The northernmost part of Thailand is a treasure trove of adventure and culture. A journey of discovery through this area is a must for every Thailand lover. Chiang Rai has an illustrious history that is best known for the opium trade in the famous Golden Triangle, the border area of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Chiang Rai is a laid-back city, surrounded by a mountain landscape and an impenetrable tropical jungle. Visit the night bazaar in Chiang Rai, where you can buy products from hill tribes and eat delicious food for next to nothing! Also take a boat trip on the Mekong, meet the Karen people and let yourself be driven past impressive temples in a rickshaw. In this traditional mode of transport, known locally as samlor, you drive through the authentic part of the city in two hours. The Samlor is less and less seen in the streets of Thai cities these days and is therefore a nice way to explore Chiang Rai alone.
Excursions
In Chiang Rai, visit the King Mengrai Monument, which was built in honor of the king and commemorates the founding of Chiang Rai in 1262. Then visit Wat Phra Kaew. This is the site of the famous Emerald Buddha, which is now located in Bangkok. Another temple you can visit is Wat Prasing, which is known for its beautiful Lanna architecture.
A fascinating excursion is a boat trip on the mighty Mekong River. You wind through an endless green jungle. A nice tip is to go ashore on the Laotian island of Koh Don Sao. Then buy a postcard with a Laotian stamp here and post it at the post office. Your family back home will be amazed: Laos? Did they go to Thailand?
A visit to Mae Sai, the border between Myanmar and Thailand and also the northernmost place in Thailand, is also fun. From there you can also visit the hill tribes: the Karen.
On the way to Chiang Rai
There is also plenty to discover on the way from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Before you arrive in Chiang Rai you must have seen the famous white temple, the Wat Rung Khun. Include this in your route. The same goes for the Mae Kachan hot springs. Water with an average temperature of 80°C sprays high out of the ground here. Basins have been built around sources where the water spouts out of the ground less hard, which are cleverly used by the local restaurateurs to boil eggs.
Video: Golden Triangle
Watch the video below:
http://www.homestaychiangrai.com/ at toonie and path highly recommended
Beautifully made film impression