About
If you are traveling in Thailand, and are in the Chiang Mai area, a visit to Bua Tong Waterfall is a must, if you are up for an adventure. Bua Tong Waterfall, or known widely as Sticky Waterfalls, is as you may have guessed, sticky. Unlike most waterfalls, where the rocks and pathways become slippery, Bua Tong is different. Grown out of a geothermal limestone-rich spring, the rocks, tree roots and other vegetation are coated in what is known as tufa. This is a rough limestone coating. Often tufa forms towers, but as this limestone-rich water flows down the waterfall, it has coated everything in its path creating the sticky waterfall. More specifically, it is rough and gritty like sandpaper.
Where
Bua Tong is located in Nam Phu Chet Si National Park, which is located slightly over one hour by car (60 kilometers) north of Chiang Mai. You can get there by private car or motorcycle. You can also rent a taxi from Chiang Mai or hire a tour through most hotels. Click to see the location of Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls.
When you arrive
Upon arrival at the waterfalls you will come to a large parking lot. There are a few stalls where you can buy snacks and some basic food, but I recommend bringing along your own snacks and water because shops are not always open. The top of the waterfall is only a minute or two walk from the parking lot, so it is very easy to get to for those who have difficulty with walking long distances or taking stairs. However, to experience the sticky waterfall and to be able to climb up it you must walk down a rather long set of stairs that lead you to the bottom of the waterfalls, so I do not recommend this place for anyone who is handicapped or has difficulty with stairs. That being said, waiting at the top and watching others climb can be rather entertaining.
There is also a place at the top to leave your shoes and belongings if you want, but there is no security so do not leave valuables. Leaving shoes at the top is normal, and people do not steal shoes in Thailand!
Once you have walked down the stairs to the bottom of the waterfalls, it is time to climb up the waterfalls. As the name of the falls suggests, the rocks, which appear slippery, are not. It is rather unnerving to begin climbing up! It is a steep climb, so even though the rocks are sticky, they have ropes available to help with the climb.
Tip: you can make it up the entire waterfall without the assistance of the ropes if you are up for a challenge!
You are allowed to climb up the waterfalls as many times as you wish, but they do discourage you from climbing down them. Climbing down is usually more dangerous, and it is for safety reasons they discourage it. I say discouraged, because the rules are not strongly enforced.
Please note that even though the waterfall is coated in rough limestone, there can be patches that are still somewhat slippery. It is a natural phenomenon, and sometimes moss can still build up in places on top of the tufa, so please climb wisely and carefully. Also, have fun and enjoy a truly unique experience.
Closing time
Shortly before 5pm there will be a person who stops you from climbing down the stairs in order to prevent further climbing. The official closing time is 5pm.
At the Top
Once you have finished climbing and are at the top, you will be able to find bathrooms and shower facilities so you can change out of your wet clothes for your return drive. Also, at the top you will find a nature walk to a nearby spring, Chet Si Spring. This walk takes you to a religious location so adhering to a proper dress code is required, much like visiting other temples in Thailand. No immodest clothes: short shorts, crop tops, or miniskirts.
