Chiang Dao guide

Chiang Dao cave complex is a honeycomb of adventure.

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 mastiffs, 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 system is lit by fluorescent lights, but for 100 baht you can take a longer, lantern-lit, guided tour through the cave system's 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 peak looms above Wat Tham Pla Plong Chedi.

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 (best July - Dec). 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; this is a great place to pick up unique items at bargain prices, as the market is not intended for tourists.

Oft overlooked Sri Sangwan falls is one of the prettiest in Northern Thailand.

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 - 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 outstanding food. 523 m.6 Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, 50170, Thailand, Tel: (66) 053 455 339, Fax: (66) 053 455 931, Mobile: (66) 086 017 1985, Website: http://nest.chiangdao.com/, Email: nest@chiangdao.com
Malee's Nature Lover's Bungalows: is nearby and run by Thai-German management, also with good-value private bungalows, some with private bathrooms. 144/2 Moo 5, A.Chiang Dao, Chiangmai 50170, Tel: (66) 053 456 426, 456 508, Mobile: (66) 081 9618387.
Chiang Dao Hill Resort: is a little farther away and a little more upmarket and pricier. 28 Moo 6, T.Pingkong, A.Chiang Dao, Chiangmai, Tel: (66) 053 232 434, 234 995, Fax: (66) 053 251 372, Mobile: (66) 081 881 6879, Website: http://www.chiangdaohillresort.com/, Email: chiangdaohillresort@gmail.com

Activities

Trekking: can be arranged through Chiang Dao Nest which has a good track record. Malee's also offers treks.
White-water rafting or kayaking: on the nearby Mae Tang river can be arranged through Siam River Adventures, the only company qualified in swift water rescue. Contact Jason: info@siamrivers.com, Tel: +66 (0) 8469 53959. www.siamrivers.com