Find Hidden Gems In Chiang Rai

If you want to experience the essence of a natural getaway, choose Chiang Rai hotels that offer the best of both worlds that can be found in the town with not much accommodation available outside of town. Many of the population live in villages which consist primarily of bamboo houses where clans live together. Chiang Rai is Thailands northern-most province and therefore also its also coolest. Chiang Rai was established to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom which later shifted to Chiang Mai. This left Chiang Rai as the forgotten sister. This has benefited Chiang Rai in a way, since it has left Chiang Rai relatively quiet and untouched.

Chiang Rai city is quite small but contains within it a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. It has a much-laid back atmosphere and natural beauty. In Chiang Rai, one can understand and observe the indigenous hill tribes of the area. Day trips can often be organized to meet tribes and absorb their way of life. There are many Wats in the city but the two most famous ones are Wat Phra Singh, with its ancient Buddha images and the beautiful Wat Phra Kaew with the lovely wood carvings and gold leaf embellishments.

Surround Yourself with the Mists of the Past

The Kok River flows from Northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai city and then on to meet the Maekhong River. Boat rides and rafting along the river is extremely popular. Visitors can hire a long tail boat for a leisurely journey along the river with the densely jungle mountains in the background. Many boats make stops at tribal villages. Take a long boat ride to the nearby hot springs and bathe in the blissful waters. The hot springs are right next to an Akha tribal village, which can also be visited. For the canny visitor, timing the boat ride well, could mean that they have the boat almost all to themselves.

A very popular stopover in Chinag Rai province is the Doi Tung Mountain. The drive is beautifully picturesque taking the visitor through forests and woods and passing through little tribal villages. At the pinnacle of the mountain is the ancient Wat Phrathat Doi Tung. This temple is still active and many Buddhists come here to pay their respects. The Princess Mother built a summer house here and established the Doi Tung development project which enabled the locals to grow and develop through sustainable methods. The villa and its vast grounds are a huge attraction especially for local Thai. The gardens are reputed to be spectacular and well worth a visit. The mountain is also an excellent site for trekkers.

The northernmost point of Chiang Rai province at Mae Sai is part of the erstwhile infamous Golden Triangle, where the opium trade once thrived. It is often frequented by tourists to see the drug museums and the confluence of the Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. This area also has many remnants and relics of bygone eras testifying to the ancient civilization of the area. Many a Chiang Rai hotel or resort can be found across the city and some are scenically based on the banks of the Kok River.

Stay at Scenic Hotels in Chiang Rai