Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls Chiang Mai

One of the most unique places we’ve ever been to in Thailand is called Bua Tong or the Sticky Waterfalls. Located about an hour and a half drive north of Chiang Mai’s Old City, these waterfalls are not only impressive and gorgeous, but a special feature allows you to climb directly up the rocks into the oncoming cascading water.

Although waterfalls are a common tourist attraction in Thailand, we’ve hadn’t seen this one listed in a guidebook. In fact, like many fun things we’ve done, this trip to the Sticky Waterfalls was recommended by a good Thai friend. This was an awesome addition to our trip to the Mae Ngat Dam floating houses one weekend.

Waterfalls are notoriously slippery. One usually goes down a waterfall thanks to gushing waters and slick surfaces. So how is it possible to climb up the Sticky Waterfalls?

The Sticky Waterfalls get their name from a mineral deposit that is incredibly grippy. In fact, the rocks feel like a hardened sponge. They are callous and even slightly prickly to the touch but surprisingly give a bit under pressure. Since no algae or slime adheres to the rocks, they are the perfect canvas to climb up the waterfall. It is impressively steep in some places, but with the aid of the limestone deposits on the stones, we felt like Spider-Man!

Brawn and Beauty

The Sticky Waterfalls are an impressive sight. The rocks are cream-colored and bulbous, almost cartoonish, and contrast beautifully with the dark green forest. And the water? Crystal clear and cool. It comes from a mineral spring so the waterfall is present year-round.

The surrounding forest floor is coated with moss and small colorful flowers. There are plenty of forest creatures like butterflies and water bugs, and there are even the occasional minnows.

These multi-tiered waterfalls are easy on the eyes and a great way to cool off in Thailand’s heat. They are a challenge to your muscles, though. If you do plan to climb these waterfalls, be prepared to work muscles in your legs and feet you never knew existed. Even if you don’t plan on getting wet clambering over the rocks, there are a couple hundred steep stairs that take you down the various levels of waterfalls. Make sure to save your energy for the trip back up!

Stay for a Picnic

Located in the Sri Lanna National Forest (pronounced See Lanna), the Sticky Waterfalls is a great place for a picnic. There are drinks and light snacks for sale on the premises and clean (although Thai-styled) bathrooms. Food is not allowed down in the waterfall area. However, there are plenty of picnic tables with shade near the top area of the park entrance.

Alternatively, about a five minutes drive before arriving at the park is a small outdoor market with several open-aired restaurants. Vendors can whip up Thai meals to-go that you can take with you to the park. There are also grilled meats, fresh fruits, and some small packaged Thai snacks that are perfect for picnicking.

Huai Nam Dang National Park อุทยานแห่งชาติห้วยน้ำดัง

Huai Nam Dang National Park is a national park in Thailand'sChiang Mai and Mae Hong SonProvinces. This mountainous park features scenic mountain viewpoints, waterfalls, and hot springs.

Doi Chang and Doi Kiew Lom mountains offer popular viewpoints of neighbouring mountains and a "sea of fog" effect on winter mornings. Park namesake waterfall, Huai Nam Dang, consists of four levels and is about 50 metres (160 ft) high and 40 metres (130 ft) wide. Mae Yen is another year-round waterfall. Park hot springs include Pong Dueat, consisting of three or four large pools, and Tha Pai in the Pai District section of the park.

