The most beautiful national park in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai: how to get there, where to live, what to see. Food and drink in Chiang Rai

Our first trip to the north of Thailand ended in the city of Chiang Rai. In this post, I will talk about the main attractions of Chiang Rai, as well as our general impressions of the city.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple in Chiang Rai is the main attraction of the city, for which tourists mainly come here. Construction of the temple began in 1997 and is still ongoing. It is being built at his own expense by one of the most talented living artists and architects in Thailand, Chalermchayu Kositpipat. Exhibitions of his work can be viewed in neighboring buildings. The talent of this man is truly limitless, his paintings and bronze sculptures are simply amazing in their beauty (they cannot be photographed). By the way, the gold clock in the center of Chiang Rai is also his work. Entrance to the territory of the white temple is free.

All tourists visiting the white temple in Chiang Rai are given the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the complex. For 30 baht you can buy an aluminum heart and write your wishes on it. Later, all these hearts are collected and used to form the ceiling in various outdoor structures on the temple grounds. It looks very nice. Few people turn down the opportunity to “publish” their dreams in such an energetic place.

Video tour of the white temple in Chiang Rai:

Black Temple (Baan Dam)

The Black Temple in Chiang Rai is not, in fact, a temple. It's just a big black house with a common interior space, in which some installations and exhibitions of contemporary art periodically take place. The territory of the black temple is quite large and includes many medium and small sized buildings. The whole complex is permeated with a gloomy mood of death, skulls and skins of killed animals lie everywhere. The place is quite interesting, but does not make a particularly strong impression. By the way, it is also being built by a modern Thai architect at his own expense.

Doi Tung Royal Villa

We set aside a whole day to visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa. It is located 55 km from Chiang Rai. We got there on a bike in about an hour and a half. At first the road goes along a wide highway, and for the last 16 km you need to climb uphill along a winding serpentine road with very beautiful views.

The attraction consists of four objects, for the entrance to each of which you need to pay separately, or you can buy a complex ticket. We decided to visit three objects that are located in close proximity to each other: the interactive pavilion, the Mae Pha Luang flower garden and the royal villa itself. Tickets cost us 190 baht per person.

In the interactive pavilion you can get acquainted with the history of the Thai royal family and important events in the life of Thailand in various forms (photos, video, audio). Quite a fascinating excursion.

Just outside the interactive pavilion is the entrance to the Mae Pha Luang Flower Garden. There's not much to say about him. The garden is naturally very beautiful and you can take a huge number of good photographs there. The Thais are great masters at creating beautiful gardens and parks.

Just after the flower garden, a little higher on the mountain, is the Doi Tung Royal Villa. The house is built entirely of wood in the style of a Swiss chalet. The villa is operational and members of the royal family periodically relax there. At the entrance to the building we were given audio guides in English, with the help of which we learned about some interesting facts from the construction of the villa and the life of the Queen Mother. Filming inside is prohibited.

Search for a hotel in Chiang Rai:

With this, our trip to the north of Thailand has come to an end, and now we are already in the capital of Malaysia, where the Formula 1 racing stage is taking place from March 28 to 30 (post Trip to Malaysia for Formula 1 in March 2014). Also, after returning to Pattaya, we will write a final post about our northern trip, in which we will talk about the most memorable moments and financial expenses.

Northern woman:

Chiang Rai is the northernmost capital of the province of the same name in Thailand and one of the oldest cities in the country. This is a very provincial and not the most popular tourist place; there are no beach holidays, luxury hotels and the usual entertainment of Thailand. People come here to take a break from noisy cities and enjoy the picturesque beauty of the surrounding nature: fields and mountains, beautiful waterfalls, thermal springs and deep mysterious caves.

Chiang Rai is located 185 kilometers north of Chiang Mai, its population is about 100,000 people. The city has a unique location, thanks to which it is visited both by those who purposefully came here and by travelers on excursions to neighboring countries: Chiang Rai is located not far from the “Golden Triangle”, where the borders of three countries – Laos, Thailand and Myanmar – connect. Such a favorable location allowed the provincial capital to become the commercial center of the area. The city is also unique for its multinationality, which is explained by the transition of several mountain tribes to the Christian and Muslim faith. This led to the presence on its territory, in addition to traditional Buddhist temples, also of Christian churches and Islamic mosques. The once wild tribal areas are gradually being filled with tea and coffee plantations.

