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TRAVEL magazine | 2019
Chiang Dao
CHIANG MAI PROVINCE
Clean Travel
Magazine
Visit a tranquil town of
beauty and adventure
in Northern Thailand!
iChiangDao.Com
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Contents
06
What to do in Chiang Dao Editor’s Note
08
journey into the Jungle
14
Welcome to the the tranquil city of Chiang Dao.
Bathe in Hot Spring
Chiang Dao is a small, quiet town, away from
16 the busy city life. It’s an area known by very few
tourists. The city is still easy to get to, located a
little over an hour from Chiang Mai city.
500 steps Temple
There are many things to see and do among the
18 mountains of Chiang Dao. It won’t take long for
you to discover why so many travellers extend
their stay in this peaceful place.
Venture into the Caves
The following pages will give you some insight
20 into the many attractions in Chiang Dao, and
answer any questions you may have about what
there is to do in this oasis.
Take of on your Mountain bike
iChiangDao Partnership
22 Chiang Dao Hut Resort | Marisa Resort & Spa
Ashi Guesthouse | A Home | KOKO Home
Chiang Dao FarmStay | Chiang Dao Home Hostel
See the beauty of Pha Daeng
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Marvel at Doi Kham Fah iChiangDao.Com
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iMagazine
Summit Doi Luang Chiang Dao
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What to do in “Chiang Dao means
the ‘City of Stars’.
Chiang Dao Discover what this
remarkable place
has to offer you.”
Chiang Dao has so much more
than first meets the eye, namely
the mountains. Discover a broader
range of attractions by reading the
following pages.
The reputation of Doi Luang Chiang Dao local people. Immersing yourself in nature
mountain brings visitors throughout the can be an excellent escape from the city
year to this otherwise quiet town. In the streets. Mountain biking is another great way
right season it can be accessed and provides to explore the area and visit waterfalls.
vigorous treks to breathtaking views.
An hour outside Chiang Dao resides Pha
The region’s geology have created hot springs Deng National Park. Going on your own is a
and caves, two very unique experiences that perfectly viable option. The park boasts the
can be enjoyed all year-round. impressive Sri Sangwan waterfall and year-
round mountaintop camping options. A
In the foothills of the mountain also lies the day-trip bird-watching in the park is also a
“500 steps temple”, a local treasure and a serene experience, which includes transport
perfect place for contemplation. from Chiang Dao directly to the Doi Kham Fah
mountainside.
More adventures await beyond the immediate
town! You can trek into the jungle, which can We hope you will find this magazine useful in
be enjoyed at any time of year. The excursions planning your trip to Chiang Dao!
are a chance to meet and stay next-door to
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Chiang Dao is surrounded
by some of the most pristine
jungle in all of Thailand. The
Journey into
local community has teamed
up with another community
living deep in the jungle and
The Jungle!
together they have established
“The jungle basecamp
a trekking program and a
jungle basecamp. had a great
athmosphere. With
The basecamp is situated Jungle treks operate the open fire and local
overlooking a small tea and
coffee plantation, which has throughout the year and people, it felt like a
been the local industry for are a good alternative to homestay experience.”
generations. A typical day hiking up the mountain,
starts at the basecamp where
visitors can have their fill of complete with a tasty
locally sourced fruits, tea, lunch at the viewpoint!
coffee and honey cooked on an
open wood fire.
From there trekking is
uphill through vegetation as
plantation gives way to forest
and then jungle. Lunchtime
is the literal high point of the
Chiang Dao Jungle
day where guests are treated
to a sustainable meal, which
often comes wrapped in
bamboo leaves. The viewpoint
overlooks the crest of Doi
Luang Chiang Dao mountain.
Some treks feature waterfall
swimming, and along the way
one of the two guides can
often be found harvesting
natural produce; berries,
nuts, mushrooms and
the like, showing how the
interconnected relationship
between the local community Tea and coffee plantations have been the local jungle business for
and the jungle they live in. Days generations. Arabica coffee and local tea bushes grow succesfully
finish back at the basecamp underneath the jungle canopy, preserving the forestry.
where hot drinks, hammocks
and rest are well-earned and
appreciated by all.
