The Hill by Wat Phra That Tham Doi Kong Khao
By bike or vehicle, head out of the city past Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park on the road that you would take to go to Don's restaurant or on to Mae Yao/ Doi In Cee. 2.8Km past the park at an intersection, turn right and follow the signs as if going to Ban Phasoet Hot springs/ prison. A further 2.9km will take you to a gravel road off to your right marked by a Buddha statue and signage. Turn onto this road and after another 400 metres there is the monastery and wat. Park in the grounds. The hill you are going to ascend is one of those limestone plugs that you see dotted around the province, rising improbably upwards from flattish ground of the Wat. A path leads you off to the left, follow it around the base of the hill past the female monks white-painted quarters. You will pass a cliff face to your right on which hang some of the biggest colonies of wild bees you'll ever want to see. They are not so active at this time of year –but take care anyway. Follow the small path around, a concrete grey wall now on your left, until you see a shrine and some guardian animal statues with crazy marble eyes. The path then heads uphill for about 200m. through sparce woodland. You reach a clearing and a small retreat house, and the steps to the summit are on your right. Don't be fooled – the first fifty or so are smooth, proper steps – after this it's very rough and ready stone 'steps' and then it's a scramble and a glow inducing climb to the very top.
There is a multi- layered cave to visit within the grounds – go up the steps that are directly behind the parking area. Take a torch or lighter or switch on the electrics at the connection box yourself (on the concrete pole to the left front of the steps up to the cave entrance). There are a few bats, shrines and about 200 metres of beautiful water worn tunnels to admire with sand covered floors. (Adapted from: Rock Climbing Near Chiang Rai - Chiang Rai Forum - Thailand Forum)