Chiang Dao Mountain Loop — Limestone Peaks & CaveShrines.

Distance

190 km

Duration

1 day

Climb

1,900 m

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Curated by Rider · Updated Jun 2026

Overview

Chiang Dao Mountain Loop — Limestone Peaks & Cave Shrines.

A 190km day loop north of Chiang Mai on Route 107 to the dramatic limestone massif of Doi Luang Chiang Dao (2,225m). The Tham Chiang Dao cave network — ancient Buddha images guarded by lantern-lit passages — is one of northern Thailand's finest natural attractions. Hill-tribe villages and elephant sanctuaries fill the Mae Taeng valley below.

Quick facts

SurfacePaved

Distance190 km

Days1

Total climb1,900 m

DifficultyModerate

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Day-by-day

The route.

ROUTE

7 stops

Chiang MaiStart · Start in Chiang Mai. Head north on Route 107 — the main artery of the Mae Ping valley. Fuel up on the city edge; stations are scarce further north.

Mae Taeng River ValleyScenic Point · The valley narrows between limestone karst peaks. White-water rafting operations, elephant sanctuaries, and teak orchards line the roadside for 30km.

Tham Chiang Dao CavePhoto Spot · Network of 5 limestone caves, some reaching 14km deep. The outer cave holds a golden Buddha shrine. Hire a local guide with a pressure lantern for the inner sanctuaries — the experience is extraordinary.

Doi Luang Chiang Dao — 2,225mScenic Point · Thailand's third-highest peak towers above the valley — a sheer limestone massif often cloud-capped. A Wildlife Sanctuary: gibbons call from the forest and barking deer are common.

Chiang Dao TownRestaurant · Lunch in Chiang Dao — a sleepy highland village with excellent noodle shops and a weekly hill-tribe market. The mountain backdrop is dramatic from the main street.

Mae Taeng Back RoadsScenic Point · Return via small back roads through Lisu and Lahu hill-tribe villages and terraced rice paddies. Limestone peaks follow you south the entire way.

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