Chiang Rai Thailand Attractions

Doi Pha Thang

Doi Pha Tang, about 160 kilometres from the provincial town, is a viewing point on top of a high cliff over the Thai-Laotian border affording a delightful scene for the river and the sea of mist throughout the year. During December-January, blooming Sakuras provide a picturesque scenery. It is home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. The Haws are the remnants of the 93rd Chinese Division who moved in to settle on Doi Pha Tang. There are a lots of bungalows & tents serve tourists.

Khun Chae National Park

Khun Chae National Park is located at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai of Wiang Pa Pao District. It can be reached by taking the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Route (Highway No. 118). The park headquarters is right next to the highway at kilometers 55-56. Visitors wishing to take a jungle trek and camp within the park need to procure the services of a guide and prepare their own camping equipment. The trek through the Khun Chae jungle is for adventure travel enthusiasts as the route passes through steep terrain and several hilltops and cliffs over 1,400 meters high. There are good scenic lookout points and trekkers can enjoy waterfalls, flowing streams and virgin jungle areas covered with various plants.

Wat Rong Khun

Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a photo gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway

The Golden Triangle

A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand! This famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand.

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. 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.

Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park

The Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park houses several sections to be explored and various exhibitions to be contemplated. For example, the 5,600 square-meter Hall of Opium presents An Invitation to the Mysterious World of Opium from Darkness to Light, the history of opium as of 5,000 years ago from its natural properties to its uses. It traces opium's global journey through trade routes in the age of imperialism, culminating in the Opium Wars-an event that disgraced both winners and losers that led to the fall of the Manchu Dynasty. It also features Siamese wisdom in confronting the West and the eventual control of opium problems.

Additionally, the Hall of Opium presents efforts to curb drugs through actual case studies that offer alternatives and opportunities in fighting against the temptation of drugs.

Chiang Rai Thailand Local Product

Typical Hat

The native hat or Ngop is a cottage industry product made by villagers in the Nam Chieo community which is located on the route to Laem Ngop district.

Handicrafts

Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafted items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products.

Chiang Rai Thailand Activities

Doi Pha Mon Highland Agricultural Extension Office

Doi Pha Mon Highland Agricultural Extension Office in Amphoe Thoeng located in touch the spectacular scenery 'Sea of Mist' & 'Fantastic Sunrise' on Phu Chi Fa and the splendid flower bed of 'Tulips'. This is a place to observe the recycled plantations of 'temperated climate plant'. Open daily from 08.00-16.30 hrs. Tel: 0 5371 4023 Fax: 0 5371 4024

There are other Agricultural Extension Offices which are also interesting as follow:

• Mae Chan District Agricultural Extension Office Tel: 0 5377 1654
• Hua Mae Kham Highland Agricultural Extension Office Tel: 0 5377 3496
• Chiang Rai Agricultural Research Center Tel: 0 5367 8202

Whitewater Rafting

One of the oldest rafting destinations in the country, Chiang Rai continues to draw adventure seekers from all over the globe. In Chiang Rai, bamboo rafts and inflatable boats are available for the journey down the Mae Kok, the province's major artery.

Trekking

The trekking area in Chiang Rai covers Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Mae Suai, and the banks along the Mae Kok River. Prices include guide, basic meals, transportation, accommodation, boat, and elephant. Different prices depend on the condition of accommodation, food, vehicle, insurance etc.

Trekking Advice

• Trekking alone or with unauthorized tour guide/ operator is not recommended.
• Trekker is advised to contact an authorized tour operator who provides: brochure with detailed information on trekking program, prices, accommodation, transportation; well-trained guide and licensed by TAT; and advice on how to get ready for trekking including necessary trekking accessories.
• Some trekking guides may encourage customers to try a sample of opium, or make a side trip into Myanmar. These sound very exciting but any of these can be very dangerous. Taking narcotics is illegal (may lead to imprisonment and smoking opium may lead to death. Tour operators, guides, as well as tourists are all requested to cooperate in this regard and notify the Tourist Police of such blameworthy behavior. Call 1155 or 0 5371 7779, 0 5371 7796
• Malaria exists only in hill and forest areas. During the trip protect yourself with mosquito repellent, sleep under mosquito net. If having a fever within 15 days following, one must have a blood check at the nearest hospital.

Chiang Rai Thailand Trip Guide

Fullday Doi Mae Salong/ Pa Tai and Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Visit Doi Mae Salong, village of the Chinese refugees. Along the way make a stop at the Hilltribe Development Centre, the centre aids and administers local hilltribe settlements. Hilltribe handicrafts, including woven cloth. Continue to Pa Tai begin 2-hour excursion along Mae Kok river by longtail boat to Chiang Rai via Akha village, forest park, hot spa and Karen village.

Fullday Doi Mae Salong/ Pa Tai and Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Visit Doi Mae Salong, village of the Chinese refugees. Along the way make a stop at the Hilltribe Development Centre, the centre aids and administers local hilltribe settlements.

Full-day Elephant Safari

1-hour excursion along Mae Kok River by longtail boat to Karen village and begin a 2-hour elephant ride across hills, valleys and streams to hilltribes villages where lunch will be served.

Half-day City Tour/ Boat Trip along Mae Kok River

Enjoy a pleasant ride by trishaw, the favorite mode of local transportation, and tour the city. Visit local market area and major temples i.e. Wat Phra Kaeo, which once housed the Emerald Buddha

Fullday Chiang Saen/ Boat Trip along Mekong River/ Chiang Khong

Visit Chiang Saen to see the ruins of this ancient city. Then cruise by longtail boat and enjoy a scenic along the Mekong River with spectacular views of the Laotian countryside via Ban Hat Bai.

Fullday Doi Tung or Doi Mae Salong/ Mae Sai/ Chiang Saen

Visit Phra That Doi Tung, the twin pagodas where it is believed the collarbone of the Lord Buddha is contained, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa, The Mae Fah Luang Garden.