Neighboring districts are (from the northeast clockwise) Fang, Chai Prakan, Phrao, and Mae Taeng of Chiang Mai Province; Pai of Mae Hong Son province; and Wiang Haeng of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Dao is the only district in Thailand that has all twelve hill tribes in residence.

[1] Pha Daeng National Park is another nature reserve located within the district.

Chiang Dao was a smaller city state (mueang) in the northern Thai Lan Na Kingdom.

As part of the Thesaphiban administrative reforms at the end of the 19th century it was made a district of Chiang Mai Province.