• Area: 61 km²;
• Time zone: UTC+7;
• Population: 67,200.

general information

King Mengrai is considered the founder of the city. From 1262, for almost 20 years, this was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom. Then, the status of the center passed for a short time to the city of Lamphun, and already in 1286 Chiang Mai was appointed the capital. For a long time it was under the rule of Burma. At the end of the 19th century, the territory was annexed by the Kingdom of Siam. And only in 1933, the city, as a province of the same name, became part of Thailand.

Local residents love their region for its special climate, which is not typical for Thailand. In the central and southern regions of the country it is very hot and humid at any time of the day. Chiang Rai's weather is comfortable: despite the fact that daytime temperatures reach +35⁰C, in the evening and at night the thermometer drops to +15⁰C. In addition, there is optimal air humidity here.

Transport

8 kilometers from Chiang Rai there is an airport serving exclusively flights from. Therefore, to get here from our country, you will need at least one transfer. There is no railway connection with the city. Transport connections with neighboring large cities are provided through bus routes.

There is no public transport in the city; you can only get around by taxi: both budget tuk-tuks and more expensive air-conditioned cars offer their services. However, the city is small and very compact, so you can walk around all the sights of Chiang Rai in a few hours.

A selection of profitable air tickets through Aviadiscounter (searches like Aviasales + a selection of airline promotions and sales).

And to select transport in Asia, try, the service offers the best ways to travel along popular routes.

Chiang Rai is the capital of the northernmost province of Thailand. The distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is about 790 km, from Chiang Mai – 155 km. Chiang Rai, although a city, is not as big as Chiang Mai. Currently, about 136 thousand people live in Chiang Rai.

The city was founded a long time ago, in 1262 by the king of the Lanna kingdom on the Kok River. Then Chiang Rai belonged to Burma and only in 1786 it became a Thai city.

Nowadays many tourists come to Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai attracts them not only for its attractions, but also because very close to it is the so-called Golden Triangle, where the border of three countries passes - Thailand, Burma and Laos.

There are beautiful mountains and many natural attractions around Chiang Rai. Very close by is the royal villa and a magnificent flower garden. Not far from Chiang Rai there live several northern tribes, whose villages are very interesting to see. At a distance of about 60 km from Chiang Rai there is a Chinese village with tea plantations. The Opium Museum is located in the Golden Triangle, in the Chiang Saen district.

How to get to Chiang Rai

1. By plane. Chiang Rai has an airport located 8 km from the city. Flights arrive here from.

Several airlines operate flights:

AirAsia and NokAir fly from Bangkok's old airport, Don Mueang. Thai Airways flies from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Travel time is 1 hour 20 minutes.

If you are flying from Russia to Thailand, you will arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport, so if you want to fly straight to Chiang Rai, it is better to choose Thai Airways flights. Otherwise, you will have to move from one airport to another, which will take quite a lot of time.

The best way to get from Chiang Rai airport to the city is by taxi (200-300 baht).

2. You can get to Chiang Rai by bus from Bangkok. Buses depart from the northern bus station in Bangkok MoChit. Travel time is 8-10 hours, cost 600-1000 baht (20-30 dollars), depending on which class of bus you choose: VIP, 1st class or 2nd class.

3. You can get to Chiang Rai by Green Bus from Chiang Mai. Travel time is about 3 hours. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, at least a day in advance. There are many people who want to leave.

It should be noted that there are now two bus stations in Chiang Rai: New Bus Station or Terminal 2 and Old Bus Station or Terminal 1. Old Bus Station is located in the city center, next to the night market. Currently it serves only suburban destinations. Buses from Bangkok arrive at the new bus station. There is a minibus running between bus stations. Cost 60 baht (2 dollars).

4. You can get to Chiang Rai by water! On the boat from the town, a public boat leaves from Tha Thon at 12:30 and costs 350 baht ($12). Travel time is 3.5 – 4 hours.

There is no train station in Chiang Rai, so you cannot get to Chiang Rai by train.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai accommodation

There are many hotels and guesthouses in the city, but strangely enough, during the high season (November - February) it is quite difficult to find available accommodation!

You can live in the city itself (it is best to find a hotel near the night market) or stay in the vicinity of Chiang Rai, in the mountains and enjoy nature. During peak season, I advise you to book your accommodation in advance. I always book here: booking.com, if I can’t find anything here, then I look here: agoda.com.

