Well, this thread needs some updates as many things have changed and improved in Chiang Dao after Covid. New small resorts are springing up everywhere but I doubt that any of them can survive in the long run as CDAO simply has not too many attractions other that Doi Luang, caves, waterfalls, temples and of course nature and all this spread over a huge area. Because of this fact all accommodation mainly focuses on our beautiful mountain Doi Luang Chiang Dao, most are built facing "The Rock". I will not go and take pictures of any of the plentiful resorts but only post the Google Map links so one can easily explore by him/herself........ prices on Google Maps are easily to be seen by each form of booking one can do. The View & The Wes Village & Dara Dao have pools and Restaurants.
Our best Hotel in the middle of town is "The View" newly build with a roof terrace restaurant on the top 5th floor, from floor 4 to 5 there is no lift so you need to take the stairway for the last floor, has a beautiful 360 degree view. On every Friday there is an evening market for F&B just near the entrance to the Hotel, Hotel has plenty of parking as it is situated behind townhouse shophouses in the rice fields. Prices go up during high season but I still find them best value here:
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
www.google.com
Another one, the most luxurious is "The Wes Village" which has only 4 luxury rooms built around a pool facing CDAO mountain, it has fireplaces in each room and the most comfortable mattresses I ever slept on, rooms are huge with everything in there that you need, during high season they also have 2 luxury tents with own shower/toilet. Also here, prices depend on what time you are staying. Currently they are expanding some more rooms. Additionally in front of the Resort is INTERSTEAK restaurant which serves delicious western dishes.
Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.
www.google.com
Another small luxury resort is the Dara Dao in the middle of rice fields outside of town in a village called Muang Kong (NOT the Mueang Khong behind Doi Luang !!). Also has a pool but do not be surprised about its unpaved access road. Once you are in Muang Kong in front of the Ampawan temple turn right into the dirt road and follow it through the rice fields until you reach the resort.
★★★★★ · Hotel
www.google.com
For more budget oriented riders our biggest one is the AURORA RESORT on the bypass road. Cheap and clean rooms, plenty of parking as a bungalow style resort. Breakfast available but you need your own wheels to go into the "center" of town.
★★★★☆ · Inn
www.google.com
If you do only need a clean room then "Chiang Dao Gallery" is the place to go.
★★★★★ · Hotel
www.google.com
All of the above mentioned have very friendly and helpful staff although some basics of Thai will be an advantage as Pasah Unggit has not found its way up here yet
. A must in Chiang Dao is your own transport. There are now some 3 places where one can hire scooters one of the recommended ones is "Tae's tea and ganja" shop:
★★★★★ · Soft drinks shop
www.google.com
Chiang Dao now has several 7/11, a Mini Big-C and a Lotus's Freshmart as we also have a DIY shop, several petrol stations (2x PT & 1xPTT) they are currently building a new PTT on the 107.
Of course there is much more accommodation places available but the ones I recommend are not for people on a tiny budget, everything around THB 800.- and above.
Below picture is the view from the rooftop restaurant of "The View":
