Chiang Dao Cave, Chiang Mai

Cave near Chiang Mai

Bat Cave Chiang Dao — Bat cave Chiang Dao

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Andrea Schaffer

Chiang Dao Cave, known locally as Tham Chiang Dao, is one of northern Thailand's most captivating natural and spiritual sites. Set within the forested mountains of Chiang Dao National Park, this sprawling limestone cave system stretches for more than 12 kilometres, with illuminated chambers, sacred shrines, and fantastical rock formations. For nature lovers and spiritual travellers alike, this is one of the top attractions in Chiang Mai, offering a rare blend of mythology, geology, and living Buddhist tradition.

The cave has long been a place of pilgrimage and remains a peaceful sanctuary often visited on walking tours of Chiang Dao’s sacred sites. The dimly lit corridors, ancient statues, and dramatic stalactites create a serene, almost otherworldly atmosphere that draws visitors seeking quiet reflection, photography opportunities, or a deeper connection to Northern Thailand’s spiritual heritage.

History and Significance of Chiang Dao Cave
Things to See and Do in Chiang Dao Cave
How to Get to Chiang Dao Cave
Practical Tips on Visiting Chiang Dao Cave
Where to Stay close to Chiang Dao Cave
Is Chiang Dao Cave Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Chiang Dao Cave
Nearby Attractions to Chiang Dao Cave

History and Significance of Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Dao Cave has been revered for centuries, with local legends attributing mystical powers to its depths. Evidence of Buddhist worship within the cave dates back many generations, and the presence of shrines and statues scattered through the chambers reflects its enduring religious importance.

The cave's formation began millions of years ago as water slowly carved channels through the limestone mountains, creating an extensive network of tunnels and caverns. Over time, Chiang Dao Cave became a site where nature and spirituality converged, attracting monks, pilgrims, and later travellers from around the world. Its proximity to Wat Tham Pha Plong, a renowned forest monastery, further strengthens the area's spiritual atmosphere.

Things to See and Do in Chiang Dao Cave

Visitors enter the cave through a temple complex and can explore several well-lit chambers independently, admiring dramatic stalactites, coral-like limestone formations, and culturally significant shrines. Statues of Buddha, naga serpents, and hermit-sages (ruesi) appear throughout the caverns, blending natural wonder with sacred symbolism.

For more adventurous exploration, guided lantern tours lead deeper into the unlit sections where narrow passages, towering chambers, and unusual rock shapes await. These guided routes reveal the cave’s raw, untouched beauty and provide insights into its geological formation.

Outside the cave, the surrounding national park offers trails through lush forest, wildlife-rich landscapes, and mountain scenery. Many visitors combine the cave with nearby Wat Tham Pha Plong, set up a forested stairway offering peaceful meditation spaces and sweeping views of the Chiang Dao mountains.

How to Get to Chiang Dao Cave

From Chiang Mai International Airport, Chiang Dao Cave is approximately a 1.5-hour drive north along Route 107 toward the town of Chiang Dao. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Chiang Mai on Booking.com. From Chiang Mai Railway Station, visitors can connect by bus or taxi to Route 107 before continuing the journey north to the cave entrance. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio. Travellers arriving by car can follow Route 107 directly through Mae Rim and Mae Taeng to Chiang Dao, where parking is available near the temple complex at the cave entrance.

Practical Tips on Visiting Chiang Dao Cave

Best time to visit Chiang Dao Cave: Morning or early afternoon for cooler temperatures.
Entrance fee in Euros: Approximately 1-2 Euros, with an optional fee for lantern-guided tours.
Opening hours: Usually 08:00-17:00.
Official website: None.
How long to spend: 1-2 hours.
Accessibility: Uneven surfaces, steps, and low ceilings in parts of the cave.
Facilities: Restrooms, small shops, and food stalls near the entrance.
Photography tip: Use natural light from lamps and small openings for atmospheric shots.
Guided tours: Available for deeper, unlit chambers; recommended for adventurous visitors.
Nearby food options: Simple eateries in Chiang Dao town and small stalls outside the cave.

Where to Stay close to Chiang Dao Cave

Chiang Dao offers several peaceful accommodation options surrounded by mountain views. For a scenic retreat with lush outdoor spaces, consider Chiang Dao Nest. A stylish countryside choice with eco-friendly design is Azalea Village Resort. Travellers wanting proximity to nature without sacrificing comfort may prefer Yang Tone Farmstay.

Is Chiang Dao Cave Worth Visiting?

Yes. Chiang Dao Cave is absolutely worth visiting for its mix of natural wonder, spiritual ambiance, and geological significance. Whether you come for peaceful shrines, dramatic rock formations, or guided adventure, the experience reveals a side of northern Thailand that is both inspiring and unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (4,011)

Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a cave temple set within a natural cavern featuring stalactites and stalagmites, religious statues and a fish pond; visitors pay a small entrance fee to help with maintenance and some areas are lit with installed lamps while an inner route requires hiring a local guide who leads with an oil or lantern and may ask for a tip. The cave can be thrilling to explore—guides point out formation shapes and bats may be visible—and parts are narrow or require crawling, with uneven, sometimes dirty surfaces, so it may be challenging for tall people or anyone with breathing problems or claustrophobia. Outside there are notable large sculptures, and weekday mornings tend to be peaceful.

Tahmina Begum

4 months ago

"We went in as a group of 8 and paid 40 baht per person to enter a cave that was lit with electric light. After that we had to hire a guide (320 baht,40 baht per person) who carried an oil lamp and directed our walk through 3 dark caves full of stalactites and stalagmites. One area had bats but they were settled peacefully on the roof of the cave. The walk was difficult to navigate because of the darkness and the uneven formations on the ground. Twice, we had to pass through narrow paths and it might be a bit challenging for tall and/or well built individuals. Hands, clothes and shoes will get soiled from touching the cave walls, so come prepared. We enjoyed walking in and out of the cave. It was thrilling and exciting. The guides are locals who willingly offer their skill and service to this place so tipping is encouraged and we tipped our guide 200 baht. She managed us patiently and waited for all of us to pass before moving forward with the lamp. She also explained the shapes (elephant and water lily) of the formations. I wouldn’t recommend this place to someone who has breathing troubles or fear of dark/tight places/claustrophobia...."

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Tomasz Obojski

3 months ago

"Amazing place. Apart of us 6, we've seen another 10 other ppl there. Caves are beautiful and bats amazing. In some places, you need to crawl. It wasa part of kayaking, and the guide was really good...."

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De is Committee

2 months ago

"This is definitely a must do experience in Chiang Dao. A quaint temple environment in the north and an amazing cave that is easy to walk through andlavishly adorned as most buddhist temple caves are...."

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FAQs for Visiting Chiang Dao Cave

The main chambers are easy to walk through, but guided tours involve tighter, more challenging passages.

Guides are optional for the lit sections but required for deeper areas.

Yes, for the main chambers; adventurous sections require caution.

Yes, but expect uneven floors, slippery patches, and low ceilings in parts.

Yes, nearby Wat Tham Pha Plong and Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary make excellent pairings.

Nearby Attractions to Chiang Dao Cave

Wat Tham Pha Plong - A serene forest temple reached by a long staircase.
Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary - A biodiverse area with rare species and scenic viewpoints.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao - A popular hiking mountain offering spectacular sunrise treks.
Chiang Dao Tuesday Market - A lively local market with regional products and foods.
Mae Mae Waterfall - A tranquil waterfall tucked in a forested valley.

The Chiang Dao Cave appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Chiang Mai!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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