We stayed in a small hotel called Baan Bua Guest House for 460 baht ($15). I booked my stay there very much in advance, the hotel was somehow popular, and all the rooms were occupied!

Green lawn in front of the house, quite a lot of space where you can park your car.

Regular room, fan, large bed, hot shower.
We had breakfast right there, American breakfast for 150 baht per person. Delicious and filling!

What to see in Chiang Rai - attractions of Chiang Rai

In addition to many beautiful places around Chiang Rai, you can see several temples in the city itself

In the city itself there is a beautiful Golden Clock Tower (Clock Tower), every evening at 19:00 the music and lights turn on. But we didn’t catch this show.

I also recommend visiting Chiang Rai night market(Chiang Rai Night Bazar). Here he is even more colorful than. And prices for souvenirs are lower. Perhaps one of the best places in Thailand to buy souvenirs.

We were also attracted to the Chiang Rai night market by the fact that here you can eat deliciously and not expensively. There is a large food court here. There are tables, and around there are tents with a variety of food.
There are a lot of people. Mostly locals or Thai tourists. There are very few foreigners. Locals come with their Thai rum, grab food, Coca-Cola and have dinner!

What's missing here! A lot of seafood, delicious fish, shrimp.

And at the Chiang Rai night market, such pots are very popular - Hot Pot, in which you can cook soup. The cost of this soup is 70-100 baht (2-3 dollars) depending on the ingredients.

I wanted to take it, because I really love Thai soups, but then for some reason I chose fish 😎


Dinner with beer at the Chiang Rai night market cost us 400 baht ($13).

When talking about Chiang Rai, it is impossible not to mention massage parlors. In general, when we were traveling to the North of Thailand, I imagined that every evening, before dinner, I would enjoy a Thai massage, which everyone praised so much in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai. But that was not the case - we had such a busy program that there was simply no time left for a massage.

There are many massage parlors in Chiang Rai, so we had time before dinner and went for a long-awaited massage.

They took us to a room on the second floor and gave us these pajamas 😎

we thought it must be a super massage. But, unfortunately, the massage in Chiang Rai did not impress us. Although it was not expensive at all - 150 baht (5 dollars), and I got massages for 250-300 baht. Still, it all depends on the massage therapist, how lucky you are. And I’ll definitely tell you about the best massage in the North of Thailand.

Follow the updates on the website and subscribe to the newsletter. After all, very soon I will start writing about our new journey that we set off on!

Having spent nearly 30 years in the shadow of Chiang Mai, the Thai city of Chiang Rai has sprawled haphazardly on the southern bank of the Kok River. Now the city is trying to rival Chiang Mai as an upscale tourist destination, with all the trappings of hype and crowding. The long arm of the complex industry has reached this northern outpost, opening the way for busloads of reckless tourists and newlyweds in cars who stop here and walk around the area for a couple of days, and then rush on.

Paradoxically, this allows the city to carry on as normal during the day as travelers go on excursions, but at night the neon lights flash and the souvenir shops and ersatz Western restaurants are crowded. However, among Thais the city retains its reputation as a weekend getaway for lovers. This comes courtesy of several motels with carports, where you pull into a garage and pay for a modest screen to be drawn behind you. Travelers on a budget get less attention here, but still come for hiking, day trips and other outdoor activities.

Chiang Rai is most famous for the things it had and lost. The city was founded in 1263 by the king of Ngon Yang, Mengrai, who caught a runaway elephant here, which he was chasing around Doi Tong Mountain. The king decided that the capture of the animal was a good omen for the new city. It is traditionally believed that Chiang Rai was the capital of the North for 30 years, but historians believe that Mengrai and his court moved from Ngon Yang directly to in the 1290s.

It was once home to two of the most revered shrines - the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok) and Phra Singh Buddha (now in Bangkok, Chiang Mai or, depending on which story you believe). They were later taken to other places, but at least replicas of these statues can be seen at Wat Phra Kaeo and Wat Phra Singh.