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Hiking Trail Comparison Nov. 2018 - Feb. 2019 Hiking in Chiang Dao: Why you need a guide
Hiking without a guide in Chiang Dao can be quite dangerous. For this reason, we strongly
Trail Doi Luang Chiang Dao Doi Kham Fah Chiang Dao jungle recommend that you hire a tour guide to keep you safe in the jungle. In fact, hiking without
Join Group 2-6 Person 2,500 Baht Per Person 1,800 Baht Per Person 1,500 Baht Per Person
a guide is against Thai law. Sometimes, tourists go searching for flowers such as orchids and
Location Wildlife Sanctuary PhaDaeng National Park Community Forest
herbs. However, the jungle is home to many toxic plants and animals including King Cobras
Meeting Time 6.00 am. 8.00 am. 9.00 am.
Drive to Start Point 1.5 Hours 1 Hour 30 Minutes and bears! Due to Chiang Dao’s proiximity to the Myanmar border, there are many local
Start Point Altitude 1,500 msl. 1,200 msl. 700 msl. wildlife hunters. Without a guide, tourists can get hurt or lost. Additionally, communication
Hiking Time Up 3 - 4 Hours 2.5 - 3 Hours 2.5 - 3 Hours
with locals is difficult as most do not speak English well. Hiring a local guide will not only
View Point Altitude 2,225 msl. 1,834 msl. 1,500 msl.
keep you safe but will enrich your experience in the jungle.
Hiking Time Down 3 Hours 2.5 - 3 Hours 1.5 - 2 Hours
Total Distance (Km.) 18 Km. 14 Km. 11 Km.
Waterfall No No Yes
Circle (Loop) Trail No Yes Yes
Drive Time Back 1.5 Hours 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Finish 5.00 pm. - 6.00 pm. 5.00 pm. - 6.00 pm. 4.00 pm. - 5.00 pm.
Camping Yes Yes Yes
Base Camp No No Yes
Booking Book 1 day in advance Book 1 in Day advance Book 1 Day in
(Before 3 pm) (Before 3 pm) advance (Before 8 pm)
-
Save Travels
In order to ensure your local tour company and guide are licensed by the Thai
governement, you can contact ichiangdao partnership to confirm job order and
insurance (TAT License for company and guide).
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Bathe in the
Find your way to the hot
springs by the smell of
sulphur and spend your time
Hot Springs alternating between the hot
tubs and the gentle stream
running alongside. There
are tubs of many different
temperatures to suit you.
Pick a tub, hop in, and relax in the It’s recommended to switch
hydrothermal mineral hot springs. between the hot tubs and
the cool stream. If you are
brave you can progress up
to the hottest tub, usually
the empty one steaming the
most visibly!
Typical times of day to go are
mornings and early evenings
when the ambient weather is
cooler. In the evenings, it is a
common sight to see fireflies
weaving through the air with
a backdrop of the moon and
stars.
The local community can be
seen regularly attending the
hot springs as an outing with
their families and friends.
The hot springs are formed
from water that has filtered
through the mountain’s
“ Look at the stars limestone rock, which has
been heated volcanically
from your hot tub deep underground, and
and see why Chiang finally, has returned to the
Dao is named ‘the surface.
city of stars’. “ This truly is an attraction not
to be missed and is a staple
of travellers passing through,
particularly as there is no
entrance fee.
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“The steps wind
through beautiful
forest and and are
enchanted with
butterflies along the
way to the temple.”
The temple itself is dedicated to the
revered meditation master Luang
Poo Sim, who once practiced here.
His image adorns many of the walls.
Above the cave is a beautiful, golden
stupa and the whole complex offers
views across the local hills, with plenty
of places for a peaceful sit down.
Entrance to the temple is free
While there is no shortage of temples in but visitors are asked to dress
Thailand, Wat Tham Pha Plong is not one modestly when entering the temple
500 steps
to be missed. Located in the beautiful grounds. Make sure to cover your
mountain ranges by Chiang Dao Wildlife shoulders and knees. Visitors are
Sanctuary, the temple is a magical retreat also asked to keep the peace by
temple
into nature and a truly spiritual place. minimizing noise, and by conducting
themselves quietly and respectfully.
