Chiang Dao Caves

The Chiang Dao caves are no less than 13 kilometres long and run under the already visible mountain, Doi Chiang Dao. The summit is 2,225 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest mountains in Thailand. Five caves have been mapped, and the longest, Tham Maa, has a length of almost seven and a half kilometres. For the average visitor, the two electrically lit caves, Tham Phre Nawn and Tham Seua Dao, 360 and 540 meters long, respectively, are accessible. Some formations appear, such as a chicken, egg, snake, or elephant's head.

Many dripstone formations look like such, and you need a little imagination with others. The most beautiful images that pass before your eye are the colourful crystal formations formed over thousands of years by the dripping water. Walking through the caves, you will encounter sacred Buddha and other religious images at various places where believers deposit a monetary offering.

According to a Thai legend, a hermit lived there a thousand years ago and must be buried in the deepest part of the cave. In addition to this hermit, the cave's interior also houses an immortal sacred elephant, a mystical lake, and a massive golden Buddha. At least, that's how the story goes. According to the legend, anyone who removes even the tiniest piece of rock from any cave would be doomed to get lost in the labyrinth of corridors. [Source: Translated from www.thailandblog.nl/thailand-tips/grotten-chiang-dao]

Ayutthaya Historical Research