Doi Luang Chiang Dao is one of the most important birding destinations in Southeast Asia. The mountain's unusual limestone karst combined with its altitude and latitude creates a habitat mix that supports over 300 species, including several found only here or at one or two other sites in Thailand. The limestone cliff faces host peregrine falcons and red-billed blue magpies; the cloud forest holds laughingthrushes, wren babblers, and rare flycatchers.
The best birding starts at dawn. The trail from the cave compound heading up the mountain's lower slopes is excellent for the first two hours of daylight. Bring a guide if you want to find the rarities; local guides know exactly where to look. The area around the cave temple at 6am — before the tourist groups arrive — is consistently productive. November through February offers the best conditions.