Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple

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About Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple

The temple in the cave is a unique sight to behold. Unlike the other temples, the cave setting gives it a distinct charm. The cave temple complex, however, may not be for everyone. Some visitors have found the caves to be unexceptional, with the main pathway being well lit but the deeper parts requiring a guide with a lamp. The lamp, while necessary, can sometimes hinder the view as it lights up a small area too brightly. The cave can also get quite hot with little air circulation, and the smell of paraffin can be overwhelming. Despite these challenges, the old temples and rocky setting of the complex are considered the best parts, offering a unique experience in Thailand.

Just at the entrance to the caves, visitors can enjoy watching various species of fish, including catfish, sebarau, and a good number of Thai mahseer Neolissochilus stracheyi. There's an opportunity to buy food to feed the fish, adding a fun and interactive element to the visit.

The caves themselves, when explored via the electrically lit walkways, are absolutely stunning. They feature vast open areas with huge stalactites and other-worldly rock formations. Many statues of Buddha can be found along the way. The grounds around the cave are also very picturesque, making the visit worthwhile.

To explore the deeper parts of the cave, a lamp lady is required. However, communication can be a challenge as they only know a few words of English. It would be helpful if there were English boards for explanations. Despite the language barrier, the deeper parts of the cave are considered more interesting.

The cave temple, while nice and clean, may not be as special compared to other caves. However, it can be an interesting part of a longer trip, offering a chance to see interesting parts of the cave.

The temple complex is located in a very pleasant environment and exudes a great spiritual energy. It features many different small caves and Buddhist shrines. Visitors can get their fortune told, or donate money for the day of the week they are born and their Chinese astrological birth sign. There is also an area with Hindu god statues. The area is usually bustling with Buddhist pilgrims and tourists. There are many shops and restaurants, as well as stalls selling traditional medicines. Visitors can also watch women making traditional baskets that are for sale.

Getting to the temple can be a challenge for those on a budget. The best idea would be to stay in one of the many guesthouses located along the route from the town to the temple. From there, it's easy to walk or bicycle to the temple and the caves. The journey to the temple, whether by foot or vehicle, can be an interesting experience in itself, with many sights along the way.

The temple complex is particularly lively during Makha Buccha, an important Buddhist worship day in Thailand. The area is bustling with Thai worshippers, lively Thai pop music, and vending stalls. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remains festive and vibrant, making it a great time to visit.