The small cave temple is perched
impressivley on a hillside and can be We recommend visiting in the
reached by an ascent of 510 steps. Though morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
Discover the “500 step this may sound daunting, it is a mix of Hours: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
climbs and decents, with plenty of places
temple”, a spiritual retreat to stop off for a rest and watch the resident
nestled on a mountain, in a monks pass by. At the top, free drinking
cave, by a stream and in the water and umbrellas are provided.
jungle! Along the way are signposts with Buddhist iChiangDao.com
wisdom from the Dharma, which can be Rental Gear for Bird Watching , Camping
contemplated as you make your way up. ,Package Bird Watching ,Package Bird
Photographer.
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Venture into the
Caves
“Inside you will find
fascinating formations
of illuminated
limestone.”
must hire one of the friendly,
local guides who will take
you through with a gas lamp.
The tour takes roughly thirty
minutes. Use caution as the
floor can be slippery and you
will need to watch your head
on low-hanging rocks. There
are also places where you
will have to get down low and
crawl. It is recommended to
wear shoes with a good grip.
Look out for the small bats
that live in the cave, and
which can be seen sleeping
soundly or flying overhead.
The caves are also steeped
in history and legend, and
there are effigies not only of
The Chiang Dao Caves are Caves are known as Tham Buddha but also of some of
one of the town’s main Seua Dao (540m), Tham Phra the hermits who are said to
tourist attractions and for Nawn (360m), Tham Maa have lived here. The cave also
good reason. Extending (7365m), Tham Naam (660m), functions as a temple and so
for up to 12 kilometres and Tham Kaew (477m). appropriate dress is essential.
and consisting of over 100 Shawls can be rented on site
caves under the mountains The first two caves, Tham for a small fee.
surrounding Chiang Dao, this Seua Dao and Tham Phra
complex system of limestone Nawn, are easily accessed by
chambers is worth taking the stairs from the entrance
the time to see. There are and are well lit. You do not
currently 5 unique caves that need a guide for these two.
are open to the public. These For the rest of the caves you
18 i Magazine i Magazine 19Take off on your The landscape of Chiang Dao is vast and
beautiful, and one great way to experience it
Mountain Bike
is to get on your own wheels, breathe in the
open air, and cruise through the outdoors.
A mountain biking day-trip tour with an
Ride through the outdoors, feel experienced Chiang Dao local guide is available
the wind in your face and see the to you. The tour begins mid-morning at 9am
and goes until 3pm. During the tour, you will
spectacular scenery unfold around cycle with the guide over both paved and dirt
you. roads, all surrounded by outstanding scenery.
The guide will take you through a unique
bicycle trail that includes many breathtaking
landscapes, sights and activities along the
way. The tour will break for lunch at a local
restaurant where you will enjoy a delicious
traditional Thai meal. In the afternoon, your
adventure will take you to a secluded waterfall.
This scenic tour will give you the opportunity
to tour Chiang Dao like a local and to truly
immerse yourself in the Thai culture of Chiang
Dao.
This activity is perfect for families and is
a medium intensity sport. Mountain bikes
and safety helmets will be provided. Groups
consist of 2-6 people. “A thrilling way
to spend time
Mountain bikes are also available for rental to
explore on our own. Both rentals and mountain outdoors and
biking tours can be booked online. You can see the beautiful
search “service and rentals” on ichiangdao. landscape.”
com for more information.
iChiangDao.Com
Rent Mountain Bike
Package Clying Tour
20 i Magazine i Magazine 21“You must visit the Pong
Argn Hot Springs and Sri
Sang Wan Waterfall”
See the beauty of This is a great spot for birdwatchers! You may
Pha Daeng
also discover many of the park’s huge varieties of
insects, amphibians and reptiles. The park is also
home to several larger exotic animals.
This is one of Thailand’s larger national parks. It covers
an area of 1,155 square kilometers in Chiang Dao,
Wiang Haeng and Chai Prakan districts of Chiang
Mai. The park is open all year round!
