Chiang Rai (Thailand): what to see for tourists. Black and white temple in Chiang Rai (Thailand). Chiang Rai - the northern capital of Thailand Restaurants with reasonable prices

Chiang Rai, Thailand- from a remote hill tribe town nestled in the picturesque surroundings of the mighty Mekong. Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 as part of the Lao-Thai Lanna Kingdom. It became a Siamese territory in 1786 and eventually one of the 77 provinces of modern Thailand in 1910.

The city of Chiang Rai brings back memories and exotic images. The mountain range in Chiang Rai is bordered on the west by Burma and Chiang Mai, and to the southeast is the famous Phu Chi Fa mountain and nature reserve. But otherwise the landscape in Chiang Rai Thailand is mostly flat and the land is agricultural.

The city of Chiang Rai in Thailand is bounded on the north by the Kok River and bordered on the east by Highway No. 1. The old city of Chiang Rai was built on the site of the ancient settlement of Lawa or Mon in the early 14th century. Today, little remains of the old city, but there are walls and a moat.

So, what is Chiang Rai, where is it located and what is there to do there? Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Tourists rarely get here and even less often on their own, because the main attraction here is the famous white lacy temple of heaven and hell ( white temple in Chiang Rai). And for the more curious, there is also the Black Temple and the village of the long-necked Karen tribes. A large number of the population of the hill tribes converted to Christianity, so in the city of Chiang Rai in Thailand you can see, in addition to Buddhist temples, also Christian churches, as well as Islamic mosques and Chinese temples.

The high western mountains, inhabited by numerous hill tribes, were, until recently, quite wild places. Today, these destinations are becoming more famous for travel, mainly due to the coffee and tea plantations, as well as the town of Mae Sai in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, known as the site of the illegal trade of dubious Chinese goods, duty-free cigarettes and counterfeit Viagra. Many illegal drugs still pass through the Burmese border. So rural areas of Chiang Rai see more police on the roads than any other Northern province.

The city of Chiang Rai has a local population of approximately 200,000. It is a small and calm town, although there are also places for tourists: several restaurants serving international cuisine, a brand new shopping center with all the famous foreign brands, supermarkets and a cinema.

Chiang Rai (Thailand), basically an inconspicuous provincial town. Entertainment in Chiang Rai - pthe coastal area where the river descends into the town of Tha Ton in Northern Thailand. Another attraction is the night market. There are also plenty of decent and nice places to stop and eat in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Thailand is also a transport hub for the region due to its central location and airport.

Many ATMs can be found on Phaholyothinу street. The largest shopping center is Central Plaza Chiang Rai.Chiang Rai has several extraordinary places that are worth visiting. These are the Black Temple of Chiang Rai (Baan Dam), the famous White Temple of Wat Rong Khun in Thailand and Wat Huai Sai Khao. The White Temple in Chiang Rai is perhaps just his calling card. This place is definitely not to be missed in the city.

White Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is without a doubt the most famous and most photographed temple in Chiang Rai province. It is also one of the most beautiful (and unconventional) temples in Thailand. The color of the white temple signifies purity. The temple was built according to the design of a local artist in 1997, who took 15 years to turn his idea into reality.

Inside the white temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, you can find not only statues of Buddha, but also images of Superman, Batman and Neo from The Matrix. In general, the author’s very unconventional approach to creating the temple is obvious, who, by the way, believes that this project will give him immortality.

White Temple in Chiang Rai Wat Rong Khun is located 12 km south of Chiang Rai, near Pahonyothin Road. It is open daily from 6:30 am to 6 pm. Entrance to the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khunw, is free.

Doi Mae Salong Village and Mountain, Chiang Rai

There are several interesting villages in the mountainous northern part of Chiang Rai city. One of the most picturesque of them is Mae Salong, located 74 km northwest of the city of Chiang Rai. There is a special atmosphere there, and everything around is reminiscent of China, and by the way, most of the residents have Chinese roots and even speak Chinese to each other.

