Sticky waterfalls and temples in one clean schedule.

If you want a private day that gets you out of the city without wasting hours on logistics, this tour is built for that. I like the simple flow: two Lanna temples with admission included, then a chance to climb at Bua Thong. One thing to consider: the day is long enough that the waterfall may feel like the main event, so if you’re expecting a full-on guided walking tour vibe, you might find it more structured than adventurous.

You start at 9:00 am, and you’re back the same day, which is exactly how I like to use limited time in Chiang Mai. The upside is you’re not juggling tuk-tuks or mapping temple locations across town—this is handled in an air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.

Key points at a glance

• Private vehicle = less waiting and more comfortable pacing between temple clusters
• Wat Ched Yot and Wat Chiang Man deliver real old-kingdom Chiang Mai atmosphere
• Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall climbing is the hands-on highlight that turns photos into a memory
• Lunch and soft drinks included so you don’t burn your budget mid-day
• Group discounts and mobile tickets can make planning easier if you’re traveling with others
• Guide quality can vary, so it’s worth booking with a provider that clearly communicates the plan

Why a private temple-and-waterfall day makes sense in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai looks compact on a map, but temple hopping can quietly eat your time. Distances, traffic, and the constant question of where to park—or who to ask for directions—add up fast. A private tour fixes that.

With this experience, you’re paying for a day that runs like a checklist: pickup, two temple stops, lunch, then Bua Thong. That structure is a real value if your days are limited or you don’t want to spend half your trip coordinating transport.

At the same time, the trade-off is that it’s not a free-form wandering day. You’re going to hit set locations with set time windows, so you’ll want to be the kind of traveler who enjoys a plan.

Morning pick-up and the 9:00 am start that keeps you on track

The day begins at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. For most people, that early start helps you beat the slow middle of the day—especially helpful if your highlight is the waterfall climb, where you’ll want a good amount of energy.

Transport is air-conditioned, and the tour is private, meaning only your group participates. That matters more than it sounds. You’re not squeezed around strangers, and your guide can adapt the timing a bit without needing to match everyone else’s pace.

One practical note: one negative review flagged that the van can be very old and uncomfortable in heat. You can’t control the vehicle assigned to you, but you can protect yourself—bring water (you’ll have soft drinks), wear breathable clothes, and plan to use the air con whenever you can during transfers.

Wat Ched Yot: Lanna-era architecture outside the old city glow

Your first temple stop is Wat Ched Yot (Wat Jed Yod), on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. You’ll have about one hour, with admission included.

What I like about Wat Ched Yot is how it shifts the mood. This is not just another temple photo stop. It’s described as an attractive Lanna era complex with some very unique architecture, and that uniqueness is why it earns a spot on a short tour. You get enough time to look closely, spot details, and still keep the day moving.

The possible drawback here is simple: if you’re someone who wants long, slow exploration, one hour will feel tight. But for a 6-hour day that still includes lunch and a waterfall, the timing makes sense. You’re being efficient on purpose.

Wat Chiang Man: the oldest temple in town and a chedi with elephant buttresses

Second stop: Wat Chiang Man. This temple is famous for being the oldest in Chiang Mai town, built in 1296 by King Mengrai of the Lanna kingdom. You’ll also get about one hour, with admission included.

This stop has two big strengths:

• The place has a strong story tied to early Lanna rule, not just a general temple vibe.
• The chedi features elephant-shaped buttresses in a distinctly Lanna style, which makes it stand out visually even if you’re not a hardcore architecture nerd.

If you like travel days that mix atmosphere and context, this is one of the best mid-day anchors. You’ll get a sense of how old Chiang Mai’s power and belief systems looked, and it pairs nicely with the later waterfall contrast—stone-age spirituality followed by water and rock.

Bua Thong Sticky Waterfall (Nam Phu Chet Si): the climb is the point

Then comes the main event: Bua Thong Waterfalls, also known as Nam Phu Chet Si. You’ll spend about two hours here, with admission included.

The special feature is what you came for: the rocks allow you to climb directly up into the cascading water—often called the sticky waterfall because of how your footing behaves on the wet surface.

Here’s what that means for you in real terms:

• This is not just a lookout. It’s active.
• You’ll want to approach it like a climb, not a stroll.
• The waterfall is also likely to be the messiest, wettest, most physical part of the day—plan accordingly.

