Things to do in Chiang Dao
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Chiang Dao Cave
In the heat of the day, the coolest place in town is the Chiang Dao Cave, a complex said to extend some 10km to 14km into Doi Chiang Dao. There are four interconnected caverns that are open to the public. Tham Phra Non (360m) is the initial segment and is electrically illuminated and can be explored on one’s own. It contains several religious shrines, a common feature of Thailand’s caves, which are regarded as holy meditation sites. There are also some surreal-looking stalactites reminiscent of a Salvador Dali painting.
reviewed
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Tuesday Morning Market
Chiang Dao town isn’t much but a dusty crossroads that hosts a colourful Tuesday morning market, when hill tribes come to sell their wares. The more charming part of town is 5km west along the road that leads to Tham Chiang Dao (Chiang Dao Cave). The surrounding village and guesthouses are smack up against the mountain.
reviewed
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Tham Chiang Dao
In the heat of the day, the coolest place in town is the Chiang Dao Cave, a complex said to extend some 10km to 14km into Doi Chiang Dao. There are four interconnected caverns that are open to the public. Tham Phra Non (360m) is the initial segment and is electrically illuminated and can be explored on one's own. It contains several religious shrines, a common feature of Thailand's caves, which are regarded as holy meditation sites. There are also some surreal-looking stalactites reminiscent of a Salvador Dali painting.
To explore the other caves – Tham Mah (735m), Tham Kaew (474m) and Tham Nam (660m) – you can hire a guide with a pressurised gas lantern for 100B for up to…
reviewed
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Doi Chiang Dao
Part of the Doi Chiang Dao National Park, Doi Chiang Dao (also called Doi Luang) pokes into the heavens at 2195m above sea level. From the summit, reachable by a two-day hike, the views are spectacular. The southern side of the mountain is believed to be one of the most accessible spots in the world to see the giant nuthatch and Hume's pheasant. Bird-watching and overnight treks can be arranged through local guest houses.
If you just want to wander by yourself, continue to the end of the cave road to Samnak Song Tham Pha Plong (Tham Pha Plong Monastic Centre), where Buddhist monks sometimes meditate. A long, steep stairway leads up the mountain to a large chedi framed by f…
reviewed
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Chiang Dao Rainbow
This highly recommended restaurant offers two menus – northern Thai and Greek-Mediterranean. There is an à la carte or set menu and plenty of vegetarian options, too.
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Chiang Dao Nest
The Nest's restaurant serves sophisticated fusion-European food in a relaxed garden setting. Wicha, the owner and chef, received her culinary training in the UK and creates a menu that reflects the seasons and the best of the local produce. Dishes such as double baked cheese souffle with spinach cream and roasted-veg salad; and baked passionfruit cheesecake grace the menu. The food ain't cheap but definitely comes with the wow factor.
reviewed
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Baan Krating Chiang Dao
Located 9km south of Chiang Dao on Rte 107, this resort is a good place to stop en route for a meal. The restaurant overlooks manicured gardens, pomelo trees and a stream. Dishes are standard Thai fare as well as Western sandwich options.
reviewed
