Bua Tong Waterfall.

Climbing the Sticky Waterfall: Trail Details

The falls consist of 4 levels, each lower than the last. You’ll start down a few sets of stairs from the trailhead to get to the 4th level, the deepest one, and climb back up from there.

The walk down took me 12 minutes total.

Level 4: The Steepest Climb

At the bottom of the falls is where you’ll get in the water to start your climb.

The water is the deepest at this level, but nothing too crazy, just up to your hips at most. A quick-dry outfit or swimsuit would be nice. I had elephant pants on. 🤣

The fall rocks are also steepest at this level. You’ll have to grab onto the existing ropes to help get yourself up. There are local guides to help you as well.

Don’t forget to take your shoes off before going in the water. Nothing is waiting to bite or stab your feet, so please follow the rules of the park.

Once you get past the steep rocks, you’ll find a much more mellow, walkable section that leads up to the 3rd level.

This is a great photo spot, by the way. If you’re here with a friend, have her snap a shot of you sitting on the rocks before you move on.

Level 3: The Easiest to Walk on

I think level 3 is the prettiest of the falls, and the least slippery one.

The rockface is almost entirely free of algae because the water flows in every direction. But still, don’t forget to keep walking where there’s water!

You have two options here: Climb the main rockface or walk up the path to the right side. It’s quite literally a path, barriered and winding around the outer perimeter of the main rockface.

I chose to walk up the path and had a lot of fun.

It’s also a sure way to guarantee you’re not photobombing anyone with your backside as you climb up because everyone else is busy snapping shots of the main rock.

Level 2: The Most Slippery

You’ll have to climb two different rocks to get from level 2 to level 1.

The first section is rather chill. You’ll see that, unlike level 3, the water doesn’t flow everywhere. There are parts of the rock that are clearly dry and covered in slippery algae.

Avoid those algae-covered parts as you walk up.

The big problem is the last section. The rock itself is almost smooth, completely round, with minimal texture. It’s also covered in algae. There are more slippery parts than sticky ones.

Luckily, a rope is there for your use. Grab onto it before you go up and be very careful, feeling for the stickiest parts with your feet before you commit to the next step.

Level 1: Trailhead and Viewpoint

Once you’ve survived the slippery rock from hell, you’ll be right back where you started, on the main park where people picnic and play games.

Here, look to your right, and you’ll find a wooden platform with a viewpoint.

This is another great photo spot for your travel album. No waterfall, but a nice, green view of the mountains.

How to Get to the Sticky Waterfalls from Chiang Mai

Do you want the good news or the bad news first? Let’s do the good news first.

It’s not difficult to get to the falls from Chiang Mai. You leave the city through its north gate and drive an hour straight up, with a few turns toward the end.

But here’s the bad news. While Grab taxis can get you there, there are no local taxis in the area to bring you back. This leaves you a few options.

Self-Drive

Renting a car is the most economical option if you’re confident in your ability to share the road with Thai drivers. We’re slightly crazier than the Italians.

• Route info: 1.5 hours, 60 km (37 miles)
• Road Condition: Paved, slightly winding toward the end, but nothing too crazy.

Book a Day Tour

For the ultimate convenience, where you don’t even have to decide on the day’s schedule, booking a day tour will save you the hassle of planning and finding transportation.

The downside, however, is that you have no time flexibility at the falls. Pick your poison.

What to Bring With You

• Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes
• Dry pouch for your phone
• Quick-dry towel
• Waterproof shoe bag for the climb

I can’t end the post without this friendly reminder: Leave no trace, you guys.

Not sure why you would have trash when you’re there to swim, but if you do, pack it out. There are trash cans everywhere on level 1!

Including the Waterfall on You Itinerary

The sticky waterfall is the perfect thing to include on your “nature getaway” day in Chiang Mai.

If you want a good balance of this with everything else in the city, I have just the perfect 3-day itinerary for you to use on your trip!

Otherwise, check out my favorite activities around Chiang Mai and pick what else you wanna do!

For guides to other regions and provinces, check my Thailand Cultural Travel page.

Helpful Travel Tips for Thailand

All visitors need to fill out a Digital Arrival Card no longer than 3 days before their trip to Thailand. And if applicable, a visa.

• Make sure you protect your trip with a travel insurance.
• Get this eSIM for local data without giving up your number.
• Must-have Apps: Grab, Papago AI Translator, Google Maps

Learn the dos and don’ts in Thai culture and some local phrases before arriving.

Don’t forget to always have cash on hand. The smaller the notes, the better!

Grab My Thailand E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

Find a Place to Stay in Chiang Mai

Looking for somewhere to stay? Use the map below to browse for the best option for you! Keep in mind that as long as you stay inside the city walls or around the outside of it, most places will be walkable.

FAQs About the Sticky Waterfalls

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