Climb Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall from Chiang Mai

Climb a waterfall that actually holds your grip.

Climb Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall, a unique limestone waterfall near Chiang Mai where the surface is naturally grippy enough to scale without ropes or gear. The activity includes hotel pickup, a professional guide, a meal at a local restaurant, travel insurance and a swim in the pool below. You choose a morning departure at 8 a.m. or afternoon at 1 p.m. A minimum age of 7 applies for safety reasons, and the guide speaks English.

Step-by-step itinerary

Climb and enjoy Sticky Waterfall

• Hotel pick-up in Chiang Mai
• Travel to Bua Tong Waterfall
• Climb the sticky limestone waterfall
• Swim and relax at the waterfall

The experience

What makes Bua Tong different is the limestone composition of the rock face. It's the only waterfall in Thailand with this sticky, grippy surface. Most waterfalls are slick and dangerous to climb. This one lets you scale it without ropes, handholds or technical gear. You'll swim in the pool at the base first to cool off, then work your way up the face with your guide right there, watching your footing and keeping you safe. The surface does the work. You just move.

The day starts with pickup from your Chiang Mai hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle. You'll arrive at the waterfall with time to swim and adjust to the water temperature before climbing. Your guide is a local expert who knows the safest route up and will stay with you the whole way, making sure you're comfortable and secure. After you've climbed and swum, you'll head to a local restaurant for a meal before the drive back to your hotel. The whole outing runs about four hours.

Travel insurance is included in the price, which covers accidents while you're on the rock. Bring a swimsuit, towel and spare clothes. You'll be wet for part of the day. The minimum age is 7 years old. Children younger than that can't participate due to the climbing involved. If you have spinal injuries, cardiovascular issues or are pregnant, this activity isn't safe for you. You'll need at least a moderate level of fitness to climb the face, though the guide will work at your pace.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Chiang Mai accommodation.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• a professional English-speaking guide.
• travel insurance covering accidents.
• a meal at a local restaurant.
• and a swim in the waterfall pool below the climb.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (2 to 12 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by TakeMeTour

Is this one for you?Choose the morning departure at 8 a.m. if you want to start early and have the rest of your day free. Pick the 1 p.m. afternoon slot if you prefer a later start. Either way, you'll need at least a moderate level of fitness to climb the waterfall face, and the minimum age is 7 years old. This is a physical activity, not a sightseeing tour.

Traveler reviews

4.88★★★★★★★★★★

65 verified traveler reviews

5 ★61

4 ★2

3 ★1

2 ★0

1 ★1

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 12 years).

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.

Can I book the morning or afternoon departure, and does it matter which one I choose?

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall offers two departure times: 8 a.m. in the morning or 1 p.m. in the afternoon. Both follow the same route and include the same activities. The choice is yours depending on when you prefer to start your day and return to your hotel.

What exactly makes this waterfall sticky, and will I really be able to climb it without ropes?

Bua Tong is made of limestone with a naturally grippy surface: the only waterfall in Thailand with this composition. Yes, you climb without ropes or technical gear. The sticky texture of the rock itself provides the grip you need to move up the face safely with your guide.

Is the guide included, and what language do they speak?

A professional local guide is included and speaks English. They stay with you throughout the climb to ensure your safety and comfort, and they know the waterfall well enough to find the best route for your fitness level.

What's included in the price besides the climbing?

Hotel pickup and drop-off from your Chiang Mai accommodation, an air-conditioned vehicle, a meal at a local restaurant, travel insurance covering accidents, and a swim in the waterfall pool are all included. Bring your own swimsuit, towel and spare clothes.