Why is this waterfall just the greatest near Chiang Mai?
As mentioned, it is just amazing because you stick to the rocks like Velcro! No matter how steep, you will find you have perfect grip. The other reason, is that entrance is completely FREE! That’s right, free! It doesn’t matter what country you are from, you can enter this national park without cost.
The parks department has made impressive improvements to the park and waterfall in recent years. They have made it much safer by replacing the walkway down to the stages of the waterfall with ramp sections and sturdy stairs, whereas before you have to clamor down muddy rock and dug out so called stairs.
They have also pointed out unsafe areas of the waterfall to climb and have added hand rails for added safety.
In 2019, the park department even added a nature walk which takes you from the top of the waterfall, around and down through the hilltop and down to the base of the waterfall where you can climb up the pathway back to the top! Even though the sign seems to indicate that the path doesn’t loop, it does. The entire loop should take 45 minutes.
There is plenty of wildlife to try to see on the nature walk including some beautiful birds and monkeys! Just be mindful of snakes. There are signs warning of snakes all throughout the park.
How to play in the sticky waterfall
There are two ways of playing on the sticky falls. One is to climb down, the other up. Most people prefer the up option. There is a set of stairs that leads down to the bottom of the falls. We recommend going all the way down so as not to miss a thing. At the very bottom you can enjoy a shower in the waterfall or get massaged by the pounding water!
From here, you can choose to climb back up the way you came, or take the nature walk through the jungle back to the top.
You and the kids will be astounded by your ability to literally stick to rocks; just like Velcro! The kids will be astonished by their new-found superhero abilities. Clamoring up and down the falls, you’ll have a hard time getting them away!
Tips for climbing and swimming
- Don’t wear shoes. Your skin needs to come in contact with the limestone calcium deposits to get that Velcro effect.
- Step and move with confidence. A strongly planted foot or hand ensures good footing.
- Watch out for algae! Due to overuse, some parts of the calcium deposits have worn away leaving room for algae to grow. It can be easily seen with its green color. Yes, it is slippery and requires extra care when climbing around it.
- Use the ropes or handrails. Some sections have ropes set up to help get over slippery bits or very steep parts. These can be used to climb up or down.
- Leave your shoes and valuables at the top of the falls in the lockers so you don’t have to carry them with you. Walk down and climb up the falls to get them!
- Wear regular clothes to swim in. Bikinis etc are not required. Most people just wear regular clothes and change into spare clothes afterwards.
Bring a picnic
Bua Thong Waterfall is about an hour away from the city and very easy to get to. It’s a great place to have a family picnic and cool off in the waterfall. You can pack your own lunch, stop off at a local market on your way, or purchase some local Thai food just near the parking lot when you get there.
A lovely woman sells rotisserie chicken, sticky rice, somtom (papaya salad) and snacks. Grab your food and drink, then look for a picnic spot at the top of the falls. Below this part of the waterfall you are not allowed to bring food or drink to prevent litter. Help keep the falls pristine!
See the magic rainbow spring
Little ones can enjoy a safe swim in a natural, clear, shallow pool while you eat. If anyone is up for a short walk, a little ways up from the picnic spot lies what locals believe is a magical source of water.
The Rainbow Spring has an interesting hue to it that elicits thoughts of fairies and mythical creatures. Young children would easily fall under the spell of a fantasy story told here, especially one about unicorns. When caught in the sunlight, the spring’s spray creates a magical rainbow effect sure to delight.
Go camping!
During the cool season (usually from October – beginning of March), you can camp at the waterfall. You need to bring your own camping gear and pay a minimal fee (usually up to 200 baht) to camp. You would also need to bring your own cooking gear and food, but if camping is something you enjoy it’s a nice spot for family camping time! Here is a photo of the camp area:
When to go
Like other water destinations, Bua Thong falls are extremely popular during the weekends in hot season (March-May). It really is a most memorable place to cool off! They are also quite popular during Thai holidays. Heading up during the week or other times of the year make for a more peaceful visit. The falls are open year-round, even during the rainy season because the waterfall is fed by an underground aquifer spring.
How to get to Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall
By car or by motorbike is the easiest way. It will take about an hour and a half by car, or more than an hour and a half by bike. Of course it could take longer as you slow down to take in the views. It is a beautiful drive! Because the roads are flat and it’s nearly impossible to get lost, this could be an opportunity for families with older kids, to rent motorbikes. If that’s not your thing, rent a nice car for the day!
It is also possible to get to the falls through Grab, or taxi. However, I’d be wary of relying on any of these as a guaranteed mode to return you home. You may want to make arrangements with the same driver to pick you up at a designated time.
Have a large group or family? Hire a songtaew! This is a great option if there are more than 4 people going. You can easily throw everything you need in the back with you. You will want to ensure you have booked the red truck for the entire day, as there is no guarantee that once dropped off, the driver will return to get you later. If rented for a full day, the driver will remain at the park and you can access it anytime. Cost is approximately 1,500 baht and likely negotiable. If you haven’t already, download the Grab app and choose Rod Daeng (Red Truck) section.
How to get to Bua Tong Waterfall?
The easiest route to get there is up the 1001. Head North on this road from the Superhighway 11. Drive straight. Keep driving. Yep, keep going! There are hardly any signs for Bua Tong Waterfall until you are nearly there. Keep an eye out for signs indicating you are still on the 1001 and you’ll be fine.
When you are nearly to the falls keep an eye out for a sign telling you to turn right. The road is marked clearly and leads directly to the falls. At the end if the beautiful treed road will be the parking area. From here, it’s a short walk to the top of the falls!
What to bring
- There are hardly any benches so definitely pack some picnic mats or towels to sit on.
- Most people, especially the locals, enjoy the waterfall in their clothes. Wearing clothes to swim is common practice in Thailand. Feel free to join in! Just bring an extra set of clothes. Expect some stares if you don a bikini or swim trunks.
- You may want to bring a waterproof bag or water sack to keep your valuables in while you climb.