Top 10 things to see and do in Chiang Mai Thailand

In light of its optimal location as a gateway into the Northern provinces of Thailand, along with its small-town feel complemented by the perks of being
in a major city, Chiang Mai's appeal as a travel destination is truly impressive. Handicrafts, adventure sports and trekking, and provincial food are all in
full supply, always provided with a smile and often at amazing prices.
1. Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon National Park has Thailand's largest peak, at more than 8,000 feet. It's located to the south of Chiang Mai, and much of its wildlife is
uniquely allocated only to this region. Visitors come for a cool weather retreat and to camp and watch the wildlife. Locals will tell you that it's a
welcome relief from the smoggy city air. Tours from Chiang Mai to this park are recommended.
2. Wat Phratat Doi Suthep
Anytime you meet a Chiang Mai local, they'll undoubtedly ask you if you've visited Doi Suthep yet. It's a hallmark of any trip to the city, and the views
from the summit are spectacular. Climb the 300-step flight of stairs or take a lift to see the restored 14th century chedi which hides sacred relics, and
stroll around the marble courtyard. One of Thailand’s most important temples!
3. Chiang Mai Night Bazaar
Open every night from dusk until midnight, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar has achieved legendary status worldwide for its sheer volume and low prices.
At the centre of all Chiang Mai maps, it's located on Chang Klan road and stays open every evening until midnight. Products you'll find here include
silver, antiques, jewellery and every kind of knock-off designer item you could want. Many of the Chiang Mai hotels are conveniently located here.
4. Thai massage and spas
You'll have no problem finding a place to get a massage or a beauty treatment in Chiang Mai. Hotels even offer spas in house now. Everywhere you
go, you will see signs inviting you to relax for a foot massage, whole body massage or spa treatment. The quality and price vary quite a bit depending
on where you go, and some of the best values can be found by word of mouth or by simply sizing up the location and facility before you commit
yourself. When in Thailand this is one good value activity you must try.
5. A trip to Mae Sa
Mae Sa is well-known for its seven-tiered waterfall as well as for the variety of tourist attractions and performances that are put on in the area. Visitors
can ride elephants at the highly popular Mae Sa Elephant Camp, and the star performers even stage a football match for spectators. There's a monkey
show, a snake farm and a dog show here as well. Taxis and tuk-tuks can be chartered for the 30-minute drive. Follow any tourist maps of Chiang Mai
northwards out of the city. Your hotels concierge can arrange the trip.
6. The Old City
A walking or biking tour of the Old City allows more intimate connections with the living remnants of Chiang Mai's rich history. Wat Chedi Luang is the
most important temple in the city and it contains the great chedi that was once brought down by an earthquake in the 16th century; Wat Phrasingh is
made in a classic, Northern Thai style; and Wat Chiang Mai is made completely of teak wood. Portions of the Old City wall have been restored,
specifically at the gates and corners, and the entire moat remains since its creation 700 years ago. It’s certainly more pleasant than strolling in
Bangkok.
7. Trekking
Most visitors to Chiang Mai will embark on some sort of trekking adventure. Countless tour guide operators can organise a package for you and trips
last anywhere from a full day to several nights, with accommodation provided by intermittent hill tribe villages. These journeys are pieced together with
segments of shuttling, hiking, rafting and riding (usually on elephants). It's one of the best ways to get out into the countryside for a new perspective.
Certainly a change to get of the Chiang Mai tourist map.
8. Courses and training
Whether you're a seasoned professional or only a beginner, Chiang Mai offers a wealth of classes and training in a variety of fields. The most popular
courses are in Thai cooking, Muay Thai (Thai kick boxing) and Thai massage. The social climate in Chiang Mai is conducive to staying for a while, and
many visitors choose to take a class while they get to know the city better. These are popular when visiting Thailand.
9. Adventure sports
After the chaos of Bangkok Cravers of adventures sports will not be disappointed in Chiang Mai. Rock climbers can hone their skills on the outdoor
wall next to the Night Bazaar before heading out to Crazy Horse Buttress. There's also the opportunity for white -rafting and mountain biking up Doi
Suthep. Some lower-key action can be found at the go-kart tracks.
10. Chiang Mai Zoo
The Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to spend some time, not only in light of its 6,000 plus animals, but also because of its position on Doi Suthep
Mountain where you'll catch some great views of the city. Some of the animals include gibbons, elephants and two pandas on loan from China. The
latter have participated in several city festivals and are often featured in newspaper articles and other media.
Don’t forget to book you Chiang Mai hotels well in advance in the busy season.
About the Author
Andy Burrows is a web travel writer, he recommends; online guide to Chiang Mai – Northern Thailand Visiting Thailand
Source: http://www.propertyarticles.info/

