Doi Suthep & Bua Tong Waterfall Private Chiang Mai Tour
Climb to a mountain temple, then swim in a waterfall that sticks to your feet
A private full-day tour of Chiang Mai visits Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, the city's most important temple perched at 1,100 meters, where you climb 306 steps (or ride the funicular), receive a holy blessing and participate in a wrist tying ceremony with a local guide. The afternoon moves to Bua Tong waterfall, where the limestone is sticky enough to climb and the water is clear enough to swim in. Lunch is included, and the itinerary bends to your preferences. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included. The day runs about 7 to 8 hours.
Step-by-step itinerary
Visit temple and waterfall in Chiang Mai
- Pick up from hotel at 8:00 am
- Drive to Doi Suthep - Pui National Park
- Climb 306 steps or take funicular to temple
- Receive holy blessing and wrist tying ceremony
- Enjoy panoramic view of Chiang Mai city
- Have lunch
- Visit Bua Tong "sticky" waterfall
- Swim or climb limestone at waterfall
- Stop at orchid farm on return
- Drive back to Chiang Mai city
- Arrive at hotel around 5:00 pm
What’s included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Chiang Mai.
- private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
- lunch.
- bottled water.
- a local guide throughout the day.
- entry to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep and Bua Tong waterfall.
- the flexibility to adjust the itinerary to your preferences.
Times
- Every day 08:00
Before you book
Operated by Pon Elephant Thailand
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The experience
Hotel pickup starts at 8 a.m., and the drive winds up mountain roads into Doi Suthep-Pui National Park. At the temple, you choose: walk up 306 steps or take the funicular to reach the golden pagoda sitting at 1,100 meters above the city. A Buddhist monk offers a holy blessing and ties a blessed thread around your wrist: a ceremony most visitors come to Chiang Mai to experience. The balcony opens onto a panoramic view of the city below.
Lunch happens before the drive to Bua Tong waterfall, where the limestone genuinely is sticky. The mineral content in the rock creates friction instead of slipperiness, so you can climb the face of the waterfall without sliding back. The water stays clear and cool. Most people swim, though you can also sit in the pools and watch the water move around you. An orchid farm is a possible stop on the way back to town, depending on what you want to see.
The tour ends around 5 p.m. at your hotel. A private guide drives throughout, which means the pace stays yours. If you want longer at the temple or more time in the water, the itinerary shifts. Children from age 4 are welcome.
Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want a private guide who can slow down at the temple or linger in the water without watching a group schedule. The fixed pickup time and included lunch mean you're not arranging transport or meals around other people's plans. Just showing up at your hotel at 8 a.m.
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Top questions
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 8 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.
What happens if it rains?
It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.
How do I get up to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep if I don't want to climb 306 steps?
A funicular ride takes you to the temple instead of the stairs, so the climb is optional. Either way, you reach the golden pagoda at 1,100 meters above Chiang Mai.
What makes Bua Tong waterfall different from other waterfalls?
Bua Tong's limestone is sticky: the mineral content creates enough friction that you can climb the face of the waterfall without slipping, and the water stays clear for swimming.
Does the tour include food, or do I need to bring money for lunch?
Lunch is included in the tour price. Bottled water is also provided throughout the day.
Can I change what we do during the day if I want to skip something or add time somewhere?
Yes. The itinerary is flexible and bends to your preferences, so you can adjust the stops and timing with your private guide.
What should I pack for swimming at the waterfall?
Bring a swimming suit or trunk, a towel, walking shoes, and sun cream. Long sleeves and pants protect you from sun and insects on the drive and at the temple. Insect spray is also useful.
What time does the tour end and return me to my hotel?
The tour departs your hotel at 8 a.m. and returns around 5 p.m., making it a full day of about 7 to 8 hours including lunch and travel time.
Doi Suthep & Bua Tong Waterfall Private Chiang Mai Tour
7h–8h · EN
from US$ 97 per person
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