Wat Tham Chiang Dao
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a major Buddhist center in northern Thailand. Enjoy the fresh mountain air of Doi Chiang Dao while exploring the complex and discovering the mystery of its fascinating caves.
History
In Thai, "Wat" and "Tham" mean "temple" and "cave," respectively. The hermit Phrom Ruesi spent 1,000 years of his life in the caves of Chiang Dao. During his retreat, he purportedly encountered spirits whom he convinced to create wonders within the tunnels. Among these creations are said to be a city of nagas (mythical serpents in Thai culture), a warehouse of divine textiles, and a massive golden Buddha, from which a shimmering torrent emerged. These celestial creations are believed to be buried deep within the mountain's depths, inaccessible to humans to this day.
Visiting Wat Tham Chiang Dao
Before venturing into the famous caves, take time to explore the Buddhist temple complex located outside. Wat Tham Chiang Dao nestles at the foot of the lush green mountains of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, offering a refreshing and peaceful natural setting ideal for meditation.
To begin your exploration, visit the Viharn dedicated to the monk Khru Ba Siwichai. Admire its richly decorated blue-gabled facade. Inside, you can see a golden Buddha dating back to the 1930s, along with beautiful pillars and exposed beams. Another highlight of the site, the ancient Burmese-style Chedi with its 25 spires, known as Phra Chedi 25 Yot, is a true gem.
Other attractions within the complex include:
- A temple housing a statue of the mythical serpent Phaya Naga
- The Bodhi tree planted by King Rama IX
- Rock-carved worship statues
- The large golden Buddha nestled at the forest's edge
- Zodiac animals and the Eight Buddhas of the different days of the week
- White statues
- Fish pond, etc.
Immerse yourself in the fantastic world of Chiang Dao Caves
The caves are an extension of the Wat and serve as a meditation retreat for monks. The tunnels extend for about ten kilometers beneath the Doi Luang Chiang Dao massif. Electric lights illuminate the path through the initial chambers of Tham Sua Dao and Tham Phra Non. In addition to Buddha images, you'll have the opportunity to see a rich collection of stalactites and stalagmites in astonishing formations.
The subsequent sections are shrouded in darkness and require a guide for exploration. With a gas lantern, you'll navigate through narrow, twisting passages leading to larger chambers: Tham Mah, Tham Kaew, and Tham Nam. Throughout the adventure, your guide will introduce you to a mystical world, adorned with forgotten statues, ancient sculptures, and fascinating rock formations. Colonies of bats inhabit the mountain's depths, so be mindful not to disturb them. For the more adventurous souls, two caves can be explored without a guide: the entrance cave and the antechamber of the reclining Buddha, revered by devotees.
How to get there?
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is located about an hour and a half drive from Chiang Mai city. For this enjoyable day trip, you can take a bus from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal and disembark in Chiang Dao town, 40 km north. The remainder of the journey to the temple can be completed by taxi or tuk-tuk. If you prefer to drive, simply take Route 107 north towards Chiang Dao, then follow the signs to reach your destination.
Opening hours and fees
Wat Tham Chiang Dao and its caves are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It's recommended to arrive early in the morning to avoid tourist crowds throughout the day, as local Thai visitors often frequent the site on weekends. Entrance fees are 40 THB to visit the illuminated caves. Exploring the unlit caves with a guide costs approximately 200 THB.
