Chiang Dao
Southeast Asia · Thailand
Did you know?
- Tham Phra Nawn's reclining Buddha lies within the local cave complex.
- The hot springs range from free basic basins to a Japanese-style garden.
- The limestone massif supports unusual subalpine plants despite its tropical latitude.
See also
Chiang Mai
Thailand18.80°N 99.00°E · 310 m
Pai
Thailand19.36°N 98.44°E
Samoeng
Thailand18.85°N 98.73°E · 902 m
Overview
Chiang Dao is a quiet valley base surrounded by limestone mountains. Caves, birdwatching and hot springs offer a varied outdoor stay.
Languages: Thai
Why go?
Chiang Dao is a quiet town in a valley north of Chiang Mai, nestled between green mountains. It offers a quaint northern Thailand feel with stunning limestone peaks, caves, and national parks. Ideal for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape from the city.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Orange buses (every hour, 40 baht) and orange songthaews (every 30 minutes, 40 baht) pass through Chiang Dao on Hwy 107. You can wave them down anywhere. Avoid traveling on Sunday afternoon when buses from Fang toward Chiang Mai are often full.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The town centre is walkable, but to reach attractions like Chiang Dao Cave (5 km) you'll need private transport. Hired songthaews are available; a full vehicle to Chiang Mai costs about 2,000 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The cool season (November–February) is best, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures. January brings cherry blossoms at San Phakia. Winters can be cold, and summers are hot and rainy.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Options range from budget bungalows at Chiang Dao Hut (380–580 baht) and Malee's Nature Resort (250–2,000 baht) to unique roundhouses at Chiang Dao Roundhouses (1,200 baht). Most have fan or air-con, private bathrooms, and free Wi-Fi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Dining includes Western and Thai at Chiang Dao Nest, Japanese at Take Cafe, and local Thai at Rim Nam. A vegetarian buffet at North-side offers meals for 50 baht. Drinks are available at restaurants and a few karaoke bars.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Explore Chiang Dao Cave (40 baht, guided tours 200 baht), hike Doi Luang Chiang Dao (requires advance permit), birdwatch at Malee's, relax at hot springs (free basic basins or 100 baht for Japanese garden), and visit San Phakia for camping and views.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Safety
Climbing Doi Luang requires booking at least 2 weeks in advance. On Sundays, avoid traveling towards Chiang Mai as buses may be full. Dirt roads to San Phakia may be challenging for heavy bikes.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi is common at guesthouses and cafes. Mobile coverage is reliable.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A daily backpacker budget of 500–1,000 baht covers accommodation, meals, and activities. Bus fares are 40 baht, meals from 50 baht, and caves 40 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Buses and songthaews run frequently to Chiang Mai (40 baht) and onward to Bangkok (569–664 baht), Doi Ang Khong, and Fang. A hired songthaew to Chiang Mai costs about 2,000 baht.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Chiang Dao Hut
A small, cosy guest house run by a young friendly Thai couple who have had many years of hotel experience in Chiang Mai and speak reasonable English. There are 2 fairly large, simple but clean wooden bungalows (one double, one twin) each with fan, attached bathroom and hot shower. They have a small cafe at the front which is a great place to relax with a latte, fruit shake, or some Western or Thai food like pizza, spaghetti, pad Thai.
Recorded price: 380 baht (low-season)-580 baht (high)
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chiang Dao Roundhouses
Three individual roundhouses for rent. Two of them are domes, and one has a traditional Thai thatched room. Each roundhouse is suitable for 2 adults, and one child. A Roundhouse has its own bathroom with a hot open-air shower, its own terrace with a view of Mt Chiang Dao. Breakfast and WiFi are included in the price.
Recorded price: 1,200 baht per night
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Nature Home Guesthouse
A nice, quiet place, offering rooms with private bath. The owners are a local couple who speak no English but are very friendly. If you are lucky, you might get some kind of free breakfast in the morning.
Recorded price: 550 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Chiang Dao Nest (Western food) and Chiang Dao Nest 2 (Thai food)
Delicious, fresh, local ingredients, high quality. Worth a stop even if you're not staying at the nest. Beautiful setting in the mountains to boot.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Haniba Coffee
Nice coffee shop. Cheesecake.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Khumpanna Cafe
While the inflated prices clearly indicate that this place is catering for tourists, the views of the rice fields, mountains and the atmosphere is rewarding. Great during late afternoon. Even though there won't be a proper sunset due to the mounting blocking the sun.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Malee's Nature Resort
Reasonably priced Thai and Western food. A great breakfast with fresh homemade bread and jams. Cosy garden with pool and great views. Also offers sturdy, well-maintained bungalows with private bathrooms. Cheapest rooms (250 baht) have shared bathroom and a fan. Family and honeymoon suites are also available. Free Wi-Fi. Detailed maps of the area on display and there is a bird sightings log.
Recorded price: Accommodation: 250-2,000 baht
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
North-side Vegetarian Restaurant
Vegetarian buffet restaurant in the standard Thai style. Select from six or so dishes with rice, take away or eat in.
Recorded price: Eat in with rice and five dishes costs 50THB/meal
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Accommodation
Budget guesthouses from 250 baht.
Food
Vegetarian buffet available for 50 baht at North-side Vegetarian Restaurant.
Transport
Orange buses and songthaews on Hwy 107 cost 40 baht; flag them down anywhere.
Weather
Best visited in cool season (Nov–Feb); winter can be cold.