Chiang Rai

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Quick Facts

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Coordinates

• Latitude: 19.9
• Longitude: 99.833298

On Travellerspoint

• 4 Chiang Rai Guesthouses
• 2 Chiang Rai Hostels
• 4 Chiang Rai Hotels

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Introduction

Amazing Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, in Chiang Rai

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Chiangrai is 785 km north of Bangkok, in the midst of the mountains and hills of Chiang Rai Province. Overlooked by many travellers - who favour nearby Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai has retained a rustic charm and a laid back atmosphere. It's cheaper and cooler than Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

There is also an interesting night market in the centre every weekend with handicrafts. One of the most interesting experiences is to visit the local hill-tribe villages. This is also popular amongst Thai students who come here to volunteer or do apprenticeships. It is therefore possible to meet a lot of young Thais and learn about both Thai culture and the hill-tribe culture.

One factor which may be blamed for the town's low tourist profile is its reputation for being a hub of the drug traffic - Chiang Rai is part of the notorious "Golden Triangle", a region encompassing bits of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The Golden Triangle was, and still is, notorious for its drug trade, but strict enforcement by the United States and Thailand has helped decrease the drug trade. Education has also played an important part in bringing about this change.

Sights and Activities

There are many activities you can indulge like visiting:

• The only handcrafted White Temple in Thailand.
• The ever changing flowers in the most beautiful botanical garden.
• Hill-tribe, Opium or the National Museum.
• Elephant riding.
• Shopping for foodstuff, clothing, jewelries and handicrafts.
• Ride on a long propeller boat on the Mekong River.
• Explore the natural rock formation and caves with spectacular formations e.g. Big Cave, Fish Cave.

Mountains

If you are a nature lover, go to the mountains. For example Doi Tung which has a sacred hilltop Buddhist shrine built in 911 AD and it is believed that the left collar bones of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. On your way up, enjoy the panoramic view then drop in to visit the Akha and Lahu hill-tribe village famous for their hand woven textiles and silver jewelries.

Not satisfied with one mountain? Venture to Thailand’s little Switzerland, the Doi Mae Salong, incidentally “doi” means mountain. It sits on an elevation of 6000 feet above sea level. The air is cool and refreshing throughout the year. The settlers are ethnic Chinese descendants of the KMT nationalist army who took refuge in Thailand to escape from the Communist forces of Mainland China more than 50 years ago. The settlement has its own Christian churches, Buddhist temples, schools, locally produced oolong black tea, shops and restaurants.

Events and Festivals

Getting There

By Plane

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is the main gateway to the city. Why it's called an international airport, is not entirely sure though, as currently there are only flights to/from Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

By Public Transport

By Foot

By Bike

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

Post