Climbing a Sticky Waterfall at Bua Tong Waterfalls in Chiang Mai

Last Updated on November 20, 2025 by Charlotte

A waterfall you can climb with just your own two feet?? At Nam Tok Bua Tong, or “Sticky Waterfall,” near Chiang Mai, Thailand, this seemingly impossible feat becomes reality. This natural wonder has a unique calcified limestone coating that creates a sandpaper-like surface, allowing visitors to defy gravity and climb straight up rushing water. I’ve seen countless waterfalls in my travels, but never one that invited me to walk straight up its face, until I discovered this hidden gem in Northern Thailand. In this guide, I’ll share my unforgettable experience climbing the Sticky Waterfall, explain the science behind this natural phenomenon, and provide everything you need to know to plan your own gravity defying adventure.

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Our Adventure at the Sticky Waterfall

I’d never seen anything like it: a waterfall I could walk up. Here’s the story of our surreal, gravity-defying afternoon at the Sticky Waterfall.

Arriving at Si Lanna National Park

We’re at Si Lanna National Park, trotting down a long wooden staircase that descends down the jungle valley to the base of the multi-tiered waterfalls.

All around us, forest butterflies lazily flit about in the sunshine. The walk down only takes about five minutes, but most visitors seem to stop mid-way at the closer falls. We follow the boardwalk over a little bridge and down to the valley floor.

Defying Gravity on the Sticky Waterfall

After a quick stop to grab a photo of a particularly aesthetic angle of the base of the waterfalls, we scramble down into the stream and wade up river toward the bottommost fall. Here in the valley, the sunlight filters through the canopy and creates little rainbows that dance in the spray bouncing off the rocks. From the falls above, we hear the twinkling laughter of other visitors playing in the water.

I take my first (very hesitant) step onto the gray surface of the sticky waterfall. Beneath the soles of my feet, the rock feels rough like a cat’s tongue during kitty kisses. Much to my surprise, I stick!

I plant one foot in front of the other with no hands. I can walk upright! Between the lush vegetation of the forest, the rush of water, and the disregard for gravity, this feels like something from a fairytale.

The Science Behind the Magic of the Sticky Waterfall

The natural phenomena to thank for the stickiness is known as Tufa, crystallized limestone that precipitates as the stream evaporates. Tufa feels like tiny grains of sand on sandpaper.

Over time, these limestone Tufa deposits build up to create the whimsical falls that we see today. It’s a rare treat to see Tufa in Thailand, as it’s more commonly found in the Philippines and Mexico.

Exploring the Tiers of Waterfalls

The Sticky Waterfalls have multiple tiers, all with differing levels of difficulty. While most of the waterfall is walkable, the steeper sections have ropes or handrails for support.

The water rarely rises above ankle-deep, although it flows faster in narrower sections. To our pleasure, we get to enjoy the waterfalls almost all to ourselves. We had so much fun climbing up that we raced back down just to do it again!

Plan Your Visit to the Sticky Waterfalls

The Sticky Waterfalls are located in Si Lanna National Park, which is around an hour and a half drive (60 km) from Chiang Mai. You can enjoy the Sticky Waterfalls in less than half a day, or stay longer if you prefer.

How to Get to the Sticky Waterfalls from Chiang Mai

The Sticky Waterfalls are accessible by taxi, scooter, and bus from Chiang Mai. Given the long drive, we suggest hiring a driver for the day, as it can be hard to find a taxi back to town unless you pay them to wait for you.

Guided Tours to the Sticky Waterfalls

While we think the Sticky Waterfalls are very doable on your own, thanks to well-marked paths and the relatively short drive from Chiang Mai, some people may prefer the convenience of a guided tour. These tours often include hotel pickup and drop-off, making them a great option for visitors who don’t want to worry about transportation or navigating the falls on their own.

How Much Time Do You Need at the Sticky Waterfall?

Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours at the Sticky Waterfalls, including time to climb, explore the different tiers, take photos, and relax at the base. If you’re adding on nearby spots like the secret spring or the nature trail, plan for 2.5 to 3 hours total. It’s an easy half-day trip from Chiang Mai, especially if you leave in the morning.

Best Time of Year to Visit the Sticky Waterfall

The Sticky Waterfalls are open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the cool and dry season between November and February. During this time, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather, fewer afternoon storms, and better visibility for those magical sunbeams and rainbows in the spray. The rainy season (May–October) brings heavier flows and more slippery conditions. It is still doable, but take extra care. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends and Thai public holidays.

Park Admission & Opening Hours

• Admission: The Sticky Waterfalls is completely free!
• Opening Hours: The Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls are open 8 AM – 5 PM seven days a week. Be aware that weekends tend to be busier than week days.

Park Facilities

• Toilets: Toilet facilities are available with western style flushing toilets. We suggest bringing your own toilet tissue.
• Changing rooms
• Showers: Although there were showers, I suspect they used the same water source as the waterfall.
• Lockers: Paid lockers with locks are available for rent. The National Park Staff monitors these lockers.
• Restaurant: A small restaurant and snack bar near the HQ sells Thai food and cold drinks.

Park Accessibility

Much of the park including viewing platform at the top of the waterfalls is wheelchair accessible. While the top viewing platform is wheelchair accessible, climbing the falls is not recommended for visitors with mobility challenges. While we did see toddlers playing at the base of the waterfalls with their parents, we also saw a child slip on a patch of algae and take a short tumble down one section of the waterfall.

What to Pack for the Sticky Waterfalls

• Swimsuit or quick-dry clothes – You’ll get wet!
• Towel or sarong – There are showers, but no towels provided.
• Dry change of clothes – Especially if you’re heading back to Chiang Mai after.
• Phone lanyard or waterproof pouch – So you can keep your hands free while climbing. The water is really weird, and probably not great for your electronics
• Hiking sandals or neoprene booties – We climbed barefoot, but some may prefer thin water shoes for sensitive feet.
• Drinking water – It’s humid and you’ll be moving around. You can also buy water at the snack shop if you like.
• Sunscreen & bug spray – The forest is shady but bugs and sun still find a way.
• Cash – For lockers, snacks, or tipping your driver.
• GoPro or waterproof camera – Great for If you want to capture your climb from cool angles!

Safety Tips for Waterfall Climbing

Although the Sticky Waterfall is much fun, there are inherent risks to climbing up a waterfall. Here at the sticky waterfall, your main hazard will be patches of black and green algae. These slippery bits will stand out from the shades of gray and brown of the limestone and are extremely slick.

If you do not have pockets, we suggest getting a lanyard for your phone, so that you can have your hands free. We chose to avoid using the ropes when possible, because limestone deposits on the ropes can scratch up the palms of your hands.

We suggest climbing barefoot so that you can grip the ground with your feet. If you have any open wounds or cuts, we would avoid going in the waterfall because the water will sting.

Other Things to Do Near the Sticky Waterfalls

Since the Sticky Waterfalls are pretty far from everything else, it’s nice to know there are a couple other things nearby if you’re already making the trip.

Nam Phu Chet Si Secret Spring

This secret spring with striking blue water is located above the waterfalls. This spring is not for swimming, and has a dress code.

Nature Trail

In the park, there is a nature trail to another waterfall. When we visited in January 2024, this trail was under repair.

Was it Worth the Trip?

100% Yes! If you are a fan of waterfalls and outdoor adventures, this is a novel stop to add to your visit in the North of Thailand. At the Sticky Waterfalls, both kids and adults can defy gravity, and unleash their inner child.

Ready to Plan Your Trip to Chiang Mai?

Check out our other blog posts from this super cool region!

• Love animals? Check out our guide to the Elephant Highlands Project by Elephant Nature Park!
• Curious about things to do in Chiang Mai? Check out our guide to the 10 Can’t-Miss Adventures in Chiang Mai