Thailand Guides - Chiang Rai

The northern city of Chiang Rai sits at the heart of one of the country’s most rural provinces. Mountainous and bordered by the mighty Mekong River, Chiang Rai province is a playground for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery.

Overview

Known as the Gateway to the Golden Triangle, the city of Chiang Rai lies in a fertile valley 180 km north of Chiang Mai. The town has a less commercial feel than Chiang Mai and consequently a more relaxed atmosphere. Although the town itself has little to offer beyond a couple of nights rest and relaxation it is an excellent base for treks into the surrounding hills.

Attractions

Oub Kham Museum, next to Den Ha market, houses an interesting collection of object from the former Lanna kingdom, Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam.

Temple enthusiasts should visit Wat Phra Kaew. The temple once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most sacred Buddha image and now held in the temple of the same name in Bangkok.

Wat Jet Yot has an interesting Thai astrological fresco on the wooden ceiling of the main building. Other temples to visit in Chiang Rai include the Shan/Burmese Wat Paa Kaw and Wat Phra That Doi Thung, which overlooks the scenic Kok River.

The Hill Tribe Education Center on Thanalai Road has informative slide shows and displays of tribal artifacts and handicrafts while an interesting museum is housed on the 3rd floor. The museum opens daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and local handicrafts are also for sale.

Mae Sai is 62 kilometres north of Chiang Rai and makes for an interesting day trip or overnight stop. This busy trading post borders Myanmar and it is possible to cross the bridge to visit the bustling market in Tha Khi Lek. There is a fee to cross and the border post can close for periods of time due to tensions between Myanmar and Thailand, so check in advance.