Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls) - Thailand
Bua Tong (Sticky Waterfalls) - The Fountain of Youth
Thailand abounds in natural beauty, tropical islands, lush forests, mysterious caves and gushing waterfalls. However, the aptly named Sticky Waterfalls is not only beautiful but stands out as a unique natural phenomenon.
The Sticky Waterfalls make for an unforgettable day trip. They’re located within the SriLanna National Park on the outskirts of Thailand’s vibrant northern city, Chiang Mai. The entry road winds through a dark green tropical forest and leads visitors to a serene picnic spot.
From here the soft echoes of splashing water call closer amidst the cacophony of bird calls. Transparent waters emerge from a mineral spring that form shallow pools at the top of the waterfall. From here, the forest creeps up on all sides, sheltering bright green ferns and mossy undergrowth. Slender trees hang over the pools and thick vines loop along the bank.
Peer down the valley and the multi-tiered waterfall will impress even the most ardent of waterfall aficionados. Not for its size or height, but rather because of the creamy white bulbous rocks that act as a stunning contrast to the soft lushness of the forest. The calcium carbonate rich water deposits onto the rocks overtime, rounding them out and giving them a white chalky almost cloud-like appearance.
Best of all, the mineral deposits on the rock form a non-slip, slightly abrasive surface, making it perfect to climb. Climbing up rocks as water cascades down, at first seems counter intuitive, almost dangerous. However, the surprising ease of the experience fills with so much joy and wonder that you could be forgiven for thinking this was the fountain of youth.
Some tiers of the waterfall are steeper than others and a rope has been attached to assist climbers. It’s almost as if climbing a staircase to a flooded bathroom, but without all the property damage. Even if you don’t plan on getting wet clambering over the rocks, there are a series of man-made stairs that run parallel to the waterfall.
At the top of the waterfall there is a sign to the sacred spring, Nam Phu Chet Si. Follow the sign that leads over a boardwalk and through the trees, to find a small shrine that acts as a gateway to the spring. The water’s deep blue is mysterious and entrancing. It’s no wonder the spring is said to have a sacred healing energy. Visitors are not permitted to swim here. Instead, one can utilise the provided buckets attached to long sticks to splash their confidant and relieve them of their ailments.
The sacred water is sure to relieve you of the tropical heat, if not for a moment, but the memorable experience will stay with you a lifetime.
* The trip from Chiang Mai to the Sticky Waterfalls is about an hour and a half via the main highway. This can be done by hiring a scooter or a songthaew (red taxi truck) from the main street in the Old City of Chiang Mai.
