The Dek Doi Guide to Chiang Dao

William
The Dek Doi Guide to Chiang Dao

Food Scene

PHAD THAI. This is some of the highest quality PAd Thai you will find. A hidden gem. Organic duck and chicken eggs are used from their garden. We go here very often and bring our guests. Always amazed. Its hidden at the end of their garden. The owners used to have a pad thai shop in Bangkok that was quite famous. They decided to come back home and set up shop in their home. 35-50 baht per dish. They only serve pad thai but in different styles. Vegetarian and meat options. So happy with this addition to our village. A must visit. Open everyday from 10am to 5pm
Aladin
PHAD THAI. This is some of the highest quality PAd Thai you will find. A hidden gem. Organic duck and chicken eggs are used from their garden. We go here very often and bring our guests. Always amazed. Its hidden at the end of their garden. The owners used to have a pad thai shop in Bangkok that was quite famous. They decided to come back home and set up shop in their home. 35-50 baht per dish. They only serve pad thai but in different styles. Vegetarian and meat options. So happy with this addition to our village. A must visit. Open everyday from 10am to 5pm
P Yud is our best friend who is passionate about good coffee. Coffee beans are from his own coffee farm in the mountains west of Chiang Dao. He roasts his own coffee beans in a clay pot. Different roasts, different aromas and different tastes. He also does coffee flower tea and coffee leaf tea. We love the cold brews. exoTic and fruity taste . We highly reccomend. If its on our guide book, we only put establishments on our guidebook if they match up to our standards. This is a great place for a coffeee. All of his furniture is made by a local artist. The owner also sells coffee for you to buy and take back home. Some of the best cakes made by our friend who lives in Chiang Dao. Its a highlight of Chiang Dao and a hidden gem. All cups and saucers are made by a local ceramic artist as well. THIS PLACE IS CHIANG DAO!!
Hokhlong Cafe'
P Yud is our best friend who is passionate about good coffee. Coffee beans are from his own coffee farm in the mountains west of Chiang Dao. He roasts his own coffee beans in a clay pot. Different roasts, different aromas and different tastes. He also does coffee flower tea and coffee leaf tea. We love the cold brews. exoTic and fruity taste . We highly reccomend. If its on our guide book, we only put establishments on our guidebook if they match up to our standards. This is a great place for a coffeee. All of his furniture is made by a local artist. The owner also sells coffee for you to buy and take back home. Some of the best cakes made by our friend who lives in Chiang Dao. Its a highlight of Chiang Dao and a hidden gem. All cups and saucers are made by a local ceramic artist as well. THIS PLACE IS CHIANG DAO!!
Some of the best coffee in Chiang Dao. From a hot latte to an iced Americano. Its deceptive because the place is simple looking but they don't fuck around when it comes to making coffee. All beans are locally sourced and roasted on premise. ITS a great breakfast joint as well. When we come here for breakfast, brunch or lunch we always order the FRIED PORK HOLY BASIL WITH RICE, order a coffee with this and a latte and you are gooooood. If your feeling special order a Lassi as well. Made with seasonal mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit. This place is a gem and the owner is a good friend. Open from 8am to 6pm everyday apart from Tuesday.
Chai cafe
Some of the best coffee in Chiang Dao. From a hot latte to an iced Americano. Its deceptive because the place is simple looking but they don't fuck around when it comes to making coffee. All beans are locally sourced and roasted on premise. ITS a great breakfast joint as well. When we come here for breakfast, brunch or lunch we always order the FRIED PORK HOLY BASIL WITH RICE, order a coffee with this and a latte and you are gooooood. If your feeling special order a Lassi as well. Made with seasonal mangoes, papayas and dragon fruit. This place is a gem and the owner is a good friend. Open from 8am to 6pm everyday apart from Tuesday.
Located in a Thai Village with a beautiful view of the mountains and surrounded by longan plantations and rice fields. This is where we go to get a really good latte, sit on their porch and look at the mountain. They also have good desserts. very good coffee. Made by a professional barista to perfection. Highly recommend but only open on weekends.
Cafe' My Day Off
Located in a Thai Village with a beautiful view of the mountains and surrounded by longan plantations and rice fields. This is where we go to get a really good latte, sit on their porch and look at the mountain. They also have good desserts. very good coffee. Made by a professional barista to perfection. Highly recommend but only open on weekends.
One of the best Khao Soi restaurants in this area. They have beef and chicken Khao Soi. 35-40 baht per dish. Opens at 10:30am and closes around 2pm. A MUST try. Every guest loves this place.
ก๋วยเตี๋ยวต้มยำ ป้าจุรีย์
1178
One of the best Khao Soi restaurants in this area. They have beef and chicken Khao Soi. 35-40 baht per dish. Opens at 10:30am and closes around 2pm. A MUST try. Every guest loves this place.
AMAZING GYOZA DUMPLINGS. People travel for miles just to come eat here. The restaurant is in Arunothai which is a Chinese village. The cuisine is a fusion of Chinese Yunnan taste and Northern Thai taste. Very unique food and taste that you will only find here. About 50-60 years ago Thailand offered Chinese refugees asylum in this area. They were fleeing oppression from the Mao era. This is how Arunothai was formed. Very special area. The restaurant also has great noodles. Actually, everything is good. Go before 2pm to make sure the dumplings have not run out.
