Charms of Phrao
This bunch of caches wants to show you some of the hidden attractions of Phrao. Its singular location, shielded from heavy trough-traffic by a semicircle of mountains, let this little district town preserve its compact cohesion of an ancient „vieng“ (square-shaped small settlement), and its social function as a market center for the needs of the local agriculture-based life. Phrao lies amidst a rice-planting plain, criss-crossed by countless quiet lanes which connect the surrounding villages – an ideal sample of traditional rural life, but also an ample paradise for bikers – should it once be discovered by them.
All the caches' locations are accessible by any vehicle, albeit to reach some of the appropriate sites an additional walk of a few minutes may be needed. The caches should not be too difficult to find, to leave you more time for enjoying the scenery and atmosphere. To make it even more relaxing, you might consider an overnight stay – there are plenty of decent guest rooms at very fair rates available. Also for food, just reckon with about 30% below Chiang Mai price level. And even more with very friendly people all over the service scene!
Phrao can also be reached by well-serviced public transport, leaving from Chang Phueak Station around hourly. But unfortunately, up to now there is no vehicle rental in Phrao, what hopefully might change in not too distant future.
The Cave
Since the beginning of Buddhism, caves have always attracted eminent attention from it's supporters. For the first followers of this life philosophy, they provided sheltered retreat away from village life, and their darkness helped them to fade out concrete perception and practical considerations, and to fully concentrate on meditation. Nowadays, in the course of institutionalization of Buddhism, former hermit's retreats have become Wats. Unlike village Wats, they usually don't serve as a center for communal life, but as a pilgrimage destination – just as well giving a good reason to the laypeople for making donations.
This cave is called „tham dook kham“ (Golden Flower Cave), and the Wat accordingly. Very little visited, it's idyllic setting still lets breathe an atmosphere of remoteness and timelessness. A staircase opposite the main entrance leads up to a huge reclining Buddha and to the cave. Right-hand side of the reclining Budda, a path passes some wooden monk's huts, up to a lookout platform that provides a splendid view over the lower Phrao plain.
The cache can be found at the entrance gate.