The range of Thailand’s rugged beauty is amazing with enough unique and fascinating places to keep you busy ad infinitum discovering them, Chiang Dao Cave is one of those funky out-there places where the often used phrase ‘seeing is believing.’ really is appropriate.
Chiang Dao
The Highlands of Northern Thailand are famous for their ‘Sea’s of Mist’ on the jungle floor as viewed from thousands of feet above. .. Chiang Dao is in that cool zone at the foot of Doi Chiang Dao Mountain. At 2,225/7,300ft, this brute of a mountains name translates into “City of Stars’, with it’s limestone and karst rock formations a stunning backdrop reaching through the mist and into the heavens the lore suggests. 
We ended up in Chiang Rai, and didn’t really wish to go through Chiang Mai again so we hired a car for the 2.5 hour trip the back way up and down through the mountain pass. Our driver was a moonlighting off duty policeman and traffic laws were very flexible that day.. It was a picturesque drive although with it’s hundreds of curves the ride was not the gentlest affair. He had the funniest laugh and giggle….like Peter Lorre on helium only more cartoonish, so we were laughing and giggling right along with him.
The Cave Temple
I’ve been into a boatload of caves over the years, many of them spectacular, and some not so memorable. This cave is not only contains every cave formation imaginable, but is full of Buddha statues, alters, and small shrines which are maintained by the local monks. Some date over four centuries from the Lanna Kingdom period. The folklore of the cave is interesting with many of the stories involving hermits. Also that the cave connects to the mythical underworld of the Naga King, and that the caves are infinite as well. goes here.
Inside The Cave
As far as caves go, it is considered a complex cave system with a total length of around 15 kilometers, and I was immediately impressed by the size of most of the drainage passages….they were huge. I can imagine the water flow during peak monsoon season, as the many of the tunnels are flooded during the rainy season. Another oddity was that it was hot inside the cave, so no bats roost inside at this time[Dec] of year. Possibly all of the Coleman lanterns used by the guides contribute to heating up the cave, that’s my hypothesis anyway.
There is a small admission fee of 45baht/1.30$US to get inside the public areas that are illuminated, but if you wish to see the huge but unlit portion of the cave you will need to hire a official guide with their white gasoline lanterns. The 200 baht each was well worth it, as you go really deep into the cave. You feel the vastness of the space with the that hissing lantern and sounds of your footfalls being sucked away into the dark. It’s also quite tight in some spots as you squeeze through., but not all that demanding. The main public and lighted parts have plenty of beautiful formations to view if that dark-side tour is not your cuppa tea.
Lodging around the Cave
The cave is at the foot of the mountain, and since we were only there a night and a day, without wheels. we wanted to be able to walk . There are lots of little home-stays and resorts available, with us choosing Saranghea Resort that was only a ten minute walk to the cave entrance. This private little hideaway was really charming, with a Korean Restaurant that certainly enhanced our overnight stay.
We had a wonderful meal of Bibimbap that evening…….which is a Korean Rice Bowl, with mixed veggies, meats, and a fried egg. After a splash of chili paste and sesame oil, the waitress mixes the whole bowl for you. Served with sides of pickled veggies and kimchee, it was fantastic. The restaurant is very popular for its Korean Barbecue and sells out most nights I believe, so call ahead.
Ready for Dinner Service
Bibimbap
It was a brilliantly clear night, our host had a small fire going, and after dark got all of the guests out to launch paper lanterns, and pose for time-exposed photos with lasers. The kids that were there had a blast…me too! With a handful of little bungalows lining a large grassy area, it is a idea place for watching the night sky when clear, and also where tents can be set up as well.
Our little bungalow had a hammock on the front porch, and welcoming dual adjustable heated mattress liners for the night chill. Not often does it gets that cool at our home in Bangkok, so they felt truly comforting. There was also a heater, but we didn’t bother as the temperatures were only a little cold.
Conclusion
We squeezed this little foray into the end of 17 days exploring the North. A few of the places during the trip we had experienced before, while the cave grabbed our attention during the early planning sessions and fortunately we were able to fit it in.
As for our stay at Saranghea Resort, I would highly recommend it. The friendliness, the value, the incredible food, as well as the location make it the perfect place to get away.
Our wonderful host
There are plenty of days trips from Chiang Mai to the caves, but I would suggest that you spend a night or two, and get away from it all. There are lots of others things to do, hot springs, with plenty of nature oriented adventures In the area.
Wisdom on the way out!
The vibe is positive and I would consider that I had missed out if we hadn’t taken the time to see this one of a kind temple/cave. Totally one of those oddities that Thailand is certainly known for. It really is a unforgettable place that will stick to us always.
Please leave a comment or a question. Safe travels, and Remember, Leave Slowly and Come Back Quickly!