Chiang Dao Mountain Loop — Limestone Peaks & CaveShrines.
Distance
190 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,900 m
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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The route.
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.
Chiang MaiEnd · Return to Chiang Mai completing the 190km loop. The evening Nimmanhaemin or old city night markets are a fitting end to the day.
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