The stunning Chiang Dao mountain region

Posted by paul on August 24th, 2008 filed in Attractions, Day trips, tourist tips

Situated within easy driving distance north (48 miles) of Chiang Mai City, Chiang Dao is a breathtakingly beautiful mountainous region featuring original hill tribe community villages, rapid rivers, deep valleys, fascinating caves, enchanting temples and steep limestone mastiffs. Fortunately this environment remains relatively untouched and affordable. Chiang Dao boasts a range of adventurous outdoor activities and great attractions.

Most of the foreign travellers head right away to the enthralling Chiang Dao Caves, positioned at the Chiang Dao Mountain’s base. It is the third highest mountain in Thailand and features an extensive network of caves, which houses a pivotal Buddhist temple. Fluorescent lights illuminate the cool caves, but a lantern-lit tour operated by an experienced guide is available for only 100 baht as well. The tour will lead you through the cave network’s deeper positioned passages and caverns. The ancient images of the Lord Buddha along with the wonderfully shaped limestone stalagmites and stalactites are the tour’s highlights.

The majestic Chiang Dao Cave

Just a little further along the same road, visitors will reach a village where they can find a Hindu Ashram, which houses a real guru as well. Another sanctified cave can be discovered when travelling past the Chiang Dao Nest Guesthouse. Known as Tham Pla Plong, a stunning chedi located above it distinguishes this wonderful cave. Visitors can access the chedi by climbing the steps, which will take about 15 minutes. This sacred Buddhist spot is dedicated to the memory of a highly respected monk who created a meditation retreat here.

Chiang Dao probably offers the most varied selection of outdoor pursuits in such a small environment of any destination in the country’s northern part. The tremendous Chiang Dao National Park is brimming with hiking and trekking options, while enthusiastic rock climbers will definitely be impressed by the sheer limestone cliff formations.

Exploring the jungle, while sitting on the back of a mighty elephant is another great opportunity. Bamboo rafting and white-water kayaking on the Mae Tang River are popular outdoor adventure activities.  A unique and unforgettable experience is staying overnight at one of the area’s tranquil hill tribe villages. Caving and mountain biking complete the set of adventure activities, while the more than 300 species of birds living in this territory will keep birdwatchers busy for days. Chiang Dao online info

The town of Chiang Dao is peaceful and several noteworthy authentic markets take place here. At 06:30 the morning market begins and offers pig’s heads, insects and other unique sights. Groups of hill tribe people every Tuesday come down from their villages on the mountains trying to sell some of their products; this is an ideal spot to buy some unique souvenirs at very attractive prices, as this lively market isn’t intended for the visiting tourist.

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