Arrival and transport in Chiang Rai

If you arrive at the bus station, which is located on Thanon Phaholyothin Road, in the south of Chiang Rai, you will have a long walk to most guesthouses, so you may want to leave here by tuk-tuk (about 30-50 baht) or songthaew - these are the two main ones type of transport in the city. Longtail boats from Tha Thon arrive at a boat station located northwest of the center, on the north side of the Mae Fah Luang Bridge. Thai Airways flies to Chiang Rai from. You can also use the services of Air Asia and Oriental Thai. There are taxis from the city to the airport, located 8 kilometers to the south (300 baht).

A convenient TAT office is located at 448/16 Thanon Singhaklai, next to Wat Phra Singh (daily from 8.30 to 16.30), where some good free maps and information brochures are provided. This office covers the provinces of Chiang Rai, Nan, Phrae and Phayao. Every October they organize the Mekong Adventure, a nine-day bicycle trek through China and Laos. Gare Garon at 869/18 Thanon Phaholyothin has a small selection of new and used books in English, as well as handicrafts and drinks. Tourist police are located on Thanon Phaholyothin Road near the Golden Triangle Inn.

Songthaew, which has no set routes, charges locals 10-20 baht for a short trip. You can negotiate the price for other trips. Most guesthouses offer motorbike and car rentals, although finding a bike to rent can be a little more difficult. Both mountain bikes (100 baht per day) and motorcycles (150-300 baht) can be rented from the very reliable Soon Motorbikes at 197/2 Thanon Trairat. An expensive car with full service can be rented through Budget, which is located at the Golden Triangle Inn.

Accommodation in Chiang Rai

The Thai city of Chiang Rai is crowded with all kinds of hotels, but many of them offer low quality service at high prices. One or two guesthouses are said to be comparable to the best hotels in Chiang Mai. More expensive accommodation is concentrated around the commercial center of Thanon Phaholyothin, while guesthouses, most of which also offer tours and treks, are located on the south bank of the river and on the outskirts.

• Cheap places

1). Baan Bua Guest House– This is a pleasant establishment, located in a surprisingly large garden, away from the road. The concrete rooms are very clean and beautiful, with private hot water baths and some with air conditioning. Location: 879/2 Thanon Jet Yot;

2). Bowling Guest House– This charming establishment, located on a residential street, is famous for its peaceful atmosphere. It offers small concrete rooms next to a fragrant courtyard filled with potted plants. Owned by a young family, this guesthouse has a homely, friendly atmosphere. Six rooms have a private bathroom with cold water, and in addition, a shared hot shower is available. Location: next to Thanon Singhaklai Street, near Mae Hong Guest House;

3). Pension Chat House– Located on a quiet side street behind its own garden cafe. It is Chiang Rai's oldest gathering place for travelers with a relaxing atmosphere. The modern rooms are colorfully decorated and have private baths with hot water, although the cold water is somewhat cleaner. The cafe shows satellite TV programs every evening. Location: 3/2 Soi Sangkaew, Thanon Trairat;

4). Chian House Guesthouse– This lively, run-down complex with a small pool offers lovely en-suite rooms (all with hot water, some with air conditioning) and spacious, clean, wonderfully appointed wooden bungalows with cool tiled floors. There is Internet access. Location: 172 Thanon Koh Loy;

5). Mae Hong Son Guest House– This friendly establishment is located on a quiet street. The complex is housed in wooden buildings surrounding a green, shaded courtyard with an elegant bar and cafe. The rooms are very nice - some have baths (with hot water) and others have shared hot showers. Location: 126 Thanon Singhakai;

6). Pension Tourist Inn– A clean hotel-style guesthouse housed in a modern 4-story building, run by a Japanese-Thai team. Near the reception on the 1st floor there is a European-style bakery, a lobby with large comfortable chairs, a TV and a library, and the bright, bright rooms have hot water baths and air conditioning or a fan. There are cheaper rooms in the next building, not as modern, but with hot showers. Location: 1004/4-6 Thanon Jet Yot;

7). Hotel YMCA International– Trustworthy hotel with comfortable rooms with hot water. Some rooms have air conditioning. The hotel is located in a modern building in the northernmost part of the city. They also offer beds in a dormitory (90 baht). The hotel has a small swimming pool, a café-restaurant and a small charity shop with handicrafts and local agricultural products. Location: 70 Thanon Phaholyothin.

