Doi Chiang Dao

Doi Chiang Dao

The guardian spirits of Chiang Mai

CHAING MAI PROVINCE.  Chiang Dao was in the media limelight during 2003, when the government came up with a plan to build a cable car to the peak to boost tourism. The proposal met with unprecedented and widespread protest from both locals and environmental activists. Fortunately, the plan was not carried out.

Doi Chiang Dao is the third highest peak, and the only place where a sub-alpine ecosystem can be found in Thailand. Its height is 2,225 m  above sea level, making a dramatic rise on the horizon when viewed on entering the district by Highway 107. The horseshoe-shaped mountain range of which it forms a part is home to more than 340 species of wildlife, of which some 206 are birds, including the near-extinct Hume’s Pheasant ( Symaticus humiae, found only here and in Pai). It is also the only home in the world to the newly discovered orchid Sirindhormia pulchella, as well as approximately 110 other orchid species. Doi Chiang Dao also holds spiritual significance for the people of Chiang Mai. The mountain is believed to be the abode of Chao Luang Kham Daeng, the spirit revered by all spirits and ghosts. There are two routes to get to the peak of Doi Luang Chiang Dao-the Pang Wua trail and the Den Ya Khat trail.

The mountain of the Gods

The starting points of the two trails are about 30 minute and 1 hour away from the headquarters, respectively. There are camping sites on both trails, but the second one is longer, steeper and thus more adventurous. The two trails converge mid-hill, and four more hours of walking will lead to Mae Salung, the last comping site before the top. From the Mae Salung camping site, a final 45-minute climb(225 m of rocky, limestone trail) is required to get to the windy top, where there is no water source but plenty of wildflowers. Trekkers mormally spend two nights before following the downward trail back to the headquarters, and must provide their own tents, food, and water for the whole trip. It must be emphasized that Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary is devoted strictly to conservation; tourism is second on the agenda. That is why the Sanctuary is open for trekking only from 1^st  November to 31^st March, and is suitable only for highly-devoted nature enthusiasts. For others still wanting to get a glimpse of its glory, there is a 2-km nature trail, at the foot of the mountain, accessible all year round. No guide is needed, but during the rainy season, the path is often concealed by tall grass.