From Wikitravel

Chiang Dao (เชียงดาว) is a town in Northern Thailand.

[edit] Understand

Chiang Dao literally means "City of Stars", although this small rural town is hardly a city.

[edit] Get in

Chiang Dao is 72 km north of Chiang Mai on Highway 107 to Fang and Tha Ton.

[edit] By plane

The nearest major airport is in Chiang Mai. A metered, air conditioned taxi will cost about 1000 - 1200 Baht one-way (~$35US).

[edit] By bus

The easiest and cheapest way to get in and out of Chiang Dao, is to stay next to, or near Highway 107. Anywhere along side the highway, one can wave down a bus or Songtheaw to either go towards Chiang Mai (40 Baht), or Fang (40 Baht). Buses run quite often (between 6am - 6pm every half hour)

There are buses six times daily from Chiang Mai to Tha Ton, which stop at Chiang Dao along the way. 90 minutes, 40 baht.

You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along the side of the road, which is ofter better than getting off at the Chiang Dao bus stop, where Sontheaw drivers charge 100 Baht or more to take you one-way to a resort.

[edit] Get around

Most guesthouses can arrange motorcycles for rent for around 200-300 baht/day. This is is the cheapest option as there are very few taxis in the town and they employ a price fixing strategy, be prepared to pay 150 baht per ride from one of these regardless of how much you barter.

[edit][add listing] See

• Chiang Dao Cave (Tham Chiang Dao) is the best-known attraction here, offering 12 kilometers of stalactite-laden caves — although only five of the caverns are accessible to the public. Entry 10 baht.

• Birdwatching

[edit][add listing] Do

The town of Chiang Dao is adjacent to Chiang Dao National Park [1], which covers over 1000 sq.km. of the stunning craggy mountains in the area, including Doi Chiang Dao itself (2225m). Being fairly high up, it's noticeably cooler and drier than on the plains and can get downright cold in the winter. The local flora are semitropical, with extensive bamboo forests and a number of mountain streams and waterfalls.

The area is popular for trekking, as in addition to the mountain views there are many Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages scattered in the park.

• Chiang Dao Nest Tours and Trekking, [2] offers a wide variety of 2-3 day treks in the national park. Small, private groups led by local hill tribe guides, priced at roughly 1000 baht/person/day all-inclusive.

• Doi Luang Chiang Dao is a wonderful two day mountain trip for experienced hikers.

• Elephant riding

• River rafting

[edit][add listing] Buy

Every Tuesday the town has a market with many hilltribe people coming down to trade.

[edit][add listing] Eat

• Mon and Kurt's Thai-German Restaurant (on the old Chiang Dao - Fang highway, 2.5km after the Chiang Dao 7-11 in the Fang direction, on the right hand side) +66-841739975 [3] - big variety of European, North American and Thai food. Thai mains ~50 baht, European dishes ~100 baht.

[edit][add listing] Drink

Cafe Cafe is the place to go if you like sports. The owner broadcasts football games and sometimes Auto racing. Good coffee!

There are also a few Thai Karaoke Bars in and around Chiang Dao, for those who are a little more adventerous.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Chiang Dao now offers quite a few guesthouses and resorts, some located right near the Chiang Dao - Fang Highway, others near the bypass or near the cave and mountain temple.

[edit] Budget

• Mon and Kurt's Thai-German Restaurant, +66-841739975 [4] mon@chiangdao.org has a large, cozy, teak private room with a fan for 190 baht/night. Shared bathroom and hot shower, towels and clean bedding provided, and great food in the restaurant and good fresh coffee. Beautiful mountain view from the restaurant, UBC TV, 7 baht/minute international calls and Internet access. A popular place for local expats as well as people on day trips from Chiang Mai.

They also have a furnished house for rent, with full kitchen, two bedrooms and dining room, in a quiet location for 650 Baht per night, 2500 Baht per week

[edit] Mid-range

• Chiang Dao Nest, +66-60171985 [5] run by English/Thai couple Stuart and Wicha is a self-proclaimed mini-resort with views of the mountains around and Thai/Western food. 11 bungalows with fan, attached bathroom, hot water, from 495 baht/night.
• Nature Home, is a nice and quiet place, offers nice rooms with private bathrooms for 400 baht/night. The owners are a local couple that speaks no English, but is very friendly. If you are lucky, you might get some kind of breakfast for free in the morning.
• Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows, +66-53456426 [6] is a nice and quiet place set up in 1995 offers bamboo rooms with private bathrooms. Family and honeymoon suits are also available. The location offers views of the surrounding mountains. It is located right next to the above mentioned Chiang Dao Nest.

[edit] Splurge

• Baan Krating Chiang Dao, Highway 107 Km. 63, +66-19520067 [7] is a "boutique resort" with 10 villas on the banks of the Ping River, 10 km to the south of town. Each villa has air-con, attached bathroom, terrace, and costs from 900 baht/night low season, from 1200 baht/night high season.

[edit] Get out

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