Chiang Mai: Blue Temple, Dantewada & Sticky Waterfall Day Trip

Three waterfalls and a blue temple in one day, without the drive yourself

You visit a man-made waterfall park with botanical gardens, stop at the ornate Blue Temple for views and craftsmanship, then climb Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall barefoot and swim in the pool below. Lunch, bottled water, all entry fees, and hotel pickup are included. The whole day takes eight to nine hours with a small group and AC transport between stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit temples and waterfalls in Chiang Mai

• Stop at Dantewada waterfall park
• Explore colorful botanical garden
• Visit the Blue Temple in Chiang Mai
• Climb Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
• Walk nature trail and see water spring

The experience

Most people come to Chiang Mai and pick one thing: the temple or the waterfall, not both. This day trip stacks three: a man-made waterfall park with botanical gardens, the Blue Temple's intricate blue tilework and mountain views, and then Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall, where the limestone bed is so porous the water doesn't flow, it clings. You climb it barefoot. The whole day runs about eight to nine hours with a small group, pickup from your hotel, lunch, and an air-conditioned vehicle between stops, so you're not negotiating transport or timing on your own.

The morning starts at Dantewada, locals call it the Angel Land, a man-made waterfall park with colored pools and botanical gardens that feel more curated than wild, but that's the point. You get time to walk around, take photos, sit by the water. Then the drive takes you to Wat Ban Den, the Blue Temple, where the glazed blue tiles catch the light and the mountain views open up behind the compound. There's no rush. You spend as long as you want there, looking at the craftsmanship and the landscape. A guide walks with the group, so you get context without having to ask.

Bua Tong is the thing people remember. The sticky waterfall happens because mineral-rich water seeps through limestone so slowly it doesn't cascade. It sticks to the rock face. You take off your shoes, grip the stone with your bare feet, and climb maybe thirty or forty feet up the face of the waterfall itself. It's not technical climbing. It's more like walking up a wet, angled wall. The friction is real. Afterward you swim in the pool at the base, walk a short nature trail to see where the water springs from underground, and just sit in the quiet. Lunch happens before you leave the area, so you're eating in the national park, not in a tourist restaurant.

Book this if you want the main Chiang Mai waterfall and temple highlights without arranging three separate trips or hiring a private driver for the day. The small group size means you're not on a bus with forty people, and the fixed schedule is what makes all three stops fit inside one afternoon.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Chiang Mai, entry to Dantewada waterfall park and botanical gardens, a stop at Wat Ban Den (the Blue Temple) with time to explore the grounds and views, entry to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall national park with the climb and swimming time, a nature trail walk to the water spring, lunch in the national park area, bottled water throughout the day, and return transport to your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 09:30

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (5 to 80 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Wonderful Eco Tours

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want the main Chiang Mai waterfall and temple experiences in one day without arranging separate trips or hiring a driver: the small group and fixed schedule fit all three stops into a single afternoon.

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Top questions

What is the Sticky Waterfall and how do you climb it?

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall is a natural phenomenon where mineral-rich water seeps through limestone so slowly it clings to the rock instead of flowing. You climb barefoot up the wet stone face (friction from the minerals keeps you from slipping), then swim in the pool at the base.

How long is the day and what time does pickup happen?

The tour runs eight to nine hours total. Pickup is from your hotel. Exact timing depends on where you're staying in Chiang Mai.

Is the Blue Temple a working temple or a tourist site?

Wat Ban Den is an active Buddhist temple, not a museum. You visit as a guest, see the blue-tiled architecture and mountain views, and observe respectfully.

What should I bring for the Sticky Waterfall?

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and water shoes or sandals you don't mind getting wet. You'll climb barefoot, so leave your shoes at the base.

Is lunch included, and are there dietary options?

Yes, lunch is included and eaten in the national park area. Let the tour operator know about dietary restrictions when you book.

How many people are in the group?

It's a small group tour, so numbers stay low, typically under fifteen people per departure.

What's the physical demand like?

The Sticky Waterfall climb is the most demanding part. It's a thirty to forty-foot climb on a wet, angled rock face using friction. The rest of the day is walking and sitting. Moderate fitness is needed.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, all entry fees, lunch, bottled water, and AC transport between the three stops.