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Chiang Dao Travel and Adventure TripsChiang Dao is a district (Amphoe) of Chiang Mai Province in northern Thailand. Doi Chiang Dao
At 2,285 m (7,500 ft), Doi Chiang Dao is the third largest mountain in Thailand. Home to several Lisu and Karen villages, it features a mixture of tropical and pine forests. Today, this peak and the surrounding area, characterized by rugged limestone scenery and dense teak forest, are more of an attraction than the nearby town, Chiang Dao. Tham Chiang Dao
Running for some 14 km (8.5 miles) under the mountain is a network of caves, Tham Chiang Dao, best reached from Chiang Dao town. Most of the caves house statues of the Buddha that, over the years, have been left by Shan pilgrims from Burma. The highlight of the bat-inhabited caves, however, is their huge stalactites and stalagmites. Lanterns and guides can be hired in order to make the most of these impressive features. The tours take visitors along and illuminated walkway through the caves.
Near the caves is a temple, Wat Tham Chiang Dao, with a Buddhist meditation center and a small room displaying gongs and other instruments. Beyond a huge tamarind tree, by the pond, is an old Burmese style chedi. Nearby, a small market offers a wide selection of locally gathered forest roots, herbs, and spices. East of Doi Chiang Dao, and dominated by the peak, is Chiang Dao town, with its traditional teak buildings along the main street. It was founded in the 18th century as a place of exile for phi pop, (“spirit people”), who were suspected of being possessed by evil spirits. In fact, the symptoms of their true illnesses, such as malaria, had been mistaken as signs of madness. Elephant Training Center Chiang Dao
The Elephant Training Center Chiang Dao, southeast of Chiang Dao, is located in a wooded area beside a stream. The daily displays feature elephants bathing, and lifting and dragging logs. Elephant rides may also be taken. Tham Tup Tao (Tup Tao Cave) Tham Tup Tao, 48 km (30 miles) north of Chiang Dao, are two large caverns. Tham Pha Kao (“light cave”) houses two large Buddha images and a stalagmite carved in the shape of a group of elephants. Inside Tham Pha Chak (“dark cave”), which can be explored only by lantern, is a bat colony. Trekking around Chiang Dao
Northern Thailand is renowned for its trekking. Treks in the area around Chiang Dao and Mae Taeng often combine visits to hill tribe villages with and elephant ride or raft trip through the stunning scenery. Most three-day treks from Chiang Mai, which can be arranged by guesthouses or trekking companies in the city, incorporate this area. Among the region’s interesting towns are Mae Taeng, Phrao, and Chiang Dao, all of which have long been at the interface between the Thai-dominated lowlands and the uplands, where the hill tribes live. It is vital to trek with a guide who is familiar with the area and hill-tribe etiquette. Chiang Dao National Park
The town of Chiang Dao is adjacent to Chiang Dao National Park, which covers over 1000 sq.km.of the stunning craggy mountains in the area, including Doi Chiang Dao itself (2225m). Being fairly high up, it's noticeably cooler and drier than on the plains and can get downright cold in the winter. The local flora are semitropical, with extensive bamboo forests and a number of mountain streams and waterfalls. The area is popular for trekking, as in addition to the mountain views there are many Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages scattered in the park. Chiang Dao Nest Tours and Trekking Chiang Dao Nest Tours and Trekking offers a wide variety of 2-3 day treks in the national park. Small, private groups led by local hill tribe guides, priced at roughly 1000 baht/person/day all-inclusive. Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a wonderful two day mountain trip for experienced hikers. Getting to Chiang Dao  Chiang Dao is 72 km north of Chiang Mai on Highway 107 to Fang and Tha Ton. By Plane The nearest major airport is in Chiang Mai. A metered, air conditioned taxi will cost about 1000 - 1200 Baht one-way (~$35US). By Bus The easiest and cheapest way to get in and out of Chiang Dao, is to stay next to, or near Highway 107. Anywhere along side the highway, one can wave down a bus or Songtheaw to either go towards Chiang Mai (40 Baht), or Fang (40 Baht). Buses run quite often (between 6am - 6pm every half hour) There are buses six times daily from Chiang Mai to Tha Ton, which stop at Chiang Dao along the way. 90 minutes, 40 baht. You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along the side of the road, which is ofter better than getting off at the Chiang Dao bus stop, where Sontheaw drivers charge 100 Baht or more to take you one-way to a resort. Getting around Chiang Dao Most guesthouses can arrange motorcycles for rent for around 200 baht/day. Accommodation in Chiang Dao Chiang Dao now offers quite a few guesthouses and resorts, some located right near the Chiang Dao - Fang Highway, others near the bypass or near the cave and mountain temple. Budget Accommodation in Chiang Dao Mon and Kurt's Thai-German Restaurant has a large, cozy, teak private room with a fan. Shared bathroom and hot shower, towels and clean bedding provided, and great food in the restaurant and good fresh coffee. Beautiful mountain view from the restaurant, UBC TV, international calls and Internet access. A popular place for local expats as well as people on day trips from Chiang Mai. They also have a furnished house for rent, with full kitchen, two bedrooms and dining room, in a quiet location. Motorcycles available for daily rental. Restaurant, room and hire rates are extremely modest. Address: 78 Moo 15 Baan Don, Chiang Dao (take the Fang Rd. 107 out of Chiang Mai, through Mae Rim, Mae Taeng and on to Chiang Dao. The restaurant is about 2.5 km past Chiang Dao town's 7/11) Tel. 053 388011, 084 1739975 Email: monandkurt@yahoo.com Mid-range Accommodation in Chiang Dao Chiang Dao Nest
Chiang Dao Nest, run by English/Thai couple Stuart and Wicha is a self-proclaimed mini-resort with views of the mountains around and Thai/Western food. 11 bungalows with fan, attached bathroom and hot water. Tel. +66-60171985 Nature Home Nature Home, is a nice and quiet place, offers nice rooms with private bathrooms. The owners are a local couple that speaks no English, but is very friendly. If you are lucky, you might get some kind of breakfast for free in the morning. Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows, is a nice and quiet place set up in 1995 offers nice bamboo rooms (and fan) with high ceilings and private bathrooms. Family and honeymoon suits are also available. The location offers views of the surrounding mountains. The owner speak good English and is very friendly. It is located right next to the above mentioned Chiang Dao Nest. Splurge Accommodation in Chiang Dao Baan Krating Chiang Dao, Highway 107 Km. 63, is a "boutique resort" with 10 villas on the banks of the Ping River, 10 km to the south of town. Each villa has air-con, attached bathroom and terrace. |    |
