Things to see and do in Chiang Dao: In Chiang Dao itself, apart from the Tuesday market, there isn't much to see besides the cave temple. However, just a few kilometers away, you'll find some interesting places, most notably Wat Tham Chiang Dao, the Chiang Dao Cave Temple – an absolute must-see. Climbing Doi Chiang Dao is also worthwhile, especially for the breathtaking views from the summit. Be careful, though, and don't go alone. You'll also need a permit from the Department of Conservation or the National Park Administration. There are several temples on the mountains, such as Wat Tham Pha Plong, which is 3-4 kilometers from the cave temple. I also recommend visiting the Sri Sungwan Waterfall and the Pong Arng hot springs for relaxation, except during the dry season (when there's no water). Alternatively, there are numerous hiking and mountain biking tours available, which you can undertake with a local guide (such as Koko from Go Koko Guesthouse – Tel.: 089-265-8154).

Sights in Chiang Dao: Wat Tham Chiang Dao (วัดถ้ำเชียงดาว) My rating: 5/5 stars. The cave temple Wat Tham Chiang Dao offers beautiful scenery with a pond and fish and allows you to visit the 360-meter-long, illuminated cave Wat Tham Phra No. 1. There are other caves, but you will need a local guide with an oil lamp to visit them. Wat Tham Pha Plong (วัดถ้ำผาปล่อง) My rating: 3/5 stars. This temple is located just behind the Chiang Dao caves, nestled in the mountains, and offers a peaceful atmosphere. It is a well-known meditation center, and the scenery truly invites relaxation and inner peace. Signs with Buddhist wisdom accompany you on the way to the temple. Sri Sungwan Waterfall (My rating: 4/5 stars): This waterfall, about 20 kilometers from Chiang Dao, may not be the most impressive in Thailand, but it is very pretty, as is its entire surrounding area. Here you can take a refreshing dip. There are several interesting places to stop along the way. Pong Arng Hot Springs (My rating: 3/5 stars): In an idyllic setting, the pools with naturally warm water invite you to a soothing and relaxing bath at the end of the day. A visit can easily be combined with the Sri Sungwan Waterfall, which is a little further along the road. The entrance ticket grants access to both locations.

Other places worth seeing in Chiang Dao: Wat Phra That Mon Ching (5 stars). This temple, situated on a mountain, was a wonderful discovery for me in the Chiang Dao area. I love it for its location, its ancient stone architecture, and especially for the magnificent view over the valley. In my opinion, it's an absolute must-see on the way to Sri Sungwan Waterfall!

Other sights in Thailand: Amphawa Community Live Museum: This small museum in the middle of Amphawa's floating market is particularly worth seeing, as every weekend two talented women make bamboo or coconut shell hats and other objects right before the visitors' eyes… arrow_circle_right View details for Amphawa Community Live Museum. Wat Phra Si Sanphet: The most visited temple in Ayutthaya. Three perfectly preserved chedis make this temple unique. arrow_circle_right View details for Wat Phra Si Sanphet. Wat Khiriwong: Located high atop a mountain right next to the city, this beautiful, golden Buddhist temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. An absolute must-see in Nakhon Sawan… arrow_circle_right View details for Wat Khiriwong. Tamarind Market: Open shortly after the Cicada Market, this second night market in Hua Hin opens on the same evenings. It is almost exclusively dedicated to food and drinks. Personally, it's my favorite weekend night market… arrow_circle_right Show details about the Tamarind Market.