Chiang Dao

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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. Early birds will feel right at home.

Considering that there is not much of interest in town, and the main draw of Chiang Dao is its lovely natural surroundings, most people opt to stay well off the main thoroughfare; there are several excellent options on the road that weaves through the jungle on the way to the cave and beyond to the national park. This area, well away from any traffic noise, among tall stands of trees nestled at the base of Doi Chiang Dao Luang, is as peaceful and beautiful a locale as you could ask for.

The people of Chiang Dao and the surrounding area care deeply about the serene valleys and mountains they call home. As such, great emphasis is placed on preserving the beauty and health of their farmlands and jungles, an important effort that goes missing in some other rural areas of Thailand (and much of the rest of Southeast Asia, for that matter). This, along with plentiful hilltribe village homestays, makes for a fabulous environment for trekking, birdwatching, nature photography, and anything else you fancy most when you find yourself in the great outdoors.

If pristine wilderness is what you came looking for in northern Thailand, then Chiang Dao should not be missed. At a short 80 kilometres north of Chiang Mai, there is very little standing in the way between you and this relaxing, verdant escape.

Orientation
The town of Chiang Dao straddles what was once highway 107, though traffic through town has likely dropped off dramatically since they built the highway bypass just to the west. Aside from these two roads, the only other significant thoroughfare in the area is the road that leads out to the cave, which begins in town as Soi 25. Many of the town's best and longest-running guesthouses can be found here.

The town itself doesn't have all that much in terms of traveller resources, but it has the essentials. Banks, petrol and the police station can all be found along the main road, and you'll find at least one 7-eleven as well, so there is at least one place open after 20:00.

Internet as well as motorbike rentals can be found at The Star, a small cafe near Soi 13 on the east side of the road. Prices are not as low as in Chiang Mai, but reasonable nonetheless, making it a good first stop for anyone travelling without their own transport/internet device.

Get orientated with a map of Chiang Dao, Thailand

Chiang Dao reviews

Backchat from the Travelfish community

Chiand Dao itself doesn't worth

It is truth ''Considering that there is not much of interest in town''...
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By fernandia (dabbler)
Written on 16th December, 2012 after a visit to Chiang Dao in December, 2012

Also reviewed by fernandia: Mae Salong, Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Sukhothai,
Transportation and Food in and around Chiang Dao

If you visit Chiang Dao, it is best, if you arrive with your own transportation, because it can be fairly expensive (compared to Chiang Mai), to get around. There are motorcycle rentals, next to the Chiang Dao Swimming Pool, for 280 Baht per day, or you can get a Songtheaw for 150 Baht (one way) to take you to the Cave area.
Mon and Kurt's Restaurant and Guesthouse, (across from the Chiang Dao Inn Hotel, right next to the Bangkok Bus bus stop), rents bicycles and mountain bikes for 100 Baht (24 hours). They also serve some of the best (and biggest variety) of Thai and European Food, in Chiang Dao. You can rent a bicycle there, or get the owner, Mon, to call a songtheaw for you. They do not have motorcycles for rent.
If you do have your own transportation, there are many things to see...
The beautiful hot springs, near Phrao, Doi Angkhan Mountain, Arunothai, which is a really cool Chinese border town, Chiang Dao hot springs, Chiang Dao Cave and the Chiang Dao mountain temple.
You can also venture out on many day trips, as Chiang Dao is fairly central to many beautiful places in Northern Thailand.
Accommodations range from 150 Baht - 20,000 Baht, depending on your taste and pocket book. You can get an air conditioned bungalow with hot showers, at Cees' and Chans Bungalows, behind the PT gas station, for 400 Baht, or for a little bit more, at numerous other places, such as Mon and Kurt's Restaurant and Guesthouse, Mon Kiang Dao Resort, Malee's Nature Lover Bunglaws, Chiang Dao Nest, Marisa Resort, Aurora Resort and many others. The accommodation list is endless, in Chiang Dao, but most of them are mid range to expensive.
If you arrive after Songkran, ask for the new (2012)tourist information Map, which is currently being produced, by Damien and has everything on it, you need to know about Chiang Dao and it's surrounding area. There is also free tourist information available, at Mon and Kurt's.
For your trekking needs, we recommend Malee's Nature Lover Bungalows, who have tons of information for Bird Watchers, Orchid Lovers and Trekkers.
Chiang Dao is conveniently located, only 75km North of Chiang Mai, on Highway 107. If you are coming by bus from Chiang Mai, it is only 40 Baht, from Chang Phuak Bus station (1 hour and 20 minutes).
A VIP bus from Morchit Bus Station, in Bangkok, that goes to Thaton, will let you off, right in front of the Chiang Dao Inn, in the morning. (10 hours)
- Sights & activities
- History & culture
- Scenery & environment
- Eat & drink
- Traveller's scene
- Romance
- Value for money
- I'll be back (or not)
By globalgypsy (dabbler)
Written on 27th March, 2012 after a visit to Chiang Dao in March, 2012

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