If you're planning a trip to Chiang Mai, you surely intend to visit one of the many caves the city has to offer. These limestone caverns are a natural wonder, often winding beneath the earth's surface for miles. Chiang Dao Cave is the most famous of the region, and it has every reason to belong at the top of your travel list. Chiang Dao is comprised of five individual caves in a system. The two most commonly explored caves, Tham Seua Dao and Tham Phra Nawn, are well-lit and do not require a guide or lantern to visit.
The massive system of caves lies beneath Thailand's third largest mountain, Doi Luang Chiang Dao. The twelve kilometers of chilly passageways are adorned with seemingly endless stalactites and stalagmites. Their complexity and beauty is a wonder to behold - artwork formed over millennia showcasing the patience of nature and inspiring visitors to pause and meditate.
The legends of Chiang Dao are extensive and fascinating.
The caves have been a part of Thai folklore for more than a thousand years, and have served as a place of worship for a large portion of that time. Statues and offerings stationed throughout the passageways tell the story of the cave, its legends, and the people who treasure it as a place of spiritual practice.
Such local legend says the cave was once the home of a holy man, Phrom Ruesi. He lived in the caves for 1,000 years and encouraged the spirits to create amazing structures and monuments, including a stream flowing from the golden Buddha's pedestal and a city of naga, or mythical serpents. Though human eyes have never seen these wonders, Phrom Ruesi is still a part of the caves in many ways.
There is so much more to see outside the caves.
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a Buddhist temple complex famous for its beautiful grounds and incredible monuments. Nestled into the base of the vibrantly green foothills of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the temple complex is an extension of the Chiang Dao Wildlife Reserve offering clean and cool mountain air. Statues of worship are carved into the rocks, simultaneously subtle and intricate, in contrast to the ornate Buddha jutting out from a side-hill.
Another temple in the complex has a large statue of Phaya Naga, the serpant, beside it. This temple is sealed off by a gate, but you can walk around the outside and view its intricate carvings. Any time you do approach a temple, remember that this is an active place of worship and home to monks. In their culture, it is customary to remove your shoes, bow down on your knees, and avoid turning your back to the statues when visiting temples. If you are not prepared to do so, simply enjoy the temples from afar and use that incredible zoom on your camera.
What You Need to Know
The cave is located about 73 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, Thailand. Chiang Mai is a large city with plenty to offer. I recommend staying here at a resort such as Khum Phaya, and making a day trip out of it. The drive will take you approximately an hour and a half, and is on a main highway. No sketchy dirt paths - this time. If you won't be traveling with a tour agency such as REI Adventures, you can find out more about transportation from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao here.
The caves are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Plan to spend at least four hours here, longer if possible. You can grab lunch or dinner while you're here.
Bring a jacket or sweater even on a hot day since caves are always cooler and, as always, wear comfortable shoes. Some recommend hiking shoes with ankle support but your favorite pair of running shoes will do just fine. Good socks are essential all the time. For every person, place, and thing. Just wear Smartwool and don't ask questions. Regardless, your overall attire should be respectful of the modest culture of the area, as the cave system is a Buddhist temple. Girls, this means covered shoulders, long pants, and leaving your crop tops at home. I know, I just HATE when I have to leave those behind, too, but you can do it. Be strong.
In all seriousness though, you're gonna love this adventure.
Explore on, my friends.
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