Chiang Dao

Best known for the massive Chiang Dao cave, Chiang Dao has developed into an excellent alternative base for those who are in the north but who do not plan to head northwest to Pai and Mae Hong Son. While the cave is the primary attraction in the area, there are also a couple of outstanding guesthouses, some exceptional food, ample opportunity for trekking, elephant riding and just taking in the sheer beauty of this part of Thailand.

The main town of Chiang Dao is a pretty ordinary streetside town, but the bulk of people opt to stay well off the mainroad, in a couple of guesthouses about 1km past the entrance to Chiang Dao cave. This area, well away from the traffic noise, amongst talls stands of trees is simple teeming with birdlife and the evening and early morning sounds of the critters can be deafening.

Located just an hour north of Chiang Mai, you'll be kicking yourself if you don't try to fit in at least an overnight stay in Chiang Dao and chances are, once you get here, you may find yourself prolonging that stay to more than just one night.

Our recommendations

If Chiang Mai is way too touristy, Pai full of hippies, Chiang Rai too deforested and Nan just too far away, then Chiang Dao is the place to head. It's home to outstanding accommodation -- both for backpackers and flashpackers -- and the trekking potential is very high. You'll pay far more per person than you would say in Chiang Mai, but as far as value goes, this is where it's at.

If trekking isn't your forte, there's a massive cave you can explore, and if caves scare you, there's plenty of pleasing rural scenery, cats, dogs and chickens (unfortunately roosters too). It's also a great destination for families with kids as there is oodles of open space, little traffic and, well, it's just a really comfortable place to hang out.

We're very fond of Chiang Dao Nest 1 -- both for lodging and absolutely for their amazing food -- but it ain't cheap. For backpackers on a budget, Nature Lovers Bungalows is stumbling distance from Nest's wine collection.

If you've got a couple of loose days in Chiang Mai, head here -- you won't regret it.