- The TOP of Thailand - Thailand's northern-most city,
as well as one of its oldest
- Population of 1.23 million
people, including several ethnic minorities and hilltribes
- Surrounded
by several high mountains, separating Myanmar, Laos
and Thailand
- Named "Chiang Rai" in 126
Thailand ends at Chiang Rai, the mountainous province
that touches borders with Myanmar and Laos. This is soft adventure
country, where you can enjoy trekking to various hilltribe villages,
mountain biking and river rafting. Popular activities include rafting
down the Kok River from Thaton into Chiang Rai town, stopping at
tribal villages on the way, or boating along the mighty Mekong
River from the Golden Triangle to the ancient towns of Chiang Saen,
with its serene temples, and Chiang Khong, the gateway into Laos.
For superb mountain scenery, none
can match the impact of Doi Mae Salong or the unusual Chinese
town of Santikhiri perched on the peak, with opportunities for
some strenuous treks to nearby hilltribe communities. Further
north, Doi Tung offers great scenic views. However, it is the
home of the late Princess Mother, whose Swiss chalet palace and
beautiful gardens are open to the public, and the various hilltribe
villages that attract visitors.
Famous for:
- The Golden Triangle - the point where the three countriesm
Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand meet over the Mekong River.
- House
of Opium museum
- Doi Tung Royal Villa, the home of the late Princess
Mother.
Chiang Rai is located approximately 785 kilometres from Bangkok.
- By Bus
The 9-hour journey from Bangkok can be made either on airconditioned coaches or non-air conditioned buses originating from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2).
For more information: Call 0 2936 3659 (Bor Kho Sor’s 24-seat VIP coach), 9362963 (Siam First Tour), 9362492 (Indra Tour), 0 2936 2495 (Sombat Tour) or 0 2936 3531 (Kharuhat Tour).
- By Train
There is no train going directly to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang
(9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chaing Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai)
For more information call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.
Chiang Saen -
Ancient Chiang Saen, the first town of the Lanna Kingdom, makes for an interesting excursion from Chiang Rai.
One of Thailand's oldest towns, it was once a powerful fortified city where the Golden Triangle is located and much of its northern history remains intact.
It is well known for its laid-back charm, a host of historic sites to see and a modern approach to trade and commerce on the waters of the broad, benevolent Mekong River. |
The Golden Triangle - the Apex of the Golden Triangle is the point at which the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet.
It is located 8 kilometres north of Chiang Saen. This riverside area provides a magnificent view of the Mekong River along with remarkable scenery of the three countries. |
The Mekong River |
Mae Sai -
Thailand's northern-most point, Mae Sai, is well known for its mountain scenery and hilltribes.
This border town faces Myanmar across the Mae Sai River, and is located 61 kilometres north of Chiang Rai.
Numerous shopping opportunities exist for popular Thai, Burmese and Chinese goods. All products are in the best exotic oriental tradition with bargaining more than acceptable. |
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Hot Spring - Getting to be a popular excursion in Chiang Rai province is to the natural phenomenon - hot springs.
It is a thermal mineral spring containing a significant amount of dissolved minerals in a water temperature of more than 98 degrees Fahrenheit.
The springs are easily access by local transport. |
Huai Mak Liam Spring |
Elephant Polo – in September every year, there is a sporting spectacle like no other in the world.
International teams of elephants and their riders compete in a world-class Polo tournament, named the Annual Kings Cup Elephant Polo Tournament. For more information, go to www.thaielepolo.com |
Courtesy of John Borthwick © |
Wat Phra Kaew
This temple is where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444.
It is said to have been the original place of the Emerald Buddha (now venerated in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha). |
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| Doi Tung - This northern-most Thai mountain contains several scenic spots, including the Doi Tung Royal Villa, the Mae Fah Luang Botanical Garden, the mountaintop Wat Phrathat Doi Tung which affords a spectacular view of the surrounding area, and contains Buddha relics, and various hilltribe villages in natural settings. |
Fah Luang Botanical Garden at
Wat Prathat Doi Tung |
Chiang Rai is perfect country for soft adventure activities,
where you can enjoy trekking, mountain biking, and river
rafting.
Trekking
As Chiang Rai has a lot of mountains and hilltribe villages of all major groups, there are many areas considered excellent for trekking, including Doi Tung, Doi Mae Salong, Doi Pa Tang, the banks along the Mae Kok River, or the hilltribe villages.
Tourists are strongly advised against trekking alone or exploring the hilltribe areas by themselves. The best time for trekking is November to February when the weather is refreshing with little or no rain. |
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Mountain Biking
Chiang Rai is an excellent place to go mountain biking as it has a beautiful scenic mountain landscape and fresh air.
Cyclists will enjoy the natural beauty along the trails following the Mekong River including the views of Myanmar and tropical forests. |
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Elephant Riding
This is one of the best ways to trek through the jungle to see the villages of the Karen, Akha and Mien hill tribes. |
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Rafting
This 130-km river is well known as one of the most picturesque and clean rivers in Thailand. Rafting along the waterway is a very relaxing activity because tourists can see hill tribe villages situated along the banks. Lush jungles and mountain cliffs create scenic views and a fresh atmosphere. |
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The Opium Museum - at a small town called Sop Ruak was recently opened a museum called the House of Opium, displaying artefacts relating to opium production and the ill effects of using the finished product. The notorious “Opium War”, a battle which took place in 1967 between the KMT army and the now-deposed opium lord, Khun Sa, was over control of the opium trade.
The area's main attraction however, remains the Mekong. Visitors are encouraged to take a boat trip down the river in order to fully appreciate the superb landscapes offered by Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. |
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Cruising along the Kok river
The Kok Riverflows through the
heart of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed
boats can be rented from town to travel along the river, on
both sides of which are lovely sceneries. The 3-4 hour journey
is available every day at 12.30 hrs (Chiang Rai-Tha Ton: 10.30
AM). Stops can be made at hill tribe villages and elephant
camps. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding
area. |
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