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Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, founded in 1262, is in the far north of the country surrounded by mountainous terrain. It was the capital of Lanna Kingdom before being conquered by Burma. In 1786 Chiang Rai became Thai territory. Nowadays Chiang Rai is a haven for treckers. It is not the liveliest spot but a great place to spend a few days relaxing and using it as a base for the many day trips that are possible.

Chiang Rai has numerous cultural obstacles to deal with. Thais, Chinese Laotians, numerous hill tribes and others must harmoniously live in close proximity.

Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre: Located on Thanalai Rd. near the clock tower. This museum is a good place to visit in advance of any hilltribe trek. The anthropological exhibits and information will give you a good understanding of the many hilltribes and their different cultures. Open daily 9-4. Baht 50.

Handicraft Center: is about 3 kilometers from town. There are demonstrations of weaving and pottery making. Of course items are for sale. This is rather touristy and as there is a handcraft centre or village near every major tourist city. But a visit to one of these places once is worth it.

Rattana Garden: This 40 acre well tended garden is a private enterprise situated about 20 km from the city on the Chiang Rai Mee Chan highway. It is a very peaceful place comprised of plants and flowers along with accommodations.

Lychees: These sweet and wonderful fruit are widely grown and there is a harvest celebration in May. There is, of course, lots of fruit to eat as well as a Miss Lychee contest.

Wat Rong Khun: Built by Chalermchai Khositpipat, a well known Thai artist. The temple is a mix of traditional Buddhist art and modern contemporary themes. The temple was designed to be seen in moonlight so definitely visit at night if at all possible.

Cultural Exhibition Hall: This Hall's Exhibits are focused on the origin and history of the Chiang Rai province, as well as the language, writings and culture of the many different ethnic groups within. Open Wed-Sun 9-4.

Alien: In 2005 a number of local villagers say they spotted a 70cm small bodied man like alien in some rice fields. It floated off into the sky and disappeared. Keep your eyes open.

Day Trips: Chiang Rai offers numerous day and half day trips. Everything from shopping to mountain biking can be arranged quite easily. There is a host of National Parks in the surrounding countryside, especially the small Forest Parks which are great for hiking but have no accommodations.

Rafting: On the Kok River there is some great rafting. It is quite beautiful as it slowly meanders along through jungle and beside mountainous cliffs. Along its route lie several tribe villages. There are numerous well organized rafting trips to many interesting spots. You can even get to Chiang Mai.

Mae Fah Luang Flower Garden: These wonderfully landscaped Royal gardens are located 60km from Chiang Rai on Doi Tung. These are said to be the nicest gardens in the country and definitely look it. Open daily 7-5. Baht 100.

Mausoleum of General Tuan: At the end of WWII, Chinese General Tuan and his troops were forced to remain in Thailand dut to a change of government in their home country. They settled on Doi Mae Salong and became a sort of Chinese hilltribe community. At his death, a large marble memorial was built.

Doi Luang National Park: Take highway 1 south for about 70 km from to find this National Park that is filled with great waterfalls. Great place do do some hiking for all skill levels. Accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Mae Chan: is about 35 km to the north. It is a trading post serving hillpeople. You can find some great handcrafted gifts.

Hilltribes: There are many tribes around Chiang Rai. Treks are offered to some of the villages.

Phrathat Doi Tung: This Stupa houses a very holy relic, the left collar bone of Lord Buddha, that draws devout Buddhists annually from afar to worship. It is on top of a mountain about 50 km from Chiang Rai. The road is not for the faint of heart. The impressive view stretches into Laos and Myanmar.

Chiang Saen: This is a neat lottle town about 50 km from Chiang Rai. The National Museum there is worth a visit for its ancient Buddha images. The old town walls are kind of neat so take a little walk around town. Open Wed-Sun 9-4.

Sop Ruak: This town is a tourist trap. It is touted as the Golden Triangle for touristic convenience. True you can see Myanmar and Laos but there are no gun toting drug dealers or poppies. The poppy growing Golden Triangle is a huge area spreading across the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. The small but excellent Opium Museum and a few great temples are really the only worthwhile things to see. The rest is just stalls selling souvenirs. Much better to go to Chiang Saen.

Chiang Khong: This small town is about 120 km northeast of Chiang Rai. It is famous for the world's largest freshwater cat fish capable of reaching 300 kg. In April there is a fishing celebration.