Our Top 5 Chiang Rai Activities
Chiang Rai and its Temples offers visitors a chance to explore the city and the temples of this northernmost province of Thailand. Spread across Chiang Rai, these temples have an interesting architecture that combines the influences of the Thai and Burmese styles. The most important of these temples is Wat Phra Kaew. Built in the twelfth century during the Lanna Empire, it is a must-see for everyone. The Emerald Buddha was discovered here and eventually moved to Bangkok. A replica can still be found in its original location in the temple. Chiang Rai Temples Tour
The Golden Triangle - Drive to Doi Tung Mountain and visit the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Gardens and learn about the Royal Project on Doi Tung. Continue to Mae Sai, a bustling border town between Myanmar and Thailand. A visit to one of the jade-cutting factories here is of special interest. After lunch, head to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Here we visit the Hall of Opium. Golden Triangle Tour
A Chiang Rai tour to the Akha and Yao tribes allows you to experience the authentic lives of the hill-tribe people. The Akha are originally from Tibet, and are among the poorest of Thailand's ethnic minorities. The Yao originally are from China and are still influenced by Chinese traditions. The tour continues to Chiang Sean, a small town located at the crossroads on the bank of the Mae Kong River. Here visitors can explore ruins and witness the panoramic views of the Golden Triangle. The final stop is Mae Sai, the northernmost town of Thailand situated on the border of Myanmar. This town has many flea markets and shops that visitors can explore at their leisure. Chiang Rai Hilltribe tours
A scenic boat ride along the Mae Kok River ends with a visit to a traditional Karen hill tribe village. The Karen are originally from Burma and form the largest hill tribe population in Thailand. While here, visitors can also enjoy a half hour elephant ride through the countryside before continuing on to a local hot spring. The Lahu hill tribes, originally from Tibet, can be found in this area. The return trip to Chiang Rai is via boat. This Chiang Rai tour also includes lunch and trips to the local market and handicraft centre.
The Kok River flows from Thathon to Chiang Rai City. Thathon is located in northern Chiang Mai. This river is very scenic and it continues beyond Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong merging with the Mekong River. You can go on boat rides and raft rides from Baan Thathon These rides take you close to the surrounding mountains where the river meets the dense jungle. These rides include stops at Lisu, Karen, and Akha or Iko hill tribe villages. Some rides stop at the Buddha cave, a riverside Lahu village and an interesting temple within a cavern.
