The quieter neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where visitors looking to avoid the hordes can visit remote hill tribes, spot exotic wildlife, and check out the golden triangle, the former center of the world’s opium trade.
Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.
Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles. Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.
Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character. Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.
Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles. Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.
Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character. Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
Transport
Although a fairly remote
province, Chiang Rai is fairly well connected to the rest of Thailand and can
be reached via private car, public bus, or airplane. However, it is also
possible to take a train or plane to nearby Chiang Mai an then a three hour bus
ride to Chiang Rai. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own
car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors:
i.e. songtaews and tuk tuks.
Getting to
and from Chiang Rai
By
Train:
There is no direct train to
Chiang Rai. Visitors must take a train to Lampang (9 hrs. from Bangkok) or
Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang
and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of
Thailand, 1690 (hotline), 0 2223 7010, or 0 2223 7020.
By
Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1
(Phahonyothin Road), to Highway No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong, and
Singburi Provinces. Change over to Highway No. 11 passing Phitsanulok,
Uttaradit, and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, driving
through to Ngao District where a right turn back onto Highway No. 1 will lead
through Phayao to Chiang Rai Province. The total distance is 785 km.
From Chiang Mai it’s a three hour
drive to Chiang Rai if you follow the fastest route and avoid stopping at
attractions along the way. Otherwise there are several routes one can take
between the two cities, the most straightforward of which are:
1.
Take Highway No.107 north to Route No.109 and
then Highway No.1 to Chiang Rai.
2.
Travel South to Lampang on Highway No.11 and
then follow Highway No.1 North to Chiang Rai
By
Bus:
From Bangkok, there are both
air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern
Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take from 9
to 11 hours, though there are overnight sleeper busses available that may make
the time seem to pass more quickly.
From Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai,
air conditioned busses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal
for the three hour, 182 kilometer ride. Some busses continue on to Mae Sai and
Chiang Saen.
By
Air:
Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia
have daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information,
visit www.thaiairways.com or www.airasia.com
From Chiang Mai, both Thai Airways and Nok Air have service to Chiang Mai,
though Nok offers flights only a few day each week.
car with a driver for a reasonably priced extra
fee.
For around 200 to 300 baht per
day you can also hire your own motorbike, which will typically require you to
leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and
drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and
accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.
By
Other:
By Boat
Chiang Rai may also be reached
from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province via a scenic 4 to 6 hour long-tail boat
ride along the Mae Kok River, depending on water levels, currents, and climatic
conditions, such as rain.
Getting Around Chiang Rai
Getting around Chiang Rai town
can be done on foot and by tuk-tuk or songthaew, although there are a few taxis
if you need some air-conditioning or it happens to be raining.
To get into the countryside there
are local busses and songtaews between rural towns, though exploring is likely
more convenient in a rental car or motorbike. There are car rental agencies
such as Budget and Avis in Chiang Rai as well as some more reasonably priced
local agencies, including Northern Wheels. Be aware that only Commercial First
Class Insurance provides full coverage on rental cars (as opposed to limited
personal or third party only insurance). Most international car rental agencies
will offer this insurance (some only for those with a valid international
driver’s license) while local companies may or may not. You may wish to request
a copy of their insurance policy and ensure that it states "For Commercial
Use". Regardless, inspect rental vehicles prior to rental and drive with
caution, particularly as traffic in Thailand can be quite confusing, especially
the habit of Thai motorcycles drivers to drive on the wrong side of the road.
If you are concerned, hire a car with a driver for a reasonably priced extra
fee.
For around 200 to 300 baht per
day you can also hire your own motorbike, which will typically require you to
leave your passport as a deposit. Be sure to inspect bikes prior to rental and
drive with extreme caution as rental motorbikes are not normally insured and
accidents are frequent. Helmets are required by Thai law.
Attraction
Landmarks
& Memorials
The
King Mengrai the Great Memorial (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating
Day: Daily
Operating
Time: 24 Hour
The King Meangrai the Great Memorial is located in the
town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the
ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong
around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative
centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the
North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the
capital.
Golden Triangle
(+66 5371 7433, +66
5374 4674-5
Operating Day: Daily
Operating Time: 24 Hour
Travel
approximately 9 kilometers north of old town Chiang Saen, along the road
parallel to the Mekong River to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myammar
and Laos converge. This area where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River is
locally referred to as "Sop Ruak". Within this area are remains of
many ancient places and structures attesting to the fact that the area had been
settled by people in the past. It is also the area where various legends
concerning the Lanna ancestors originate.
Boats
can be hired in order to view the upstream scenery of the Golden Triangle and
to travel downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden Triangle and
Chiang Khong would take approximately 40 minutes and 1 hour respectively,
depending on river currents and water levels.
Art,
Culture & Heritage
Oub Kham Museum (+66
5371 3349)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 09.00 - 18.00
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one
kilometer from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas
once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern
Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam.
Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects
used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewelry and clothing.
Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily
from 9 am. to 6 pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information
call 0 5371 3349.
