KM.10. Walk in price (410 Baht) includes one-hour show (show starts 10 A.M. only) one-hour elephant ride, buffet lunch, ox-cart ride and rafting trip on Mae Taeng River.... continued from Click here!
(KM.42 West turn through ornamental gate just before the road climbs. Keep left at fork or go right to see a less interesting chedi. 2.5 km.)
This temple is brightly decorated in honor of Khru Ba Thammachai, who died in 1988 at the age of 73. The ubosot is lined with wood and the older viharn is no less ornate (sums given by various donors are clearly written on the part they donated to the temple).
The viharn itself contains a very life-like wax effigy of the monk. The final, macabre touch is a view of the Venerable's body through a mirror above a glass-topped coffin to the right.
(KM.43 cast turn - 10 km. and on. Personal transport necessary if not on tour)
A sealed road goes east for ten kilometers to some elephant camps.
These camps are usually booked through Chiang Mai agents. Beyond the camps, the road becomes a rough track (4WD) that follows the river in a steep valley to,Ban Sop Kai (24 km.) and beyond.
KM.10. Walk in price (410 Baht) includes one-hour show (show starts 10 A.M. only) one-hour elephant ride, buffet lunch, ox-cart ride and rafting trip on Mae Taeng River.
KM.10 Elephant ride, ox-cart ride and rafting (450 Baht per person with reductions for more than 2 persons). Elephant Show 9:30 only Tel: 297060
18 km. 4WD. booking through agents only. Remote elephant camp in spectacular location.
Tang Dao Elephant Training Center(H107 KM.56 Shows 09:00 & 10:00. 60 Baht per person. One-hour elephant ride 600 Baht per elephant. Rafting 45 min. 500 Baht for two persons. Tel: 298553)
This was the first elephant camp to be set up in the region. The camp is in a pretty location under trees on the river. A longer 90 minute elephant ride includes a trip to a set up "Lisu village".
(KM. 72) Views of Doi Luang Chiang Dao are continuous after the road leaves the gorge that separates Chiang Dao from Chiang Mai. The valley contains ancient settlements and was reputed to be a place to which "bewitched" people were banished over a century ago.
The small wooden market town of Chiang Dao serves Lisu, Hmong, Akha and Palaung villagers in the mountains around. Go east past Wat Indra and across the river to get to see lowland villages. Rough dirt roads (4WD) lead to hilltribe villages on the low plateau beyond.
Chiang Dao Caves and Wat Pa Plong(KM. 72 west turn 5 km. & 7 km.)
The caves extend a long way into the mountain. The passages are generally easy, but in one or two points you must crouch.
You will need a guide with lantern to explore deeply into the caves.
The sealed road past the caves leads to Wat Pa Plong, an active meditation center.
See also: [Doi Luang Chiang Dao]