Drive north out of Chiang Mai for an hour and a half, and a wall of limestone fills the windscreen. Doi Luang Chiang Dao, at 2,175 m the third-highest mountain in Thailand, rises straight out of the rice fields above the small town of Chiang Dao. At its foot, a cave runs deep into the mountain, with Buddha images in the lit chambers and dark passages you explore with a local guide and a gas lantern. Up the hill, a forest temple sits at the top of a long stairway. The whole area is part of the Doi Chiang Dao Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2021. The road there is an easy main road, which makes it one of the best full-day rides from the city.
- From Nimman: about 74 km
- Riding: about 1.5 h each way
- Cave: about 40 THB (foreigners)
- Plan: a full day
At a glance
- Route: Nimman → Route 107 north through Mae Rim and Mae Taeng → Chiang Dao → the cave road west of town
- Level: easy: a main road the whole way, with gentle curves through the valley after Mae Taeng
- Best time: November to February: clear views of the mountain. Leave by 8:00 to have the morning in the cave
- Fuel: plenty of petrol stations along Route 107 and in Chiang Dao
- Bike: any well-maintained 125 cc scooter for one person; 150–160 cc for two
The ride north
Leave the city on Route 107 through Mae Rim. The first stretch is a wide, busy road: keep left and let faster traffic pass. After Mae Taeng the valley narrows, the traffic thins out and the road follows the Ping River between forested hills. As you approach Chiang Dao, the mountain appears ahead of you, getting bigger with every kilometer. In town, follow the signs to the cave (Tham Chiang Dao), a few kilometers west of the main road.
Chiang Dao Cave
The cave system runs for kilometers into the mountain. The first chambers are lit and open to everyone: Buddha images, shrines and stalactites, with a walkway through. The deeper passages are dark. To see them you go with a local guide carrying a gas lantern, who leads you through narrow tunnels and points out the rock formations.
- Entrance: about 40 THB for foreign visitors (less for Thais).
- Lantern guide: about 200 THB per group of up to five people for the dark section; a tip is customary.
- Hours: roughly 8:00–17:00 (some sources say from 7:00).
- Wear shoes with grip: the floor is uneven and sometimes wet. In the rainy season parts of the deeper cave can flood.
Fees can change; check at the entrance.
Wat Tham Pha Plong
A few kilometers from the cave, a road climbs to the forest temple of Wat Tham Pha Plong. From the bottom, a long stairway leads up through the trees to a quiet meditation temple built around a cave in the cliff. It is a steady climb, and the views over the valley from the top are worth it. It is a place of meditation: dress modestly and keep quiet.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao
The mountain itself is a protected wildlife sanctuary. Its summit is reached by a demanding overnight trek that is open only in the cool season, on a limited number of places booked in advance through the sanctuary, with a local guide. It is a separate expedition, not part of a day ride. From the valley, though, the view of the mountain is free: the rice fields north of town, with the peak rising behind, are the classic picture of Chiang Dao.
When to go
November to February is best: dry roads, cool air and clear views of the mountain. In March and April, smoke from seasonal burning often hides the peak. In the rainy season the valley is green and the clouds sit on the mountain, but parts of the deeper cave can flood. Leave early: you will have the cave quieter and be back in Chiang Mai before dark.
Which bike for Chiang Dao
| Who | Bike | Why |
|---|---|---|
| One person | Yamaha Fazzio, Grand Filano or another 125 cc scooter | main road all the way, no steep climbs |
| Two people | Honda Click 160, Yamaha NMax 155 | more power for overtaking on Route 107 and a comfortable seat for 150 km |
| Experienced riders | Honda ADV350, Honda CB300 | relaxed cruising on the long main road |
All rentals come with two helmets and a phone holder. Reserving is free; you pay at pickup. See all prices.
Safety and practical tips
- Route 107 is fast and busy near the city. Keep left, ride at a steady speed and don't weave between lanes.
- License: carry your motorcycle license and International Driving Permit; checkpoints are common on Route 107. See what you need to ride legally.
- Helmets on for rider and passenger, the whole way.
- Back before dark: it is 150 km there and back.
- Bring water, a light jacket in the cool season, and cash for the cave and guides.
Make yourself and others safe first. Medical emergency: 1669. Tourist Police (English): 1155. Police: 191. Then message us on WhatsApp.
Your rental includes Thailand’s compulsory insurance (Por Ror Bor), which covers injuries up to the legal limits but not damage to the bike. Check that your travel insurance covers motorbike riding, the engine size and a passenger. Details are in our rental terms.
More rides from Chiang Mai
On the same side of the city: the Sticky Waterfall and the Mae Rim valley. Ready for more? Ride to Pai or the whole Mae Hong Son Loop.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Chiang Dao from Chiang Mai?
About 74 km from Nimman to the cave, 1.5 hours each way on Route 107.
How much does Chiang Dao Cave cost?
About 40 THB for foreign visitors, plus about 200 THB per group (up to five people) for a lantern guide in the dark section. Fees can change.
Can I climb Doi Luang Chiang Dao in a day?
No. The summit is an overnight trek, open only in the cool season and booked in advance through the wildlife sanctuary.
Is Chiang Dao a good ride for a 125 cc scooter?
Yes. It is a main road all the way without steep climbs. With a passenger, a 150–160 cc scooter is more comfortable.
When is the best time to go?
November to February, for clear views of the mountain. In March and April seasonal smoke often hides the peak.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Fees, opening hours and trekking rules change; check before you go. Cover photo: Sakchai Ruankam / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Ride to Chiang Dao
Scooters from 250 THB/day, bigger scooters and motorcycles for two. 2 helmets and a phone holder included. Reserve for free, pay at pickup.
Book a bike