Tayong Yunnan Noodle Restaurant
AMAZING GYOZA DUMPLINGS. People travel for miles just to come eat here. The restaurant is in Arunothai which is a Chinese village. The cuisine is a fusion of Chinese Yunnan taste and Northern Thai taste. Very unique food and taste that you will only find here. About 50-60 years ago Thailand offered Chinese refugees asylum in this area. They were fleeing oppression from the Mao era. This is how Arunothai was formed. Very special area. The restaurant also has great noodles. Actually, everything is good. Go before 2pm to make sure the dumplings have not run out.
Awesome restaurant with a large selection of food everyday. No menu needed as you can just point to what you want. Easy and delicious local food. good for break fast and lunch. They are not open for dinner. open 8am until 3pm.
Krua Preeyarat
Awesome restaurant with a large selection of food everyday. No menu needed as you can just point to what you want. Easy and delicious local food. good for break fast and lunch. They are not open for dinner. open 8am until 3pm.
They specialise in Rad Na which is a thai-chinese noodle dish with broccoli or kale. Very friendly owner. All other items on the menu are tasty. Open everyday apart from sunday until 4pm. Perfect for lunches.
Chiang Dao Bakery
41
They specialise in Rad Na which is a thai-chinese noodle dish with broccoli or kale. Very friendly owner. All other items on the menu are tasty. Open everyday apart from sunday until 4pm. Perfect for lunches.
Very good Thai food. Beautiful setting amongst their well looked after gardens and next to the mountain. Large variety of local Thai dishes. On the pricier end. But if your looking to enjoy a nice meal with a bottle of Wine, this is the place. You will need to book beforehand so you would need to call them and book. 053456611
11 locals recommend
Chiang Dao Nest 2
11 หมู่ 5
11 locals recommend
Very good Thai food. Beautiful setting amongst their well looked after gardens and next to the mountain. Large variety of local Thai dishes. On the pricier end. But if your looking to enjoy a nice meal with a bottle of Wine, this is the place. You will need to book beforehand so you would need to call them and book. 053456611
Famous tom yum noodle restaurant. Nice outdoor seating in the owners garden. Hidden in a traditional thai village. Very local. You can add extra vegetables in your noodles for free, which is a plus. Broth is fragrant and clean. Highly reccomend for lunch. Open everyday at lunch. Closes around 3pm.
ร้าน อยู่ดี-กิ๋นลำ Noodle Shop & Home Stay
Famous tom yum noodle restaurant. Nice outdoor seating in the owners garden. Hidden in a traditional thai village. Very local. You can add extra vegetables in your noodles for free, which is a plus. Broth is fragrant and clean. Highly reccomend for lunch. Open everyday at lunch. Closes around 3pm.
They have very good Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao. A famous boiled rice noodle dish in Northern Thailand. Sauce is made with tomatoes and pigs blood. Topped with bean sprouts, chopped green bean, thinly chopped cabbage , spring onion, coriander and fried garlic with garlic oil. A must try if your into your Thai food. We highly reccomend. We personally come here whenever we can. Apart from this dish, they have many other tasty dishes on their menu. Local tastes, delicious and cheap.
ร้านข้าวซอย ป้าต้อย
They have very good Khanom Chin Nam Ngiao. A famous boiled rice noodle dish in Northern Thailand. Sauce is made with tomatoes and pigs blood. Topped with bean sprouts, chopped green bean, thinly chopped cabbage , spring onion, coriander and fried garlic with garlic oil. A must try if your into your Thai food. We highly reccomend. We personally come here whenever we can. Apart from this dish, they have many other tasty dishes on their menu. Local tastes, delicious and cheap.
JAPANESE FOOD IN CHIANG DAO. DON BURI KITCHEN. They do very good Japanese food. Owner used to work in a Japanese restaurant for years. They use high quality ingredients and the price is very affordable. Katsu don, Katsu curry, yakisoba, sushi, California rolls, sashimi, Japanese beer etc. Very very good Japanese food, cannot stress enough. Open every day apart from Tuesday. 11am - 7pm
โอริว ข้าวราดหน้าญี่ปุ่น/ Oryu
JAPANESE FOOD IN CHIANG DAO. DON BURI KITCHEN. They do very good Japanese food. Owner used to work in a Japanese restaurant for years. They use high quality ingredients and the price is very affordable. Katsu don, Katsu curry, yakisoba, sushi, California rolls, sashimi, Japanese beer etc. Very very good Japanese food, cannot stress enough. Open every day apart from Tuesday. 11am - 7pm
A must go. Huge selection of local dishes. Very fresh fish. This is where all the locals go for food. We have been going here for more than 10 years and have never been dissapointed. English menu.
ร้านอาหารหมู่เฮา (Moohao Restaurant)
A must go. Huge selection of local dishes. Very fresh fish. This is where all the locals go for food. We have been going here for more than 10 years and have never been dissapointed. English menu.
JERNS BURGERS - open from 10am to 8pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Burgers in Chiang Dao. Option of Beef, Chicken or fish burger. Beef patties made fresh and cooked on a grill. Also have good drinks and coffee. Its not in the petrol station but it is right next to it. An orange shop with a vintage truck outside. Definitely reccomend to satisfy your burger fix. They just updated their menu to include much more. Spaghetti carbonara, Caesar salads, pizza and sandwiches. Also good place to have a beer.
Jerns Chiangdao