Tips for Songkran

Every year people in Thailand await Songkran, the country's longest holiday, with a great sense of anticipation. Here are some of the highlights planned nationwide this year.
BANGKOK (April 12-15)
The opening ceremony will take place April 12 during 6pm-9pm at the Wat Arun temple.
- Songkran rites representing four regions of the country will take place at Sanam Luang near the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.
- Traditional splashing of water where participants will be wearing traditional Thai costume, venue: Khao San Road.
- A spate of activities presented by communities living in and around the Bang Lamphu area; venues are Santi Chaiprakarn Park, Phra Athit Road and Wisut Kasat on April 12-13.
- Offering of prayers at the nine royal temples around Rattanakosin Island from April 11-15 between 9am-6pm: they include Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Pho, Wat Suthat, Wat Sa Ket, Wat Bowon Niwet, Wat Chana Songkhram, Wat Rakhang, Wat Arun and Wat Kalayanamit.
- or details, ring the Events Planning Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand at 02-250-5500 ext 3470 to 3 or its call centre at 1672.
AYUTTHAYA (April 13-14)
- Join the grand Songkran procession by riding elephants. The procession begins at 2pm from the old city centre and you can douse revellers with water while riding your mount. For details, call the Education Division of the Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya municipality at 035-252-168.
RATCHABURI (April 12-16)
- Enjoy Songkran at Siam Cultural Park which will be showcasing various activities, including handicraft making, or enjoy exploring the park's leafy environment. For details, call 032-381-401 to 4 or visit http://www.scppark.com.
PHETCHABURI (April 12-20)
- Phra Nakhon Khiri Palace is the main venue of celebrations from April 14-16. Moreover, there will be ox-cart racing in categories such as speed and beauty in the field at the entrance to Wat Tham Rong, Ban Lat, Phetchaburi.
- Other fun activities include contests involving catching pigs with bare hands, wrestling with bulls, climbing palmyra trees and other events.
PATTAYA (April 18-19)
- At 8am on April 19 there will be a procession along the beach in which spectators can bathe Buddha statues, followed by fun games, art and cultural performances, Miss Songkran pageant, rice harvesting contest and so forth. For details, call Pattaya City at 038-371-116 to 9 or TAT's Central Region III Office at 038-427-667, 038-428-750.
BANG SAEN (April 16-17)
- Celebrations feature the offering of alms to monks, paying homage to the elderly, folk competitions and splashing water along the beach at Bang Saen, and on April 16 there will be a competition involving the building of chedis from sand.
NONG KHAI (April 12-18)
- The northeastern province is staging Thai-Lao Songkran Festival at Wat Pho Chai. The highlight is a food street and on April 13 at 7am you can join a parade featuring a statue of well-known Thai-Lao monk, Luang Pho Phra Sai. For details, call the Nong Khai provincial office at 042-412-678 or TAT's Northeastern Region V Office at 042-325-406/7.
CHIANG MAI (April 12-15)
- The Ministry of Tourism and Sports will kick off the celebrations April 12 at 7am at the Royal Flora Garden (Ratchaphruek) by offering rice alms to 99 monks. On April 13 at 2pm there will be a procession from Naowarat Bridge to Wat Phra Sing featuring bathing rites for Phra Phuttasihing and a Miss Songkran beauty contest. For details, call the municipality at 053-259-000 or TAT's Northern Region I Office at 053-248-604, 053-248-607.
SUKHOTHAI (April 8-12)
- The highlight is a procession of 30 elephants crossing the Yom River to Si Satchanalai Historical Park at 3pm. For details, call the park office 055-671-466, 055-679-153 or TAT's Northern Region III Office at 055-252-742/3.
From www.bangkokpost.com THANIN WEERADET

Wellcome to Chiangrai

Mueang Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย; locally (Kham Muang) Ciang Hai; (Lao) also Xieng Hai) is a city in Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand.

Geography
Geographical location 19°56′N, 99°51′E. Muang Chiang Rai is 200 km northeast of Muang Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Province; 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 km southwest of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.

