Chiang Mai: Zipline, Elephant Sanctuary & Sticky Waterfall

Three completely different Chiang Mai experiences in one day: zipline, elephants, and a waterfall you can climb

You zipline through Chiang Mai's jungle canopy in the morning, spend midday at an ethical elephant sanctuary learning the animals' stories and feeding them, then finish by climbing the famous Sticky Waterfall where limestone rocks let you walk straight up the cascade. The day includes transport from your hotel, a guide, lunch, water, and all entry fees, so you show up and move between three completely different experiences without arranging anything yourself.

Step-by-step itinerary

Zipline, Elephant Sanctuary, Sticky Waterfall

• Zipline through jungle canopy
• Cross sky bridges
• Visit ethical elephant sanctuary
• Feed and learn about elephants
• Climb the Sticky Waterfall
• Take photos and relax

The experience

Most days in Chiang Mai you pick one thing. This one doesn't make you choose. You start the morning harnessed into a zipline course, moving fast through the canopy with the jungle floor far below: sky bridges connecting the lines, the kind of view you only get when you're suspended between the trees. Then everything slows down. The vehicle takes you to an ethical elephant sanctuary where the pace shifts entirely. You're on the ground, feeding rescued elephants, listening to their handlers explain where each one came from and what happened before they arrived. It's not a performance. The animals move at their own speed, and you move with them.

By afternoon you're at Bua Thong, the Sticky Waterfall, and yes, that name is literal. The limestone rocks have a mineral coating that creates actual grip, so you can walk straight up the cascade without your feet sliding out. It sounds impossible until you're doing it, water running down the rocks, the forest quiet around you. Most people spend an hour here just climbing, cooling off, taking photos that look like they shouldn't be possible. Your guide stays with you through all three stops, and lunch happens somewhere in the middle: included, so you're not hunting for a restaurant between activities. The whole day runs about eight hours with pickup from your hotel and an air-conditioned vehicle between sites.

The zipline part requires basic fitness and nerve, but not experience. The course is set up for mixed ability groups. The elephant sanctuary is built around animal welfare, which means no tricks, no riding, no performances. You're there to observe and interact on the animals' terms. The waterfall is genuinely unique. There's nothing else quite like it, and the limestone grip is real enough that even people nervous about climbing find themselves walking up it.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• zipline course entry and equipment.
• elephant sanctuary entry and interaction.
• Sticky Waterfall entry.
• lunch.
• bottled water.
• air-conditioned vehicle between all three sites.
• English-speaking guide.
• all fees and taxes.
• local travel insurance.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (10 to 60 years) · Child (5 to 9 years) · Under 5: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 30

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 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Chiang Mai One Day Trip

Is this one for you?Book this if you want three distinct experiences in one day without arranging transport, timing, or entry fees separately. The fixed itinerary is what makes it possible to move between a zipline, an elephant sanctuary, and a waterfall climb without gaps or negotiation.

Traveler reviews

4.96★★★★★★★★★★

55 verified traveler reviews

5 ★53

4 ★2

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 9 years). Under 5: they can't be included in the booking.

How long is the full day?

Approximately eight hours, including transport time between the three sites and lunch.

Do you actually ride the elephants?

No. The sanctuary follows international animal welfare standards, so the experience is feeding, observing, and learning their stories from caretakers: no riding or performances.

Is the Sticky Waterfall actually climbable?

Yes. The limestone rocks have a natural mineral coating that creates grip, so you can walk up the cascade without slipping. It's unusual and genuinely works.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, all entry fees, lunch, bottled water, air-conditioned transport between sites, a guide, and local travel insurance.

Do I need to be fit for the zipline?

The course is designed for mixed ability groups. You need basic fitness and comfort with heights, but not climbing experience or athletic training.

What language is the guide?

English.

Can infants go?

Infants can attend if they sit on an adult's lap. The tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers or people with spinal injuries or serious cardiovascular conditions.

Is there public transport to the sites?

Public transportation options are available nearby, but the tour includes pickup and transport, so you don't need to arrange it.