The Chiang Mai Sticky Waterfall is a unique and popular attraction approximately one hour north of the city. It’s often coupled with other waterfalls, temples, or elephant sanctuaries as part of a day trip.
The most economical way to experience day trips outside of town is with a car hire in Chiang Mai through Drive Car Rental. We have a convenient location right inside Chiang Mai International Airport. Once you’re in the car, it’s time to head out of the city and see what the stunning mountains surrounding the city have to offer!
Visiting Sticky Falls
Just one hour to the north of Chiang Mai is Mae Taeng District. This is the beginning of the mountainous jungles and national parks of Northern Thailand. Sticky Waterfalls, also known locally as ‘Buatong Falls,’ is just thirty minutes east from the main Highway 107.
Traditionally, entrance to the National Park and campgrounds has been free, but admission fees often change. Visitors can bring their own food and drink or purchase it from vendors set up near the main parking area.
The waterfall is spring-fed, meaning that its water flow is constant regardless of season. The spring water is rich in calcium carbonate from the limestone it traverses through, and when it is exposed to air, the calcium begins to harden on anything it touches. The result is a four-tiered waterfall that is more than one hundred metres tall.
The water cascades over tan rocks with a wavy formation that is easy to grip, and the quick deposit of calcium leaves little time for algae and other slippery substances to grow. This is what gives ‘Sticky’ falls its name. Visitors can walk barefoot up the steep falls with little worry of falling. Kids and the adventurous of all ages are seen here year-round, climbing the falls and playing in the showers of water.
Travelers who visit can see the calcium build up in real time. Just pick up a muddy-looking leaf from the water. It isn’t mud–it’s the calcium that’s already clinging to the leaf, ready to turn it into another part of the rock formation. The leaf will crumble like fragile pottery if crushed.
Nearby Attractions
Mae Taeng District has several other sites worth seeing. Here are a few worth making a stop for:
Wat Ban Den
This religious site is completely different from temples in Chiang Mai’s old city. It’s a vast complex, possibly the largest in Northern Thailand. It has no fewer than eight separate temple buildings and one of the largest reclining Buddha Statues in all of Thailand. More buildings and decorations are added each year thanks to generous donations from visitors.
It isn’t simply the temples that make this site spectacular; the statues outside of each building are completely unique. There are giant snakes, peacocks, elephants, and more. Each is decorated to look not just like an animal, but like a spiritual guardian of the temple.
Mae Sa Waterfall
This waterfall has ten tiers in total, with the largest one visible from an observation deck. From there, it’s a short walk from tier to tier. Each level of the waterfall holds its own pools and eddies, and the water flow can change drastically from the rainy season to the dry season. Entrance fees are usually around 300 baht per person for foreigners. Plan on spending at least ninety minutes to see it all.
Elephant Nature Park
This is the largest and most respected elephant sanctuary in Northern Thailand. It sits in a mountain valley about thirty minutes west of Highway 107 in Mae Taeng. Animal lovers can come for half or full-day tours. Accommodations are also available at reasonable rates on the property or in nearby homestays and bungalows.
See Everything With Drive Car Rental
The real magic of Chiang Mai are the stunning mountains, jungles, and national parks that make up the region. Numerous multi-day driving trips, such as the Mae Hong Son Loop or a trip to Nan Province, are popular with slow travellers.
Getting to remote destinations is convenient with a vehicle from Drive Car Rental. We have sedans, SUVs, electrics, compacts, and even luxury vehicles. Rental periods are daily, weekly, or even monthly and yearly! Take advantage of early bird discounts by booking as far in advance as possible.