JERNS BURGERS - open from 10am to 8pm. Closed on Tuesdays. Burgers in Chiang Dao. Option of Beef, Chicken or fish burger. Beef patties made fresh and cooked on a grill. Also have good drinks and coffee. Its not in the petrol station but it is right next to it. An orange shop with a vintage truck outside. Definitely reccomend to satisfy your burger fix. They just updated their menu to include much more. Spaghetti carbonara, Caesar salads, pizza and sandwiches. Also good place to have a beer.
They do very good cakes and baked goods. nestled right next to the mountain they also have a vineyard where they use the grapes to make very good smoothies. Highly recommend if your passing by and on the way up to baan rabiang dao. Also their place is stunningly built as the owner is an architect.
Villa De View Café
99 Baan Thum
They do very good cakes and baked goods. nestled right next to the mountain they also have a vineyard where they use the grapes to make very good smoothies. Highly recommend if your passing by and on the way up to baan rabiang dao. Also their place is stunningly built as the owner is an architect.
HOLY FUCKING SHIT. Best Larb we have had in northern Thailand. Buffalo, chicken and pork larb. Lots of other very very authentic northern thai dishes. This is a MUST try if you want to experience our local local delicacies.
ครัวเฮือนลุงคำ
HOLY FUCKING SHIT. Best Larb we have had in northern Thailand. Buffalo, chicken and pork larb. Lots of other very very authentic northern thai dishes. This is a MUST try if you want to experience our local local delicacies.
Sanet Doi Luang. Very touristy in the day time with tour vans etc. However go in the evening and the thai food is very good. They do good fish and local delicacies.
เสน่ห์ดอยหลวง เชียงดาว
Sanet Doi Luang. Very touristy in the day time with tour vans etc. However go in the evening and the thai food is very good. They do good fish and local delicacies.
Delicious, clean and really good prices for Thai and Western food. Don't be put off by the design. The chefs used to work in a 5 star hotel in Bangkok for years and have now decided to come back home. There food is to that standard but local prices. Really good Pesto at 50 baht a dish, made with real Italian basil. All thai dishes are equally as good. we come here whenever we're hungry and we are chilling at Hoklhong Café.
ร้านเดอะเชฟ เชียงดาว
Delicious, clean and really good prices for Thai and Western food. Don't be put off by the design. The chefs used to work in a 5 star hotel in Bangkok for years and have now decided to come back home. There food is to that standard but local prices. Really good Pesto at 50 baht a dish, made with real Italian basil. All thai dishes are equally as good. we come here whenever we're hungry and we are chilling at Hoklhong Café.
Go for Sunset, surrounded by beautiful rice paddies. Very good local food. Yum woon sen, stir fried frog curry, very good fish dishes, curries, noodle dishes, vegetable dishes. everything on their menu is good. open from 10am to 8pm everyday. Very good option for dinner. Its located in a rice field and surrounded by rice fields, Very beautiful location and best to around sunset. HIGHLY RECCOMEND. No tourists. very local.
ร้านอาหารปู๋หลงโต้ง
Go for Sunset, surrounded by beautiful rice paddies. Very good local food. Yum woon sen, stir fried frog curry, very good fish dishes, curries, noodle dishes, vegetable dishes. everything on their menu is good. open from 10am to 8pm everyday. Very good option for dinner. Its located in a rice field and surrounded by rice fields, Very beautiful location and best to around sunset. HIGHLY RECCOMEND. No tourists. very local.
SO HAPPY with this find. Delicious huge selection of Thai food. Open only in evenings after 5:30pm. Picture and English Menu. WE EAT HERE ALOT.
ร้านน้อยข้าวต้ม เชียงดาว
SO HAPPY with this find. Delicious huge selection of Thai food. Open only in evenings after 5:30pm. Picture and English Menu. WE EAT HERE ALOT.
This cafe does good cakes and very good Tom Yum noodles. Cakes such as chocolate cake, orange cake, coconut custard cake. Noodles are also very tasty. Can for extra vegetables. Owners are friendly. This place is opposite the morning Thursday market. We normally come here for some noodles after shopping for fruit and vegetables at the market. good value.
บ้านเชียงดาวคาเฟ่
182 ซอย 5 หมู่ 6
This cafe does good cakes and very good Tom Yum noodles. Cakes such as chocolate cake, orange cake, coconut custard cake. Noodles are also very tasty. Can for extra vegetables. Owners are friendly. This place is opposite the morning Thursday market. We normally come here for some noodles after shopping for fruit and vegetables at the market. good value.
Quality food and good price. Tasty cashew nut chicken and tasty curries. They have a large food selection. Nice setting and food is nicely served. Their opening times and days change frequently so check with them before you go. They are open late for dinner.
Ban Yuu Dee Bistro
Quality food and good price. Tasty cashew nut chicken and tasty curries. They have a large food selection. Nice setting and food is nicely served. Their opening times and days change frequently so check with them before you go. They are open late for dinner.
NOODLE SHOP. This is a very hidden noodle shop just behind this temple. Very Very local with a variety of different noodle soup dishes. Its the owners home and they have been serving noodles out front for years. Many locals know and love this spot. We love the clear noodles and also the tom yum noodles. A hidden gem and a great place for lunch if your staying in the Kamin Springs villas.
Wat Ampharam - Muang Ngom
NOODLE SHOP. This is a very hidden noodle shop just behind this temple. Very Very local with a variety of different noodle soup dishes. Its the owners home and they have been serving noodles out front for years. Many locals know and love this spot. We love the clear noodles and also the tom yum noodles. A hidden gem and a great place for lunch if your staying in the Kamin Springs villas.

