Chiang Dao Guide: The Best Hidden Gem in Northern Thailand

Here’s a Chiang Dao Guide for you!

Errr, Chiang Dao? Where is Chiang Dao?

This will most probably be the first question that comes to your mind. Chiang Dao is not the typical place you’d visit, but rest assured you will have the best time!

Chiang Dao was recommended to me by Joanne, another solo traveller I met along my backpacking journey. Upon meeting Joanne, I was confused to how I’d spend my time in Northern Thailand.

Joanne suggested to me to spend time in Chiang Dao, if I’m up for a good time out in nature. So, I took the leap of trust and went to Chiang Dao.

After 10 hours exploring Chiang Dao, I’d say that I definitely will regret not listening and visiting Chiang Dao.

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Amazing view of Chiang Dao while enjoying a coffee

Why the need for a Chiang Dao Guide?

Chiang Dao is a hidden gem in Northern Thailand and a town easily skipped by many.

With this Chiang Dao guide, I hope to inspire you and ease your visit in Chiang Dao.

Chiang Dao Guide: Things to Do

Ride a bicycle

Renting and riding a bicycle was the best decision I made during my 10 hours in Chiang Dao. I am not confident in riding a scooter, so a bicycle will do.

It was a nice way to enjoy the breeze and mesmerizing view.

You can rent a bicycle or scooter at this rental shop. I highly recommend them. The bicycle owner is kind and helpful to ensure that the bicycle brakes work perfectly.

The best cycling route for you:

Ride towards Chiang Dao Hot Springs and recharge after the ride
Cycle through the rice fields
Ride through Giant Trees Alley as though you are moving through a living cathedral
Enjoy a cup of coffee at a hilltop cafe and enjoy the mountain breeze
Visit Chiang Dao Cave and Chiang Dao Temple
Ride downhill towards Chiang Dao Bus Terminal

The best rental bicycle I had thoughout my backpacking trip

Relax at Chiang Dao Hot Springs

Chiang Dao Hot Springs is a public, local hot spring that leaves you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. There is no entrance fee to enjoy this facility.

There are a few tanks of varying temperatures, giving you the option to select based on your preference.

Although there is a public facility, the facility is litter-free and well-maintained.

45 minutes later, i left the facility with relaxed muscles after the 30 minutes cycle from Chiang Dao town.

Chiang Dao Hot Spring’s less crowded hot spring

Enjoy a drink at the top of the mountain

After the ride, I enjoyed the view of Chiang Dao at Atmosphere Cafe. There was outdoor and indoor seating available, which gives you a great choice, depending on the weather.

I had a seat indoors as I wanted to wind down in the chilled air conditioning before continuing my bike ride.

Chose an Instagram worthy cafe to have an iced orange coffee

Cycle through THE Giant Trees Alley

Giant trees along the road created a nice symmetry for an Instagrammable photo. Many Thais parked their cars by the road and were queuing to take a photo.

I got off my bike. Being overly cautious of my safety, I took a photo from the side of the road instead.

The Giant Trees, which are a local’s favourite Instagram worthy spot

Hike Doi Luang Mountain

Doi Luang Mountain trek is a 16 km (10 miles) trek. I opted not to go for it as I wanted to enjoy the views from afar.

Reach out to your homestay host to connect you to the best local guide in the area or go for this unique tour I found for you. Compared to the other well-known hikes in the area, such as Fansipan trekking and Nong Khiaw hikes, there are fewer tours available online for pre-booking.

Took another short break at a cafe with the best view of Doi Luang Mountain

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Explore Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Dao Cave is a beautiful cave to explore in Chiang Dao. At the end of the cave, there is a sleeping Buddha statue.

There is an entrance fee of 100 THB (USD 3.10), which includes a torchlight to help you navigate through the cave.

If you are not comfortable to visit the cave independently, you may hire a guide at the entrance.

My legs were feeling extremely tired to climb up the stairs and from the lack of sleep, so I enjoyed the ambience and view from the entrance. I’ve seen photos from other travellers, and they looked amazing!

Instead, I purchased some fish food and fed these fishes at the cave entrance.

The koi fishes at the temple entrance were massive!

How to get to Chiang Dao

From Chiang Mai

Opt for the public bus for the most flexibility.

Bus tickets can be easily purchased at Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 1. Buses leave every hour and cost 70 THB (USD 2.20) one way.

The journey from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao is approximately one hour.

Alternatively, join a group tour from Chiang Mai.

Chiang Dao bus stop

From Pai

There is no direct route from Pai to Chiang Dao, without transiting at Chiang Mai.

Chiang Dao Guide: What to Bring

Chiang Dao is a small, relaxed town compared to Chiang Mai and is less developed compared to Chiang Mai and Pai.

Therefore, coming from a perspective of a traveller, I’d recommend bringing some of the necessities from town to have a comfortable experience.

Cash: less card machines are available at the local shops. ATMs are also less accessible. So, bring cash.
Mosquito repellent: to stay mosquito bite-free and for a comfortable experience
Jacket: Chiang Dao is located at slightly elevated levels. Bring a jacket for keeping you warm in the early mornings and late evenings.

The best bike ride I had in Thailand