Because the plan includes a climbing opportunity, you’ll enjoy this tour most if you’re comfortable getting wet and spending time on uneven terrain. If you’d rather keep things strictly scenic, you can still enjoy the site, but your experience may feel less focused on what you want.

One more practical consideration: if it rains or the flow changes, conditions can shift. The tour description promises the climbing experience, but nature controls the details—so keep a flexible mindset once you arrive.

Lunch, soft drinks, and pacing that keeps your day from falling apart

Lunch is included, described as a local lunch, plus soft drinks for the trip. That’s a meaningful value piece. Many tours load you up with temple tickets and transport costs, then ask you to pay for meals on top.

In the reviews, lunch quality appears mixed. One unhappy note called it mediocre, while other experiences were more positive overall. My takeaway: don’t book expecting a top-tier restaurant meal. Instead, think of lunch as fuel that keeps you moving so you can actually enjoy the climb and temple time.

The same goes for the schedule. Two temples plus a waterfall could easily turn into a rushed blur. The way this day is paced—with one-hour temple blocks and a two-hour waterfall block—is built to protect your energy.

Price and value: does $75.51 add up?

At $75.51 per person, this tour has a clear value argument: you’re bundling a private vehicle, guide, hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance fees for all stops, and lunch plus soft drinks into one price.

That package matters because in Thailand, the “small” costs add up fast:

• admissions,
• transport,
• and the guide’s time to keep you moving and informed.

The private part is the real driver of value if you hate waiting for other passengers or you’re traveling with a group that wants room and comfort. If you’re traveling solo, you may still like the private setup for the same reason: you stay on your schedule.

Where value might feel shaky is if:

• you’re staying very close to Wat Chiang Man or central sights and could have visited independently, or
• you end up with a vehicle that feels older or hotter than you expected.

A balanced way to think about it: this tour is worth it if you want convenience and a guided day with planned timing. It’s less of a slam-dunk if you want maximum freedom or you already planned to visit these spots on your own with no guide.

Guide impact: when Joe’s style makes the day better

The operator is GoWithJoe, and one review specifically praised a guide named Joe for going beyond expectations—being accommodating and even adding other locations when time allowed.

That matters because the difference between a so-so tour and a great one is often the human part: how well the guide keeps the day flowing, how clearly they explain what you’re seeing, and whether they can adjust when you have extra time.

I’d use this as a decision tool:

• If you love learning details and you enjoy a friendly, responsive guide, this tour can deliver.
• If you mainly want a driver who drops you off and you don’t care about interpretation, you might not feel the guide value as strongly—especially if the guide style is more transactional on the day you go.

Who should book this tour (and who might want a different plan)

This is a strong match if you want:

• a short visit to Chiang Mai but still want both temples and a “must-do” natural attraction,
• private comfort without the stress of arranging multiple rides,
• and at least some physical willingness for the Sticky Waterfall climb.

It may be less ideal if you:

• expect a long, wandering temple day with lots of free time,
• dislike wet, slippery terrain,
• or are picky about vehicle comfort and want a guarantee on van condition (the reviews show it can vary).

Should you book GoWithJoe’s Temples and Sticky Waterfall tour?

I’d say book it if your goal is a smooth, time-efficient day that checks the boxes: Wat Ched Yot, Wat Chiang Man, and Bua Thong, with lunch handled and entrances included.

Before you commit, think honestly about two things:

1. Is the waterfall climb your priority? If yes, this timing and structure works well.
2. Do you want private logistics? If you hate negotiating transport and you’d rather relax, that private setup is where you’ll feel the value.

If you love flexible travel where you roam at your own pace, you might prefer arranging temples and the waterfall separately. But for a 6-hour day that’s designed to make limited time count, this tour is a solid bet.

FAQ

FAQ

What does this tour include?

It includes lunch (local lunch), soft drinks, an air-conditioned vehicle, hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and all fees and taxes for the stops.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s listed as a private tour/activity, with only your group participating.

Which temples are visited?

You visit Wat Ched Yot and Wat Chiang Man.

Is admission included?

Yes, admission tickets are included for each stop.

Is the Sticky Waterfall climbing included?

The waterfall stop includes the chance to climb up the rocks into the cascading water.

What is not included in the price?

Personal expenses are not included.

Is the tour suitable for most travelers?

The tour notes that most travelers can participate.