Parks & Nature

Beautiful waterfall you can hike to and also swim in. A beautiful 30km motorbike ride away. Natural mineral hotsprings also nearby.
Sri Sangwan Waterfall
Beautiful waterfall you can hike to and also swim in. A beautiful 30km motorbike ride away. Natural mineral hotsprings also nearby.
Beautiful natural mineral rich hot springs. Open everyday. Go on a weekday as weekends can sometimes get a bit crowded.
Pong Arng Hot Spring
Beautiful natural mineral rich hot springs. Open everyday. Go on a weekday as weekends can sometimes get a bit crowded.
Soak in these natural hot springs. They are hot and full of natural minerals. Great to do in the evening when its cool. You can book the private hot baths for 50 baht an hour. Or you can use the public baths that are about 50 metres above. **We recommend using the public baths because these are hotter and you can also soak in the cold stream while watching the buffalo cross.
Chiang Dao Private hot spring
Soak in these natural hot springs. They are hot and full of natural minerals. Great to do in the evening when its cool. You can book the private hot baths for 50 baht an hour. Or you can use the public baths that are about 50 metres above. **We recommend using the public baths because these are hotter and you can also soak in the cold stream while watching the buffalo cross.
BEUATIFUL views of Chiang Dao mountains and all surrounding valleys. You will probably be the only people here. Its an incredible motorbike ride through the mountains to get here. Perfect roads all the way to the turning into the park. Then its really nice gravel roads for the rest of the 8km to the top. Very lush forests and incredible view points at the top. Lots of Pine forest and even a camp ground at the top. we highly recommend if your down for a one day adventure. The entrance to the park costs 100 baht and 30 baht for motorbikes. The road to get here goes through Lisu hill tribe villages and follows mountain ridges with 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Bring a pack lunch, have a picnic at the top and enjoy the views.
ดอยค้ำฟ้า / Doi Kham Fah
BEUATIFUL views of Chiang Dao mountains and all surrounding valleys. You will probably be the only people here. Its an incredible motorbike ride through the mountains to get here. Perfect roads all the way to the turning into the park. Then its really nice gravel roads for the rest of the 8km to the top. Very lush forests and incredible view points at the top. Lots of Pine forest and even a camp ground at the top. we highly recommend if your down for a one day adventure. The entrance to the park costs 100 baht and 30 baht for motorbikes. The road to get here goes through Lisu hill tribe villages and follows mountain ridges with 360 degree views of the surrounding area. Bring a pack lunch, have a picnic at the top and enjoy the views.
WATERFALL. This is the starting point of a 1 hour trek through the forest that leads you to a waterfall. You can park at the school and then walk towards the back and on the left hand side its very hidden but there will be metal steps that take you over the wall and onto the path that leads to the waterfall. You will have to cross the river a couple times but its less than knee deep. Frist you will get to an abandoned resort. Follow this through and over the bridge and back onto the path. Follow this all the way until you get to another structure that used to be used as a hydro power generator. Stick to the right of this while following the river. From here the path will take you across more river crossings and then about 25-30 min trek to the waterfall. You can bathe inside the waterfall and its nice and cold all year around. The waterfall is about 20 meter high. Always has water even through dry season.
Mae Mae School
ทางหลวงชนบท ชม
