Northern Thailand – A Paradise of Nature and Culture
Northern Thailand is a true haven of lush jungles, vast mountain landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage. Cities like Chiang Mai and the sleepy town of Pai attract tourists seeking relaxation, authenticity, and nature. In the mountains and forests of the region, they find just that—a pristine natural environment and cultural experiences. Numerous ethnic groups have settled in the mountain regions of Thailand, many of them practicing agriculture. Some of these groups are now part of Thai tourism, offering visitors insights into their way of life. In the area around Chiang Dao, a town in the Chiang Mai Province, you can visit these mountain communities. During my backpacking trip through Thailand, I had the opportunity to visit a remote village in the mountains of Chiang Dao, where the accommodations are run by the Lisu people.
How to get to the small mountain village in Chiang Dao
From Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao by car or scooter
Getting here by car or scooter is quite straightforward. From Chiang Mai you follow road 107 north for about 70 kilometers. Be careful, because the road is two-lane and not completely safe in Thai traffic if you are on the road with a scooter. In Chiang Dao, turn left onto road 3024, which will lead you to your destination after 16 kilometers and 600 meters in altitude. At the entrance of the national park, you have to pay 200 baht entry to be allowed to pass the road. When I visited the village in June, however, the house was empty, and I didn’t have to pay. Parking spaces, albeit very tight, are available at the accommodations.
From Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao by public bus or van
Getting here by public transport is a bit more difficult. Buses leave Chiang Mai every 30 minutes from the Chang Phuak Bus Terminal for around 40 Baht to Chiang Dao (see map). The journey takes about 2 hours. From Chiang Dao you then have to take a taxi, or you can clarify with the booked accommodation whether a pick-up is possible. If the public bus offers too little comfort, you can choose private transport companies. Behind the bus station there is a provider who offers transport with “VIP Vans” for 150 baht.
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Accommodation and overnight in a simple hut in the mountains of Chiang Dao
In the small mountain village, there are several accommodations that are run by members of the Lisu tribe. Some still live there themselves, but this place is mainly used for tourism. So it seemed to me. Admittedly, booking the accommodation was not easy. The accommodations cannot be found on the well-known online portals. A look at Maps helps because the phone numbers of the hotels are stored there. I was lucky enough to have a Thai accompaniment who took over the booking and payment by phone. The following is a list of some of the accommodations in the village that can be found using Maps.
- Baan View Doi Luang Chiang Dao
- Rabieng Dao Home Stay
- Grand Mountain Chiangdao
- Baan Lee Shu Home Stay
- Baan Mok Tawan
- He Chomdao
- Talay Dao Home Stay
To be honest, I don’t remember exactly which accommodation we booked back then. If you believe the reviews, they don’t differ much anyway. We visited the village at the beginning of the rainy season in June, so some of the accommodations were already closed. During the rainy season, an overnight stay is not possible here due to the weather conditions.
Of course, it is also possible to spend the night in the city of Chiang Dao. There is enough accommodation there that can also be conveniently booked via the well-known online portals. You can find an overview of the hotels under the following link.
The accommodation in Chiang Dao we stayed in is admittedly not the right one for everyone. It’s a simple hut made of wood and bamboo that isn’t completely closed in some places. Insects, spiders, and small lizards also feel at home indoors. Only a mosquito net offers protection against the annoying animals. The floor is equipped with mattresses and is the only comfort in the accommodation. In addition, the hut is designed for a total of 6 people, but we had it to ourselves. The bathroom is right next door and includes a toilet and shower with cold water. However, the non-existent comfort is more than compensated for by the breathtaking nature, the fresh air, and the tranquility. Here, far from civilization, you can unwind and forget all your worries. Certainly, some accommodations also offer huts with a little more comfort. The best thing to do is to look at pictures and reviews from previous guests. We paid around 300 baht per person. Here you pay for the view of the area.
Short Facts for your Trip
Chiang Dao has a tropical climate. In the north of Thailand, it is generally cooler than in the southern regions. The main season is characterized by cool (22 °C) but dry weather (November to March). From March to May it is hot (> 27 °C). The rainy season starts in May and brings a lot of rainfall and storms over the country. Accordingly, it is only possible to stay overnight in the mountains of Chiang Dao to a limited extent. A visit during the main season is better. I visited the mountain village in June and there were always showers. Many accommodations were also already closed. You will find a climate table on the following page.
