Sticky Waterfall – Chiang Mai, Thailand

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Me and D’jeane and Orawun and Larry pile into Orawun’s car and head out to ‘Sticky Waterfall’.
That isn’t the official name. It’s ‘Bua Tong Waterfall’ but Orawun tells us all the locals call it ‘Sticky Waterfall’.

It’s a really hot Chiang Mai day. Getting into the water is awesome. It’s cold, and clean, and surrounded by thick, lush jungle.

(Top photo: D’jeane loving the cold water.)

The cool thing about Sticky Waterfall is that the pearly white limestone that makes the falls has a slightly rough surface, like sandpaper. We climb up the falls really easily, like a giant set of steps. The surface isn’t exactly sticky, but it’s definitely not slippery.

Sticky Waterfall is one of those places that’s so beautiful it’s almost surreal.
With the crystal water, and lush forest, it reminds me a bit of Kuang Si Falls in Laos.

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(Photo: Me, D’jeane, Orawun and Larry, eating health food. Thx for the pic Orawun!)

Nothing like clambering up and down waterfalls to give you an appetite.
We roll out Orawun’s picnic mat, and tuck into a whole load of deep fried picnic food. Roast chicken, pork ribs, crispy intestines, and something Orawun describes as ‘pig booby’. (I’m not sure. But it’s delicious.)
After a lunch like that, the name ‘Sticky Waterfall’ takes on a whole new significance.

(Below: Orawun and Larry showing off their climbing abilities.)

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It’s great that in Thailand, even though tourism is a huge industry, and places like Sticky Waterfall are very popular, the level of commercialism is still relatively minimal.
The parking lot at Sticky Waterfall is just a clearing in the forest. There are a few wooden cafes, and a couple of shops selling bags and t-shirts, but it’s all very low-key.
After we walk to the bottom of the falls, it’s like we are in the middle of the jungle.

After travelling in hyper-regulated, super commercialised places like Australia, Europe and New Zealand, it’s fantastic to see how a much simpler way of doing things can also be successful.

I hope Thailand keeps it’s simplicity. I love it.

(Below: Thai minimalism. Need a street light? Grab a light bulb and an old plastic bottle. Done.)

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