Nestled in the serene landscapes of Chiang Mai province, Chiang Dao Cave is a mesmerizing natural marvel featuring stunning stalactites, historical shrines, and a rich ecosystem. Ideal for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike, this cave provides a unique opportunity to connect with the beauty of Thailand’s underground landscapes.
Chiang Dao Cave, located in Thailand’s Chiang Mai province, is a captivating destination that draws visitors with its breathtaking geological formations and cultural significance. Spanning over 20 kilometers, this immense cave system features remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, crafted by millions of years of natural processes. The main cave is easily accessible, making it perfect for families and adventure seekers. As you journey through the dimly lit passages, you’ll discover ancient Buddhist shrines and hear stories of local legends that enhance the experience. The surrounding area boasts lush forests and diverse wildlife, inviting visitors to explore the beauty of the region further. Whether you’re intrigued by the cave’s historical essence or eager to marvel at its natural splendor, Chiang Dao Cave promises an unforgettable encounter with Thailand’s extraordinary landscape.
ถ้ำเชียงดาว (เชียงดาว, ไทย) - รีวิว - ThailandAgoda.com
Chiang Dao Cave is perched on a picturesque hilltop overlooking 50170, Thailand
Beautiful natural mountain surroundings located not far from Chiang Dao, this is a great place to while away a few hours when visiting Chiang Dao.
We really enjoyed taking the dark trail which requires a local guide who walks ahead with a kerosene lantern lighting the way.
Great to see and experience this place in both geographical and religious perspective; we love seeing the different formations, interpreted in numerous novel meanings from the locals – as well as letting our imagination do its thing at times. The cave consisted of numerous shrines and praying areas to pray, make merit and reflect. Some ways throughout the cave require some squeeze, and I found that a little fun exercise. The loop isn’t long so the entire journey was not exhausting. Also, it requires a qualified guide to bring you in to explore the caves; you cannot enter on your own. Beyond this was the absolutely beautiful scenery outside the cave; the mountains and the clear stream of water at the entrance of the cave.
If you haven’t been to a cave before, then for a few dollars, this cave can be a good intro, but if you have been to a cave, I’d skip it, it’s pretty underwhelming. Instead, I found the surrounding temple to the north (พระมหาเจดีย์รัศมีจามเทวีศรีวิชัย) to be much more beautiful and interesting.
Interesting cave complex. Bring a flashlight or you will have to hire a local guide to take you through with a kerosene lantern. Supporting the local guides may be a good thing to do regardless. Some very large caverns and a few tight passageways. I am not particularly large, but I still had a bit of trouble navigating a few points. Worthwhile excursion if you are in the area as Doi Chiang Dao is awesome.
Amazing Cave with beautiful temples and water areas leading up to the cave Well maintained, inexpensive, guides available inside if wanted, however, not necessary. Easy to walk around and observe
Well organized caving in quite impressive caves with some narrow passages between. 200 + 100 for very helpful guide. It takes almost 1 hour through.
My extended family and i went to the caves hoping to cool off. Note: the caves are out of the sun, but still muggy. We paid the entrance fee (i forget how much it was, but it was quite reasonable), which lets you into the small section of the the caves. We then paid another fee (still reasonable) to have a lantern-led tour of the caves. This worth the money. The guides literally use kerosene lanterns to lead you through the caves. There was so much to see, and it’s quite adventurous. We were a group of 14 (ranging from 15-54) and were able to maneuver the tight spots, dark corridors, steep steps, etc. Well worth the trip!!
Very good experience and well worth the visit. Tours are by local guide with lamp who will take you through the initial section of unlit cave. Then last section you can walk through alone since electric lights are installed. They ask for an obligatory tip to the guide after they’ve taken you through which we didn’t mind and were happy to give.
Revisted after many years and almost same same only different seasons.Last time we visited was 18yrs ago and we were much smaller and fit as heck and also we visited then in December when temperatures are way more cooler then the now 30’s. Yesterday was hot, extremely hot.We fell in love with the area back then and all though the cave area has barely changed the area around has definitely grown with new development. We did not venture into the cave this time round as we’d done years before. Back then when the weather was cooler and temps low the cave was hot and humid therefore I wasn’t keen to test how hot it would be while temps were high. We happily wandered the area in the shade and had some amazing ice teas. We reminisced on how amazing and serene Chiang Dao area was and still is and how little the immediate vicinity has changed, thank goodness. I would recommend doing the cave and if you dont want to, you can wander aimlessly in the little shopping square; small and charming, zero touts, ice drinks, hot drinks, food, clothes etc. Prices are reasonable here.
A temple within a caveYou can walk 500m into the cave on an electric lit pathway There is also the option to explore off the main path with guides equipped with hurricane lights