WATERFALL. This is the starting point of a 1 hour trek through the forest that leads you to a waterfall. You can park at the school and then walk towards the back and on the left hand side its very hidden but there will be metal steps that take you over the wall and onto the path that leads to the waterfall. You will have to cross the river a couple times but its less than knee deep. Frist you will get to an abandoned resort. Follow this through and over the bridge and back onto the path. Follow this all the way until you get to another structure that used to be used as a hydro power generator. Stick to the right of this while following the river. From here the path will take you across more river crossings and then about 25-30 min trek to the waterfall. You can bathe inside the waterfall and its nice and cold all year around. The waterfall is about 20 meter high. Always has water even through dry season.
One of the best camping grounds with a SPECTACULAR view of the south face of chiang dao mountain. Also very good views of Chiang Dao town. Difficult road to drive up lots of sharp bends and curves but the views are breathtaking.
สถานีวิจัยเกษตรที่สูงป่าเกี๊ยะ
One of the best camping grounds with a SPECTACULAR view of the south face of chiang dao mountain. Also very good views of Chiang Dao town. Difficult road to drive up lots of sharp bends and curves but the views are breathtaking.
Spectacular views of Doi Luang. Run by hill tribes. Probably one of the best views you can easily motorbike to.
Grand Mountain Chiangdao
Spectacular views of Doi Luang. Run by hill tribes. Probably one of the best views you can easily motorbike to.
Very large organic farm. organic rice, vegetables and fruit. very well managed. you can spend a day here learning about everything. highly reccomend if your into agriculture! We love it
สวนบัวชมพู ณ จอมคีรี เกษตรอินทรีย์
Very large organic farm. organic rice, vegetables and fruit. very well managed. you can spend a day here learning about everything. highly reccomend if your into agriculture! We love it
This is a dam that’s close to our listing. Go up here around sunset and it’s really beautiful. Just a nice place to take someone and chill. Surrounded by mountains, trees and greenery. A special place.
อ่างเก็บน้ำแม่ข้อน
This is a dam that’s close to our listing. Go up here around sunset and it’s really beautiful. Just a nice place to take someone and chill. Surrounded by mountains, trees and greenery. A special place.
The view from here is definitely top 2 in Chiang Dao. The road is very difficult so we would only recommend if your very good at riding a scooter. Wet season its almost impossible by scooter. Its an adventure and its slightly dangerous but you will be rewarded with breath taking views and tucked away hill tribe villages. We do this as much as we can from around October to February when the views and the roads are the best. Also perfect place to camp and watch the stars. This is the perfect place to come if you have some good motocross bikes or if your crazy and want to try get here by scooter!
Chiang Dao panorama
The view from here is definitely top 2 in Chiang Dao. The road is very difficult so we would only recommend if your very good at riding a scooter. Wet season its almost impossible by scooter. Its an adventure and its slightly dangerous but you will be rewarded with breath taking views and tucked away hill tribe villages. We do this as much as we can from around October to February when the views and the roads are the best. Also perfect place to camp and watch the stars. This is the perfect place to come if you have some good motocross bikes or if your crazy and want to try get here by scooter!
This is a beautiful camp ground with incredible views of Chiang Dao mountain of its south face. The road to get here is very tough and you would need a good pick up truck or a scooter with a at least 150cc engine. Pine forests at the top. Rainbow eucalyptus trees and just in general very lush nature. We highly highly recommend this. The village at the top is a Karen and Muse hill tribe village.
Baan San Pa Kia Campground ลานกางเต็นท์บ้านสันป่าเกี๊ยะ
This is a beautiful camp ground with incredible views of Chiang Dao mountain of its south face. The road to get here is very tough and you would need a good pick up truck or a scooter with a at least 150cc engine. Pine forests at the top. Rainbow eucalyptus trees and just in general very lush nature. We highly highly recommend this. The village at the top is a Karen and Muse hill tribe village.

