Doi Chiang Dao
ดอยหลวงเชียงดาว
Thailand's third-highest peak at 2,175 meters, a limestone mountain. The Chiang Dao Cave at its base holds Buddha-filled grottoes, and in the cool season you can book a summit climb to see sunrise over the clouds.
Doi Chiang Dao lies about 75 km north of Chiang Mai. It is Thailand's third-highest peak, with steep limestone cliffs and distinctive vegetation at the summit. At the foot of the mountain, Tham Chiang Dao is a Buddhist cave that penetrates deep into the mountain. A temple stands at the entrance, and inside, stalactites alternate with reclining and seated Buddha images. The first section is lit by electric lights, but deeper in you need to hire a villager to lead you with oil lamps (about 100–200 baht). Summit climbs are open only from November to March. They must be booked in advance through the national park, require a local guide, and typically involve a two-day, one-night camp to watch the sunrise over the clouds. Cave admission is about 40 baht, and it is open roughly 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Several holiday wooden lodges are located at the base, making it a good place to stay overnight. The drive from Chiang Mai takes about 1.5 hours.
Opening hours
Caves approx. 08:00–17:00; summit access seasonal
Nearby sights
- Elephant Nature Park
- Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall
- Mon Cham
- Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden
- Huay Tung Tao Lake
- Doi Pui Hmong Village
- Bhubing Palace
- Chiang Mai Zoo