




Available languages
6 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
● Explore the caves of Chiang Dao, a spectacular system of stalactites and stalagmites less than two hours’ drive from Chiang Mai
● See the five limestone caverns beneath the mountains via gas lanterns
● Climb the Buatong Sticky Waterfall and appreciate the scenic landscape
● Visit Mae Malai Market on the way back
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Chiang Dao Cave
Although the town of Chiang Dao is famous for its Elephant Training Center, several adventurers have come to these parts for another reason altogether: cave trekking. The Chiang Dao Cave (Wat Tham Chiang Dao) is without a doubt one of the area’s more fascinating sites. Five limestone caverns invite one to uncover its beautiful stalactites, stalagmites, Buddha statues, and votive offerings from faithful pilgrims. Two to three of the caves make for an easy visit on your own, as they’re illuminated by electric lights. You’ll find Buddha statues here, including a 4-metre (13 ft) reclining one. Don’t miss the row of five seated Buddhas in the first cavern, as many travellers find them particularly impressive.
After our cave adventures, we'll head to the Chiang Dao market to gorge on delicious local meals before making our way to the Buatong Sticky Waterfall. While waterfalls are notorious for being slippery (and quite dangerous!), one impressive feature about this natural wonder is the sticky mineral deposits that allow visitors to actually climb up the waterfall without falling off. Feel free to appreciate the scenic landscape while you're at it as well. We'll pass by the Mae Malai Market before returning to hotel/meeting point.
Pickup included
Select this option for a private tour. Pickup included
Bottled water
Entrance Fee (Chiang Dao cave 40THB)
English speaking guide
Air-conditioned Vehicle
Insurance
Pick up and drop off at your hotel
Personal expenses
Food and drink
Fee for Guide with Lantern in cave (300THB/group of 4)
Select a pickup point
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Darcy W,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
Excellent tour, with a wonderful guide! The Chiang Dao cave is fascinating from both a natural and cultural perspective. The Sticky Waterfall was much more fun to experience than we expected - definitely worth it!
Esther L,Dec 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
We just got back from our tour. Somehow we got lucky and found that we were the only people on this tour. We got special “VIP” attention. Our guide, Popcorn, is very easy going. He is kind, patient, easygoing, and knowledgeable. He has a wealth of historical knowledge of the cave and the areas that we drove through. He also shared information about the forestry and landscape. Chiang Dao cave is amazing and breathtaking. A must see. Definitely a different type of “temple”. Because it was just the two of us, Popcorn and Superman (the driver) accommodated our needs and interests. Have to admit, with names like Popcorn and Superman, I knew we were going to have fun!
Kitty P,Apr 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
We got lucky as it is slow season and got our own private tour. Our tour guide Peraset (Peter) is very knowledgable and flexible with schedule. Both cave and waterfall were fantastic. Peter added a scroll at the local market was also a highlight! Peter made it a very special day for us.
anthonyrawai,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
We visited the caves as a couple a guide showed us around. It is beautiful and it remains a place of worship, respect this place is important.





Maps47525537489,Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide Em was very enthusiastic, providing detailed and thoughtful explanations while delivering excellent service. Em adjusted the itinerary based on the needs of the travelers, giving us an even better travel experience. It was truly an unforgettable trip! Highly recommended for everyone to book!







Ricahrd A,Nov 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
Our group loved the sticky waterfalls at the end, but my wife and I enjoyed most of all the cavern exploration. The story that our guide related to us was very educational and made the experience more enjoyable
Rachdyl,Aug 15, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
We had a fantastic day with Banana (our guide). Teens can be a tough crowd but they really enjoyed the cave - bats, spiders, crickets, amazing stalactites and all. The extended cave tour was definitely worth the extra 300baht and the local guide was great. You go a long way into the cave. Worth knowing that the cave is a temple, so respectful clothing required. We had lunch at the cave area, which was lovely and then went onto the waterfalls. It was an amazing experience walking up a waterfall. The teens did it twice, once was enough for us! Altogether a great day out.















Paul G,Feb 21, 2024
- Review from Viator
The cave was very humid and hot. There were passages that we had to crawl through to get to the next bigger room. It is possible to skip those though. All in all, we would skip the cave in the future. The sticky falls were a lot of fun. That made the day for us. Our guide Keti was very nice and talkative. We were the only ones on the tour.
Der Y,Dec 2, 2023
- Review from Viator
Our tour guide Pranom was so awesome! She was friendly and so knowledgeable on the places we went to, telling us facts about the cave and statues there. Since our group was bigger we had a private tour and she gave us destinations where we could also visit. For lunch she took us to a restaurant by the river which was so scenic to have lunch there. The food there was super delicious and very inexpensive!
Z737ACmarks,May 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
Our tour guide (Chai) was incredible. He was very knowledgeable and he had such a great attitude. The cave was impressive. We paid the extra to go a little deeper into the cave, and it was worthwhile. The sticky waterfalls were amazing! It was fascinating to climb up them, mind blowing actually. All-in-all it was a great experience, and I would highly recommend.

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