A wealth of cultural diversity awaits those who visit Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, mountains and the mighty Mekong River, the scenery of Chiang Rai is stunning, and among the most beautiful of Thailand. Visiting the local hill tribes and the infamous Golden Triangle are two of the main drawcards to this exciting and relatively untouched region. It is located approximately 182 km, or about three hours, by road from Chiang Mai, and there are plenty of Chiang Rai hotel options to suit any taste or budget.
Chiang Rai enjoys peace and quiet as mass tourism has not yet made its crowded presence felt here.
There are numerous places to stay in Chiang Rai, with the hotels in Chiang Rai offering a wide variety of choices close to all the major attractions. Options include cheap guesthouses and inns, river-resort complexes and deluxe Chiang Rai hotels, all with amenities and service above what you might expect for the cost.
Chiang Rai offers plenty of things to see and do for its visitors. One of its main drawcards is the famous Golden Triangle, located on the Mekong River, between the borders of Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Then there is the Chiang Saen National Museum, which houses several local artefacts, beautiful images of Buddha and several other Lanna style artefacts. You can also visit Doi Mae Salong which is a small mountainside settlement located around 80 km from Chiang Rai. Most of the populace are Chinese refugees, and it is famous for its panoramic views, as well as its delicious fruits, high quality tea, and cherry trees that bloom in January.
One of the highlights of visiting Chian Rai is taking a tour of Chiang Rai's many ethnic communities. There are several hill tribes inhabiting Chiang Rai province and they make their presence in the city felt with the colourful costumes that they don and the typical handicrafts that they sell.
There are several religious structures located throughout the city which are perfect for discovering on a tour in Chiang Rai. Wat Phra Singh, a Buddhist temple in the northern part of the old town, houses probably the oldest image of Buddha in Northern Thailand. You might have heard of Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok, well, there is one in Chiang Rai too. In fact it was from this temple that the jade statue of Buddha, now in Bangkok, was stolen in 1436 and taken to Laos. When it was discovered several centuries later, the statue was housed in the Grand Palace of Bangkok. There is also an ancient mosque in Issaraphap, believed to have been around for over a century. Then there is the Buddhist temple of Wat Thai Yai which has a distinct northern style.
Phrathat Doi Tung, a holy Buddhist shrine is located atop Doi Tung which is 2,000m above sea level. There is an awe-inspiring mountain pass leading to the shrine, and the panoramic view on all sides compensates you for the danger involved in traversing the pass. The other attraction on Doi Tung is the botanical garden Mae Fah Luang Arboretum. To reach the gardens you have to cross the temple and climb further. This garden houses exotic plants which were planted under directions from the queen mother. The garden is almost on the border and the views on the Thailand side are so beautiful they defy description.
There are two museums worth visiting in Chiang Rai: the Haw Kham Mae Fah Luang Royal Museum and the Oub Kham Museum. The Haw Kham Mae Fah Luang Royal Museum is on Rajyotha Road and exhibits mostly religious artifacts. The old teak house surrounded by beautiful gardens and a picturesque lake makes a perfect setting for the museum. Oub Kham, the other museum is close to the military hospital. The displays in this museum are mostly historical objects related to the Lanna kingdom.
Another thing to experience in Chiang Rai is the Mae Kok River. This 130 km long river flows through Chiang Rai and is ideal for rafting. The Mae Kok River makes its way through dense jungles and steep mountain cliffs. Many people opt for a boat ride from Thaton, which lies more than a hundred kilometres northwest and then sail down to Chiang Rai. There is also a fresh water beach here known as Had Chiang Rai or Pattaya Noi created by the river bank located to the west of the town. This is a beautiful sandy stretch and there are a few shade-houses and Chiang Rai restaurants here.
Chiang Rai is also a great place for shopping. Take a Chiang Rai tour to explore the numerous markets selling varied merchandise and understand what makes shopping in Chiang Rai so much fun. You can find fresh foods, clothes, flowers and souvenirs among other things on sale here. Travelling towards the bus stop on Pahonyothin Road you will come across the Night Bazaar. Here you will find a multitude of stalls selling local artifacts, jewellery and other sundry items side-by-side with several bars, refreshments stalls and occassionally entertainment shows.
If you are in the mood for some serious shopping in Chiang Rai head straight for the city's Main Market which is next to the Songteaw terminus. A multitude of items await you. You will find oriental crafts and other specialties, domestic handicrafts, medicinal remedies, Buddhist statues and amulets, and when you tire of looking, try the freshly cooked delicious food available here. A visit to the Fruit and Flower Market, which lies to the north of the bus station, will be a treat for your senses. Then there is the Fresh Food Market very close to the Oub Kham Museum. Look out for the Shan style roof and you will not miss it.
Chiang Rai city can be reached by road from Bangkok in about eleven hours. The other option is a daily flight from Bangkok. Hiring a car is also an option but remember to keep on telling your driver to drive carefully, as the roads can be treacherous. Our Chiang Rai map will give you a better understanding of this area, as well as giving you the option of choosing your hotel in Chiang Rai based on its location. Maesai is on the Myanmar border and is frequented by those who need to renew their visa. It is a day trip to the small Myanmar town of Tachilek and besides visa renewal, the trip is good for buying cheaply priced Chinese goods.
We are a locally based company who are passionate about sustainable tourism and Chiang Rai. We offer a wide variety of Chiang Rai hotels and tour options, allowing you to explore the region whilst learning about its history and culture. You should also check out our other Thailand sites in Chiang Mai, Koh Samui and Phuket for great tours, accommodation and tips on what there is to see and do. Let us help you plan your ideal Thailand holiday!
[more info]
