Chiang Rai Hotels

The Gate of Siam is a good place to start in Chiang Rai. On one side, Laos. On the other, the formidable Mekong River. Like so many other bellwether attractions in this vital intersection of Southeast Asia, the stellar photo op is a magnificent vantage point from which to survey the incomparable tri-border area from a distance. Back in Chiang Rai proper, make time for telltale landmarks like Doi Tung Royal Villa, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Klang Wiang, Wat Jet Yot, Wat Phra Sing and Wat Rong Khun. While elegant Buddhist temples dominate the tourist agenda, the city (and province) has another side that plays out vibrantly in night markets, hawker back streets, museums and hill tribe villages.

Chiang Rai's Top 10

Chiang Rai History

• Mae Salong - This quiet village atop a hill offers a glimpse into the past.
• Chiang Saen - A small town located on the Mekong, it is actually much older than Chiang Rai.
• Doi Tung Royal Villa - This former royal residence is now open to the public.
• Lahu Village - This ancient village near Chiang Rai operates much as it did in ancient times.
• Mae Fah Luang Flower Garden - A garden created by the royal family to illustrate new ways of income that did not involve opium.

Chiang Rai Art & Culture

• Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre - This museum shows the history of the indigenous people of the area.
• Cultural Hall Museum - This small Chiang Rai museum is a great place to learn about the history of the region.
• Goh Loi Library - This popular library houses works of Thai literature and history.
• House of Opium - A unique museum that shows the turbulent history of the drug trade.
• Haw Shan Art Gallery - For great examples of indigenous art, this gallery is a great place to start.

Chiang Rai Shopping

• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar - Held nightly, this market is the best place to buy handcrafted items made in Chiang Rai.
• Kaat Jiang Hai Ramleuk - This Saturday evening street market focuses on everything and anything you can imagine.
• MZ Collection - This small shop focuses on handmade jewellery using precious stones from around the area.
• Orn’s Bookshop - If you are looking for reading material, this is the best place to find it.
• Gare Garon - Mostly dealing with new books, this shop also features handcrafted items from around the area.

Gay & Lesbian Chiang Rai

• Regency Bar - This small gay bar is a favourite place for a smart cocktail and relaxed atmosphere.
• Banrao Massage - This gay-owned massage parlour offers a brilliant way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
• JJ Sauna - A new arrival on the gay sauna scene, this popular spot also features a bar.
• The North - This gay-friendly hotel in Chiang Rai has a friendly, small staff.
• The Living Room - This trendy nightspot is open to everyone but is especially popular among gays.

Chiang Rai Events

Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival takes place at the end of Janaury.

Dok Siao Ban or Blooming Siao Flower Festival is held in mid-February in Thoeng District and eatures sports competitions and cultural performances from hilltribes.

Songkran, the most popular of all festivals in Thailand, occurs in mid-April.

Lichi Fair features parades, beauty contests and other events at Chiang Rai provincial stadium in May.

Chiang Rai Flower Festival is a celebration with flower processions, gardens and an agricultural fair in late December and early January.

Chiang Rai has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy rainfall from May to October and average summer temperatures in the 72°F (22°C) to 91°F (33°C) range.

The most comfortable time to visit the province is from December to February, when temperatures waver between 54°F (12°C) and 88°F (31°C) and precipitation is minimal.

Getting Around

Chiang Mai is the most popular gateway to Chiang Rai. A one-way bus ride takes about three hours. For a more scenic and casual pace, many prefer to charter a long boat upriver.

The city operates a small airport with daily service to and from Bangkok. Route 1 runs through Chiang Rai from the capital and on a good day, the drive takes somewhere in the vicinity of fourteen hours.

Public transport in Chiang Rai is a typical combo of tuk-tuks and baht bus share taxis. The number of meter taxis in the city has gone up over the last decade but is far off the pace of Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai Information

Attractions

Activities

Restaurant & Nightlife

Climate