Chiang Dao and the Sticky Waterfalls from Chiang Mai: A 3-Day Scooter Loop
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This scooter loop takes you from Chiang Mai to the famous Bua Thong Waterfalls (commonly referred to as the Sticky Waterfalls) and on to Chiang Dao. It can be done in three days (or even two), but be prepared – you’ll likely find yourself wanting more time in this beautiful, relaxing mountain town.
If you are visiting or living in Chiang Mai, you may already know that one of the most popular short trips from the city is the 1-2 hour drive to Chiang Dao. For the unfamiliar, Chiang Dao is a small village nestled at the foot of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, one of the highest peaks in Thailand.
You’ve probably also heard of the Bua Thong waterfalls (or Sticky Waterfalls), one of the most well-known day trips from Chiang Mai. The falls cascade over white limestone without any of the slimy, slippery algae you might expect. Mineral deposits make them easy to climb up and down as if you were Spiderman, or one of those cute little geckos on the walls of your guesthouse.
Many people head straight north up route 107 to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao. This is certainly the fastest way.
However! If you have a bit more time on your hands, there is a much prettier and more interesting option. One of my favorite routes to drive is a relatively easy 3-day loop that takes in both of these classic trips, spending one night near the Sticky Waterfalls and one night in Chiang Dao.
Day 1: Chiang Mai to the Sticky Waterfalls
This route takes you through Sri Lanna National Park along the much more rural and scenic route 1001.
Both highways 107 and 1001 can be a nightmare getting out of Chiang Mai, depending on the time of day. In my opinion, though, the latter calms down much more quickly and has nicer scenery.
Looking at the map, you’ll see several smaller routes connecting the two, including 1260, 3011, and 1414. I recommend just hopping on the superhighway in Chiang Mai and taking 1001 all the way north to keep it simple.
The highway starts to wind east about an hour outside of Chiang Mai. From that point it’s another 20-30 minutes or so to the Sticky Waterfalls. Watch for the turnoff on your right. There are a few fake outs (“Should I turn there?”) as you’re getting close, but don’t worry, the road is well-marked. Look for a large panel that reads “Buatong Waterfall – Chet Si Fountain National Park.”
Where to sleep near the Sticky Waterfalls
You can absolutely visit the area’s sights and continue on to Chiang Dao in one day, assuming you leave Chiang Mai early. If you’d like to make a longer trip of it, though, there are fun accommodation options for your first night.
Stay in a floating guesthouse on the Mae Ngat Dam.
One option is to reserve one of the “houseboats” on the Mae Ngat Somboon Chon Dam. These guesthouses are built over the water, some more rustic and some more upscale. Some have waterslides, diving platforms, and large lake floats.
There is a parking lot where you can leave your motorbike next to the dam entrance. Visit the Sticky Waterfalls first, as you will have to take a boat to the floating guesthouses. Check with your accommodation for schedules. (You definitely want to reserve these places in advance.)
From the Sticky Waterfalls, it’s about a 25-30 minute drive to the dam. Return to the main road (highway 1001), make a left, and backtrack just a few minutes. You’ll want to make a right on Route 4046 and follow that until it runs into Route 3038. (See directions here.)
Note that there are many nice guesthouses in the Mae Taeng District near Sri Lanna National Park. I say this so you don’t panic if something goes not-quite-according-to-plan with the houseboats. (When I stayed on the Mae Ngat Dam, the guesthouse had no record of our reservation, and some people ended up sleeping on the floor.)
Delight your inner child and sleep in a treehouse!
There is another cool and unique option for spending the night near the Sticky Waterfalls…
A treehouse! I absolutely adored this place and can’t wait to go back one day to try out another cabin. (They are all different!)
The treehouse resort is about 20-30 minutes from the falls. Return to the main road, and turn right. A couple of minutes down the road, make another right on route 4031. The treehouses will be on your left after about 15 minutes.
Day 2: Sticky Waterfalls to Chiang Dao
On Day 2, you have a bit of a drive on route 1001 until you reach the town of Phrao. There are not a lot of places to stop on this stretch, so make sure you’re fed before you head out.
Route 1001 dead ends in Phrao, so you’ll need to turn left (west) on route 1150. There is a gas station and 7-Eleven in the center of town. Make sure to get petrol here.
Once you’ve filled your tank and stocked up on provisions, it’s time for one of the prettiest drives in northern Thailand!
Drive west through the mountains towards Chiang Dao. Drive carefully (always), as the road winds quite a lot and can be steep at times. The views of Chiang Dao’s limestone karst landscape are absolutely stunning on this route.
You’ll also pass beautiful farmland (especially gorgeous in the rainy season or harvest season) and pretty temples. I particularly loved this collection of stupas and Buddha statues tucked into the side of the limestone.
It’s about 30 kilometers to route 107. When you reach it, turn left (south) and drive for about 15 minutes until you reach Chiang Dao.
Things to do in Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao is a popular weekend getaway from Chiang Mai for good reason. There are literally dozens of charming, beautifully situated guesthouses. Most are located just minutes from the Chiang Dao Wildlife Preserve.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is the third-highest mountain in the country. You can climb it, but only if you manage to snag a spot during the one week in October when reservations open for the hiking season. (This is done online, but you have to be fast!)
For a more relaxing time, you have quite a few other choices. You can reach Wat Tham Pha Plong via a beautiful and peaceful walk through the forest. (There are stairs involved, but nothing too demanding.)
Sometimes you’ll see food and other supplies on a table at the entrance to the path. These are usually donations people have dropped off for the monks living at the temple. Check to see if there is a note or sign asking you to carry something small with you up the path.
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is another interesting temple, and part of the complex is located in a cave. There are five separate caverns, and the price depends on how much of the cave system you want to explore. Some parts of the complex are well-lit with beautiful statues and Buddha images. Others have no lighting, so you are only allowed to enter with a light and a guide.
There are also hot springs to enjoy after a long day of driving. Chiang Dao can be surprisingly cool in the evenings and at night, so this may be more welcome than you expect!
If you’re not too sick of sitting on the bike, you can also go for a lovely drive along route 3024. The road passes the two temples above as well as several very nice viewpoints.
Day 3: Leaving Chiang Dao for Chiang Mai
If you’re sure you can’t stay another day (are you sure-sure?), head south on route 107 to get back to Chiang Mai. It’s a pretty chill drive for a while, but be extra cautious as you approach the city. This is a very busy road, with drivers cutting in and out without warning.
Route 107 eventually meets the superhighway in Chang Phueak, where you can turn right to head into Nimman or head straight for Santitham and the Old City. (The highway eventually dead ends when it meets the Chiang Mai moat.)
If you’re in no hurry… why not head north instead? You’ve already driven the first section of the Mae Salong Loop. If you have 3-4 more days to spare, read this guide to my favorite motorbike trip in northern Thailand.
For advice on renting a motorbike, read my post on the best motorbike trips from Chiang Mai.
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