Last Updated on March 15, 2023 by PowersToTravel
The Buatong Sticky Waterfalls is located north of Chiang Mai in the Srilanna National Park. I did learn early on that sticky did not refer to the water being sticky, but I didn’t realize until just now how “sticky” the rocks were.
It had become quite hot in the afternoon, and we were quite happy to arrive in this shady park, complete with several linked waterfalls. We could only see a rope which fell over the edge of the hill, and wondered what lay below, and if we would dare climb up, using the rope. There were few people around. It was mid-week in November, so perhaps high season had not yet arrived.
Greg paused for a photo shoot with Diet Dr. Pepper, at the top of the waterfall. Diet Dr. Pepper was still a member of our family van, as the full suitcase of bottles which he had brought to Bangkok was not yet depleted. Every adventure, except the temples, became a new opportunity for Diet Dr. Pepper to strut his stuff!
Nice Dr. Pepper Bathing Suit!
Sadly, my pump became a hindrance in this adventure. Generally water sports are accompanied by a boat, so I can wear the pump until the moment of the adventure, then pump a bit, knowing how long I’ll be without, then put it aside in a plastic bag, with my towel, etc. It’s a pretty easy habit. However, hiking? In water? Would we be out a half hour, or one hour? Should I take it off? I didn’t like the looks of the waterfall (I and waterfalls historically do not get along well when we are together) and doubted I would attempt it.
Not only am I a diabetic, but a photographer, and not a photographer with a waterproof camera (Nikon Coolpix Waterproof), like my husband, but one with a rather nice camera at the beginning of a long “trip-of-a-lifetime.” Do I bring my camera to capture the adventure and the beauty of the park, or do I leave it in the car? This time my husband led me astray because he encouraged me to bring the camera.
So, fast forward fifteen minutes and you’ll find me at the bottom of the first waterfall, camera strap around my neck, pump fastened to my bathing suit. Greg wandered in the stream, and encouraged me to do the same. I don’t get along well with slippery rocks, and add them with my own inherent clumsiness to two most critical electronic devices, and you’ll find me on land, not in water.
Everyone cajoled me to join but I refused. The sign at the bottom even supported my position: “Caution. Wet Floop!” I wonder if it meant “Wet Slope?” or “You’ll flop in the wet?”
Finally, I took off my pump and camera and stepped hesitantly into the pool at the bottom of the falls. Oh, how refreshing the water felt as it tumbled down. I lay back in the falls, using it as a chaise-lounge, and relaxed.
Meanwhile Greg decided to climb the falls with Diet Dr. Pepper, felt it important to be fully documented, and brought me my camera in the water! Oh, the fear of being in the water and risking my camera!
I took the shots and admired Greg’s technique, and his bathing suit, ever “Dr. Pepper.”
I documented his climb, then staggered over to the shore, re-attached the pump and hiked back to the top.
As I reached the top, I could see Vanessa, Jesse and Donevan also reaching the top, having climbed it through the waterfall, as well.
What a disappointment to not have fully experienced this unique location.
Oh, and here’s the picnic area. As I said, “Where are all the people?”
My recommendation?
Do continue to worry about the insulin pump. It is worth my life, and while it can take a dip, it probably can’t take a crash as I smash it on a slippery rock. But, I could have just asked our guide how long we’d be, and leave it up top, with him.
Don’t bring the expensive camera. If Greg wants to be in a show, bring his cheaper waterproof one, even if it doesn’t have a viewfinder.
The final recommendation, read a little bit about the adventure you’re about to take. Sticky Waterfall? It’s named “sticky” because the rocks aren’t slippery at all. No Floop. There was no more likelihood of me falling in the waterfall than on the trail next to it.
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What do you think?
Do you read Thai? What do you think Floop means?
Check out this article of mine too:
Thailand Travel Blog – Itinerary, Impressions and Diabetic Travel Tips
Since this was early in your trip, you were wise to be cautious. A little for-knowledge would have been helpful. Your comments are especially helpful to the next one along the path. So glad that you could at least participate in this adventure and add it to your memory. Pictures are great.