If you really want to switch off, I recommend staying two nights. There are even more attractions in the mountains of Chiang Dao, such as the caves at the limestone mountain Doi Luang or the Wat Tham Pha Plong nearby. You can of course also book a tour to get to know the tribes of the north.
There is a large number of accommodations in the village, but these cannot be booked through the well-known online portals. So, I’ve put together a list of names for you to search for on the internet. Telephone numbers are stored on Maps.
Baan View Doi Luang Chiang Dao, Rabieng Dao Home Stay, Grand Mountain Chiangdao, Baan Lee Shu Home Stay, Baan Mok Tawan, He Chomdao, Talay Dao Home Stay
The easiest way to get to the mountains is by rental car or scooter. From Chiang Mai you just follow road 107 and turn left once in Chiang Dao. There are enough parking spaces. You can also explore the area flexibly. A scooter costs around 200-300 baht for the day.
A public bus runs every 30 minutes for 40 baht from Chang Phuak Bus Terminal in Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao. Also, some private companies drive more comfortable vans to Chiang Dao for more money. You can reserve tickets at the counter or in advance conveniently online via 12go.Asia *
You don’t actually need any special equipment here. It’s generally cooler in the mountains, so remember to wear warmer clothes. If you want to go hiking, bring sturdy shoes. Definitely think of insect repellent.
The mountains of Chiang Dao are perfect for landscape photography. Here, many vantage points offer you endless opportunities to use your wide-angle or telephoto lens.
Exploration and hike through the mountain village
To be honest, there isn’t much to discover in the village itself, as there are no tourist attractions here. But nature, nature, and nature. From every corner of the place there is a new perspective of the surrounding mountains of Chiang Dao. In addition, the deep clouds that flow through the mountainsides constantly create a new spectacular scene. In fact, the lush green of the forests, the calls of the animals and the fresh air of the mountains are balm for the soul.
We don’t meet many people, but a few tourists and a few local women in brightly colored robes. Even my Thai companion finds it difficult to understand their language. There are signs to other hotels along the way and on every corner, there are simple wooden huts that offer overnight accommodation for travelers. A little further below the huts there are fields that are cultivated by the residents. Fruit and vegetables are grown here. When you go downhill you can really see how the huts stand on wooden stilts on the mountain slope. It’s hard to imagine that the huts can withstand storms.
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Dinner above the clouds in Chiang Dao
When we come back, the wife of the family who runs our hotel has already set the table on the terrace. We sit down and are served a traditional dinner. I have no idea what exactly we got back then, but I still remember it was very delicious. In addition to the delicious Thai food, there was also a unique view of the green mountains in the background. I can definitely get used to this wonderful view. Dinner was included in the price.
Evening walk and sunset in a restaurant
We explore the upper part of the village, which is located significantly higher than our accommodation. There are some terraces here that guarantee breathtaking views. However, on the north side of the village, we can also look at the houses of the villagers.
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We stop at a small restaurant (see map) where a family sits together, eats and drinks. The family runs this restaurant and offers us a seat with a view of the mountains. We order some snacks and Thai beer. It is now late, and we can watch a wonderful sunset in a unique setting.
If you prefer to travel in a group, there is a possibility to join a guided tour. You don’t have to worry about transportation, excursion planning, or food, but you can completely focus on the beauty of Chiang Dao. I recommend booking a tour through Viator portal, where countless activities around the world can be booked easily and safely.
An Unforgettable Experience in the Remote Village near Chiang Dao
The small village near the town of Chiang Dao is definitely worth a visit. Even without staying overnight, it’s worth the trip just to enjoy the incredible views and pristine nature. However, during the rainy season, it’s often not possible to stay overnight. The best way to reach this remote village is by scooter, as public transport makes the journey quite difficult. From Chiang Mai, it takes about 3 hours to reach the village. Staying overnight in a small wooden hut in the mountains was an unforgettable experience for me. While the comfort is minimal, this is precisely what makes the adventure so special. It’s definitely worth stepping out of your comfort zone – you won’t regret it. The breathtaking landscape, soothing silence, and refreshing mountain air will make this an unforgettable experience. But it’s also the authenticity and the absence of things we often take for granted that make this journey so valuable.
I hope you enjoyed my travelogue about Chiang Dao. On my Thailand Blog I show you other beautiful travel destinations in Thailand and share valuable tips and experiences for your trip to Thailand. Did you like my blog post? Was I able to help you? Then I would be happy if you recommend my travel blog, leave a comment, or follow me on Instagram. Thanks for reading and have fun on your vacation in Thailand.
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