Motorbike routes
Sticky Waterfalls and Chiang Dao Road Trip
Follow the road from Chiang Mai to Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls and Chiang Dao in one long day, or stay in Chiang Dao for two or three days.
Updated 20 October 2026
This road trip links the Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls with the mountain scenery around Chiang Dao. You can make the journey from Chiang Mai and back in one long day, or stay in Chiang Dao and turn it into a two- or three-day trip. The original route covers roughly 200 km, with plenty of places to stop along the way.
The route north
This route follows the reservoir roads northeast of Chiang Mai, visits the Sticky Waterfalls, then continues toward Chiang Dao before returning to the city. The map below shows the full loop as it was driven; you can take the stops in either direction or use just part of the route. The Mae Kuang Suspension Bridge area makes a scenic detour on the reservoir side of the ride.
The waterfalls are a fun stop in their own right: the textured limestone gives them their name, and there are pools and shaded areas nearby. See the Sticky Waterfalls guide for more pictures and details about the place. From there, the drive north opens up toward the Chiang Dao valley and its mountain backdrop.
Chiang Dao: coffee, caves and hot springs
Khampanna Cafe is one possible coffee stop with views across the valley. The rice fields look different through the seasons, while Doi Luang Chiang Dao remains the landmark behind them. If you have more time, visit Chiang Dao Cave and the nearby Chiang Dao Hot Springs. Pong Arng Hot Springs is farther north and better suited to a longer stay in the area.
Show Chiang Dao on a map
Make it a two- or three-day trip
An overnight stay gives you time for the cave, hot springs, cafes and more of the mountain scenery without fitting everything into one day. With a third day, you can explore farther around Chiang Dao or add a hike. Our Chiang Dao jungle trekking guide shows another way to spend time in the hills with local guide Dechawat.
For a one-day return, a motorbike with a little more power than a small city scooter can make the distance more comfortable. A car works too, particularly if you want to spend more time at the stops. The same route can be a relaxed first leg of a longer Chiang Dao stay instead of a fixed day-trip schedule.
