Anyone know what to do/anything about Chiang Rai, Thailand?

Answer 1

Chiang Rai is a mountainous province located at the northern tip of Thailand bordering Myanmar (Burma) on the north and Loas on the east, Phayao and Lampang on the south and Chiang Mai on the southwest. It is 785 km. from Bangkok and 182 km. from Chiang Mai and can be reached by plane.

Several attractions:
Mae Fa Luang Farm - located at Ban Pa Ngiu, Tambon Ropwiang, about 3-4 kilometers from Chiang Rai township. The foundation is a temporary shelter for hilltribe children. It later launched a fund-raising program by organizing "Wai Sa Mae Fa Luang" every year. For detail, please contact Tel. [phone].

Phrathat Doi Tung - holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters above sea-level. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17 kms. off Highway No.110, 48 kms. from Chiang Rai township. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Golden Triangle - most famous attraction where the borders of the three countries; Laos, Thailand and Myanmar meet. It is about 9 kilometers north of Chiang Saen. From this place, Laotian and Myanma border can be seen through Mae Khong and Ruak River respectively. Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night. Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River.

Hilltribes - many main tribes around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along Mae Kok River such as the Yao, the Akha, the Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu Shi and Skaw and Karen. Each main group speaks its own language, follows animist customs (based on a belief in spirits) as well as adhering to other more recently adopted religious beliefs. There is the Hilltribe Developments and Welfare Center in Amphoe Mae Chan, along the route to Doi Mae Salong. Hand-made handicraft including woven cloth products and silverware are for sale in the centre.

Chiang Saen Lake - to get to the lake, travel five kilometres from Chiang Saen along Highway No.1016, turning left at Km.27, for a further two kilometres. The lake's one square kilometre of water is home to waterfowl during the winter months. Accommodations are available.

Doi Luang National Park - covers ares in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Waing Pa Pao of Chiang rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao. To get there, take Chiang Rai-Phayao Highway for 58 kms. to Ban Pu Kaeng, turn right at km.773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

Answer 2

The town, which is in the far north of Thailand is not that interesting. The town of Chiang Saen about 1 hour further north is of more interest in my opinion.

Answer 3

Tour up to the Golden Triangle.
Cross into Myanmar at a special economic zone. Shopping is nice.
Take a boat across the river to a tiny outpost in Laos.

Take a jacket or warm hat if you go trekking in the mountains as it really does get cold there at night.

Answer 4

go trekking, visit elephant camp, the tribe people enjoy the mountainous scenery