Northern Thailand - Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Northern Thailand - page 913

The more charming part of town is 5km west along the road that leads to Tham Chiang
Dao (Chiang Dao Cave).

Sights

Tham Chiang Dao
(Chiang Dao Cave; admission 40B) In the heat of the day, the coolest place in town is the Chi-
ang Dao Cave, a complex said to extend some 10km to 14km into Doi Chiang Dao. There
are four interconnected caverns that are open to the public. Tham Phra Non (360m) is the
initial segment and is electrically illuminated and can be explored on your own. To ex-
plore the other caves - Tham Mah (735m), Tham Kaew (474m) and Tham Nam (660m) -
we recommend that you hire a guide with a pressurised gas lantern (100B for up to five
people), not because you aren't intrepid enough to go solo, but because the guide service
provides income for the local villagers.

CAVE

Doi Chiang Dao
(Doi Luang) Part of the Doi Chiang Dao National Park, Doi Chiang Dao pokes into the
heavens at 2195m above sea level. From the summit, reachable by a two-day hike, the
views are spectacular. The southern side of the mountain is believed to be one of the most
accessible spots in the world to see the giant nuthatch and Hume's pheasant. Bird-watching
and overnight treks can be arranged through local guesthouses.

MOUNTAIN

Sleeping & Eating
There is a daily food market off the main street.

Hobby Hut
( 08 0034 4153; r from 250B) Chiang Dao's cheapest backpacker choice, Hobby Hut has
simple A-frame huts with shared bathrooms surrounded by rice fields. Meals with the
family are available.

GUESTHOUSE $

Chiang Dao Nest
( 08 6017 1985; http://nest.chiangdao.com ; r 895-1500B; ) The simple bungalows here
get the basics right - comfy beds, privacy and immaculate interiors. Those closest to the
restaurant have terrific views from the rickety rear porches.

GUESTHOUSE $$