How to Visit Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai (Solo Guide)

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How to Get to Sticky Waterfalls from Chiang Mai

Sticky Waterfalls (aka Bua Tong Waterfalls) are about 60km (37 miles) north of Chiang Mai, tucked into the forest in Sri Lanna National Park. 

There’s no public transportation that goes all the way there, so your options are to rent a scooter or car, hire a driver, or book a tour. Each option has its pros and cons depending on your budget, confidence with driving, and how much effort you want to put in.

1. Drive Yourself by Scooter or Car

When I was living in Chiang Mai, I joined a group of about 13 expats and digital nomads for a fun scooter adventure to Sticky Waterfalls. Most of us rode scooters, while two people went by car and met us there. It was a great way to escape the city for a few hours.

The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes and is relatively easy, though a bit windy in parts. If you’re not confident on a scooter, I wouldn’t recommend this as your first ride, but if you’re up for it, it’s a fun trip. 

You can follow the standard Google Maps route, or venture off into the countryside like we did—we stopped at a jungle cafe for smoothies, a scenic viewpoint along the way, and then explored a nearby temple after the falls. 

Prefer to drive a car? Renting a car in Chiang Mai is a great alternative, especially if you’re not confident on two wheels or want more comfort.

🚙 Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

2. Join a Guided Tour (Best for Convenience)

If you’re short on time, traveling solo, or just don’t want to deal with the logistics, a tour is a great way to visit Sticky Waterfalls. 

I love joining group tours as a solo traveler—there’s a social aspect built in, and I don’t have to worry about safety or transportation. Just show up and enjoy the day.

One of the best options out there is this small-group Sticky Waterfalls Tour. 

It includes everything you need: round-trip transfer, water shoes, a fresh Thai lunch, and stops at Bua Thong Cave, a sacred spring, and a spirit house. The group is capped at 12 people, and Annie is a knowledgeable, friendly guide who speaks English and shares a lot about Thai beliefs and culture. The tour starts early, which means you’ll get there before the crowds and have time to relax and swim.

If you want to combine Sticky Waterfalls with other Chiang Mai highlights, this private tour is a great pick. You’ll visit Doi Suthep, get blessed by a monk, enjoy lunch, and stop at an orchid farm—all in one day. It’s a good fit if you’re short on time or prefer a more personalized experience.

Tours are hands-down the easiest and most stress-free way to visit Bua Tong—and when you factor in transport, food, and logistics, the price is actually pretty reasonable.

3. Hire a Driver or Grab

If you’d rather skip the driving but still go on your own schedule, you can hire a private driver, taxi, or songthaew (a red truck that seats 8–12 people). 

Expect to pay around 1000–1500 baht for a round trip and wait time of about 2 hours. You can negotiate directly with a local driver or arrange something through your hotel or hostel.

Grab is another option—you can book a ride to the waterfalls, but don’t count on getting one back. There’s very limited signal and not many drivers out there, so it’s best to hire your driver by the hour and have them wait for you while you explore.

4. (Not Recommended) Public Transport + Walking

Technically, you can try getting there by bus. Some travelers catch a local bus from Chang Phuak Bus Station heading toward Prempracha, and show the driver that you’re trying to get to Bua Tong. 

If they’re nice, they’ll drop you off on the main road—about 3km (1.8 miles) from the falls. From there, you could walk or hitchhike the rest of the way.

But honestly? I’m not that adventurous. If you’re short on time or just want a smoother day, it’s worth spending a little more for convenience. Between negotiating rides, figuring out where to get off, and walking the last stretch in the heat, this option is more hassle than it’s worth for most travelers.

What to Expect at Sticky Waterfalls

The Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfalls are open daily from 8AM to 5PM and are free to visit. 

If you’re visiting during peak season (November to February), it’s best to get there early. By 9:45AM, the parking lot can start to fill up and there might be queues to climb the falls. Tours often arrive mid-morning, so if you’re going on your own, aim to beat them by arriving around 8AM.

I visited during rainy season and it was way less crowded—worth considering if you don’t mind getting a little wet on the ride out.

Plan to spend about 1–2 hours at the falls. That’s enough time to climb, explore, take a few breaks, and maybe have a picnic. You could hang around longer, especially if the weather’s nice or you’re with a group, but personally, I would’ve gotten bored after two hours.

Climbing the Falls: Is It Safe?

Yes—surprisingly. I’m not a confident climber, and I have a fear of falling, but these falls really are sticky. The rocks are covered in limestone deposits that give your feet an unusual amount of grip, even when the water is rushing over them. It almost feels like Velcro underfoot.

That said, avoid any rocks that look green or slimy—those are covered in algae and will be slippery.

You don’t have to climb the waterfall. I took the steep stairs down to the base and then climbed part of the way up from the bottom. If you’d rather skip the water completely, those same stairs let you walk down and just hang out at the bottom.

Kids usually love it, but you do need to be comfortable with either stairs or climbing—otherwise, you’ll just end up waiting at the top while everyone else explores.

Facilities

There are bathrooms and showers at the entrance, as well as a few lockers you can rent for 30 baht if you don’t want to carry your stuff. There’s also a small cafe with food and drinks, and tables in the shade if you want to bring your own snacks or lunch.

The Seven Colors Spring

Just above the parking lot, there’s a small sacred site called the Seven Colors Spring. This is where the water that flows down the falls originates. It’s crystal clear and surrounded by trees and spirit offerings. It’s a quick stop, but worth checking out before or after your climb. Most tours include a visit here, too.

What to Pack for Sticky Waterfalls

• Water shoes or sandals with grip – The rocks are sticky, but some areas are still slick if you’re barefoot. Tours like this one include water shoes, but if you’re going solo, bring your own.
  
• Swimsuit – You’ll get wet, even if you don’t plan to climb much.
  
• Towel – There are showers near the parking lot, but no towels. I love this one with a hidden pocket.
  
• Sunscreen + bug spray – Especially during the hot or rainy seasons.
  
• Change of clothes – It’s not fun riding home in wet shorts.
  
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag – You’ll want photos, and it’s easy to slip your phone into a stream. I carry my valuables in one of these waterproof bum bags.
  
• Tissues or toilet paper – The bathrooms are basic.
  
• Snacks or a picnic lunch – There’s a small cafe at the falls, but if you want more options (or you’re picky), there’s also a local market about 5 minutes before the entrance where you can grab food and drinks.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai?

If you’re trying to decide whether Sticky Waterfalls are worth the trip, here’s my take: it’s not a must-do if you’ve only got a couple of days in Chiang Mai—but if you’ve got the time, it’s a really fun and unique half-day adventure. 

Where else can you literally climb up a waterfall without slipping?

It’s not exactly off the beaten path anymore, so if you go, try to get there early or visit in the off season to avoid the crowds. 

Whether you rent a scooter, hire a driver, or join a tour, getting there takes a little effort—but it’s manageable, and the experience is worth it for most travelers.

If you’re more into hiking and want something quieter and closer to town, check out Huay Tung Tao Waterfall instead. It’s not sticky and you can’t climb it, but it’s peaceful and rarely busy.

And if you’re still planning your trip and figuring out what’s worth your time, don’t miss my full Chiang Mai itinerary—it’s packed with all the best things to do (and skip) based on my six months living there.