Demographics
Population 62,000.
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.[citation needed]

Government
Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.
The Salaklang Changwat 19°54.805′N, 99°49.615′E holds the Provincial Offices.
The Municipal Offices are in the Thesaban 19°54′34″, N°99′49″39.

History

Sadu Meuang, Omphalos of the City
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang (TH: สะดือเมือง), the Navel or Omphalos of the City.

Buddhist temples

Wat Rong Khun
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, 19°54.970′N, 99°49.365′E
Wat Phra Kaew, Chiang Rai, 19°54.704′N, 99°49.647′E
Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai, 19°54.653′N, 99°49.882′E
Wat Doi Khao Khwai, 19°52.892′N, 99°48.582′E
Wat Rong Khun, 19°49.480′N, 99°45.800′E, a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat

Tourist attractions
Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Zedong, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
Doi Tung Zoo
Phucheefah
The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.

Panoramic view of Phucheefah point

Education

Colleges and universities
Mae Fah Luang University
Chiang Rai Rajabhat University
Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Rai Campus

High Schools
Samakkhi Wittayakom School 19°54.314′N, 99°49.598′E

Primary Schools
Bansonkong School 19°54.045′N, 99°49.671′E
Piti Suksa Montessori School 19°55.400′N, 99°49.950′E
[ http://www.amecschool.net ]

Hospitals
Overbrook Hospital (Semi-Private) Easy access from city center, modern facility founded 1903 by Dr. Joseph Kampol, a missionary hospital, current president Dr. Ploum.
Sriburin Hospital (Private, and comparatively better quality)[citation needed]
Chiang Rai Prachanukhro Hospital (Public)

Transportation
Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Myanmar border. Chiang Rai is 839 kilometers from Bangkok, about 14 hours by car or by bus. According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes approximately an hour and 30 minutes, however the 175 km trip most often takes at least two and a half hours.
Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
There is scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province daily.
There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai. There have been talks of extending the rail line to Chiang Rai in the near future,[citation needed] but this is unlikely to happen as the city's population is well below 1 million and there isn't as many international tourists visiting Chiang Rai as Chiang Mai

Wat Umong

Wat Umong is a 700 year old Buddhist temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is located against the mountains of Doi Suthep and is south of Chiang Mai University.
Wat Umong is unique in that the resident monks live in a very natural setting, and occasionally feed the deer that live in the area. There are tunnels with Buddhist images below the chedi which can be easily explored. Signs and saying hang from the trees on footpaths leading to the small lake where fish and turtles can be fed

Chiangmai Thailand

Chiang Mai, also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″ECoordinates: 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″E, some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan nChiang Mai, also sometimes written as "Chiengmai", is the largest and most culturally significant city in northern Thailand, and is the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is located at 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″ECoordinates: 18°47′20″N, 98°59′00″E, some 700 km (435 mi) north of Bangkok, among some of the highest mountains in the country. The city stands on the Ping river, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya river.In recent years, Chiang Mai has become an increasingly modern city, although it lacks the cosmopolitan nature of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards. See the map of Chiangmai City wardsform wikipediaature of Bangkok. It has many attractions for the thousands of foreign visitors who come each year. Chiang Mai's historic importance is derived from its important strategic location on an ancient trade route. Long before the modern influx of foreign visitors, the city served as an important centre for handcrafted goods, umbrellas, jewelry (particularly silver) and woodcarving.While officially the city (thesaban nakhon) of Chiang Mai only covers most parts of the Mueang Chiang Mai district with a population of 150,000, the urban sprawl of the city now extends into several neighboring districts. This Chiang Mai Metropolitan Area has a population of almost 700,000 people, nearly half the total of Chiang Mai Province. The city itself is subdivided into 4 wards: Nakhon Ping, Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila. The first three wards are on the west bank, while Kavila is located on the east back of Ping River. Nakhon Ping ward covers the north side of the city. Srivijaya, Mengrai, and Kavila cover the west, south, and east side respectively. The central part(old town) is covered mostly by Srivijaya ward and partly by Nakhon Ping and Mengrai wards. See the map of Chiangmai City wardsform wikipedia