I posted this earlier, however I noticed I misspelled the title, so here it is again. I am thinking about heading to Chiang Dao from Chiang Mai in Feb. I am looking at spending a couple of nights at Chiang Dao Nest. Is there a preference in the cabins at #1 or #2? Are some of the rooms better than the others? I understand that there is a market in Chiang Dao on Tuesdays that the Hilltribes sell at. Anyone been to the market? I am mostly interested in the textiles. Was also thinking about going to the caves and waterfall. How difficult is it? I am more of a easy hiker than a trekker. Would I need trekking boots or would tennis shoes work? Anyone been to the mediation center nearby?
Okay, here's the big question--I am horribly afraid of snakes and some afraid of other creepy reptiles, like lizards. What are the chances of an encounter with one of these? Would the Chiang Dao Nest be safe from snakes? Any info would be appreciated.

We didn't see snakes, but there are really quite a few lizards in SE Asia in general. They are harmless, though they might startle you as they move quickly. I don't really think you can avoid them. I would say your chances of an encounter with lizards is 100%. We have only seen one snake though, and that was in Bali.

Most treks don't require boots. Sneakers would be fine, or even hiking sandals. Hiking sandals are our choice because they dry quickly and are lightweight. Get good ones or your feet will complain.

It's pretty lightweight.

There's a hill tribe market in Chiang Mai on Fridays. It's almost all produce, with a few things smuggled in from Burma. No textiles. I don't know if the Chiang Dao market is the same or not.

We stayed at CD Nest #1 and loved it! We ate at CD Nest #2 so we were able to see both of the areas. Chiang Dao Nest #1 is in a lush tropical area, very near the wat that you can climb to the top of. Chiang Dao Nest #2 is more exposed. I definitely prefer 1 over 2.

I think all the bungalows are very similar. We had one that was behind the restaurant/check in area and it was very nice!

Sorry, I can't help you with market info in CD.

The caves are very cool! It is not difficult at all unless you are a very large person. My boyfriend is 6'2" and he had a difficult time squeezing through some of the narrow passages. It seems that a guide is required but the fee is minimal.

We did a hike up and over the small mountain near CD Nest. I wore my Keens and they were perfect. It is almost too hot to wear enclosed shoes but you might want to wear socks with your Keens or Tevas to lessen the chance of getting rocks in your shoe.

We didn't see any snakes but you will hear lizards scurrying around. If you hike with someone just have them take the lead.

I have some good photos of CD Nest at:

http://www.windjammer.smugmug.com/gallery/1262209/4

I have a Thailand album too but you will need to go to my home page and then go to the "Thailand" Album. The photos were taken in Feb of this year.

Enjoy your trip!

I have not stayed at Chiang Dao Nest but have stayed in Chiang Dao and we saw no snakes. However, I am sure there were geckos -- they are all over SE Asia. I was there, however, who hates them as much as you do and she survived so there must not have been many or they stayed away from our room.