D
Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Doi Chiang Dao rises dramatically above the plain, wrapped in a thick coat of tropical forest. This jungle wonderland is one of Thailand's top spots for…
Moment Editorial/Getty Images
Chiang Dao
In a lush jungle setting in the shadow of a mighty limestone mountain, Chiang Dao (เชียงดาว) is where domestic travelers come to escape the heat of the plains. It gets cooler still as you leave the village and climb towards the summit of Doi Chiang Dao (2175m). The forest is a popular stop for birders and trekkers, and at the base of the mountain is a highly venerated wát marking the entrance to one of Thailand's deepest limestone caverns.
Buses to Chiang Dao stop in the modern village on the eastern side of Rte 107, but most travelers head to the nearby village of Ban Tham on the western side of the highway, where all the accommodation and the famous cave temple can be found.
Explore Chiang Dao
- DDoi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Doi Chiang Dao rises dramatically above the plain, wrapped in a thick coat of tropical forest. This jungle wonderland is one of Thailand's top spots for…
- WWat Tham Chiang Dao
Set in pretty grounds that teem with jungle butterflies, this forest wát sits at the entrance to Chiang Dao Cave, a chilly warren of passageways that…
- PPha Daeng National Park
North of Chiang Dao and reached by following Rte 1178, Pha Daeng National Park offers lush, jungle scenery and stunning birdlife. Flanking the Myanmar…
- WWat Tham Pha Plong
This beautiful and serene forest wát lies on the edge of the Chiang Dao massif. A steep naga stairway climbs through the forest to the rocky crevice where…
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Chiang Dao.
See
Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary
Doi Chiang Dao rises dramatically above the plain, wrapped in a thick coat of tropical forest. This jungle wonderland is one of Thailand's top spots for…
See
Wat Tham Chiang Dao
Set in pretty grounds that teem with jungle butterflies, this forest wát sits at the entrance to Chiang Dao Cave, a chilly warren of passageways that…
See
Pha Daeng National Park
North of Chiang Dao and reached by following Rte 1178, Pha Daeng National Park offers lush, jungle scenery and stunning birdlife. Flanking the Myanmar…
See
Wat Tham Pha Plong
This beautiful and serene forest wát lies on the edge of the Chiang Dao massif. A steep naga stairway climbs through the forest to the rocky crevice where…
Guidebooks
Learn more about Chiang Dao
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.