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The guardian spirits of Chiang Dao
Chiang Dao was in the media limelight during 2003, when the government came up with a plan to build a cable car to the peak to boost tourism. The proposal met with unprecedented and widespread protest from both locals and environmental activists. Fortunately, the plan was not carried out.
Doi Chiang Dao (under the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuarys care) is the third highest peak, and the only place where a sub-alpine ecosystem can be found in Thailand. lts height is 2,225 meters above
sea level, making a dramatic rise on the horizon when viewed on entering the district by Highway 107. The horseshoe-shaped mountain range of which it forms a part is home to more than 340 species of wildlife, of which some 206 are birds, including the near-extinct Hume’s Pheasant (Symaticus humiae, found only here and in Pai). It is also the only home in the world to the newly
discovered orchid Sirindhornia pulchella, as well as approximately 110 other orchid species.
Doi Chiang Dao also holds spiritual significance for the people of Chiang Mai. The mountain is believed to be the abode of Chao Luang Kham Daeng, the spirit revered by all spirits and ghosts. There are two routes to get to the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao - the Pang Wua trail and the Den Ya Khat trail.
The Mountain of the Gods
The starting points of the two trails are about 30 minutes and 1 hour away from the headquarters,
respectively. There are camping sites on both trails, but the second one is longer, steeper, and thus
more adventurous. The two trails converge mid-hill, and four more hours of walking will lead to Mae Salung, the last camping site before the top. From the Mae Salung camping site, a final 45-minute climb (225 m of rocky, limestone trail) is required to get to the windy top, where there is no water source but plenty of wildflowers. Trekkers normally spend two nights before following the downward trail back to the headquarters, and must provide their own tents, food, and water for the whole trip.
It must be emphasised that Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is devoted strictly to conservation; tourism is second on the agenda. That is why the Sanctuary is open for trekking only from 1st November to 31st March, and is suitable only for highly-devoted nature enthusiasts. For others still wanting to get a glimpse of its glory, there is a 2-km nature trail, at the foot of the mountain, accessible all year round. No guide is needed, but during the rainy season, the path is often concealed by tall grass.
How to Get There
There are daily buses tram Bangkok direct to Chiang Dao. If departing from Chiang Mai, take a "Tha Ton" bus and inform the driver your destination. You will get off infront of Chiang Dao Inn and continue by motorbike taxi. The headquarters of the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is about 2 kilometers along the main road from Chiang Dao cave.
Discover
Ueang Si Chiang Dao (Sirindhornia pulchella) is a terrestrial orchid endemic to this limestone terrain and can be found only here. It blooms and flaunts its exquisite pinkish-white tlower from April to June.
Feel
For those not planning to trek to the peak and are content with admiring the majestic mountain from
below, there are several accommodation options in the area. Our favourite is "Malee's Nature Lover
Bungalow", where one can talk to owner Khun Malee about the cable car controversy while munching on fresh, homemade whole wheat toast.
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Thailand Destinations 
