Chiang Dao Cave & Hill Tribe Villages Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore the mystical Chiang Dao Cave
- Experience diverse hill tribe cultures
- Stunning views of Doi Chiang Dao mountain
- Authentic local handicraft shopping
- Engaging cultural exchange with villagers
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Round-trip transportation from Chiang Mai
- Guided tour of Chiang Dao Cave
- Visit to five unique hill tribe villages
- Meals and personal expenses
Itinerary
Ban Huai I-Ko display the way of life and cultures of five different hill tribe groups which typically reside in the north of Thailand. At Ban Huai I-Ko you will find, Akha, Meo, Lisu, Karen and Palong. Explore the variety of culture, how they live, and different of beliefs. Get an unforgettable experience, visiting real local hill tribe villages guided by local people from the village. Explore their house, garden and school. The duration included traveling time from Chiang Mai to Chiang Dao
Explore the cave with the local guides with a lantern. Chiang Dao cave is an attractive and biggest cave in Chiang Mai. A giant cave with beautiful stalagmite and the stalactite inside that form spontaneously. The cave is also fascinating with an astonishing stories about the past which has been told for many generations.
Cozy greenhouse housing a variety of butterflies, plants & flowers, including orchids. Get to experience the beauty of nature as the butterflies flutter over the orchids. The exotic setup, nestled in a natural setting, gives visitors a glimpse into the life cycle of these insects and the plants that they love so dearly. The duration included traveling time from Chiang Dao to Chiang Mai
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- This tour involves moderate physical activity, including walking and climbing stairs in the cave.
- Be prepared for varying weather conditions; a light rain jacket is advisable during the rainy season.
- Respect local customs and traditions when visiting hill tribe villages.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for outdoor activities.
- Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural moments.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Infants Required On Laps
Good to know
- The exact meeting/departure time will be informed in a private message via the booking platform the day before before the tour. Departure time can be between 8:00-9:00 hrs depending on the number of participants on your travel date. Please carefully check your message/email the day before the tour (including junk mail).
- For the hike in Chiang Dao Cave, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes (please avoid flip-flops for your safety and comfort).
- As our tours run on a group basis, we can wait a maximum of 10 minutes after the scheduled meeting time. After this grace period, the guide will begin the tour. If you cannot make it on time, please let us know before the tour starts. If possible, we’ll do our best to reschedule you for the next available day, though a rescheduling fee will apply. No refund will be provided in case of late arrival.
- Cancellations made at least 24 hours before the tour start time are eligible for a full refund. For cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance or in case of no-show, no refund will be issued.
- Our tours operate rain or shine, as tropical rain showers in Thailand usually don’t last long. If it rains heavily, we try to seek shelter and will continue as soon as the weather improves. During the rainy season, it’s a good idea to bring a raincoat or poncho. Please note cancellations due to weather are not eligible for a refund.
- Two passages inside the cave are quite narrow and you will need to crawl through them. This hike through the cave is not recommended for anyone who suffers from claustrophobia.
- We only pick up from hotels and accommodations located within the Old City of Chiang Mai or directly next to the Old City walls. If your hotel or accommodation is outside this area, you are required to meet the group in front of the Burger King at Thapae Gate (the eastern gate of the Old City) in Chiang Mai.
Traveler reviews
Great experience
Really fun, 10/10. I learned allot on the village tour, Jane taught us about plants, cooking, village life and seemed to get along well with the locals. The restaurant we stopped at had really good food and the cave was also amazing. Thankyou Jane :)
5 tribes and cave
It was really great. I highly recommend and love my guide how kind they are and pay attention to everything. They even gave us some fresh fruits on the way to go!
Not worth it
The tour is geared to give money to the villages. Tour would usually show how village people would work hard and need support. Since ut was Easter, no one was out doing anything so tour guide was disappointed. The cave tour was a hoax. Looked like they created statues throughout for purposes of tour. Totally opposite of what we thought. It was a wasted day. Would not recommend unless you want to feel sorry for the villages and give money or buy things.
Great tour
The tour was amazing! The guide Ammy was very good and made everything better.
Villagers selling "handmade" items
This is a follow up to my previous review. While we visited each village, I was introduced to people selling their "handmade" crafts. I questioned at one point if they were truly handmade and was assured this was true. Upon return to Chiang Mai, I made my way to the Night Market (for the first time) and discovered stalls full of these items. It became clear my instincts were correct. And, the prices were lower. So, if you want to but handmade gifts, notice what they are actually making. Otherwise, understand the items are same as you will find on street markets. I am still trying g to sort out how so many people are living with so little in the village when there are acres and acres of orchards that they are reportedly managing. I plan to research more. At the end of the day, I would have preferred to make a donation and not been misled.