Mountains and Caves Around Chiang Mai
Beyond the Old City’s temples, Chiang Mai Province’s landscape itself is the sightseeing draw: Thailand’s highest mountain, a limestone cave system 12 kilometers deep, and a monastery complex that treats architecture as its own attraction.
Doi Inthanon, the roof of Thailand
At 2,565 meters, 100 km southwest of the city, Doi Inthanon is the province’s most dramatic single sight. Near the summit, an elevated boardwalk crosses sphagnum moss and cloud forest around the king’s memorial shrine, where temperatures stay roughly 15°C below the city and winter mornings can drop to freezing. The Twin Royal Pagodas at Kilometer 41.5, honoring King Rama IX and Queen Sirikit, sit among sculpted alpine gardens overlooking the ridgelines (100 THB separate entry). Wachirathan Waterfall, an 80-meter cataract at Kilometer 20, is included in the 300 THB foreign adult park entry, and Mae Ya Waterfall’s 260-meter, 30-tier cascade sits further south (park fees from the Department of National Parks ).
Chiang Dao Cave Complex
At the base of Doi Luang Chiang Dao, a 2,175-meter peak 75 km north, Wat Tham Chiang Dao’s cave system runs over 12 km underground. The illuminated outer caves hold historic Burmese-style golden Buddhas for 40 THB foreigner admission; the unlit inner caverns, reachable only with a local Shan or Thai guide carrying a kerosene lantern, cost 100 to 200 THB per group and go considerably deeper into the mountain.
Wat Ban Den
Fifty kilometers north in Mae Taeng district, this hilltop complex mixes Lanna and Burmese architectural styles across deep blue-glazed roofs, gold spires, twelve stupas dedicated to the Thai zodiac animals, and teakwood viharns watched over by mythical chinthe lions. Admission is free, and the scale of the complex makes it worth an hour beyond a quick photo stop (Tourism Authority of Thailand listing ).
Wat Phra That Doi Suthep
The province’s best-known single landmark, established in 1383 at 1,073 meters overlooking the city, is reached by a 306-step naga staircase or a 20 THB funicular. The gold-plated chedi and panoramic terrace draw crowds by mid-morning; foreign admission is 30 THB for the temple or 50 THB with the funicular, open daily 06:00 to 20:00. Book a combined Doi Suthep and Doi Inthanon day tour on GetYourGuide to cover both mountain sights in one trip.
Bo Sang Umbrella Making Centre
For a change of pace from mountains and caves, Bo Sang, 9 km east on Highway 1006, demonstrates the full craft of a traditional mulberry-paper parasol, from bark pounding to hand painting. The workshop floor is free to walk, with painting classes from 100 to 250 THB; open daily 08:30 to 17:00. Search Bo Sang and Old City tours on Viator .
The verdict
Doi Inthanon deserves a full day on its own; Chiang Dao and Wat Ban Den pair well together as a second day heading north. For where these sights fit into longer routes, see the multi-day trips guide .
Before you go
Pack a warm layer for Doi Inthanon even in the hot season; the summit temperature swing catches many day-trippers who left the city in shorts and a t-shirt.