Day 10, 18th February - Chiang Dao

Extra Pleasures at Rimdoi....... There was some sort of party going on at Rim Doi Resort last night and I thought 'oh not again' but I was so tired that except for the ringing in my ears I actually slept well the rest of the night. Waking up to a new day I'm surprised to see the cabin overlooks a tranquil pond which seems a far cry from the activities of last night. But last night was a Saturday and I just wonder if it was just a one-off. Now in daylight the rabbit warren of passageways that pass through a luxurious canopy of trees and shrubs spring to life. Added to that, everywhere you look the rustic buildings consisting of teak wood are overflowing with character with reproduction models of anything from whiskey barrels to rifles and pistols and a lot more on display in the restaurant area.
Staying Put....... When we go for that buffet breakfast it's more than we can eat; just an amazing variety which I can't recall anywhere else. It brings into question why we need to move today and when we're told there's no party tonight that seals the deal: We're staying albeit into a room in a better location. All that remains now is to draw up a plan for today. I should mention that we're in Mueang Ngai, Chiang Dao District one of the districts in the northern part of Chiang Mai province. This adds a third district so far but there are a dozen north of Chiang Mai City, but we are only concentrating on the important ones which means no more than half that total. From Mueang Ngai we hope to cover the western part of the district where there are important natural and historical sites. It's time to head into the high hills once more, passing along the base of the majestic Doi Luang Chiang Dao. On the way is our first attraction.
Giant Trees Alley....... As the name suggest this is an avenue of large tree, 'ton yang', a type of rubber tree. The sight of these large trees is so appealing as to cause people to want to stop to take photographs but there are no obvious parking spaces and the road is only just wide enough for two vehicles to pass. Accordingly, there are signs warning people about the danger of taking photographs. Fortunately, today although it's Sunday things are relatively quiet and I can get off my shots.
At this point we're heading into the high mountains to the West while on the way there are a number of attractions.
Wat Tham Chiang Dao....... Wat Tham Chiang Dao (Chiang Dao cave temple) is nowhere near as cavernous as Tham Luang in Chaing Rai but it's much easier to negotiate as it is narrower with not too many steps. This Sunday there are many local visitors, few foreigners reach here. Maybe it's popularity is due to it receiving a royal visit in the past.
Wat Tham Chiang Dao is a unique historical site known for its beautifully crafted Buddha statues of Tai Yai art enshrined in the cave within the temple compound. This temple was built in the early Rattanakosin era over 200 years ago. It had undergone various repairs and restorations up until the time of Khuba Siwichai the Saint of Lanna. Today Wat Tham Chiang Dao is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. Further up the valley there are more temples.
Wat Tham Pha Plong....... Wat Tham Pha Plong, a serene and beautiful forest temple, is located on the edge of the Chiang Dao massif in Chiang Dao. The temple is situated on a hill and is accessible by an ascent of 510 steps. The temple is surrounded by thick jungle and lush vegetation, and the striking golden pagoda of the temple standing tall is visible even from a distance.
The temple has a rich history and is associated with the revered meditation master Looang Boo Sim Buddhacaro, who once lived at this temple. Looang Boo Sim Buddhacaro was a well-known monk who was a disciple of Ajahn Mun, one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of the 20th century.
During the 1970s, the temple became a haven for Burmese refugees who fled their country’s political turmoil. The temple provided these refugees with shelter and food, and many of them stayed at the temple for several years.
The temple is known for its striking golden pagoda but for me it would be a huge challenge with my frailty to reach it. Despite the promise of stunning views, the climb of 500 steps is too stiff for me. Returning to the main road there are other attractions.
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary....... Locating the entrance to the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary we're told in this area is a district office for wildlife management and there is nothing actually to see. Are they making monkeys out of us?
Wat Tham Pakpiang....... Wat Tham Pakpiang is located on the Mae Pha Tang Stream. This is a small cave temple no more than a rock shelter. The stupa in the temple grounds is influenced by Burmese art while a golden Buddha image is seated nearby.
We continue our journey west and over another high mountain pass in the Chiang Dao Massif. This impressive range contains the third highest peak in Thailand. Doi Luang (royal mountain) Chiang Dao is 2,225 metres above msl. After what seems ages we arrive in a remote village surrounded by mountains.
Mueang Khong....... Mueang Khong is located in a small fertile valley. In the past, it was only a place for an overnight stop for people who were traveling elsewhere. Nowadays, this community is well-known as another tourist attraction in the district. There are homestays, coffee shops, and paddy fields that are check-ins with good photo opportunities for visitors. Recently a memorial to King Naresuan has been added. He was the king of the Ayutthaya Kingdom from 1590 and overlord of Lanna from 1602 until his death in 1605.
So, curiosity has brought us to this remote area where peace and tranquility exists by the Mae Teang River only to stay for half an hour. Others I note wish to stay longer and why not but for us it's back through the mountains once more. There remains one last stop before we call it a day.
Doi Luang Chiang Dao Viewpoint....... At this viewpoint a small hilltribe village and camping ground exists with the opportunity to take in some amazing views of Doi Luang Chiang Dao. It really is impressive.
Returning down the mountain we could easily head straight back to Rimdoi Resort and order dinner but instead we find ourselves heading into the town where we locate the night market. Here we can select from the many local food types to take back to the room we are changing too. Curiously there seem to be no mosquitoes here just a few flying insects, and we can sit out in the porch on the beautifully crafted hardwood tables and stools.
Tomorrow we plan to finish up here and head to a new district.
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