The Sticky Waterfalls (Bua Tong): climb a waterfall near Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai's quirkiest day trip: a limestone waterfall you can walk straight up, an easy hour's ride north — and completely free. Here's how to get there and what to know.
Tap a numbered stop for details. The route line is indicative — grab an offline map for turn-by-turn.
The Bua Tong “Sticky Waterfalls” are one of Chiang Mai's most unusual day trips — a limestone cascade you can walk straight up, no ropes or slipping required. The rock is coated in mineral deposits that grip your feet like a giant natural staircase.
It's an easy hour-and-a-bit ride north of the city, it's completely free, and on a hot day there's nothing better. Here's how to get there and what to expect.
The route at a glance
- 1Chiang Mai Start. Head north out of the city, then peel off onto the quiet country roads toward Mae Taeng.
- 2Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls The main event — climb the limestone cascade, then walk up to the blue-green Nam Phu Chet Si spring that feeds it.
The ride, stop by stop
Chiang Mai → the country roads
Head out of the city on Highway 107 — flat and easy. After Mae Rim, peel off onto the quieter country roads (the 1001), which are calmer, greener and a lot prettier than the main highway.
→ Bua Tong–Nam Phu Chet Si park
Wind through farmland and villages to the forest park. Parking and entry are both free — just sign in at the gate.
Climb the falls & find the spring
Walk down and climb straight up the grippy limestone (rope handlines on the steep bits). Then take the short trail to Nam Phu Chet Si, the vivid blue-green spring above — the source of all that sticky water.
Why you can climb a waterfall
The stickiness is real, and it's geology rather than magic. The water comes from the Nam Phu Chet Si spring, loaded with calcium carbonate. As it flows over the rocks and meets the air the mineral crystallises into tufa — a rough, porous limestone with astonishing grip. So instead of sliding around, you climb straight up the tiers of the falls with the water running over your feet. There are rope handlines on the steeper sections if you want them.
At the top, follow the short trail to Nam Phu Chet Si itself — a vivid blue-green spring bubbling up out of the ground, the source of all that mineral water. It's a five-minute walk and most people miss it.
What bike to take
Unlike the mountain climbs, this one is flat and easy — a long, straight run of road but no steep passes, so almost anything will do it comfortably. A 125cc is plenty; a PCX 160 or ADV 160 just make the highway miles more relaxed. It's a longish ride, so do it on a bike you trust — we run new models only, delivered anywhere in Chiang Mai. (You can see the whole range here.)
Good to know
- It's free. No entrance fee — you just sign in with your name and vehicle at the gate. Open daily, roughly 8am–5pm.
- Go barefoot. Bare feet grip the limestone best — shoes can actually be slippery. Bring a towel and wear something you don't mind getting wet.
- Early or weekday. Weekends fill up with local families; mornings are quietest and coolest.
- Don't skip the spring. The Nam Phu Chet Si geyser-spring just above the falls is the bit a lot of people walk straight past.
When to go
You can visit year-round. November to February is the most comfortable — cooler and less humid — and the falls run well after the rainy season. It's also a brilliant hot-season escape: the water's cold and the forest is shady. Arrive early to have the place more or less to yourself.
Quick questions
How do I get to the Sticky Waterfalls?
They're about 60 km north of Chiang Mai — roughly 1.5 hours by scooter, up Highway 107 then onto quieter country roads (the 1001). It's all paved and flat, with no mountain passes, so it's an easy ride.
Is there an entrance fee?
No — Bua Tong is free. You just register your name and vehicle at the entrance. It's open daily from about 8am to 5pm.
Why are the waterfalls sticky?
The rock is coated in tufa limestone — mineral deposits from the Nam Phu Chet Si spring — which is rough and grippy rather than slippery. That's why you can walk straight up the falls.
Can you actually climb the waterfall?
Yes — that's the whole point. The limestone gives surprising grip, and there are rope handlines on the steeper sections. Barefoot works best.
When's the best time to go?
Year-round, though November to February has the nicest weather. Early mornings and weekdays are quietest, and it's a great cool-off on a hot day.
Can I swim there?
You can splash around in the pools, but it’s more about climbing the falls than swimming. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet.
