780km (484 miles) NE of Bangkok; 180km (112 miles) NE of Chiang Mai
Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province. The Mekong River makes its borders with Laos to the east and Myanmar to the west. The smaller yet scenic Mae Kok River, which supports many hill-tribe villages along its banks, flows right through the provincial capital of the same name.
Chiang Rai City lies some 565m (1,885 ft.) above sea level in a wide fertile valley, and its cool refreshing climate, tree-lined riverbanks, and popular but more subdued Night Market lure travelers weary of traffic congestion and pollution in Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai also has some good accommodations choices, and many travelers use the city as a base for trekking and trips to Chiang Saen and the Golden Triangle.
Note: Some trips include a stop at the Mae Rim valley on their way north to Chiang Rai (30 min. north of the city on Rte. 107). Mae Rim is an area popular for elephant trekking, rafting, and bungee-jumping.
Just over 100km north of Chiang Mai on the way to Chiang Rai, look for little Suanthip Vana Resort (49 Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai Rd., Tambon Takok; tel. 05372-4226; www.suanthipresort.com), a semi-luxe property with cool honeymoon bungalows that overlook a river valley.
Chiang Rai Travel Experiences
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Trek like you mean it!!
Caught the overnight train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai! Thought it was a bit rickety at first but settled in well after a sweet Thai lady... Continue reading »
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market madness
We arrived for a quick over night stop in Chiang rai, after three hours of asian karaoke on a surprisingly pleasant local bus we were swe... Continue reading »
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Lisu tribe
Today we took a very slow tractor ride, before starting our hilltribe trek. We ate lunch (which was wrapped in a palm leaf) by a pi... Continue reading »
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Nuit étape à Chian Rai
Ce 11 décembre est à marquer d'une pierre noire !!!Notre hôtel à Chian Mai étant indisponible pour la soirée, nous avons passé une journé... Continue reading »
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King for a Day
By ChristinaWe blew into Chiang Rai after a three hour bus ride from Chiang Mai. We had decided to break up the journey to Laos by stoppi... Continue reading »
