Have you ever dreamed of scaling walls like Spider-Man?
Bua Thong Falls, also known as the Sticky Waterfalls, is about as close as you can get.
Located outside Chiang Mai, Bua Thong Falls is a series of four limestone waterfalls. The mix of water and limestone creates a slightly tacky surface, which gives the falls their nickname. Instead of slipping down smooth rock, you can actually walk and climb straight up the rushing water, using your hands and feet as you go.
It’s one of the most unique waterfall experiences we’ve ever had—and the perfect way to for families to cool down.
What Makes Bua Thong Falls Unique
Unlike most waterfalls, where climbing would be dangerous or impossible, the rocks at Bua Thong Falls feel almost sticky underfoot. The limestone creates enough grip that you can confidently move upward, even as water flows past you.
The falls are divided into four main sections, with shallow pools in between. These pools are great places to stop, cool off, and take a break before continuing the climb.
How to Explore the Falls
When you arrive, walk down the wooden steps and follow the signs to the fourth (lowest) waterfall. From there, you can begin your climb from the bottom up, which is the easiest and most natural way to experience the falls.
As you climb:
• Walk directly up the rock face where water is flowing
• Stop to swim or rest in the pools between each waterfall
• Choose different paths up depending on how adventurous you’re feeling
The water is warm and shallow enough that shorts work just fine, but if you plan to swim or linger in the pools, you may want to wear a bathing suit.
At the top of the falls, near the parking lot, there are bathrooms and change rooms, which makes things easy for families.
Safety Tips for Climbing
While the sticky rocks make climbing feel secure, this isn’t a place to rush.
• Avoid dark green patches on the rocks—these areas have algae and can be slippery.
• As you get closer to the top, the climb becomes steeper, and ropes are available to help steady yourself.
• We highly recommend using the ropes. We saw several people take hard falls while trying to climb the steeper sections without holding on.
• We found that climbing barefoot helped us feel the texture of the rock better, though many visitors choose to wear water shoes.
Visiting Bua Thong Falls With Kids
This is an active stop that works well for kids who enjoy climbing and exploring. The sticky surface gives them confidence, and the pools between the waterfalls offer natural breaks.
That said:
• Suitable for kids as young as 4 or 5 with help from an adult
• Older children can climb independently on steeper sections, with an adult nearby
• Kids should move slowly and avoid rushing
• The ropes near the top are especially helpful for smaller climbers
How Much Time Do You Need?
• Short visit: About 1 hour to climb and explore
• Relaxed visit: Up to a half day if you want to swim, rest in the pools, and try different routes up the falls
There is no cost to climb Bua Thong Falls, making it an easy experience to add to your Chiang Mai itinerary.
Getting to Bua Thong Falls
Bua Thong Falls is located about 1 to 1.5 hours outside of Chiang Mai. We combined our visit with a stop at the Elephant Poopoo Paper Park, which is roughly halfway to the falls, making the two a great pairing for a day trip.
You can reach the falls by:
• Renting a car
• Hiring a driver
• Taking an Uber
Feel Like a Superhero for the Day!
Bua Thong Falls is one of those places that feels a little unreal at first. Climbing straight up a waterfall goes against everything you expect—but that’s exactly what makes it so memorable.
If you’re visiting Chiang Mai with kids (or just enjoy unique outdoor experiences), the Sticky Waterfalls are well worth the trip.
Ready to Explore Thailand?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 3-Week Thailand Itinerary with Kids
• A Family Guide to Visiting Bangkok’s Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
• Fun Things to do in Bangkok with Kids
• 6-Day Itinerary in Krabi, Thailand with Kids
• Kayaking Ao Tha Lane’s Mangrove Forest: A Family Guide
• Snorkelling Around Phi Phi Island with Kids
• Emerald Pool Krabi: Why Going on Your Own Is Better Than a Tour
• 5-Day Itinerary in Chiang Mai with Kids
• Up Close With Elephants: A Family Day at a Chiang Mai Sanctuary
• Chiang Mai’s Elephant Poopoo Paper Park with Kids
• Climbing Chiang Mai’s Bua Thong Sticky Waterfalls with Kids
• The White Temple, Chiang Rai: A Family Guide
• Biking Sukhothai Historical Park, Thailand: A Family Guide
