Referred to as the "Little Tuscany" (reference to Italy's famous wine city) because of its many local wineries, the town of Chiang Dao in northern Thailand nonetheless asserts its stunning mountainous landscape more than its intoxicating products. Boasting of the majestic Doi Chiang Chao, the highest limestone peaks in the country, it is definitely a place one might call a trekker's paradise. Because of its picturesque scenery and a one-of-a-kind opportunity to mingle with nomadic hill tribe people, Chiang Dao somehow transcends its shortcomings in modern development.
The city is also famous for its ancient cave complexes, where one can find sacred shrines which once served as the end point to the pilgrimage monks undertook. Within the caves, they prayed and meditated in seclusion. Amazing tours through the many deep and dark caverns and passages riddled with the fascinating forms of stalactites and stalagmites are available for a fee.
The landscape surrounding the caves is considered to be the most beautiful anywhere in the northern region. Hence, it was declared as a protected preserve area as the Chiang Dao National Park. Featuring a rugged terrain, unique fauna, lush bamboo forests, mighty waterfalls and crystal-clear streams, Chiang Dao is a big slice of adventure heaven ideal for hiking, camping, backpacking, rock-climbing and elephant riding. Mae Tang River, on the other hand, offers kayaking and rafting opportunities, or just the chance to lazily lie on its lush banks.