The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Very atmospheric, quiet and peaceful place. There are few tourists, life seems to have stopped. There are also numerous scenic routes along tea and coffee plantations. You can just walk around these places and enjoy yourself away from the hustle and bustle. If you rent a motorbike, the trip will also be very exciting.

Black Temple of Chiang Rai Baan Dam

If there is a white temple in the city of Chiang Rai, Thailand, then there must be some kind of opposite. And there it is, too—the black temple in Chiang Rai—another highly ambitious project by another local artist. The temple illustrates the darkness in humanity. The entire temple is done in red and black colors and is decorated with skulls, skins and various other animal parts and creepy artwork.

The Black Temple of Chiang Rai (Baan Dam) is located approximately 10 km north of Chiang Rai off the Phahonyothin Highway leading to the Thai-Burmese border at Mae Sai. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. There is a visitor center, a gift shop, and a small cafe.

Temple of the Emerald Buddha Wat Phra Kaew

Of course, this is not the most popular temple among tourists in Chiang Rai. Everyone has heard about the white temple in the city of Chiang Rai (Thailand), but few have heard about Wat Phra Kaew. However, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew, is one of the most significant cultural and religious sites in Chiang Rai province. This temple gained fame when it was struck by lightning in 1434. An emerald Buddha statue was found in the rubble. Since then the temple has been called that way. The statue itself was long ago taken to Bangkok, and a malachite copy of that same emerald Buddha remained in Chiang Rai.

It is still not known exactly where the Buddha statue came from in the temple. There is a version that it was created in India about 2000 years ago and brought to Sri Lanka, then to Cambodia and at the end of the 14th century it ended up in northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

The clock tower traditionally marks the center of the province. In Chiang Rai, this clock tower is one of the best and most beautiful in all of Thailand.

Singha Park, Chiang Rai

The park is little known among tourists (yet). The main reason why most people would like to come here is the massive golden lion statue of Singh. A very picturesque place.

Why go to Chiang Rai in Thailand?

The path to the golden triangle on the border with Chiang Rai also runs through Chiang Rai. It is the junction of three rivers and historically (formerly) a drug-offshore zone. Selling drugs was prohibited and severely punished, so they came up with a way to circumvent the law, to exchange goods in the middle of the confluence of three rivers, during a decline in the water level, where a small island was formed for several people.

In fact, there is nothing beautiful or important in this triangle, a common lure for gullible tourists. Most often, it is under this program that tourists who travel to the north of Thailand buy themselves a one-day excursion from.

On your own in Chiang Rai Thailand those who want to carry out a visa run (extending their stay in Thailand by crossing the border and returning to the country one day for a new stamp) or desperate backpackers who want to visit Laos and are heading, as a rule, to.

Town Chiang Rai (Thailand) small, no different from others of its kind, quiet, but the influence of Laos, and therefore of France and America, is clearly felt here, and prices are 20-30% higher than Thai ones. There is little left of Thailand here, it feels like a completely different country and people, although it would seem like a hundred kilometers away…. In general, there is hardly any need to go here specifically, only if you intend to cross the border on your own and head to the wonderful, mysterious Laos.

That's all for now. Today I told about the city Chiang Rai in Thailand. This city is interesting in its own way; you can find a special charm and local flavor in it. And for tourists, this place is famous for the fact that the famous white temple in Chiang Rai, famous among independent travelers, is located here. The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand can be seen in pictures of Thailand and also in the list of the most interesting places in Thailand.

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 by 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 in various forms (photos, videos, audio) with the history of the Thai royal family and important events in the life of Thailand. 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:

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, where classes 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

Excursions in Chiang Rai from private guides and travel agencies.
Online ordering on Pomogator.Travel: no intermediaries or prepayments!

The northernmost of all tourist cities in Thailand, located 785 km from Bangkok. It is the commercial capital of the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma meet. Chiang Rai has become a popular tourist destination due to its many sites left over from ancient civilizations. It is believed that this is where the culture of Siam originated. In addition to monasteries and palaces, tourists can see the villages of indigenous tribes and their inhabitants. The settlement of the Karen tribe, a tribe of “long-necked women,” is especially popular.