The Sirindhorn Chinese Language and
Culture Center (Tel. +66
5391 7093, +66 5391 7097)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 18.00
The Sirindhorn Chinese Language and
Culture Center in Mae Fah Luang University. This was established through the
cooperation of Mae Fa Luang University and the People’s Republic of China. The
center was built as a memorial to honor Her Royal Highness Princess
grandmother’s 100th birthday as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.
The center’s design was drawn to adhere as depicted in China. The construction
took 7 months to complete at cost approximately 60 million Baht. The
architecture replicate the Suzhou Chinese structure, building decorations and
the garden ornaments by complying with the design layouts and using authentic
materials shipped from China. The roofing tiles, the doors and the marble tiles
laid at the entrance are all examples of a few of the materials brought from
China. Tel: 0 5391 7093, 0 5391 7097 www.mfu.ac.th
Chiang Saen National Museum (+66 5377 7102)
Operating day: Wednesday - Sunday
Operating time: 09.00 - 16.00
Historical
Sites & Monuments
Phra That Doi Phu Khao
(+66 5378 4444-6)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 16.30
Just two kilometers away from
Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is believed to have been built
by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century.
This riverside temple near Sop Ruak Market is located on a hill just before the
Golden Triangle and offers a spectacular view of the Golden Triangles riverine
and mountain areas. The vihan and crumbled chedis are the only visible remains
of antiquities today.
Wiang Ka Long
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 24 Hour
Phra That Pha Ngao
(+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Located about 4 kilometres along
the Chiang Saen - Chiang Khong Road is Phra That Pha Ngao which has a
bell-shaped chedi situated on large boulders. Nearby is a vihan where several
old Chiang Saen-style Buddha statues are enshrined. This hilltop temple offers
a unique and spectacular view of the Mekong River, Laos and of Chiang Saen
itself.
Places
of Worship
Wat Phra Kaeo (Chiang
Rai) (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat Pa Sak (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Located outside
the city walls, approximately one kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in
Tambon Wiang is Wat Pa Sak, which used to be the resedence of the patriarch.
When King Saen Phu built the temple in 1295, three hundred teak trees were
planted hence the name Pa Sak (Teak Forest). With ornamental stucco motifs, the
temples chedi, which is 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 meters wide, is
regarded as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in
northern Thailand.Wat Phra Sing (+66 5374 5038)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat Phra Sing is
located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha
Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the
Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary
craftsmen.
Wat Rong Khun (+66 83717434)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat Phra That Doi Tung (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat
Phra That Doi Tung is situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain, the highest
mountain in Chiang Rai Province with an elevation of approximately 2,000
meters, about 50 kilometers south of Mae Sai town which is near the Myanmar
border. The temple can be reached via a 40-kilometer mountain road which
meanders along the mountainside. The journey is worthwhile as the panoramic
views into Laos and Myanmar at the peak are spectacular.
Wat Phra That Doi Tung was
constructed in the 10th century and was renovated by Chiang Rai's most famous
ruler King Mengrai during the 13th century and by the famous Chiang Mai monk,
Khru Ba Siwichai, at the turn of the 20th century.
The temple complex is comprised of
twin Lanna style chedis, one of which is said to contain the left collarbone of
the Lord Buddha. Throughout the year, the holy relic draws devout Buddhists
from all over Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Wat Doi Thong (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 08.00 - 17.00
Wat Doi Thong
(Phra That Chomthong) sits atop a hill above the northwest side of town, up a
steep staircase off Kaisornrasit Road. This location where King Mengrai is
believed to have chosen the site for his new Lanna Capital offers an overview
of the town and a panorama of the Mae Kok Valley. The chedi of Wat Doi Tong
containing what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic was probably renovated
at the same time that the town as being built. The circle of columns at the top
of the hill surrounds the city's new lak muang (city pillar), built to
commemorate the 725th anniversary of the city and King Bhumibhol's 60th
birthday.
More Temple Attractions:
Wat Phra That Doi Chom
Thong (+66 5371
6055)
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong (+66 5365 0804)
Wat Phra That Chom Kitti (+66 5365 0534)
Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han (+66 5371 7433, +66 5374 4674-5)
More Attractions:
Mae Kok River
The Mae Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and then flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan Thathon boats, rafts and treks leave daily venturing into the surrounding mountains where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters. A long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry visitors up and down the river. Stops can be made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe villages. Alternatively stops can be made at the Buddha cave, a temple within a cavern; an elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring; and a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300 bahts to 700 bahts ($7-$16), depending on the number of stops made. The ferry pier is beyond the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.
Rai Mae Fah Luang
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 10.00-18.00
Entrance Fee: Baht 200
Rai Mae Fah Luang is a cultural centre and centre of Lanna Studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage. There are 5 exhibit areas namely
1. The Botanical Gardens and Nature Park
2. The Haw Khumm(Golden Pavilion)
3. The Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion)
4. Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for riturals
5. Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultureal Arts.
