The beauty of Chiang Dao (video)
About 75 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, surrounded by many Hilltribe settlements, lies the town of Chiang Dao (City of the Stars). This city is located above the Menam Ping gorge on the green slopes of Doi Chiang Dao mountain.
Some will know Chiang Dao from the famous caves near the hamlet of Ban Tham. These caves have a length of no less than thirteen kilometers and run under the mountain, Doi Chiang Dao, which is already visible from afar. The peak is 2.225 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest mountains in Thailand. Five caves have been mapped and the longest, Tham Maa, is nearly seven and a half kilometers long. According to a Thai legend, a hermit lived there a thousand years ago and must be buried in the depths of the cave.
In addition to this hermit, the interior of the cave also contains an immortal sacred elephant, a mystical lake and a solid golden Buddha. At least that's how the story goes. According to the saga, anyone who removes even the smallest piece of rock from one of the caves would be doomed to get lost in the labyrinth of passages.
Bird watching
Chiang Dao is known for its impressive limestone mountain, but a lesser known fact is that it is one of the most important bird watching areas in Thailand. This region, with its rich and diverse ecosystems, is home to more than 300 bird species, including some rare and endangered species. Bird lovers can spot special species such as the rare Giant Nuthatch and the beautiful Himalayan Cutia. This special biodiversity is largely due to Chiang Dao's unique geographical location, where the lowlands of the Mae Ping valley give way to the high mountain peaks, creating an exceptional mix of habitats. This makes Chiang Dao a hidden gem for bird watchers and nature lovers, far off the beaten track.
The way there
From Chiang Mai it is a piece of cake with your own transport and you drive via Mae Rim and Mae Tang via route 107 to the center of Chiang Dao. There you turn left and then it is another 5 kilometers to the cave. From Chiang Mai you can also get off with the bus that goes to Fang in the center of Chiang Dao. There are always a few men with mopeds ready to take you to the cave for a small fee.
The area is beautiful, peaceful and unaffected by mass tourism. At night you can almost always enjoy the truly beautiful starry sky and then it will become clear to you why Chiang Dao is called the city of the stars.
You can see more of Chiang Dao's beauty in the short video.
(Text: Joseph Boy)
Video: The beauty of Chiang Dao
Watch the video here: