Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) is the capital of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 62,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
Get in
By car
Chiang Rai is about 820km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok via highways #1/#32 and from Chiang Mai on highway #118.
By bus
Deluxe coaches operated by Greenbus depart Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal (north of the city, opposite Carrefour and just off the super highway) on a regular basis. The journey takes three hours and costs 520 baht round-trip.
By train
The nearest train station is at Chiang Mai.
By plane
Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Road 8 kilometres from downtown Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from Avis
The airport is served by Air Asia, Nok Air, One-Two-Go, SGA Airlines, and Thai Airways.
Get around
Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. The city itself can be explored on foot, but for trips into the province consider renting a car or a motorbike. Budget and Avis both have offices in Chiang Rai and there are several local agencies. If you don't feel up to driving in what may be a very different environment, then consider hiring a car with driver - it doesn't cost much more.
A motorbike is a good way to see these parts; there are several trails and a 250cc dirt bike is a great way to see the country side. However be aware that many of the mountain roads are narrow and winding and that Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the world. Stay alert.
See
Wat Phra Kaeo
* Gate of Siam - on the border with Laos - you stand high up on a mountain and Laos is in front of you and the mighty Mekong River
* Wat Santhaat
* Wat Phra Kaeo - this beautiful Buddhist temple on Trairat Road right in town is famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand (it is now housed in Bangkok)
Wat Phra Kaeo
* Wat Thoeng Sao Hin
* Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong - about 70km north-west of Chiang Rai. A beautiful road from Mae Chan, sometimes quite steep. The view from the temple and Princess Mother Hall is fantastic. In Mae Salong there is a museum for KMT and you can learn what happened after they got kicked out of China by Mao Tse Tung, going to Burma, kicked out from there and then into Thailand where they helped the Thai government to fight the Communists for many years.
* Doi Tung Royal Villa - final residence of the Princess Mother (mother of the King of Thailand), located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a large beautiful flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
* Wat Doi Tung - very important temple for the Buddhists and with probably the most fantastic view of all temples in Thailand
* Doi Tung Zoo
* Phucheefah - great sunset view
ang Rai (เชียงราย) is the capital of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 62,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
Get in
By car
Chiang Rai is about 820km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok via highways #1/#32 and from Chiang Mai on highway #118.
By bus
Deluxe coaches operated by Greenbus depart Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal (north of the city, opposite Carrefour and just off the super highway) on a regular basis. The journey takes three hours and costs 520 baht round-trip.
By train
The nearest train station is at Chiang Mai.
By plane
Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Road 8 kilometres from downtown Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from Avis
The airport is served by Air Asia, Nok Air, One-Two-Go, SGA Airlines, and Thai Airways.
Get around
Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. The city itself can be explored on foot, but for trips into the province consider renting a car or a motorbike. Budget and Avis both have offices in Chiang Rai and there are several local agencies. If you don't feel up to driving in what may be a very different environment, then consider hiring a car with driver - it doesn't cost much more.
A motorbike is a good way to see these parts; there are several trails and a 250cc dirt bike is a great way to see the country side. However be aware that many of the mountain roads are narrow and winding and that Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the world. Stay alert.
See
- Gate of Siam - on the border with Laos - you stand high up on a mountain and Laos is in front of you and the mighty Mekong River
- Wat Santhaat
- Wat Phra Kaeo - this beautiful Buddhist temple on Trairat Road right in town is famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand (it is now housed in Bangkok)
- Wat Thoeng Sao Hin
- Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong - about 70km north-west of Chiang Rai. A beautiful road from Mae Chan, sometimes quite steep. The view from the temple and Princess Mother Hall is fantastic. In Mae Salong there is a museum for KMT and you can learn what happened after they got kicked out of China by Mao Tse Tung, going to Burma, kicked out from there and then into Thailand where they helped the Thai government to fight the Communists for many years.
- Doi Tung Royal Villa - final residence of the Princess Mother (mother of the King of Thailand), located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a large beautiful flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
- Wat Doi Tung - very important temple for the Buddhists and with probably the most fantastic view of all temples in Thailand
- Doi Tung Zoo
- Phucheefah - great sunset view
Do
- Organize a trekking tour to the hill-tribes
- Visit Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle
- Visit Buffalo Horn Hill and Khun Kon Waterfall (Nam Tok Khun Kon)
Rent a motorbike and go to the temple on Buffalo Horn Hill to have a splendid overview over Chiang Rai by following the old road to Chiang Mai, called Thanon Ratchayotha. Just about when you'll cross the city borders you'll notice a long curve in the road to the right. From this point watch for a hill in the distance at the lefthand side. That's where you want to go! Take a left turn at the next big Soi (Nongpoung soi 3). Take the first turn right after the lake and turn left. The entrance to the small road up is here: look for temple flags. You will be treated with the most beautiful view over Chiang Rai. Especially around sunset! The restaurant at the small lake serves nice fish and gourmet frogs.