Phu Chi Fa (Phu Chi Fa Forest Park) +66 5371 4914
Phu Chi Fa is 1,628 metres above average sea level. In the cool season, the landscape is so charming. Several kinds of wild flowers are in full bloom, especially Nang Phaya Suakhrong or Thai sakura (Prunus cerasoides D.Don) which will welcome you with its prolific charming pink flowers. Another factor making Phu Chi Fa attractive is its appearance. Its top shapes like a finger pointing to the sky and this is why the mountain is called "Phu Chi Fa" (the mountain pointing to the sky). When on the mountain top, you can absorb the beauty of the fluffy mist that seems to embrace you and the mountain. Besides the mist, travellers to Phu Chi Fa will love the white bauhinias (Bauhinia variegata Linn.) which bloom from February to March, painting the forests with its white colour.Recommended period: December-February To get there: From Chiang Rai city, use Chiang Rai-Thoeng Route (64 km) and then turn onto Thoeng-Pang Kha Route (24 km). Then there is a laterite road leading to Phu Chi Fa (19 km).
Doi Mae Salong
After the Communists took over the mainland of China in 1949 a division of Nationalist Chinese army fled through Yunnan Province to the Thai-Burmese border areas. In 1961, some of them were allowed to settle down on a mountain inside Chiang Rai Province called Mae Salong, which then became a Yunnan army base to fight the communist regime in China.In 1982 after the force was disbanded, the former soldiers began to lead a civilian life. They started growing tea, fruits, and flowering cherry trees, which transformed the mountain into one of Thailand tourist attractions. Another inheritance they received is their Yunnanese-Chinese culture that makes the valley even more outstanding.Located some 40 kilometres from Mae Chan along route 1089, the village they founded, known as Santi Khiri, soon became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Most of the area is covered with plantations of tea, coffee and fruit trees, especially a traditional Chinese tea, “Oolong” which brings a good reputation to Doi Mae Salong. Oolong tea has a distinctive taste and aroma. Its colour is between green and black. In the village, you will find countless teashops that serve you authentic Oolong tea. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when the cherry trees are in full bloom. Scattered with many hilltribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is thus a nice place for trekking.There are hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and a paved road leading to the village, which is about 60 km. from the provincial town of Chiang Rai.
More Attractions:
Mae Kok River
Rai Mae Fah Luang
Operating day: Daily
Operating time: 10.00-18.00
Entrance Fee: Baht 200
1. The Botanical Gardens and Nature Park
2. The Haw Khumm(Golden Pavilion)
3. The Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion)
4. Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for riturals
5. Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultureal Arts.
Khun Kon Waterfall
Operating day: Daily
Khun Kon Waterfall is the highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, some 70 metres high. The walk to the site is marked by cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation. However, despite being just a 30-minute walk, the terrain is requires a certain amount of fitness.
Phu Chi Fa (Phu Chi Fa Forest Park) +66 5371 4914
Phu Chi Fa is 1,628 metres above average sea level. In the cool season, the landscape is so charming. Several kinds of wild flowers are in full bloom, especially Nang Phaya Suakhrong or Thai sakura (Prunus cerasoides D.Don) which will welcome you with its prolific charming pink flowers. Another factor making Phu Chi Fa attractive is its appearance. Its top shapes like a finger pointing to the sky and this is why the mountain is called "Phu Chi Fa" (the mountain pointing to the sky). When on the mountain top, you can absorb the beauty of the fluffy mist that seems to embrace you and the mountain. Besides the mist, travellers to Phu Chi Fa will love the white bauhinias (Bauhinia variegata Linn.) which bloom from February to March, painting the forests with its white colour.Recommended period: December-February To get there: From Chiang Rai city, use Chiang Rai-Thoeng Route (64 km) and then turn onto Thoeng-Pang Kha Route (24 km). Then there is a laterite road leading to Phu Chi Fa (19 km). Doi Mae Salong
After the Communists took over the mainland of China in 1949 a division of Nationalist Chinese army fled through Yunnan Province to the Thai-Burmese border areas. In 1961, some of them were allowed to settle down on a mountain inside Chiang Rai Province called Mae Salong, which then became a Yunnan army base to fight the communist regime in China.In 1982 after the force was disbanded, the former soldiers began to lead a civilian life. They started growing tea, fruits, and flowering cherry trees, which transformed the mountain into one of Thailand tourist attractions. Another inheritance they received is their Yunnanese-Chinese culture that makes the valley even more outstanding.Located some 40 kilometres from Mae Chan along route 1089, the village they founded, known as Santi Khiri, soon became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Most of the area is covered with plantations of tea, coffee and fruit trees, especially a traditional Chinese tea, “Oolong” which brings a good reputation to Doi Mae Salong. Oolong tea has a distinctive taste and aroma. Its colour is between green and black. In the village, you will find countless teashops that serve you authentic Oolong tea. The scenery is especially picturesque in December and January when the cherry trees are in full bloom. Scattered with many hilltribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is thus a nice place for trekking.There are hotels and guesthouses to accommodate tourists and a paved road leading to the village, which is about 60 km. from the provincial town of Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai City Map
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