Wat Tham Chiang Dao — Attraction in Chiang Mai Province

Chiang Dao Cave is a remarkable destination that offers a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. Nestled in the serene mountains of northern Thailand, this cave system is a place where nature and spirituality come together to create a unique and unforgettable experience.

One of the highlights of visiting Chiang Dao Cave is the guided tours led by local volunteers. Equipped with traditional kerosene lamps, these volunteers light the way through the dark, mysterious corridors, revealing the intricate formations of stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the sacred Buddha statues and shrines scattered throughout the cave. The flickering glow of the lamps adds a magical, almost otherworldly atmosphere to the exploration.

The entrance fee for the guided tour is very reasonable at just 200 baht. It’s worth noting that the volunteers are unpaid, dedicating their time and effort out of love for their local heritage. While tipping is not mandatory, it’s a thoughtful way to show your appreciation for their dedication, knowledge, and warm hospitality. The guides are friendly, informative, and genuinely enthusiastic about sharing the stories and history of the cave, which makes the experience even more special.

Chiang Dao Cave is not only a place of natural wonder but also a sacred site deeply rooted in Thai Buddhist culture. Visitors can sense the spirituality that fills the air as they wander through the chambers, many of which are adorned with offerings and statues that locals and pilgrims have placed over the years.

Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or someone seeking a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, Chiang Dao Cave has something for everyone. The surrounding area is equally picturesque, with lush greenery, small streams, and a peaceful temple complex near the cave’s entrance.

In short, Chiang Dao Cave is a must-visit destination in northern Thailand. It offers a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and the kindness of its people. Be sure to bring some cash for tips and enjoy this truly unique and...

Just visited Chiang Dao Cave. 40 Bt entrance fee into complex Theres two cave entrances. You can walk by yourself for about 5 minutes, longer if you take photos, to the end of path, then turn around and walk back out. Easy flat walk with a few steps, bit slippery in places. Well lit. May have to keep your head down in a few places. The other entrance cost me 200 Bt as entrance fee. You have to have a guide with lamp and it was up to me if I gave a tip at end of tour. The people taking you on the tour are volunteers. I had Nan (Nanny) as my guide. Nice personable young lady who said initially she spoke little English. She actually spoke very good English. Tour was a good 30 minutes. Very attentive, making sure I was safe at all times. Telling me when to keep my head down in places and always letting me know about where to walk. She highlighted the features in the cave. The stalactites and stalacmites and formations that looked like Elephants, Papaya, Coral, Curtains, picture frames etc. Took a photo of Nan in picture frame formation. Make sure you ask for her if you want a guide. The cave walk is up and down in places. I had to get on my hands and knees in a couple of places. Saw some crickets and a non jumping Spider, so Nan said. Couldn't see any bats. Nan says they normally frequent the caves in colder weather. It was definitely warm in the cave and the gas lamp threw off some heat. Nan was very informative and watchful throughout the guided tour. Make sure you tip your guides. If your in the area its well worth a visit. Ideally if you had an Led head lamp you would see more...

Chiang Dao Cave has free parking, has restaurants on the outside of the complex, some smaller shops outside, And a beautiful temple complex on the outside. Once you pay the small entry fee to enter you come into the main complex entrance area and you will see a group of Thai people with lanterns. A pathway that is dark and says enter at your own risk without a guide who are the people with the lanterns and will cost you 200 Baht you show you around and a pathway that is lit up by electricity. We paid the money and had the guide take us into the dark area of the cave. It’s hard to take photos or film as you can see in some of my photos and there is also some areas where you have to get almost on your hands and knees to crawl through with poor lighting. The dark area was so so and the caves were large and open in areas and probably interesting to those that love caves. Personally I would recommend not pay the 200 Baht and just pay the entry fee and explore the well lit area as it’s just as beautiful and a nice walk and you don’t have to go in both directions. I thought it was one of those tourist traps where you pay the entry fee once you enter. But if you are a cave lover maybe it’s not a tourist trap for you. There are sections that maybe flooded in wet season in the poorly lit area I understand. I will put a YouTube video up on this shortly on my channel The Travelling Social Worker...