Sightseeing

Majestic temple hidden and only reached by a trail through the jungle. Beautiful to do in the morning when it is cool.
7 locals recommend
Wat Tham Pha Plong
139 หมู่ 5
7 locals recommend
Majestic temple hidden and only reached by a trail through the jungle. Beautiful to do in the morning when it is cool.
VERY cool Temple. This is a temple hidden in the forest. You park at the entrance and walk into the temple. beautiful tall bamboo tree lined path. very peaceful . You can meditate and also stay the night for free or give a donation. Very unique temple. very hidden. Not well known but worth the visit. River mae ping also runs through it.
Wat Pa Bunnak
Highway 1261
VERY cool Temple. This is a temple hidden in the forest. You park at the entrance and walk into the temple. beautiful tall bamboo tree lined path. very peaceful . You can meditate and also stay the night for free or give a donation. Very unique temple. very hidden. Not well known but worth the visit. River mae ping also runs through it.
This is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in the area. Ancient burmese influenced architecture. very unique. Built on top of a hill, it has panoramic views on a good day. Stop by here on your way or way to the waterfall/hotspring. no entrance fee. Best time to go is SUNSET. Stay for sunset and wait till the stars come out.
Wat Phra That Doi Mon Ching
This is one of the most beautiful ancient temples in the area. Ancient burmese influenced architecture. very unique. Built on top of a hill, it has panoramic views on a good day. Stop by here on your way or way to the waterfall/hotspring. no entrance fee. Best time to go is SUNSET. Stay for sunset and wait till the stars come out.
HIGHLY recommend this cave if your up for an adventure and want to explore a huge and beautiful cave with no tourists. We think its worth the trip to get here. Along the way from Chiang Dao you will pass a daily hill tribe market called Hmong market gulch. This is also on our market. Hmong people and a hill tribe who live in the mountains around this area and sell their daily produce at this market. You will find seasonal varieties not found anywhere else. Once your at the cave you need to ask the people at the shop/booth to turn on the lights in the cave and you will need to pay them 100 baht. Walk up the stairs and the cave entrance is on the farthest right entrance. You can walk ALL the way to the end. Just follow the lights. Its very safe and you will see hundreds of bats an huge cave chambers. The cave is still alive and stalactites and stalagmites are still growing. Some chambers can be difficult to reach because of the narrow tunnels but trust us and make your way all to the end! Also some beautiful Buddha statues in the chambers on the left entrances.
Wat Tham Tap Tao
HIGHLY recommend this cave if your up for an adventure and want to explore a huge and beautiful cave with no tourists. We think its worth the trip to get here. Along the way from Chiang Dao you will pass a daily hill tribe market called Hmong market gulch. This is also on our market. Hmong people and a hill tribe who live in the mountains around this area and sell their daily produce at this market. You will find seasonal varieties not found anywhere else. Once your at the cave you need to ask the people at the shop/booth to turn on the lights in the cave and you will need to pay them 100 baht. Walk up the stairs and the cave entrance is on the farthest right entrance. You can walk ALL the way to the end. Just follow the lights. Its very safe and you will see hundreds of bats an huge cave chambers. The cave is still alive and stalactites and stalagmites are still growing. Some chambers can be difficult to reach because of the narrow tunnels but trust us and make your way all to the end! Also some beautiful Buddha statues in the chambers on the left entrances.
Explore chiangdao caves and feed the huge fish. We recommend you pay for a guide to lead you through the other chambers. Kids love doing this as you can climb through all the narrow chambers and see lots of bats.
28 locals recommend
Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple
273 หมู่ 5
28 locals recommend
Explore chiangdao caves and feed the huge fish. We recommend you pay for a guide to lead you through the other chambers. Kids love doing this as you can climb through all the narrow chambers and see lots of bats.
BEAUTIFUL drive through mountain roads to get here. It is a tree house built in the jungle on top of the mountain in a hill tribe village. You can stop eat and drink here. Most importantly, if you keep driving further to the end and get to the school. Park at the school and trek through the jungle for about 1 hour and you will get to a beautiful waterfall hidden in the jungle. Waterfall is about 15m high.
Trees house village
BEAUTIFUL drive through mountain roads to get here. It is a tree house built in the jungle on top of the mountain in a hill tribe village. You can stop eat and drink here. Most importantly, if you keep driving further to the end and get to the school. Park at the school and trek through the jungle for about 1 hour and you will get to a beautiful waterfall hidden in the jungle. Waterfall is about 15m high.
The road that takes you to this temple is beautiful. A must see. It takes you through hidden hill tribe villages where they grow avocados, lychee, and peaches. The road also winds through tea plantations on top of mountain ridges. Spectacular scenery, views and no tourists.
Wat Doi Udom Tham
Thong Thind Chiang Mai Rd.
The road that takes you to this temple is beautiful. A must see. It takes you through hidden hill tribe villages where they grow avocados, lychee, and peaches. The road also winds through tea plantations on top of mountain ridges. Spectacular scenery, views and no tourists.
This is a new temple that has been built. You can drive all the way up to the top. You will see a huge Buddha on a hill while driving through mueang Ngai. A huge buddha sits at the top of the hill offering beautiful views of mueang ngai and chiang dao. Beuatiful time to go is dusk when the sun is setting.
Wat Phra That Pu Kam
This is a new temple that has been built. You can drive all the way up to the top. You will see a huge Buddha on a hill while driving through mueang Ngai. A huge buddha sits at the top of the hill offering beautiful views of mueang ngai and chiang dao. Beuatiful time to go is dusk when the sun is setting.
Feed the fish by the river at the bottom of the temple. There is a fish food box that is re filled by the monks. offer a donation and you can take the fish food. Temple is also beautiful
Wat Intraram วัดอินทาราม
68 ซอย 14 หมู่ 7
Feed the fish by the river at the bottom of the temple. There is a fish food box that is re filled by the monks. offer a donation and you can take the fish food. Temple is also beautiful
The scariest temple in Chiang Dao. You'll understand why. A depiction of Buddhist hell.
Wat Mae Ead
The scariest temple in Chiang Dao. You'll understand why. A depiction of Buddhist hell.
Beautiful beautiful Road to get here. Amazing for mountain biking or off roading. The roads are mud roads. The view is spectacular as you can see all of Chiang Dao mountain from the south side. Peaceful and amazing forests. Saw green parrots and rare palm trees on the way. Also passing through old but manicured tea plantations.
ที่พักสงฆ์ดอยกิ่วลม
Beautiful beautiful Road to get here. Amazing for mountain biking or off roading. The roads are mud roads. The view is spectacular as you can see all of Chiang Dao mountain from the south side. Peaceful and amazing forests. Saw green parrots and rare palm trees on the way. Also passing through old but manicured tea plantations.

