Temple, Cave & Hot Springs (November 21, 2025)
Is there such a thing as “too much fun?” On our last full day in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Elena, Violet and I were determined to find out for ourselves. After a wonderful breakfast served by our treehouse lodge, Thor, our driver / translator / guide took us to Wat Tham Chiang Dao Temple. Did you know that there are over 1,500 temples in Thailand? There’s a reason this is one of the more popular ones — even with the more than 1,000 steps you need to take to get there (and back).
Took this pix after my first 200 steps in a row (catching my breath)
Unlike so many temples that are built to “sit” and meditate. This one is considered an active walking meditation which attracts monks, pilgrims and tourists. It’s also situated in the foothills of the Doi Luang Chiang Dao, the third-highest mountain in Thailand. But my favorite part are all the contemplative sayings that “follow you” along your path as you walk up those steps. Enjoy:
It’s easy to see how reflective each of these signs can support a walking meditation journey. Deep reflection can be challenging — especially for beginners — and that is especially true when walking up several steps and the mind chooses to “interrupt the intended meditative program” to bring in a number of physical complaints.
In any event, this temple experience had so many unique elements to offer throughout the journey (from beginning to end). I had not seen a temple nestled in the mountains before, so much of this was new to me and offered a new perspective on what was possible in a meditation retreat.
Clearly, that’s enough adventure for one day wouldn’t you agree? But not for the Carmody’s; and certainly not on our last day in Chiang Mai, Thailand. So back in the car we went and headed to a nearby cave: The Phra Non Cave — which is actual a “cave temple.”
Yes, that’s right. This is an underground temple that you need to crawl through three very tight gates to get to. When you look up, you also need to close your mouth as there are … oh, about 200 to 300 bats who sleep there during the day and regularly drop their blessings on visitors who stand idly by.
Elena didn’t know about the bats nor the small gates, but she opted out due to her bad knees and unstable walking condition. It was a good thing as she would have had a really difficult time navigating this cave. It seems to have been designed for the young, the fit and the tiny. I’m actually surprised that I made it through myself. Some of those gates were really tight to squeeze through, the water made parts of the floor extremely slick and I almost went down twice and Violet bumped her head a few times (all without wearing a helmet). This cave wouldn’t make it in the US — too many lawsuits waiting to happen regardless of temple / religious status.
Again, that’s definitely sufficient for a full day, right? Actually, that was all done before lunch. For lunch, Thor took us to a local place that was like eating in the driveway of someone’s house. Don’t get me wrong, this was an extremely popular restaurant as evidenced by all the locals who lined up there. It’s just that it seemed like a family was hosting too many of their kid’s friends for meals and figured, “in for a penny …” and just opened up a restaurant officially.
I’m bummed I didn’t grab any pictures. We were all really focused on our food and by the time we were done eating we were off to the hot springs. Oh well. I think you get the gist of it.
On the drive to the hot springs, we went through what felt a bit like California’s Redwood forest, only it was teakwood instead of redwood.
And once we arrived, it was like soaking in an outdoor hot tub. We had it booked for an hour. What was wonderful was it was a great opportunity for Violet, Elena and I to deeply connect one last time together and share our thoughts before we wrapped up this part of our trip together. That, and comment on the nearby farm just across the river from us. Lots of chickens, a rooster, dogs, at least one cat, and we think there was a goat, but we couldn’t be sure about that one.
Yes, this was a wonderful way to wrap up our time together. Tomorrow is a day full of airport logistics, driving in cars and flying in seperate airplanes. First, getting to the airport (about a 2 hour drive from the treehouse lodge), then we go our separate ways (snif) and I will head to Vietnam where I’ll get another car (as public transport to where I’m staying is questionable) and Violet and Elena will fly to Hong Kong for a few hours layover and then a brutal 22 (or was it 23?) hour flight back to New York? I don’t envy that journey and know it’s coming up for me when I head back on December 15th for my Christmas break.
