The 10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Dao, Thailand

July 21, 2017 Darwin Bolte

Discover the best top things to do in Chiang Dao, Thailand including Wat Tham Pha Plong, Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao Cave, Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple, The Cave Bar, Pha Daeng National Park, Chiang Dao Market, Arunothai Village, Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre, Doi Come Fah.
Restaurants in Chiang Dao

1. Wat Tham Pha Plong

Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
70%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 137 reviews

Wat Tham Pha Plong

Reviewed By livinonanisland - Kure Beach, North Carolina

The temple at the top is nothing overly special, nor is the view, but the climb itself through the peaceful forest is really nice. There are signs with Buddhist sayings all along the way that are interesting and thought provoking. We saw beautiful butterflies, and monks out sweeping. It was just a lovely experience as we took our time going up. Definitely bring some water with you.

2. Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao, Thailand +66 86 198 9728
Excellent
78%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 74 reviews

Doi Luang Chiang Dao

Reviewed By KK123ChiangMai - Chiang Mai

"Doi" in Thai language stand for Mountain,
this mountain is the 2nd highest of Thailand.
Located at Amphoe Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
This trip start very quickly due to our group are a working peoples due to our hectic schedule and busy work made our time mismatched.
So, we plan only few day and this trip begin within raining season.
we have really a good luck becoz the day our trip start the rain stop, after we finish the rain start again. The night we star we could enjoy our lovely night under the moon light, and we could enjoy also the
This limestone hill in the area of Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve features the height of 2,195 metres from sea level, making it the third tallest peak in Thailand after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok. The peak is a great spot to soak up spectacular views of a fog sea while the nearby area is home to rare highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. A visit to Doi Chiang Dao requires an approval letter from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department. Travel must be arranged at least 2 weeks in advance. Note: There are no tourist facilities on Chiang Dao Mountain. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, food, and water (cr. http://www.tourismthailand.org/Attraction/Doi-Luang-Chiang-Dao--3986)

3. Chiang Dao Cave

Amphoe Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao, Thailand 0947402294
Excellent
25%
Good
47%
Satisfactory
21%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 388 reviews

Chiang Dao Cave

Reviewed By Mike M

I went to the Chiang Dao Cave with a Thai friend and had a coffee before we went into the cave ... the electricity supply was not available so the only lighting was supplied by a kerosene lantern ... there was 6 people in our group so the cost was split 6 ways ... the cave is quite interesting with various alters throught the cave and natural effects that resemble animals ... during the rainy seasons many areas are flooded by rainwater ... today there were areas that were quite slippery and numerous head high obstacles. .. the only downside was the speed at which the guide moved the group during the tour and at times not stopping for photo opportunities ... there was little to no English spoken by the guide

4. Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple

Chiang Dao Subdistrict, Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
50%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 53 reviews

Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple

Reviewed By Cameron L - Toronto, Canada

We rented motor bikes in Chiang Mai and drove about 1.5 hours to the caves. It was very easy and safe to get to. However, we were stopped by traffic "police" and we were told we needed to pay 500 each to pass. I told them I wanted to call the tourist police and speak to them. Once I said that they reduced the "fee" and then hid the exchange of money under a clip board so no one would see us giving them money. Therefore, I would suggest taking a bus or tuk tuk even though it's more expensive and more of a hassle.
The caves themselves were amazing. They were truly phenomenal. I would have liked to have a guide take us down every trail but she only took is down 2 and they were very short. After that we could only explore the areas with light. It is definitely worth the visit. The food outside of the caves was amazing.

5. The Cave Bar

273/3 Moo 5 | Ban Tham, Chiang Dao 50170, Thailand +66 81 892 0531
Excellent
84%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 69 reviews