Another way to find Buffalo Horn Hill (Wat Phra That Doi Khao Khwai) is to go Thanon Sanam Bin south to the Old Airport, turn right onto Thanon Pracha Santi follow this one and you see the hill in front of you.
Take the same old road to Chiang Mai for about 15 km and turn right at the white sign 'Kun Korn Waterfall'. The pitoresque road meanders up for 11 km. Walk the last kilometer to the waterfall itself through fantastic jungle. Impressive.!! You might need a swimsuit and/or dry clothes... prepare to get wet.
- Visit Wat Rong Kuhn also known as 'the white temple'
It is quite a long drive on 'super-highway' A1, direction Chiang Mai, to find these beautiful grounds with a white temple. The building of the temple was started in 1998. The grounds are situated on the righthand side coming from Chiang Rai. Take the exit called 'Khun Kon Waterfall' (big green sign). The architect is artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. He is famous for his religious paintings, but I believe his mud-castle-like architecture stands out and is definitely worth a visit. From here you could also go to 'Khun Kon Waterfall'. Continue the road and turn left at the end of it. From there you are on the 'old road to Chiang Mai' (see above). You should look for the white sign to go to the right.
- Play and practise golf at The Old Airport. Here you have a very good Driving Ranch and also a 9-hole golfcourse. You can find one of the best teachers in golf here, Barry Finch. And when you are hungry there is a hamburger restaurant.
- Golf in Chiang Rai There are two highclass golfcourses outside Chiang Rai. Santiburi is one of Thailands 5 best courses and you can find Santiburi 10 km east of town.
Waterford Valley is as good as Santiburi. You find Waterford Valley 35 km northeast of town. There is a hotel if you want to stay over. In town we have two 9-hole courses. The Army Course that you find close to Mae Fa Luang Bridge and The Old Airport course that you find, yes, at the old airport. The Old Airport course you can play without a caddie. At the other courses you must have one.
Buy
- Night Bazaar - The bazaar is located between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road in the center of town. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Road and the bus station. Everything on display from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching, even pets. The hill tribes sell an amazing selection of old coins, collector's pieces of needlework and very fine quilted bed spreads.
Eat
- Roughly halfway down the alley entering the Night Bazaar from the main road is 'Centrepoint', an open-air hawkers/restaurant surrounded by more stalls and with a stage for classical music and dance performances.
- On the main road there is a Lebanese restaurant serving Falafel, Tabouleh, Hummous and other middle-eastern delicacies.
- Da Vinci is an other good place on the main road serving nice charcoal pizzas an pastas. Homemade foie gras.
- Good bakery just opposite the bus station (bread, rolls, good coffee, cakes). At the same time you are helping hilltribe young women have the opportunity to be apprentences, running this very bakery. Nice (and very rich) marchpain rolls.
- Oasis is a very specialized and delicious vegetarian restaurant. Standing with your back toward the main stage at the 'Night Bazaar' you'll notice a high building on the lefthand side. At the corner of this street (which eventually leads you to the fruit and flower market), you'll find the restaurant downstairs. Situated behind the small eateries which still belong to the market. A 'must' for vegetarian people!
- Kad Khaw Nung is a restaurant in the North Hotel which specializes in home made northern style food. Here you can find Northern Thai sausage, Kaeng Hunglay (northern pork curry) and a variety of northern style dishes made by the mother of the owner. Their family recipes will give you a real taste of Northern cuisine. The North Hotel is situated next to Oasis, just in the middle of a small street between the Night Bazaar and fruit and flower market.
- "Chiang Rai Beach" during the day or the early evening is an excellent spot. There are around 20 eateries overlooking the 'Mae Kok River'. Bring your dictionary with you for there are no English menus to be found. A bit out of town. Go by tuktuk or motorbike.
- Tong Tung Restaurant (no English sign) serves you Northern Thai food. Try this semi-outdoor place on the western side of the road about 1 km south of Thanon Banphaprakan on 1/1 Thanon Sanambin (old airport road). Their 'Kaeng Hung Lay' curry is to be recommended.
- Eat khao sawy (Burmese style chicken curry with noodles, 25 baht), special Northern Thai sausage (25 baht) and naam phrik num (dip made of eggplant and peppers) at a small but famous shop just in the middle of Thanon Jet Yot (nr 1023/2). Many locals eat here.
- More on the same street Thanon Jet Yot but near to the clocktower, is a new shop called CR 49. It seems they serve good pastas.