• Establishments with reasonable prices

1). Baan Worabordee Hotel– A quality, well-equipped, newly built building located on a quiet road off the main street. Comfortable, clean, beautifully decorated rooms with small balconies, hot water baths, cable TV and a fan or air conditioning. Location: 59/1 Moo 18, Thanon Sanpanard;

2). Golden Traingle Inn Hotel– The hotel is located in the city center and is surrounded by a garden. It offers large, comfortable rooms with sophisticated decor. All have air conditioning and hot water. Location: 590 Thanon Phaholyothin.

• Expensive establishments

1). Dusit Island Resort Hotel– This hotel is located on an island on the Kok River, offering a magnificent view of the entire valley. It is considered the best in the city. There is a health club, tennis courts, swimming pool and children's playground. The service meets the highest standards. Location: 1129 Thanon Kaisornrasit;

2). Rim Kok Resort Hotel– A magnificent luxury hotel located in the quiet northern part of the city. It occupies a vast area and has a swimming pool. Location: 6 Moo 4, Thanon Chiang Rai-Tha Ton;

3). Wangcome Hotel– An ordinary hotel with a swimming pool, located in the city center. Not quite up to international five star standards. Location: 869/90 Thanon Pemavipat;

4). Wiang Inn Hotel– Located across the street from the Wangcome Hotel, but slightly more sophisticated than the latter, and also has a swimming pool. Location: 893 Thanon Phaholyothin.

Sights of Chiang Rai

The walk from the center to the towering Doi Tong Mountain in the northwest is especially beautiful at sunset, when you can enjoy magnificent views of the Kok River. At the top of the mountain stands the most interesting of Chiang Rai's few, a sort of phallic one centered around the city's new lak muang, symbolizing the Buddhist order of the universe. Historically, the Lak Muang was erected in honor of the official founding of the Thai city, in Chiang Rai this happened on January 26, 1263, and the new Lak Muang and the carefully crafted stone structure around it appeared exactly 725 years later, to celebrate the 16th anniversary of King Bhumibol.

The lac muang itself symbolizes the axis of the Universe, Mount Sineru (or Meru), and the series of concentric terraces, ditches and columns symbolize the heavens and earth, the great oceans, rivers and the main features of the Universe. It is believed that if you sprinkle water on the entwined garlands of lac muang, and then sprinkle your head with the water that flowed from it into the pool, this will bring good luck.An old wooden lac muang can be seen in the viharna of Wat Phra That Doi Tong, the first temple in the city, which was built scattered chaotically on the eastern side of the hill. Note the small golden prang, this is an old-fashioned wooden spirit house and a Chinese shrine that links the hill with the wat into one sacred place.

The Emerald Buddha, the most significant Buddha image in , was discovered when lightning shattered the chedi (it has since been repaired) at Wat Phra Kaeo on Thanon Traitat Road. The beautiful copy, which was donated to the city by a Chinese millionaire in 1991, was carved in China from a 300-kilogram piece of soft green jadeite. It can now be seen in Khor Phra Yok, a small Lanna-style pavilion located on the right behind the viharn. This copy, which is 47.9 centimeters wide and 65.9 centimeters high, is several millimeters smaller than the Emerald Buddha, since, according to religious rules, a copy cannot exactly replicate the original.

The entire complex has been recently renovated and the decorative finishes are now of a high degree of craftsmanship. Of interest are the decorations on the large wooden building to the left of the viharn, where ancient religious objects and texts are kept. The Hill Tribe Museum and Craft Shop at 620/25 Thanon Tanalai offers a collection of authentic, exquisite hill tribe crafts. The store on the 3rd floor was opened by a member of leading development company Meechai Viravaidya under the auspices of PDA (Population and Community Development Association), which continues to be involved in village projects.

The museum (Monday-Friday from 9.00 to 18.00, Saturday-Sunday from 10.00 to 18.00; 50 baht) is a wonderful place where you can learn more about the mountain peoples before going on a hike to them. Hikes to the mountain tribes are also organized here. The exhibition includes a well-produced, informative slide show (25 minutes). You can donate old clothes or money for jumpers and blankets to the hill tribes. All handicrafts that are of good quality and low price can be found at the night bazaar, located next to Thanon Phaholyothin street near the bus station. Here you can also just while away the evening.

