How To Get To Chiang Dao Cave?
On this page, we will show you how to get go Chiang Dao Cave. The cave is 70km north of the city of Chiang Mai Thailand. It is a near direct drive straight from the city of Chiang Mai on the 107 highway. This makes the trip to Chiang Dao Cave very easy no matter what way you choose to make the trip. It’s a perfect day trip, or if you prefer you can always stay overnight in Chiang Dao.
The trip from Chiang Mai city to Chiang Dao cave is very picturesque, with rice paddy fields, small towns and mountain vistas along the way. No matter what transport option you chose, you will enjoy the drive. How to get to Chiang Dao Cave is up to you! Read this article to find out which option is right for you.
Ways to get to Chiang Dao Cave?
Since the cave is so close to Chiang Mai (70km), you can drive here multiple ways. Taxi services offer rides to and from the Chiang Dao Caves. Red trucks will take groups of people on round trips to the caves. Buses make regular trips from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao. Finally, you can also rent a scooter/motorbike to make the trip to the Chiang Dao Caves.
Renting a Scooter:
One of the best ways to see Thailand is by scooter. It allows you to not only go at your own pace, but to travel at the best times that suit you. From Chiang Mai, the scooter ride will be approximately 1 hr 30 m. The earlier in the morning you go, the less traffic there will be making for a pleasant ride out to the caves. Along the way, there are many places to stop for breakfast, so plan a little extra time in to your journey.
Taking the bus to Chiang Dao Cave:
This is usually the best and cheapest option for those who are not looking to drive to the Chiang Dao Cave on their own. Thailand has a fantastic bus system that regularly runs through the entire country, offering air conditioned and non air conditioned options. The bus station in Chiang Mai that runs to Chiang Dao is the Chang Puak Bus Station (สถานีขนส่งช้างเผือก). You can reach them by phone at the number (053) 211-586, but having your hotel reception call them is usually the best option. The bus station is located just north of the Old City of Chiang Mai.
Orange Bus in Thailand:
How to get to Chiang Dao Cave by the cheapest option is the Orange Bus. The orange buses are the cheapest option to travel to Chiang Dao Caves, but they do not provide any air conditioning for your trip. Depending on the time of year you are traveling (November-January), this might be fine.
They leave about every 30 minutes from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao. A one way ticket is only 40 bht, and they start departing Chiang Mai at about 530 AM. From this time they will continue to depart every 30 minutes until 7:30 PM at night. The trip via the orange bus will take approximately 1hr 45m.
VIP bus to Chiang Dao Cave:
This is by far the most comfortable option for traveling to the Chiang Dao cave, and relativity in-expensive at a one way cost of 150thb. They will get you to the caves in about 1hr 30m, and have the added bonus of being air conditioned. Depending on the time of year, they are usually the best option during the day, or hot season (March to September).
Their schedual is a bit less often than the Orange Buses in Chiang Mai as they depart every hour. The first VIP bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao starts at 7 AM and the last departs at 5PM.
The VIP buses are run by a separate company than the Orange Buses in Thailand, so you have to get your ticket at a different area. Luckily the small booth for the VIP buses is right behind the bus station. You can also ask the reception (right next to the bus ticket window) for “VIP Van” and they will point you to the correct booth.
Red Truck from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao Cave:
Red Trucks in Chiang Mai are a unique site. They are the default taxi service throughout the city as well as beyond. Their standard rate within the city is 40 bht from any point to any other point, but they also offer trips to and from areas.
You can rent a Red Truck for 1900bht for an entire day. They will take you to wherever you would like to go throughout the day and return. This service is best set up with your hostel/hotel so they can easily translate for you.
How to get to Chiang Dao Cave by Private Bus or Car:
Similarly to the Red Trucks in Chiang Mai, you can rent a private car, with driver. They will take you anywhere, and return you to your hotel for an entire day for 1800 bht (car) and 2200 bht (bus). This price excludes the price of gasoline, but does come with a dedicated driver. This is a far more comfortable option than a Red Truck as these will all have air conditioning.
Your hotel will be easily able to set up a private driver for you and your group, as this is common in Thailand for tours.
How to get to Chiang Dao Cave:
No matter your budget, you will be able to find a way to get to Chiang Dao Cave. VIP buses, scooters, and public buses are all good options when traveling to the Chiang Dao Cave. You will be able to choose a time, and method that suits your traveling style. Since Chiang Dao Cave is less than 2 hours away from Chiang Mai, it makes for a perfect day trip.