Nam Dtok Buatong, better known to travelers as Sticky waterfall, is a forest oasis very close to Chiang Mai, Thailand, with quite a unique story. Since I don't need to recite long winded mythology, I will give a very short version.
There was an attack on the Lanna kingdom, leaving the king and queen dead. One of their faithful leading soldiers fled with the two princesses before they too met their fate, and he took them to hide in the forest. They located an area that could house them, but it didn't have a water supply.
One of the princesses, name Buatong (golden flower), prayed to the Earth goddess for water, and soon the Chet Si spring came to life, producing fresh crystal clear water. This natural spring provided the water to sustain these transplants and the community they created here.
Fast forward to current times, and we see that the Chet Si spring, or spring of seven colors, is truly a special source of water. More than just fresh crystal clear water, it produces calcified water that leaves its mark on whatever is touches as it winds its way through the forest and to the mountain side where we find Sticky waterfall.
The result is something like a giant stalagmite mountainside that you can walk up and down as if you were walking on a dry surface with shoes on. From the bottom, looking up, it kind of resembles a giant mound of marshmallows, which is actually the third name I have heard to describe it: Marshmallow waterfall. Not only is it fitting because of the appearance, but also because of the "stickiness." Just remember that if you hear these three names, Sticky waterfall, Nam Dtok Buatong, or Marshmallow waterfall, they are all the same place.
Check the map below for directions from the old city. If you aren't departing from the old city and you plan to drive yourself, just start the directions from the Superhighway/Highway 1001 junction.
There was an attack on the Lanna kingdom, leaving the king and queen dead. One of their faithful leading soldiers fled with the two princesses before they too met their fate, and he took them to hide in the forest. They located an area that could house them, but it didn't have a water supply.
One of the princesses, name Buatong (golden flower), prayed to the Earth goddess for water, and soon the Chet Si spring came to life, producing fresh crystal clear water. This natural spring provided the water to sustain these transplants and the community they created here.
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| Luisa at Nam Pu Chet Si, the spring of seven colors |
The result is something like a giant stalagmite mountainside that you can walk up and down as if you were walking on a dry surface with shoes on. From the bottom, looking up, it kind of resembles a giant mound of marshmallows, which is actually the third name I have heard to describe it: Marshmallow waterfall. Not only is it fitting because of the appearance, but also because of the "stickiness." Just remember that if you hear these three names, Sticky waterfall, Nam Dtok Buatong, or Marshmallow waterfall, they are all the same place.
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| One of 3 levels at Sticky waterfall |
If you decide not to drive, which is a smart move if you plan to have some drinks while there, you can always rent a sorngtaew (red truck taxi) for the day to take your crew out there. This enables eating, drinking, playing music, and whatever other socializing activities you want to do on the way up and back, and relieves you from the worry of driving back if you had one extra Chang.
A word of wisdom to the brave and adventurous, there are some spots you must pay attention to because they have slow moving water and a bit of algae forming. Best to be mindful of the green spots, which can be fairly light in places, and test your step if it looks like it might be slick. You'll become aware of the difference of feeling very fast.
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| Everyone finds their footing at their own pace |
Just as with anything else, the smokey season is not the best time to go because the area is surrounded by farmland that will be burning. It just makes for a bit of a smokier day, but honestly, the spring water keeps the area lush and green year round. Also, there is lots of tree cover, so if smokey season is your only option, don't skip this hidden gem.
I call it a hidden gem because this is not a place that you will find inundated with foreigners, it's quite Thai. You will find others enjoying the place, and some days can be quite crowded, but it's sparsely sprinkled with farang, which is quite different from many other Chiang Mai attractions, natural or otherwise.
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| Luisa walks with confidence |
Another great thing to plan for is hanging out for awhile, relaxing, and having some food. Bring a grass mat if you've got one, but if not they rent them there. Stop at the market just before the turn off, and you will find more than enough to meet you daily food needs. If you forget anything, or get a last minute craving, there is a couple of stalls and a small convenience store at the upper plateau selling food, drinks and ice.
Get there around midday and stay for at least a few hours. There are plenty of trees around the upper plateau, so you'll be able to find shade and spread yourselves out. Enjoy the day with the best of carefree attitudes surrounded by amazing scenery, a natural wonder, and some good company.
Check out this video from our day trip to get more of an idea of what to expect:
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