• Travel and trekking from Chiang Rai

The area around Chiang Rai offers a variety of treks, from easy walks along the Kok River trails to strenuous treks along the mountain slopes north to the Burmese border. The region has settlements of all mountain peoples. The river, both on the western and eastern sides of the city, is deep enough for rafts, and most trips include a ride on elephants. However, the region's abundance attracts too many travel agencies, and many mountain villages, especially between Chiang Rai and Mae Salong, have grown tired of the regular visitors.

Some tourism companies in Chiang Rai have recently expanded their network to the rest of the province, including Chiang Khong, where the Hmong and Mien people live. Group sizes on treks from Chiang Rai are usually smaller than in Chiang Mai, often ranging from 2 to 3 people, with a maximum of about 7 people per group. The estimated prices set by the Chiang Rai branch of TAT are quite high; an average three-day trek with two overnight stays and an elephant ride usually costs 3-4 thousand baht for each participant in a group of 2 to 5 people. Almost all guesthouses in Chiang Rai can arrange trekking for you. Trustworthy guesthouses include Chat, Chian and Mae Hong Son.

More expensive treks are offered by several non-profit community tourism organizations with offices in Chiang Rai. Hill Area and Community Development Foundation founded Natural Focus, which is located at 129/1 Moo 4, Thanon Pa-Ngiw. It offers tours from 1 to 15 days during which you will study the life of mountain peoples, and there are also programs for young people who volunteer to live and volunteer in the villages. The company has a folk crafts store.

The growing PDA offers one, four-day jungle treks that include elephant and longtail boat trips. It also offers day trips on mountain bikes to the source of the Kok River, the program includes fishing, meals and guide/mechanic services (2,200 baht). There are also excursions to and from other interesting places. Most guesthouses can arrange sightseeing tours, boat trips and elephant rides for you. Mae Hong Son Guest House and Chian also offer motorbike rides, while the latter offers horseback riding tours.

Food and drink in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai's restaurants, including those that cater to Western tastes, are clustered around Thanon Jet Yot and Thanon Phaholiothin streets, where there are also good Thai restaurants. There is a food section at the night bazaar where they offer a variety of very tasty snacks, and there is also a beer garden where you can catch a free gay cabaret performance, or local folk singers, or traditional dance performers. On Thanon Jet Yot, south of the clock tower, there are several Western-style bars where you can enjoy a relaxing atmosphere, satellite TV, music or just a drink and a chat.

1). Cafe Baan Chivft Mai– This is a Scandinavian bakery owned by a Swedish charity company that helps children from the slums of Chiang Rai and Bangkok. This is a very cozy air-conditioned cafe serving exceptional sandwiches, cakes, cinnamon rolls, croissants, coffee and tea (Monday-Saturday 7am to 9pm, Sunday 2pm to 9pm). Location: 172 Thanon Pra Soop Sook, opposite the bus station;

2). Restaurant Cabbages and Condoms“This restaurant proudly states, “Our food is guaranteed not to cause pregnancy.” The walls here are lined with various items related to birth control, including paintings by Meechai Viravaidya, who offered family planning products in the early days of this organization. The menu features delicious Thai food, including some traditional northern delicacies. All dishes are labeled in English, there are several items that are suitable for vegetarians. Opening hours: daily from 7.00 to 00.00. Location: located in the Museum of Mountain Peoples;

3). Restaurant Chiangrai Coffee Company– A simple cafe-restaurant that serves a variety of coffees made from local beans, as well as many types of tea, Belgian waffles, good breakfast options and Western dishes such as chicken breasts in orange sauce (120 baht). Location: 1025/38 Thanon Jet Yot;

4). Muang Tong Bistro– Offers a wide range of Thai and Chinese dishes, presumably 24 hours a day, and also displays a great variety of ingredients in the open lobby. The establishment is popular among both Thais and foreigners. Location: On the corner of Thanon Phaholyothin Street just south of the Wiang Inn;

5). Salungkum establishment– This establishment is rightfully appreciated by local residents, as it serves the best Thai food in the city, and also has a garden where you can dine in the evening. There is no English sign here, the landmark is the Cosmo gas station on the opposite side of the road. Location: 843 Thanon Phaholyothin, between the statue of King Mengrai and the river.

In contact with

The borders of three amazing Asian states - Thailand, Myanmar and Laos - constitute a special region called the Golden Triangle. The total area of ​​the region is quite large, while the tourist center is the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers in the village of Sop Ruak in Thailand. Travelers from all over the world head to the north of the country to see with their own eyes three great countries at the same time.

