The Elephant Training Centre

Entrance to the Elephant Training Centre in Chiang Dao.

Taken on: 8th September, 2009. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See travelfishery's page of Flickr

Read more about Chiang Dao

A short and scenic 90 minutes from Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao has developed into an excellent alternative base for those who are in the north but do not have the time or inclination to head to the further-flung destinations around the area. While the Chiang Dao Cave is the most popular attraction in the area, there are many reasons to pay a visit: outstanding guesthouses, some exceptional food, ample opportunity for trekking, and one of the most diverse ethnic hilltribe populations of any district in Thailand.

The main town of Chiang Dao is a pretty unexciting little stopover, boasting only a few restaurants and places to stay. The locals are early to bed, with most establishments closing at or before 20:00. As such, they are also very early to rise, and the town's morning market gets going around 03:00, well before the sun rises above the eastern hills. ... Read our complete Chiang Dao travel guide

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