Pha Daeng National Park provides a full surrounding jungle, you can walk 30
day excursion that can be reached by minutes along a nature trail located near
bicycle, motorbike or by car. The park Sri Sang Wan Waterfall. There is also a
is located about 32km from Chiang Dao flower garden along the trail, as well as
city. an insect museum in the information
Within the park there are the picturesque center.
and relaxing Pong Argn Hot Springs. Sri
Sang Wan Waterfall is also located in Pha Pha Daeng National Park has two
Daeng National Park. Both attractions camping zones, one located at Sri Sang
falling within 1km of each other. We Wan Waterfall and the second at Pong
suggest taking time to go to both of Argn Hot Springs.
these stunning natural features. Entrance to the park is 100 Bhat.
If you would like a scenic view of the
22 i Magazine i Magazine 23Marvel at
Doi Kham Fah
Get back to nature and explore the
mountains of Pha Daeng National
Park!
The pine forest of Doi Kham
Fah is teeming with life and also
offers views of its big brother
Doi Luang Chiang Dao. Enjoy
Doi Kham Fah is a beautiful mountain, comprised of lunch while looking out towards
jungle, tropical vegetation and pine trees found in Pha the mountain.
Daeng National Park.
Doi Kham Fah is surrounded by numerous mountains.
There are plenty of activities to do on the mountain
such as camping, trekking and bird watching. The “From January to
camping point is located at 1,726m, where you will
get an incredible panoramic view of the surrounding February the cherry
mountains, and from there, you can hike to the 1,834m trees bloom. Year-
summit. round the sea fog and
The mountain is located 22km from Chiang Dao city, waterfall are a sight
which is approximately a one-hour to drive to the to behold.”
mountain’s checkpoint office. If you’re interested in
camping on Doi Kham Fah, you can enter the park by
paying a small entrance fee. From there, you can drive
up the mountain to the camping zone and set up a tent
overlooking the mountainous view. Guided trekking
tours through a unique jungle trail are also available
(note: you must be accompanied by a guide in order
to trek up the mountain). The guided tour will pass
through farming plots, plantations, and jungle, seeing
ichiangdao.com
striking landscapes of surrounding mountains along
the way. Motorbike, tent and sleeping bag rentals, as
well as tours can be booked by visiting iChiangDao. Camping Gear Rental , Package Trekking DoiKhamFah
com.
24 i Magazine i Magazine 25Summit
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
Doi Luang Chiang Dao directly trans- trees give way to flora and fauna, is at
lates to English as ‘Mountain-Big City- a peculiarly low altitude on this moun-
Star’, and it certainly is big. As Thai- tain, making it an excellent place to see
land’s third highest mountain (2,225m) a high altitude ecosystem up close.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao is only smaller
than Doi Pha Hom Pok (2,285m) and Wind coming east from the Himalayas
Doi Inthanon (2,565m). While the pre- has carried the butterflies and flower
vious two are made of granite, Doi Lu- seeds of that region. Doi Luang Chiang
ang Chiang Dao is made of limestone. Dao has sixty unique flowers to Thai- Chiang Dao Wildlife
This means that water filters directly land including the fabled parrot flower,
through the rock and has produced a which was the subject of an interna- Sanctuary
unique series of caves and hot springs tional treasure hunt.Doi Luang Chiang
beneath the mountain. Dao has proved to be the perfect sanc- “Doi Luang Chiang
tuary. The mountain is also a celebrat- Dao is Thailand’s Doi Luang Chiang Dao is located
The sub-alpine region of Doi Luang Chi- ed birdwatching site. within Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary.
tallest limestone The wildlife sanctuary is only open
ang Dao, the part of a mountain where
mountain, soaring to tourists, Thai or foreign, at certain
2,225 metres above times of year. This is to protect both
the animals within and human visitors.
sea level.” The current open season is November
2018 to February 2019 and trekking is
permitted during this period as long
as tourists are accompanied by a local
guide.
Guides will help you comply with
the wildlife sanctuary policies.
Wednesdays are ‘rest days’ for the
mountain paths and are not available
for trekking. There are two paths up the
mountain that are alternated yearly to
promote the grow- back of flora and
fauna. This season, the open path is
the Khun Huy Mae Kok trail (Den Ya
Kad trail). Additionally, camping on the
peak is strictly controlled by the park
rangers to a maximum of 150 people
per night. Ask your guide should you
wish to arrange a visit.
26 i Magazine i Magazine 27i Magazine 303 M.5 Chiang Dao Chiang Mai , Thailand +66 861 989 728
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