Buatong Waterfall

Great experience! Clean bathrooms, can find food, ice, good people great staff in the small shops. Today someone got bitten by a snake 🐍 so there was an early evacuation. Beware of your surroundings.

Buatong Waterfall, also known as the Sticky Waterfall, is one of the most unique natural attractions in Chiang Mai. This limestone waterfall is naturally formed, and because of the mineral-rich limestone surface, the rocks are not slippery at all. You can actually climb up the waterfall using your bare feet without any difficulty. It is surprisingly safe and comfortable, and the park has organized the path very well by creating separate one-way routes for going up and going down. This makes the entire experience smooth, orderly, and safe for everyone. There are also ropes along the climbing path for extra support if you need it. Entering the waterfall area is very convenient. There is a small check-in point where one person in each group signs their name and writes down their country of origin. There is no entrance fee for anyone, no matter where you are from. Parking is spacious and free, with a separate area just for motorbikes. Many foreign visitors like to rent motorbikes to come here on their own, but it is important to wear a helmet and ride on the left side. Riding in the middle or too far to the right can be dangerous because cars may clip you when passing. Before climbing the waterfall, visitors can rent a locker for only 30 baht to store valuables. There are shaded pavilions and plenty of seating areas where you can rest or enjoy a picnic. If you love sunbathing, the grassy lawn is perfect for laying out a mat and relaxing. The whole atmosphere is peaceful, refreshing, and ideal for spending a slow afternoon in nature. Most visitors leave their shoes at the stairway leading down to the waterfall and climb back up through the waterfall itself. You will get wet, so wearing quick-dry clothing is highly recommended. There are many great spots for photos along the waterfall, so it is worth setting aside enough time to enjoy each level without rushing. Food and drinks are not allowed on the waterfall for cleanliness and safety reasons, and the forest rangers do check regularly. However, there are food stalls and small restaurants near the parking area where you can buy snacks, drinks, and proper meals. Prices are very reasonable, making it easy to stop for refreshments before or after your climb. Clean restrooms and shower facilities are also available for free, which is extremely convenient after getting wet. Overall, Buatong Waterfall offers an unforgettable experience that combines adventure, nature, and relaxation. Whether you enjoy climbing, taking photos, or simply spending time outdoors, this unique limestone waterfall is absolutely worth the visit. Dr. Niwech

The ‘sticky waterfalls’ are definitely worth a visit if you are in Chiang mai as they are very different to waterfalls you find in other parts of the world. We went as a group of four and the best way to get there as a group is book a grab and when the driver arrives he will ask you to pay for him to wait and take you back. This is the easiest way to get there and back as there are no taxis available there. We wen at 16:30 however people usually say it’s best early morning but there was also almost nobody there just before closing and it only takes 45 minutes odd to get up but it would be very frustrating if it was busy. So much fun definitely worth doing.