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CHIANG RAI
Chiang Rai at a
glance | Chiang Rai
Attractions |
Tours from Chiang Rai |
Mae Hong Son
Hotels at up to 75% off
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Chiang Rai
at a glance:
Chiang Rai, founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, Chiang Rai was the first capital of Lanna Thai
(Kingdom of a Million Rice fields), which once spanned all of northern Thailand
plus parts of Burma, Laos and southern China. Beautiful mountain scenery and
many cultural sites surround this historical town. The Chiang Rai province is
home to Mae Sai, Thailand's northernmost point, especially renowned for its
crisp mountain vistas. The province falls within the region known as the Golden
Triangle, where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. Smaller and quieter than Chiang
Mai but also more picturesque, with some luxurious hotels and resorts.
Chiang Rai covers 11,678km, bordered
by Myanmar to the north, and Laos to the north-east.
Attractions in the town include the King Meng Rai the Great Monument,
located on the city outskirts, beside the northern road to Mae Chan,
and honors the monarch who founded Chaing Rai.
Attractions:
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Wat Phra Singha,
on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai
religious architecture. The Phra Buddha Singh image now hourse in Chaing Mai's
Wat Phra Singh was formerly enshrined here.
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Wat Phra Kaew, lLocated
behind Wat Phra Singha, this temple is said to have been the original place
where the Emerald Buddha. (now venerated in Bangkok's
Wat Phra Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha)
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Doi Mae Salong -
Located some 40 km from Mae Chan, along Route 1089, a
mountaintop settlement known as Santi Khiri is home to descendants of
Chinese Nationalist soldiers who fled to, and settled in Thailand, in
1940. Mountainside plantations of coffee, and fruit orchards, provide
scenic variety. The area is particularly picturesque in December and
January when Thai cherry trees are in blossom. Accommodation, restuarants
and opportunities for horse - riding and trekking number among major
attractions |
The Mae Kok
River - known in
Thai as Maenam Kok, this scenic 130km long waterway runs through the heart
of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation artery from neighboring
Chaing Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton (180 km north of
Chaing Mai provincial capital), whence long-tailed
boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12:30
(Chaing Rai-Tha Ton: 10:30). The river passes
several hill tribe settlements and elephant
camps from where jungle treks originate. |
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Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai
situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock,
this stupa contains King Mengrai's ashes and relics. |
Haad Chiang Rai,
located 4 km
from the city, this scenic riverside area and promenade is a
recreatioin area for local inhabitants. |
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Hilltribe Development & Welfare Centre
- 15 km along the route to Doi Mae Salong, the centre aids and
administers local hill tribe settlements. Hill
tribe handicrafts, including woven cloth and silverware, are on
sale. |
Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
- Located 30 km south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along
Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70m high Khun Korn
Waterfall is the highest in the province.
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Doi Tung -
This northernmost 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 hill tribe villages in
natural settings. |
Chaing Saen Lake -
South of Chaing Saen, along Highway No. 1016 (a 2km
trip from the Km. 27 marker), this 1 sq.
km lake hosts migratory waterfowl during the winter months. Birds
are seen at their best and most plentiful from November through February.
Accommodation and watersports facilities are available. |
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Mae Sai -
This border town faces Myanmar across the Mae Sai River, and is located 61km north of Chiang Rai on Highway No. 110. Numerous shopping opportunities
exist for popular Thai, Burmese and Chinese goods. |
Khun Nam-Nang Non -
(Lagoon of the Sleeping Lady) -
Located 12 km before reaching Mae Sai Community Centre along a 2km spur
road, natural rock formations resemble a reclining female to give the tree
shaded area its name. |
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Tham Pum-Tham Pla
- (Reed & Fish Caverns) - Located 1km
north of the Sleeping Lady Lagoon, and 1.8km
from Highway No. 110, these caves are known for their spectacular
interiors. |
Tham Phayanak -
located within a few hundred meters
from the Reed & Fish Caverns, this cave is regarded as being especially
beautiful thanks to its multi-culoured rocks. |
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Tham Pha Chom -
Located 2.5km west of Mae Sai, this cave is
noted for its beautiful stalactites, and as a place of meditation. |
Wat Phra That Chedi Luang
- This ancient 88m high brick pagoda, next to the museum, is
the tallest religious monument in Chaing Rai. |
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Chiang Saen National Museum
- This petite museum exhibits local objets d'art,
including Chiang Saen-style Buddha images and Lanna Thai artifacts. The
museum is open on Wednesdays - Sundays from 09:00 to
16:00 except on national holidays. |
Laan Tong Mekong Basin Cultural Park
- See the beauty of nature surrounding with forest and plenty
of beautiful flowers. Amazing with the largest gong in the world, watching
the 6 grand nations performence. Historical with ethnic group of Mekong
Basin, refreshing with a waterfall. |
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Chiang Saen -
This riverside town facing the Mekong River is 30 km from Mae Chan via
Highway No. 1016, predates Chiang Rai and is famous for a special style of
Buddha image. |
Chiang Khong
located 53 km east of Chiang Saen, (and 114km northeast of Chaing Rai
provincial capital), this settlement faces Laos across the Mekong River.