Just like neighboring Chiang Mai (158 km to the southwest), this is not a beach resort. True, there is one beach in the city, and if you wish, you can sunbathe there. The order in Chang Rai is very specific: after At 21:00 almost all establishments in the city close. Only the Night Market and the cafes located next to it are open. Therefore, it is not worth going to Chiang Rai in search of nightlife. Exotic lovers come here, already fed up with beaches and discos. And this is quite understandable - after all, the kind of atmosphere that reigns on the streets of Chiang Rai cannot be found anywhere else.

Video from Chang Rai

The White Temple is the most beautiful attraction in Chiang Rai, although it is not ancient. It began to be built in 1997, according to the design of a famous young Thai architect. The work is still ongoing. The style of the temple can be called avant-garde; it really looks very unusual - not...

Chiang Rai Tours & Activities

The main tourist attraction in Chiang Rai is visiting the ethnic tribal villages. Of particular interest is the village of the Koren tribe - the tribe of “long-necked women”. When a girl from this tribe turns 4 years old, a copper ring is twisted around her neck. With age, the number of rings increases, and the neck stretches to incredible sizes. There are several versions of where such a tradition could have come from. Perhaps, once upon a time, men tried to protect their wives and daughters from predators. Some say that by mutilating their women, they saved them from slavery. But now a long neck is considered a symbol of a woman’s attractiveness. Usually a visit to this village is included in the trekking program, the cost and duration may vary.

The center of the Golden Triangle is located 80 km from Chiang Rai. Some people say there's not much to see there, but that's not true. In this place there is a very beautiful statue of the golden Buddha, two opium museums and a temple. And from here you can sail to the islands of Laos without a visa and take a walk around them. Usually a visit to the center of the “triangle” is the final part of any excursion. Duration of stay in the border zone is 4-5 hours.

You can also get to Burma for one day without a visa through the town of Mae Sai (61 km from Chiang Rai). Groups are also often brought here, although there is nothing remarkable in the city itself. But tourists usually take photographs of the “northern gate” and enter Burmese territory. You need to go back before evening.

History of Chang Rai

There is an interesting legend associated with the history of Chang Rai. According to it, one day King Mengrai's favorite elephant ran away. They looked for him everywhere and could not find him. Then the animal was discovered in a hitherto unknown area. The king was very happy that the elephant was found, and ordered to build...

Chiang Rai is located in the north of the country, far from the capital, so the climate here is somewhat milder than in other areas. The Thais call Chiang Rai the “cold capital”; in fact, the air temperature in the city does not drop below +30°C almost all year round. For this reason, Chiang Rai is ready to receive tourists at any time. But we must remember that here, as elsewhere, three seasons follow each other: dry, hot and wet. If you look at it before planning your vacation, you can choose a period when it is not very hot and there is no rain.

Chiang Rai attractions and activities

Trekking ranks first in popularity among other outdoor activities in Chiang Rai. The reason is that it includes several activities at once, rather than being limited to, say, elephant riding or rafting.

The trekking program usually includes mountain trekking, river rafting, a trip into the jungle on the back of an elephant, overnight stays in ethnic tribal villages and daytime excursions to these villages.

Some tourists are frightened by the prospect of encountering “savages,” but this is an unfounded fear. In fact, the natives have long been accustomed to tourists and have even learned to make money on such excursions.

Chiang Rai's mountainous terrain is ideal for mountain biking. If you book a bike tour along the Mekong River, you can not only admire nature, but also visit villages.

Also in Chiang Rai there is the opportunity to ride a horse or an ostrich.

The most common water sports are rafting, kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing.

Transport features of Chang Rai

There is very little public transport in Chiang Rai as the city is very small. You can get around it all on foot, and everything you need is nearby. But still there is transport on the streets:

• sontaego;
• minibuses;
• knock knock.

The fare is the same as in Chiang Mai, that is, within $1.

Those interested can rent a vehicle:

• motorcycle - about $10;
• car - about $40.

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). Guesthouse 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, linking the hill with the wat into a single sacred place.

The Emerald Buddha, the most significant Buddha image in , was discovered when lightning shattered the chedi (it has since been restored) 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