The Cave Bar

The Cave Bar/Guesthouse, situated at the base of Mount Chiang Dao, offer; 1 king size en-suite bedroom start from THB 500-800 per night depending on the season with air conditioner and fan, hot shower, water kettle, coffee in room and 2 shared bedrooms with fan only THB 200 per person, each room has 2 double bed, shared toilet and hot shower, free coffee and drinking water anytime of day. While children are welcome, you won't find large families, surrounding huts, crowded patios nor outside dining guests. The rooms share a private large backyard complete with a gazebo, fire pit, hammocks, picnic table and propane BBQ (have local food delivered at local prices or bring it from your favorite restaurant) at no extra charge. Guests can relax and enjoy the view in relative solitude as nature intended. Free Wi-Fi Internet Services in all rooms. Free gated Parking for your privately owned or rented vehicles. The sole owner, Ms. Buppha Zitta, born and raised in Chiang Dao has a reputation for treating guests like visiting family. Don't be surprised if she tells you to jump in her truck to join a small group and head to a local destination unknown to other tourists. Centered between the village's two main attractions, the Chiang Dao Cave and Wat Tham Pha Plong, the Cave Bar/Guesthouse is the perfect location. Walks and hikes to the summit, local village BBQ's, wildlife preserve and Pha Daeng National Park start at your front door. The property also boasts its own recreational room/full bar. The quaint local town of Chiang Dao, only 5 kilometers away, is where many hill-tribe people work and shop are well known for its local markets and excellent restaurants. The hot Springs are also just a short ride away. The Cave Bar is not only the best bar in town but the only real bar walking distance from the attractions and other guest houses. Enjoy the quality pool table, real dart board. There is also an online flat screen TV with cranking indoor and outdoor speakers to accommodate a wide range of concert videos or play your favorites music in YouTube. Free Wi Fi to stay connected while chill on the sofas, large elegant wood table or front patio Seating or even in the garden. It's the local hangout where Thais and travelers from around the world begin lasting friendships. Great music, great vibe, always a party, always a laugh. Doors and windows close at 11pm. to not disturb the guests or neighbors but that doesn't mean the party is over. The bar closes when you want it to, so it just goes to a more personal level once it's buttoned up. Come pay us a visit even if our rooms are not available. Motorcycle rental available upon request or pre book with your registration.

Reviewed By Liam D - Adelaide, Australia

I visited three nights , and played on the guitar there through the amp ..very chill and mellow ...very fine time was had and was introduced to a local guide who gave me a great tiki tour of Chiang Dao ...sampled Buppha's herbal whiskey ..delicious and no hangover

6. Pha Daeng National Park

Amphoe Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
62%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
4%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 23 reviews

Pha Daeng National Park

Reviewed By fabian4fabian - Kathu, Thailand

Not known to many people but this is a very beautiful waterfall that is situated in the Pha Daeng national Park; it became its name after a visit of Her Royal Highness, The Princess mother visited the area for a inauguration of a police station; they stopped at the place and had lunch. She presented this name to the waterfall. it is a very wide waterfall with little pools to cool of. Nice park area with beautiful Fauna and Flora. Ideal for a picnic. there is a small fee to be paid to enter, but worthwhile.

7. Chiang Dao Market

Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
23%
Good
52%
Satisfactory
19%
Poor
3%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 26 reviews

Chiang Dao Market

Reviewed By Kane F - Sydney, Australia

Having wasted a lot of time looking at "authentic" hill tribe crafts in the tourist markets of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, I really found this market enjoyable.
It is simply a real market where local people (including the hill tribes) come to buy and sell everything from fresh vegetables, to clothes to hardware. We were here 2 hours and I think we saw one other tourist.
It's hot, it's dusty, there are no small wooden candleholders or Buddha photo frames or silly things like that. But if you want to see real thai people going about day to day life, it is very interesting.
With kids it was a little scary as it does run right along a main road which stays open.

8. Arunothai Village

Chiang Mai-Fang Highway No. 107 | Mueang Na subdistrict, Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
23%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
45%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 21 reviews

Arunothai Village

Reviewed By Kathy K - Bangkok, Thailand

I've been there on April, during Songkarn (Thai New Year) its during Songkarn so many people from Bangkok went to Ching Mai and play water, some went to Chiang Dao, and Arunothai Village. It's a village so there are many people living in there, there are many restaurants in the village. Before it's all forest and trees and beautiful views, but now the trees are all cut down and the Burmese come and settle, but still beautiful views. And not far from Arunothai Village you could go to Doi Ang Kang, traveling by car for 1-2 hours.

9. Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre

Ban Huai Luek, Tambon Bueng Khong, Amphoe Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao, Thailand
Excellent
25%
Good
42%
Satisfactory
25%
Poor
8%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 12 reviews

Huai Luek Royal Project Development Centre

Reviewed By akmacca - Hobart, Australia

As it was "off" season not a lot appeared to be opened when we visited it had the feeling of a ghost town.That said there were some beautiful Gardens and orchards on display. Also tea tasting and several restaurants. Prime to to visit would be when the cherry blossoms are in bloom but I would say the place would be packed then. To my mind not worth the long trip up the steep windy road during 'off" season.

10. Doi Come Fah

Chiang Dao, Thailand +66 84 516 9546
Excellent
84%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 6 reviews

Doi Come Fah

Reviewed By Chris-in-thailand - Pattaya, Thailand

Just North of Chiang Dao in Chiang Mai province take road 1322 West towards Wiang Haeng. On the right you will see an entrance to Doi Kham Faa.
It is a 8 km rough motorbike ride or four wheel drive to the top.
At the top is a camping area, with spectacular views across the valley's. In the cold season the "sea of fog" in the early morning would be a site not to miss. From the camping area it is about 300 meters to the summit at 1834 meters.
I have no contact numbers or details, sorry!

ThingsTodoPost © 2018 - 2024 All rights reserved.