Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao (เชียงดาว) is based in Chiang Mai Province, Northern Thailand. It is in a valley north of Chiang Mai between green mountains. Its main attractions are the Chiang Dao Cave, Doi Chiang Dao the Pha Daeng National Park.

Chiang Dao Halal Travel Guide

Chiang Dao lies above the Mae Nam Ping Gorge on the green slopes of Doi ("mount") Chiang Dao. The name means "city of stars", and derives from its earlier name piang dao, or "(at the) level of the stars". True to the name, limestone peaks reaching a height of 2,186 m (7,174 ft) make Chiang Dao an impressive area. The village is a quiet little picturesque area, with a quaint northern Thailand feel.

How to travel to Chiang Dao

From Chiang Mai, Highway 107 runs 72 kilometers north to Chiang Dao and then on to Fang and Thaton. The closest airport and train station are in Chiang Mai. A metered, air-conditioned taxi will cost about 1,000-1,200 Baht one-way.

Travel on a Bus in Chiang Dao

Every half hour from 06:00-18:00, buses and songthaews run south to Chiang Mai (40 Baht) and north to Fang (40 Baht). They can be flagged down anywhere alongside the highway.

Six buses per day also run from Chiang Mai to [[Thaton (Thailand)|Thaton]] via Chiang Dao. 90 minutes, 70 Baht.

You can ask the driver to stop anywhere along the side of the road, which is often better than getting off at the Chiang Dao bus stop, where songthaew drivers charge 100 Baht or more to take you to a resort.

Mosques in Chiang Dao

Masjid Ammar Bin Yasir (often referred to as Mae Pam Mosque) is located in Mueang Ngai, Chiang Dao District. While Chiang Dao is predominantly Buddhist, over the years, it has embraced a significant number of Muslims, leading to the establishment of this mosque.

The mosque is named after Ammar Bin Yasir

Masjid Ammar Bin Yasir is not just a place of worship. It plays a pivotal role in nurturing the spiritual, social, and educational well-being of the local Muslim community. Regular classes on Islamic teachings, Friday sermons, and community gatherings are organized, ensuring that members remain connected with their faith.

Furthermore, the mosque also serves as a community center, promoting interfaith dialogues and fostering harmony among the diverse population of Chiang Dao. During Islamic festivals like Eid, it becomes a hub of celebrations, with Muslims and non-Muslims alike partaking in the festivities.

The creation and flourishing of Masjid Ammar Bin Yasir is a testament to the unwavering spirit of the Muslim community in Chiang Dao. The mosque has become a symbol of unity, resilience, and hope. Its establishment wouldn't have been possible without the generous contributions of many, and as the sentiment goes, "Alhamdulillah (All praises be to Allah). May Allah repay goodness to everyone who has contributed."

How to get around In Chiang Dao

Most hotels can hire out motorcycles for around 300-450 Baht/day. This will work out cheaper than taxis because the town's few taxis fix their prices high: a ride will always cost at least 150 Baht.

Taxis wait near the 7-Eleven. Negotiate with the drivers directly: while guesthouses can arrange cabs and they will add a substantial mark up.

Some places, such as Mon and Kurt's Restaurant and Guesthouse, rent reliable bicycles and mountain bikes (~100 Baht per day).

What to see in Chiang Dao

• Chiang Dao Cave - ถ้ำเชียงดาว, Tham Chiang Dao | The cave is a part of Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary. The best-known attraction here, offering 12 kilometers of stalactite-laden caves — although only five of the caverns are accessible to the public. Chambers are large but lack spectacular decorations. You can tour the lighted part of the cave alone, or hire a guide with a lantern (100 Baht/group + tip 100 Baht/person) to view the unlit caverns. Bringing your own torch is recommended.

• Doi Luang Chiang Dao - ดอยหลวงเชียงดาว | This 2,225 m conical limestone mountain in the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is Thailand's third-highest peak (after Doi Inthanon and Doi Pha Hom Pok). Narrow plains on top of the mountain provide spectacular views that include a sea of fog on the Chiang Dao side, Doi Sam Phi Nong and the Chiang Dao mountain range, and the far end of Doi Inthanon. The peak is cool and windy. It is full of rare highland flowers, birds, and butterflies. Visiting Doi Chiang Dao needs an approval letter from the Director of Wildlife Reserve Division, Royal Forest Department. It must arranged at least 2 weeks before travelling.
• Getting there: The peak is accessible on foot. At Chiang Dao cave, guides, porters, and chartered transfers to the starting point of the trail are available. Rented local trucks cost around 900 Baht and a porter is 300 Baht per person. There are no tourist facilities on Chiang Dao Mountain. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, food, and water. If you are a very fit trekker you might be able to climb up and down in one day if you start very early. There is a small village with the lodging near the start of the northern trail, easily accessible on a motorbike via paved road.
• Descending the mountain is feasible on the trail near Ban Tham, which is located near Chiang Dao cave. The trail is rather steep; nevertheless, it could shorten the walking distance upon descending. It is quite difficult to climb up.

