Chiang Dao tourist and travel guide
Trekking to Chiang Dao summit is tough going
Located just 77kms north of Chiang Mai in northern Thailand, Chiang Dao is a spectacular mountain region boasting authentic hill tribe villages, deep valleys, fast rivers, steep limestone cliffs, enthralling caves, and magical temples. Still relatively undeveloped and inexpensive, Chiang Dao offers a host of attractions and activities.
Many visitors to the area head straight to Chiang Dao Caves, located at the base of towering Chiang Dao mountain (Thailand's third highest peak at 2,175m), which consist of an extensive cave system housing an important Buddhist temple. The cave is lit but for 100 baht you can take a longer, lantern-lit guided tour through the deeper network of caverns and passages. Highlights include the limestone stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the ancient Buddhist statues.
Continuing through the village, you will discover a Hindu Ashram with a resident guru. A little farther down this same road, past Chiang Dao Nest guesthouse, you come upon Tham Phla Plong - another sanctified cave which is distinguished by a striking chedi above it - and worth the 15-minute walk up steps to this hidden gem. It commemorates a much revered monk who set up a meditation retreat in this cave.
Double back a kilometre on this road and take the right fork for a spectacular climb up around the mountain, ending at a remote village high on the upper reaches of the Mae Tang river.
Chiang Dao offers perhaps the most varied range of activities in such a small area of any location in Northern Thailand. Chiang Dao National Park is full of trekking and hiking opportunities, while the sheer limestone cliffs are a haven for rock climbers. Elephant trekking through the jungle is possible, as is white-water kayaking and bamboo rafting down the Mae Tang river (July-December is best). Overnight stays at hill tribe villages (Hmong, Lisu, Padang, Lahu) in the area are popular and can usually be arranged by your place of accommodation. Mountain biking and caving complete the range of adventure opportunities, while birdwatchers can keep themselves occupied trying to spot the 300-plus species recorded in the area.
Chiang Dao town is quiet (apart from the traffic passing along the highway) and has a number of interesting, authentic markets. The morning market opens at 06:30 and features insects, pigs' heads and other interesting sights. Every Tuesday hill tribes come down from the surrounding mountains to sell their goods, and this is a great place to pick up unique items at bargain prices as the market is not intended for tourists.
The turn off to Chiang Dao Cave and accommodation
Turning left off the main road some 20kms north and heading in the direction of Doi Angkhang for a further 20kms is worth the effort simply to admire the very pretty Sri sangwan Waterfalls. They are distinguished by limestone deposits which give this multi-tiered forest cascade a lovely veneer.
Chiang Dao is a popular stop on the way from Chiang Mai to Tha Ton, where travellers with their own transportation can head for the border town of Mae Sai via Mae Salong, while those using public transportation can catch a boat down the Kok river to Chiang Rai before going north to Mae Sai. From Mae Sai, the Golden Triangle beckons with its reputation and charming Mekong towns of Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong (border crossing for Laos).
Guest houses in Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao Nest: is one of our personal favourites - a modest and quaint place tucked beneath the mountain near the caves. It's run by Englishman, Stuart Cavaliero, and his wife Wicha - an internationally-trained cook who produces good food. Room rates: 595-1,595 baht, 523, Moo6, Chiang Dao, tel: (053) 456 242, fax: (053) 455 931, mobile: 086 017 1985, email: nest@chiangdao.com.
Malee's Nature Lover's Bungalows: is also a decent value place with private en suite bungalows. A new restaurant and a small pool in a cosy garden makes this place a real delight. Rooms w/shared bathroom 200 baht (August–September), 350 baht (October-July); bungalows: 750-1,350 (August–September), 950-1,550 (October-July); two storey house (sleeps 6): 2,900 per day, 18,000 baht per month (100 baht per extra person); camping: 80 baht per person with own tent, 200 baht tent rental; 144/2 Moo 5, Chiang Dao, tel: (053) 456 426, 456 508, mobile: 081 961 8387, email: maleenature@hotmail.com.
Chiang Dao Hill Resort: a little farther away and a little more upmarket and pricier. Rooms: 500 baht; furnished house with 1 bedroom/1 bathroom 1,200 baht, w/2 bedrooms/2 bathrooms 2,500 baht, 3 bedrooms/3 bathrooms house 2,000-2,400 baht; large house w/5+ bedrooms/6 bathrooms 7,000 baht; camping: 100 baht per person; 28 Moo 6, Tambon Pingkong, Chiang Dao, tel: (053) 232 434, 234 995, Fax: (053) 251 372, mobile: 081 881 6879, email: chiangdaohillresort@gmail.com.
Activities in Chiang Dao
Trekking: can be arranged through Chiang Dao Nest which has a good track record. Malee's also offers treks.
White-water rafting / kayaking: on the nearby Mae Tang river can be arranged through Siam River Adventures, the only company qualified in swift water rescue. Tel: 089 515 1917, 081 473 6839, email: info@siamrivers.com (Jason).
Note! To secure a guaranteed room and find the best rates, we suggest you look online at Agoda.com. They seem to be the most competitively priced of the hotels sites.
