Chiang Dao Caves

The Chiang Dao Caves are located 72 km north of Chiang Mai city along the way to Fang and Tha Ton and 5km west of route 107.

The cave complex is thought to extend for 10-14km into Doi Chiang Dao Mountain and from the summit of Doi Chiang there are magnificent views. In fact the whole surrounding area is largely unspoiled and quite scenic.

Admission to the overall cave complex is inexpensive at 5 baht. The interior cave formations are very spectacular and over 100 of them have been named. At present only the following caves are open to the

public:-

Tham Maa - 7,365 m

Tham Kaew - 477 m

Tham Phra Nawn - 360 m

Tham Seua Dao - 540 m

Tham Naam - 660 m

The two main caves that are easily explored on one's own are Tham Phra Nawn and Tham Seua Dao, as they are electrically illuminated. Both these caves contain many religious statuary and sacred Buddha images.

In order to explore Tham Maa, Tham Kaew or Tham Naam caves visitors must bring or hire their own lights and lanterns as these caves have no electric lightning. Oil lanterns and local guides are available at 20 baht per cavern. To explore the deepest recesses a local guide is essential.

There is a Thai legend that says the Tham Chiang Dao Caves served as the home of a 'reu-sii' (hermit sage) for a thousand years. According to the legend, the sage was on such intimate terms with the deity world that he convinced some 'the-wadaa' (the Buddhist equivalent of angels) to create seven magic wonders inside the caverns: a stream flowing from the pedestal of a solid-gold Buddha, a storehouse of divine textiles, a mystical lake, a city of nagas, a sacred immortal elephant and the hermits own tomb.

About Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao, literally translated 'the City of Stars', is North of Chiang Mai en route to Tha Ton. There is more to Chiang Dao than just it's famous caves.

Chiang Dao town centre has charming old style wooden shops flanking the highway. It is one of the few remaining Thai towns without a Seven Eleven. Indeed the people around here are mainly involved with agriculture, and most people are asleep by 8.00pm! They tend to rise very early for work. The morning market starts at around 3.00am finishing at about 8.00am. It is interesting to see the locals shopping here. On a Tuesday Chiang Dao has a bustling market where people from the surrounding area, including many hilltribe folk come down to buy and sell their wares. Not intended for tourists and well worth experiencing.

Chiang Dao's most striking feature is Doi Chiang Dao, Thailand's 3rd highest mountain at 2225m which plays host to an abundance of wildlife and nature. It is one of the lesser-visited, but nonetheless interesting Thai birding sites.

Chiang Dao is an ideal base for people touring the area, whether on foot, cycling, in rented cars, or on motorbikes.

Elephant centres and river rafting are situated close by. A wide variety of hilltribe villages are dotted around the nearby mountains which can be reached independently or as part of a trek. There are also various hiking trails through the forest, or up the mountain.

It is also a great place to unwind. Meditation at the temple, relaxing in a hammock, drinking a beer, or reading a book. It's such a beautiful, peaceful place, doing nothing is always an option.