Arts & Culture

Funky + arty little space + great café. They have monthly art galleries that showcase life and culture from the surrounding area. They are surrounded by rice fields which makes for a perfect setting. Explore the area and you will find cool sculptures scattered around. They also have a nice gift shop.
Makhampom Art Space Chiang Dao
Moo 7
Funky + arty little space + great café. They have monthly art galleries that showcase life and culture from the surrounding area. They are surrounded by rice fields which makes for a perfect setting. Explore the area and you will find cool sculptures scattered around. They also have a nice gift shop.
This is another hidden gem in Chiang Dao. Cute little café and art gallery. Could spend an afternoon here drinking coffee and reading a book.
Hippocampus
This is another hidden gem in Chiang Dao. Cute little café and art gallery. Could spend an afternoon here drinking coffee and reading a book.
This is a beautiful indigo dye studio. The owner is Thai and grows her own indigo and makes her own natural dye. She uses local materials such as hemp and cotton. She has a shop selling her products and clothes. This is a hidden gem in Chiang Dao and if your into this stuff, is a must visit. She also does one day workshops where you can learn how to dye your clothes and the take away what you have made. The owner speaks English, thai and Japanese. The workshop pricing is in the picture above.
Studio Chiang Dao Blue
This is a beautiful indigo dye studio. The owner is Thai and grows her own indigo and makes her own natural dye. She uses local materials such as hemp and cotton. She has a shop selling her products and clothes. This is a hidden gem in Chiang Dao and if your into this stuff, is a must visit. She also does one day workshops where you can learn how to dye your clothes and the take away what you have made. The owner speaks English, thai and Japanese. The workshop pricing is in the picture above.
Absolutely beautiful designed art studio . Hidden in the rice fields with a beautiful view of the mountain. They specialise in Art Therapy Courses. Very Close and walking distance from Makhampom art space
7arts inner place
Absolutely beautiful designed art studio . Hidden in the rice fields with a beautiful view of the mountain. They specialise in Art Therapy Courses. Very Close and walking distance from Makhampom art space

Getting Around

Long distance buses leave here to bangkok everyday. Make sure to book tickets at least a day in advance. You can buy tickets at Chiang Dao Inn.
Chiangdao Inn Hotel
251 ซอย 17 หมู่ 6
Long distance buses leave here to bangkok everyday. Make sure to book tickets at least a day in advance. You can buy tickets at Chiang Dao Inn.
When coming from Chiang Mai by bus make sure to get off here. Yellow minibus taxis are available from the opposite side of the road and they will take you to our house. You can also catch the bus back to Chiang Mai from here
Lotus Express
511 หมู่ที่ 6
When coming from Chiang Mai by bus make sure to get off here. Yellow minibus taxis are available from the opposite side of the road and they will take you to our house. You can also catch the bus back to Chiang Mai from here
Buses run every 30 mins. From 6:30am and last bus at 5pm. Buses go to Chiang Mai. 40 baht per person from Chiang Dao. Buses also go north through Fang and last stop is Thaton.
Chiang Dao bus station
Buses run every 30 mins. From 6:30am and last bus at 5pm. Buses go to Chiang Mai. 40 baht per person from Chiang Dao. Buses also go north through Fang and last stop is Thaton.