- The famous khao moo deng (rice with red sauteed pork, or as shown on the menu: 'rice with BBQ pork', 30 baht) tastes best at the big Chinese restaurant called Nakornpatom restaurant on Thanon Phahonyothin, the main street. Red sign board with large yellow font Thai letters (don't search the name Nakornpatom, unless you can read Thai). It's opposite the Lebanese shop. Big cold coffee machines attract the locals to having lunch there. Delicious!
- Siam Corner on Thanon Jet Yot. Very good Thai food, some Western dishes also.
Drink
- Muse Bar at Thanon Sanambin 101/1 ('the old airport road'). Runned by resident DJ Skin (Pi Job) and Pi Too. If you are into good music this is the place to be! Beautifully decorated place, delicious cocktails, good ambiance and excellent snacks will make you at ease. The sound is great due to a fantastic speaker system. Go eat first at the Tong Tung Restaurant 100 meters away, on the other side of this street. Sunday: Jamming night, Monday: I-Pod night, Wednesday: revival night, Thursday: Indie night (tel: 08-69169369)
- Bo's Place on Thanon Phahon Yotin 100 m south of bus station. Here is one place where local farangs meet for a beer and for a nice meal.
- Reggae Bar situated somewhere in Night Bazaar's little alley's behind the silver colored stage. Good variety of music and drinks. Open after 8pm. Later local farangs meet here.
- Easy Bar on Thanon Jet Yot. Open all day. You can have a meal here, read Bangkok Post, watch Cable TV.
- The Turntable Jazz Bar, the North Hotel is the only place you can find a wide range of Jazz records from the 40 year-old collection of the hotel’s Norwegian co-owner. Several jazz related books can also be found. The bar offers cheap beer and drinks and a friendly atmosphere. The turntable jazz bar is located between the Night Bazaar and Sirikorn (flower and fruit) Market, tel:+66 (0) 5371 9873, Fax: +66 (0) 5374 0156.
Sleep
Budget
- Baan Bua Guest House 879/2, Jetyod Road, tel: (66) 053 718880, fax: 053-705357 baanbua@yahoo.com - very central but nice and quiet, with a pleasant garden where you have breakfast with other travellers and in the evening enjoy a beer. Air-con rooms 200-400.
- Baan Lanna Hotel 395 Moo 2, Rimkok, Muang tel. (66) 053-712555 manager@baanlaana.com - clean air-con rooms, mini bar and friendly staff. Rates 450 - 800 baht.
- Chat House
- Mae Hong Son Guest House in Chiang Rai, 126 Singhaklai Road, tel. +66-053715367
- Ruangnakorn Hotel (near the police station) costs 450 baht/room
- Sport Inn Hotel 557 Prachasanti Road, tel: (66) 053 756 959, fax: 053-756 156 - very nice Hotel, free internet and they have wifi too, 5 minutes from the centre of town, Air-con double rooms 350 baht.
- The North Hotel Between the Night Bazaar and Sirikorn (flower and fruit) Market, tel:+66 (0) 5371 9873, Fax: +66 (0) 5374 0156 - rates 450-700 baht per person per night. Air-con, private facilities, hot and cold shower, cable TV, fridge, restaurant and Turntable Jazz Bar.
- YMCA International Hotel 70 Phaholyothin Road, tel:+66 (0) 5371 3785 to 6, +66 (0) 5370 2763 to 4 ymcawf@loxinfo.co.th- rates 100-400 baht
Mid-range
- Little Duck Hotel
- Luck Swan Resort and Spa- 499 Moo 4, Rimkok Muang-Chiang Rai. New hotel with Thai and Western food. Air-con rooms. Hotel has a nice garden and gazebo. Rates: 1200 to 1800 Free internet access in the lobby. Tel. (66) 053-750855 Fax: (66) 053-750857
- Baan Warabordee; very beautiful, clean, well decorated rooms in quiet street near centre. Prices for a double: 400-500 bahht, triple: 600-700 baht; 59/1 Sanpanard Rd. - Moo18 - Chiang Rai; Tel. +66(0)53754488 Fax. +66(0)53719293
- Morning Dew Lodge - New hotel targeting long term visitors and 10 minute walk from town centre. Rates: 600 /night 6000/month Free WiFi internet throughout the building. Tel. (66) 081 595 5502
Splurge
- The Legend Chiang Rai, tel 66 53 910 400 or fax 66 53 719 650,
- Wang Come Hotel
- Wiang Inn
- Phowadol Resort and Spa
Get out
- Go north to Mae Sai and on to Myanmar
- Go north-east to the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet, and formerly a major opium-growing region
- Go south to Chiang Mai
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