Chiang Rai

Introduction

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

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Chiang Rai is 785 kilometres 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;
• The Golden Triangle a famous spot where the Mekhong River converges to form the meeting point of 3 countries: Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar;
• Take a long tail speed boat over to Laos for the afternoon;
• Visit Mae Sai town, an official border crossing with Myanmar where you can cross over to visit the town on the Myanmar side: Tachileck.

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 6,000 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

From Thaton you can take a long-tail boat trip on the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River)
which takes half a day. The regular passenger boat costs approx 350bt/person departing at 12:30pm.
Or you can charter your own boat for 2,200bt.

Getting Around

By Car

• Avis Rent-A-Car, Chiang Rai Airport. Tel: 053 793827
• Budget Rent-A-Car, Golden Triangle Inn. Tel: 053 7404423
• National Car Rental, Chiang Rai Airport. Tel: 053 793683
• North Wheels. Tel: 053 740585

By Public Transport

A Samlor can be hired in town for approx 30bt. Tuktuks are normally double that, and a shared songtiaw (local pick up)

By Bike

Bicycles and motorbikes can be hired at ST Motorcycle (053 713652). Bicycles 60-100bt/day, motorbikes 150-700bt/day
Many guesthouses also have bikes for rent.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Budget

Mid-Range

Upscale

• Wang Come Hotel - Tel: 053 711800, 1,500-1,800bt. Has very comfortable rooms decorated in burgundy and dark wood. In a central and convenient location, staff are polite and pleasant. Also has a small pool.
• Wiang Inn - Tel: 053 711533, 1,800-5,000bt. A business class hotel, has everything you would expect from such a class. Central location. Has a swimming pool, and restaurant with live music
• Legend of Chiang Rai - Tel: 053 910400, 3,900-5,900bt.

Keep Connected

Internet

Phone

See also: International Telephone Calls

Post

Thailand Post is the Thai postal service that deals with all local and international mail in Thailand. The business is operated from local post offices. Post offices are easy to recognise with their red white and blue motifs and the words 'Thailand Post' in English and Thai above the entrance. They are open from Monday to Saturday, usually 8:30am to 4:30pm (main ones until around 8:00pm), though keeping shorter hours on Saturdays (usually until 1:00pm). They are generally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Each post office offers a comprehensive service which includes an Express Mail Service (EMS) and parcel post. They also have a price calculator for letters, postcards and parcels, both domestically as well as internationally. They also have a track and trace system and money transfer services.