Drinks and Bars

Open from Thursday to Sunday. This is a funky little bar. The owner brews his own beer. Also the largest selction of local thai craft beer in Chiang Dao. Every beer tastes good. The owner illke will know every question you ask him about each beer. Highly recommend this place if your into craft beer. They also do good sausages and burgers. Belgian fries are bomb!
Microkosmos Craft Beer & Burger Bar
Open from Thursday to Sunday. This is a funky little bar. The owner brews his own beer. Also the largest selction of local thai craft beer in Chiang Dao. Every beer tastes good. The owner illke will know every question you ask him about each beer. Highly recommend this place if your into craft beer. They also do good sausages and burgers. Belgian fries are bomb!
Stylish deco, craft Belgium beers, also have Thai beers, large selection of tasty cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Also, one of the only places that sells good wine in Chiang Dao. She serves up tapas to nibble on. Good music. Very close to our listing. The owner is a very good friend of ours, she’s super friendly and we love coming here. Closed on Tuesday
Ding Ding Dong Bar
Stylish deco, craft Belgium beers, also have Thai beers, large selection of tasty cocktails made with fresh ingredients. Also, one of the only places that sells good wine in Chiang Dao. She serves up tapas to nibble on. Good music. Very close to our listing. The owner is a very good friend of ours, she’s super friendly and we love coming here. Closed on Tuesday
We highly recommend this place. Really good Live music. Cold Thai beers such as Chang and Leo. Bottles of Thai whiskey. Good food and snacks. Stylish environment. Where all the locals go.
The Cojon
We highly recommend this place. Really good Live music. Cold Thai beers such as Chang and Leo. Bottles of Thai whiskey. Good food and snacks. Stylish environment. Where all the locals go.

Shopping

Every Sunday from 7am to 12pm there is a big market in this location. The same market as the Tuesday morning market in Chiang Dao. Very local market, hill tribes come down from surrounding hills to sell produce. Underestimated market and not well known with tourists. We reccomend.
หน่วยบริการประชาชนบ้านเมืองงาย
Every Sunday from 7am to 12pm there is a big market in this location. The same market as the Tuesday morning market in Chiang Dao. Very local market, hill tribes come down from surrounding hills to sell produce. Underestimated market and not well known with tourists. We reccomend.
FAVOURITE market in Chiang Dao. Its about 15k away but it has the most variety of seasonal and local produce. Both vegetables and fruit. If your staying at Dek Doi Kamin Springs and want to buy the best produce to cook with, this is the place. The Hmong hill tribe run this market and every day come down from their mountain villages and sell their produce. Seasonal peaches and plums to wild forest honey. Lots of salad greens and vegetables.
Hmong Market Gulch
FAVOURITE market in Chiang Dao. Its about 15k away but it has the most variety of seasonal and local produce. Both vegetables and fruit. If your staying at Dek Doi Kamin Springs and want to buy the best produce to cook with, this is the place. The Hmong hill tribe run this market and every day come down from their mountain villages and sell their produce. Seasonal peaches and plums to wild forest honey. Lots of salad greens and vegetables.
This market is open in the mornings and closes around 6pm. Lots of fresh produce. In the evenings locals from around town come and sell food that they have made at home. All in all, a good market to buy food and local produce to cook at home. Also close to 7/11
Market Mueang Ngai
ทางหลวงแผ่นดินหมายเลข 1178
This market is open in the mornings and closes around 6pm. Lots of fresh produce. In the evenings locals from around town come and sell food that they have made at home. All in all, a good market to buy food and local produce to cook at home. Also close to 7/11
Happens every 2nd Thursday of the month. A really nice little street market selling lots of different local food and produce. Buy some food and then walk down to the end and eat next to the river. Starts at around 4 pm and ends around 7-8 pm.
Chang Dao Thursady Market
Happens every 2nd Thursday of the month. A really nice little street market selling lots of different local food and produce. Buy some food and then walk down to the end and eat next to the river. Starts at around 4 pm and ends around 7-8 pm.