• Pha Daeng National Park - อุทยานแห่งชาติผาแดง, formerly Chiang Dao National Park | Over 1,000 sq kilometers of stunning craggy mountain park begins adjacent to the town. The altitude makes it cooler and drier than the plains and it can get downright cold in the winter. The semitropical local flora includes extensive bamboo forests. The many mountain streams and waterfalls make the park good for trekking. In addition to the mountain views there are many Lisu and Karen hilltribe villages scattered throughout the park.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Chiang Dao

• Birdwatching | The region is one of Thailand's top spots for ornithologists. Malee's Nature Lovers Bungalows caters to bird watchers and are very helpful with bird watching information.

• Chiangdao Hot Springs | Bathe in two very nice Japanese gardens, with a restaurant, bamboo gazebos, changing rooms, showers and toilets. The original bathing area, a little up the road, is just several small concrete basins fed from a pipe.

• Pong Arng Hot Springs (บ่อน้ำร้อนโป่งอาง) - First take a cold shower and then bathe in one of two hot pools surrounded by pleasant landscaping.

• San Phakia | A mountain spot for overnight camping with a fantastic view over Doi Luang Chiang Dao and the valley below. In January, it's good place to see cherry blossoms. Tents, mattresses, and blankets are available to hire (300 Baht/tent). A few bungalows are also available. Accessible on a small bike, but not on the heavier bikes with street tyres.

• Bamboo forest | A very large bamboo forest dominated by clumped bamboo groves. Dark and a little foreboding even in the day time. Muddy river crossing may be necessary. No signs. Very large, takes about half an hour to cross by motorbike.

Shopping in Chiang Dao

• Every Tuesday morning the town has a big market with many hill tribe people coming down to trade.

• Chiang Dao Nest Tours and Trekking - Offers a wide variety of 2-3 day treks in the national park. Small, private groups led by local hill tribe guides, priced at roughly 1,500 Baht/person/day all-inclusive.

Halal Restaurants in Chiang Dao

To be updated

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Chiang Dao, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Chiang Dao. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Chiang Dao and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Chiang Dao. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Chiang Dao. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Chiang Dao: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Chiang Dao.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Chiang Dao: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Chiang Dao, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Chiang Dao.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Chiang Dao, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Chiang Dao, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Chiang Dao and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Chiang Dao, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Chiang Dao, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Chiang Dao without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Chiang Dao is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Chiang Dao.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Chiang Dao is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Chiang Dao, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Chiang Dao Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Chiang Dao

• Check the rates of all 65 properties in Chiang Dao

• Chiang Dao Hut | A small, cosy guest house run by a young friendly (Thai) couple who have had many years of hotel experience in Chiang Mai and speak reasonable English. There are 2 fairly large, simple but clean wooden bungalows (one double, one twin) each with fan, attached bathroom and hot shower. They have a small cafe at the front which is a great place to relax with a latte, fruit shake.

• Nature Home Guesthouse - A nice, quiet place, offering rooms with private bath. The owners are a local couple who speak no English but are very friendly. If you are lucky, you might get some kind of free breakfast in the morning.

• Chiang Dao Roundhouses - Three individual roundhouses for rent. Two of them are domes, and one has a traditional (Thai) thatched room. Each roundhouse is suitable for 2 adults, and one child. A Roundhouse has its own bathroom with a hot open-air shower, its own terrace with a view of Mt Chiang Dao. Breakfast and WiFi are included in the price.

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Chiang Dao

Orange buses (every hour, 40 Baht) and orange songthaews (every 30 minutes, 40 Baht), pass through Chiang Dao on Highway 107. You can wave them down anywhere and they will stop for you if not already full.

• Bangkok

• VIP (32 seat sleeper), First class, air-conditioned bus, leaves at 18:30 (664 Baht), in front of Monday and Kurt's Restaurant. Arrives about 05:00 in Bangkok.

Regular 52 seat sleeper bus leaves as follows, in front of Monday and Kurt's Restaurant (Reserve tickets across the street, at local mini-mart):

• Leaves Chiang Dao 08:30, arrives Bangkok 20:00. 569 Baht.
• Leaves Chiang Dao 19:30, arrives Bangkok 07:00. 569 Baht.

• Chiang Mai
• Doi Ang Khong
• Fang

Note that on Sunday afternoon the buses from Fang toward Chiang Mai are full and hard to catch from Chiang Dao. It is therefore preferable to leave on a day that is not Sunday if heading in that direction. Presumably the same goes for Friday night / Saturday morning towards Fang.

For reference, in 2022 it was viable to hire an entire sawngthaew from Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai for 2900 THB, which can seat about 11 people (3 or 4 inside excluding the driver, about 8 at rear).

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