Local tour operators can arrange for tourists to
visit Laos. |
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Wat Phra That Pha-Ngao
- Located 4 km along the Chaing Saen-Chaing Khong road, this
temples hilltop pagoda offers a spectacular view of the Mekong River and
Laos. |
Baan Haad Klai -
Marks the Chiang Khong area where the freshwater plabuek
catfish, which can attain lengths of 2.5m and weights of 300kg, are caught
between April 18 and early June each year. |
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The Golden Triangle -
8 km north of Chaing Saen, this
riverside area marks the spot where the borders of Thailand, Myammar and
Laos converge. |
Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao
- This riverside temple near the Sop Ruak Market, offers a
spectacular view of the Golden Triangle's
riverine and mountain areas. |
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Mekong River Trips -
Boats can be hired from Chaing Saen to travel upstream to the
Golden Triangle, and downstream to Chiang Khong. The trip to the Golden
Triangle takes some 30 minutes, the trip to Chiang Khong about 1 hour and
30 minutes depending on river currents and water levels. |
Wat Pa Sak -
located outside the city walls, some 200m from the Tourist Service
Centre, this deserted temple, with ornamental stucco motifs, is regarded
as being one of the most beautiful examples of Lanna architecture in
northern Thailand. |
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Wat Phra That Chom Kitti
- This hilltop temple has a pagoda containing a Buddha relic. |
Baan Haad Bai -
25km along the Chaing Saen-Chaing Khong Road,
this Thai Lue community is best known for its hand woven cotton. |
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Pamee Akha Village -
This picturesque village is one of the most accessible Akha
settlements in Chiang Rai province, and is
located on the way to the summit of Doi Tung. |
Phu Chee Fah -
This mountain, 25 km south of Doi Pa Tang, provides scenic views of
Laos, and during February is dotted with white wild flowers known as Dok
Sieo. |
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Doi Luang National Park
- This forested park, some 65 km south of the provincial
capital, covers an area of 1,170 sq. km, and
extends into areas of Chaing Mai, Lampang and Phayao provinces. A major
attraction is the Phu Kaeng Waterfall. |
Doi Pa Tang -
Some 32km from Amphoe Wiang Kaen (127 km from Chiang Rai provincial
capital), this scenic mountain location hosts Chinese, Hmong and Yao
ethnic minorities, During January and February, the area is rendered even
more picturesque thanks to cheery blossom and mountain mists. |
Mae Hong Son
From Chiang Rai, we recommend a
visit to Mae Hong Son, Thailand's second northernmost provincial
city. It is sheltered by several high mountains and
enjoys a cool climate almost all year round. The province is bordered by Myanmar
to the north and west. Long-necked Karen
(or Pa Dong tribe) are hill-tribe people living deep within Myanmar and bordered
with Thailand's Ban Nam Phiang Din. Women of this tribe wear brass rings around
their necks and limbs. The city has exquisite
Burmese-style pagodas which blend perfectly into the capital. Nearby settlement
of various mixed tribal groups adorn the hill sand valley.
2 DAY/ 1 NIGHT TOUR:
Chiang Rai Stopover -
Journey to the Golden Triangle and the Myanmar border. Day 1, after American
breakfast at the hotel, Golden Triangle Excursion - visit the Doi Tung Hill
tribe Project in the northwestern hills of Chiang Rai Province. Continue
into Mae Sai for a stop at the bridge into Burma. Finally, drive along the
Mae Khong River to Chiang Saen. Accommodation at 3/4 Star hotel in Chiang
Rai. On Day 2, depart Chiang Rai after American breakfast at the hotel and
return to hotel.
English speaking guide and hotel transfers included.
Cost per person $150.00 inclusive of hotel and
American breakfast.
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