The “Chang Dao jungle” refers to the lush, mountainous rainforest surrounding Chang Dao, a serene town in Northern Thailand known for its dramatic peaks, extensive cave systems, and exceptional biodiversity. There are a number of “treehouses” offering accommodation with stunning views out over the forest. Ours is the Treehouse Hideaway.
We check into our rooms which are, as you’d imagine in a treehouse – basic but grand and then it’s time for some lunch. We are dished up a plate of fried rice with chicken which ordinarily I would love but alas I got hit with “Delhi belly” this morning and I’m very much under the weather. I slept all the way here (which was about a 4 hour drive) and don’t have a lot of energy but I don’t want to miss the hike to the waterfall. We set off with our guide Mr. Moo and his trusted sidekick Uncle Wan (who’s in his 80’s)!
Uncle has brought along a tiny turtle to release back into the wilds and he points out a tarantula in its nest and a huge beetle! And I barely screamed!!!
There’s a lot of walking through rivers, although it’s more like being dragged through. Setting out on this hike we expected a couple but in fact I counted about 25 crossings….
Eventually we reach the waterfall . We packed our swimming gear but I’m not sure where you’d actually swim here!
Smiling before the arduous journey home!
Back at the Treehouse I need a snooze and a shower and then it’s time for dinner. It’s a very small bit for me until I feel better.
Next morning we have breakfast and give an offering to the local temple.
I’m nearly crying with the laughter when I do a google translate on the sign and it says this: 🤣🤣
We meet Mr Moo at 9am and he takes us by car (a 7-seater just about!!) to see the beautiful Chiang Dao temple up in the hills.
There are over 500 steps to climb with some Buddha teachings along the way and when we reach the top we’re treated to this temple with plenty of gold Buddhas.
After the temple, it’s onward to the Chiang Dao cave which is also somewhat of a temple. It’s a limestone cave estimated to be 250–300 million years old. It has the usual stalagmites and stalactites that you’d expect, some resembling elephants and faces etc etc.
A lot of the statues within the cave are of Burmese origin. These definitely look like the Burmese statues I’ve seen.
Sidebar: The Buddhist calendar is typically 543 years ahead of the Common Era calendar in countries like Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos. Therefore, to find the equivalent Common Era year for 2178 BE, you subtract 543: 2178-543 = 1635.
For lunch, Moo takes us to a restaurant for some pad Thai. Again it’s a small taste for me but it’s very good. Once lunch is finished we head for the hot springs and languish for an hour in some smelly water!!
We drive back up the mountain to the Treehouse and three of us have massages. Rav and I are beside each other and have two old ladies who giggle to each other and we’re convinced it’s about how tight and inflexible we are. They are gorgeous women and so sweet and friendly and the massage is amazing.
It’s a buffet dinner on the deck and another early night (I’m really hoping I bounce back tomorrow). Next morning we have brekkie and say goodbye to Mr Moo.
Time to head to Chang Mai … bye bye Treehouse, it’s been quite the experience.
odohertyelaine 