But not so long ago, completely different motives brought people here. The “opium paradise” attracted smugglers with a thirst for profit. The policies of neighboring powers have successfully overcome the situation, and this issue is no longer on the agenda. So what can you profit from in the Golden Triangle now? The pristine beauty of Don Sao Island, a descent along the Mekong River, a visit to the observation deck at the top of Wat Phra That and, of course, a visit to the opium museum will diversify your vacation.

Kok River

The Kok River is the deepest and longest river in Northern Thailand. It begins in Myanmar, flows through picturesque places, some of which are nature reserves, and flows into the Mekong River in the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. The border in this place is precisely the river.

Kok links the Thai provinces of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai and is the most important route between them. This is why walks along the Kok River are so popular among tourists: following the flow of the river, you can watch the inhabitants of these places, stop the boat near the shore and continue traveling through the jungle, or get to the city to admire the ancient temples.

What sights of Chiang Rai did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Mount Doi Tung

Mount Doi Tung is located in the Golden Triangle. This “Triangle” is the intersection of the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The main income of local peasants has always been income from growing opium poppies, which had a detrimental effect on the local population. However, in the 80s of the last century, the royal family began to revive these places, and Doi Tung became one of the most important projects. The once disadvantaged region turned into a blooming garden when the mother of the current monarch of Thailand moved into the palace built here especially for her.

The Doi Tung project occupies 150 sq. km of land and employs more than 11 thousand people. Now, instead of opium poppies, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and coffee are grown here. The project is directly supervised by the royal family.

Wat Rong Khun Temple is considered to be the most unusual Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is relatively young - its construction began in 1997. The creator of this unique monument is the Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, who, according to rumors, erected the temple only with his own money in order to perpetuate his name in history. The artist made every detail, every roof slope, every figure in the temple according to his own sketches.

It is simply impossible to describe the temple in words. It looks as if it was created not by man, but by some unprecedented force. The stark white jagged temple is surrounded by ponds teeming with sacred fish. Inside the temple you can look at the works of the artist Chalermchayu and even buy some of them.

Monument to King Mengrai

In Chiang Rai, at the exit from the city, next to the road to Mae Chan, there is a tall dark monument against the backdrop of a golden carved wall with sharp ends. This is a monument to Koroi Mengrai, the founder of the city. According to legend, King Mengrai was looking for his elephant on the banks of the Kok River and, admiring the beauty of the area, decided to found a city here. Many city tours start from this place as a sign of respect to the founding king.

Opium Museum

The world's most famous Opium Museum is located in Thailand for good reason. It was in this country that almost until the end of the 20th century, opium production was almost the only means of ensuring the life of local peasants. The museum's exposition is designed in such a way that, moving from one exhibition to another, one can imagine the development of the production of narcotic drugs in Thailand from ancient times to the present day. The museum's extensive collection includes production tools, agricultural implements, posters, as well as modern multimedia resources.

The museum is open every day except Monday from 8.30 to 16.00.

Museum "House of Opium"

In the very center of the Golden Triangle is the private museum “House of Opium”. Its collection is not as extensive and varied as that of the large and famous Hall of Opium, but it is also worthy of attention. Here are examples of agricultural implements used in poppy cultivation, utensils for making opium, a collection of old photographs and much more. The entrance ticket price is several times cheaper than a ticket to the large Opium Museum.

In addition, the “House of Opium” is open every day, seven days a week, from 7.00 to 19.00

Are you interested in knowing how well you know the sights of Chiang Rai? .

Wat Umong Temple

Wat Umong is one of the most unusual temples in Thailand. It was founded in 1927.

The temple consists of caves that are connected by tunnels. Translated from Thai, "Umong" means "Tunnel". Inside the underground temple there are Buddha statues illuminated by candles.

Most of the territory is occupied by a pond and forest. The pond is home to large carp and turtles. “Wise trees” grow in the forest near the temple; there are signs with written Buddhist sayings on them. The temple houses a replica of the Ashoka pillar with four lion heads and the wheel of Dharma, installed in the 13th century. This is a world symbol of the spread of Buddhism.

There is also a library-museum and a meditation school, classes in which are taught in English.

The most popular attractions in Chiang Rai with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Chiang Rai on our website.

More attractions of Chiang Rai