Gracie’s Guide to Chiang Dao: A Hidden Gem in the North of Thailand! (2023)

After living in Chiang Mai for the past year, I can say with confidence that Chiang Dao is the next best town to visit in Northern Thailand. What about Pai? For me, I prefer Chiang Dao’s authenticity over Pai’s backpacker craziness. Don’t get me wrong, Pai is beautiful, but Chiang Dao has natural beauty, plus that sprinkle of Thai culture that I love so much. Plus, it’s not too crowded with tourists! Here is my best guide to Chiang Dao, and how you can enjoy your time in this ethereal village in northern Thailand!

My Epic Guide to Chiang Dao

Chiang Dao, a tiny village ~1 hour north of Chiang Mai, is a hidden gem you must visit if you love off-the-beaten-path type of places. I’ve been to Chiang Dao three times, and each time I visit I feel the magic and magnetism in the air.

There’s just something about this place. It’s authentic northern Thailand. The beaten roads winding through the towering mountains, the hot springs in a fairy-like forest, the peaceful coffee shops and handcrafted artisan touches. The national park, the restaurants, the people!

How Long Should I Stay, and Where Should I Stay?

I’d say 2-4 days in Chiang Dao is enough time to immerse yourself in the peace and tranquility of the village. You’ll feel rejuvenated, both body and mind, after living a slow life for a few days.

I would highly recommend Villa De View as your stay in Chiang Dao. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s worth the extra money. It’s situated in the rice fields, with lush greenery and a magnificent view of the mountains at your fingertips. There’s good AC, hot water, and sounds of spring water trickling right outside your room. Plus, there’s a good coffee shop on the grounds, and they’ll bring masseuses right to your room! It’s a magical stay!

If you need a budget-friendly option, I’d go with Brown House. It was clean and safe, and really had all you need for a simple stay!

What Should I Do In Chiang Dao?

The great thing about Chiang Dao is that you can choose how much (or how little) you wish to do! Sabai Sabai (relax, it’s all chill) is the main energy of this village.

The one thing you have to do is drive a motorbike through the rice fields and mountains. There’s NO feeling like it. It’s euphoric, it’s epic, it’s views you’ve never seen before. The roads are almost always empty, so it’s a great place to feel the wind in your hair as you gaze at the beautiful scenery around you.

Tip: Drive to the Doi Lhung Chiang Dao Viewpoint (through the National Park – there will be an entrance fee to be paid in cash). The roads leading up to the magnificent viewpoint are SO MUCH FUN to drive on. Winding, with awesome views. It will take around 1 hour to get there, so make an afternoon out of it.

Explore the Chiang Dao Hot Springs. It’s free, and its really fun and relaxing. You’ll most likely see locals here, and it’s in a really beautiful forest. You can feel the spiritual energy here, it’s quite special.

Go on a trek to an even tinier village in the National Park. My mom and I went on a half day trek with the woman who owns The Cave Bar. Go to her and see if she’ll take you, it’s ~1.5 hours from Chiang Dao but she provided transport and a guide. This experience was WILD because it was an actual trek with a Thai guide who carved the path for us with a machete. LOL! Can’t make this up. We were in the middle of NOWHERE in the mountainous forests. It’s definitely an immersive and authentic experience! We explored a stunning waterfall and trekked through incredibly rough terrain. But it was awesome and such a unique experience!

Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a cool cave complex that is fun to explore if you have extra time and energy.

Chill in beautiful coffee shops. My favorites are Pronto Coffee & Hippocampus. Grab your journal, listen to music, enjoy a nice beverage and relax with the stunning mountains as a backdrop!

If you’re in northern Thailand around the month of February, consider coming to Chiang Dao for the Shambhala In Your Heart festival. I went this past year in 2023 and it was the hippiest thing I’ve ever done, but also one of the coolest! People gather from all over the world to listen to music, create art together, and exist in nature. If that’s your vibe consider the festival for 2024!

Where Should I Eat In Chiang Dao?

Chiang Dao Nest 1 is the best Thai food in Chiang Dao. Period. It’s really popular because it’s the best! The curries are *chef’s kiss!*

Jin’s was the best, most unexpected dining experience in Chiang Dao! She is Thai and her and her husband make delicious Italian food. They seat you in their backyard in a beautiful garden with fairy lights and plants surrounding you. It’s a lovely experience, and Jin talked with us for over an hour and had me cracking up the whole time!

Chai Cafe is a great little Thai breakfast spot. I think I’ve been here at least over 5 times because it’s reliable and yummy!

Microkosmos Craft Beer & Burger Bar is a cool spot for a break in Thai food. They have really good craft beer and burgers, and I really like the vibes here.

Have I Convinced You Yet?

Chiang Dao is an UNDERRATED gem in Northern Thailand. I actually don’t want it to get too popular with overtourism, because it’s lovely the way it is now. I’d highly recommend you to go here!! It’s a really easy drive from Chiang Mai on a motorbike, or you can take a taxi or a bus (though I never learned the bus system because it’s a bit tricky).

Skip Pai and instead go for a more authentic Thai experience in Chiang Dao. You won’t regret it! Hope you enjoyed my epic guide to Chiang Dao!

xx Gracie

If you enjoyed this article check out my others:

Top 5 Chiang Mai Province Hidden Spots

Guide to Nong Khiaw, Laos

Guide to Doi Khun Tan National Park in Northern Thailand