Thailand has become the top-worthy country to visit in the world, becoming the new ideal destination for foreign visitors. If you want to explore this wonderful country, Chiang Rai tourism is the thing you should pick on your bucket list!
Chiang Rai Overview
Chiang Rai is located in the North of Thailand, about 880 km from Bangkok. Here is famous as the gateway to the Golden Triangle - the intersection area of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. If Thailand travel is renowned for the vibrant and flashy of Bangkok city, or the cultural tour at Chiang Mai - nearby Chiang Rai; this is a chance for you to explore more about the simple beauty and pristine nature in Chiang Rai with the cheaper prices!
In addition to beautiful scenery, Chiang Rai can be called the land of ancient values of Thailand. This land and Chiang Mai were once the center of the brilliant Lanna dynasty hundreds of years ago. Today, although not as famous as Chiang Mai tourism, Chiang Rai is still a space imbued with the colors of Thailand's ancient capital with activities to explore culture, green forest, and other unique attractions.
Let Asia Private Travels lead you to the heaven of Chiang Rai full of impressions!
What to do on your Chiang Rai trip?
Chiang Rai is one of the most worthy places to visit in Thailand. Although it is not too famous for those tourists who love vibrant places, it possesses many unique historical and cultural works as well as tourist activities that are no less interesting than anywhere in Thailand!
When traveling to Chiang Rai, you will not be able to miss Wat Rong Khun (White Pagoda) and Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue Pagoda) because these are typical cultural symbols as well as expressing the unique architecture of Thai people.
Wat Rong Khun (White Pagoda)
This iconic temple is one of the most famous attractions in Chiang Rai. Its intricate white architecture and ornate details make it a must-visit. If you wonder about the entire white color of the pagoda, this symbolizes the purity of the Buddha and the use of mirrored glass elements creates a dazzling effect. One of the most prominent areas at the white temple Wat Rong Khun is the "rebirth - reincarnation" bridge area, where countless hands appear raised as if wanting to pull someone down every time they step over the bridge. More specifically, when you cross the bridge you will see the gate of heaven entering the temple. This clearly shows the boundary picture between heaven and hell: the hands symbolize human desires, and the gates of heaven symbolize rebirth.
Wat Rong Khun (White Pagoda) in Chiang Rai.
Wat Rong Khun Temple was built in 1997 by a famous artist and architect in Thailand - Chalermchai Kositpipat. This place has not been completed because he wanted to create a complex of 9 main works. He supposed that it would take 60-90 years to complete, while he is currently over 60 years old. Therefore, he allowed his five best students to help him complete the temple in time before he left the world.
What do you think about this?
Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue pagoda)
Wat Rong Suea Ten is known as an artistic masterpiece with unique architecture, especially the golden tower and the famous Mahasthamaprapta Buddha statue. It houses various beautiful works of art, including a wall of paintings and sculptures as well as the temple's main chapel. In particular, the temple not only serves religious activities as a tourist destination but also organizes many experiential activities and connects people here. These are art exhibitions, competitions for children, educational activities, and festivals. For a trip full of exciting experiences at Blue Pagoda, please contact Asia Private Travel for more information on Chiang Rai tours!
Wat Rong Seua Ten (Blue pagoda) in Chiang Rai
Thailand is famous as “the land of golden temples” with countless sacred temples. To ensure dignity and demonstrate Buddhist worship, temples in Thailand have very strict regulations for visitors. Be careful not to laugh or talk too loudly, limit taking photos in temples, and pay attention to your outfit. You need to wear long sleeves, pants, or a long skirt to enter temples in Thailand. If you accidentally wear short clothes, you should rent or buy a sarong sold right outside the temple to wear outside!
Long Neck Karen Village
One of the attractive places that visitors want to visit is the village of the Karen Long Neck ethnic group. This village is located in Chiang Mai and is one of three long-neck villages in Northern Thailand but the fun fact is, that they are migrants from the Myanmar border areas. A special feature is that Karen women often wear metal bracelets around their necks, legs, and forearms. This is considered a form of beauty for the Karen people; it is also a way for them to protect themselves from fierce tigers (the Karen ethnic group has the custom of living in the forests). However, Karen men do not wear bracelets like women, so they do farm work, and women will take care of the family and do crafts.
Long Neck Karen Village in Chiang Rai
Singha Farm Park
When mentioning Thailand travel, people often think of beautiful beaches or the magnificent capital city of Bangkok. However, Singha Farm Park is also an extremely hot tourist destination not to be missed!
Singha Farm Park in Chiang Rai
Singha Farm Park is known for its stunning natural landscapes, featuring rolling hills, lush green fields, and a large man-made lake. The park provides a beautiful backdrop for visitors to enjoy nature and take in the serene surroundings; this place will not make you disappointed! Depending on the season of the year, this farm also grows many different beautiful flowers, a lot of fruits, and vegetables. In particular, the long green tea hills will give you the best view, so capturing yourself is a must-have when coming to Singha Farm Park! To explore every corner, you may take a long time but enjoying this place by bike and the wonderful atmosphere cannot be worth more!
Night Bazaar & Walking Street
The Night Bazaar in Chiang Rai is located in the center of the city, becoming a bustling and vibrant evening attraction for locals and tourists. The stalls open in the late afternoon, offering shopping and culinary experiences. Visitors can explore a diverse range of stalls, featuring local handicrafts, textiles, and unique souvenirs. Try street food in Nigh Bazaar can be something you always remember because it has an attractive taste and special cooking. Beyond shopping and dining, the Night Bazaar boasts a lively atmosphere with street performers, musicians, and cultural shows.
Night Bazaar & Walking Street in Chiang Rai
Does it sound exciting for you to experience? So never miss Night Bazaar on your bucket list!
You may love the vibrant atmosphere so we recommend Walking Street - the literal name indicates a wonderful place to completely enjoy yourself! With traditional items and souvenirs, Walking Street opens every Saturday & Sunday and is divided into three main zones. You enter the first zone where people purchase products and items with other communities, ethnic groups, etc. In the second zone for handicrafts, you can find thousands of stunning items made by locals; don’t forget to bargain for the best prices! The last zone will be full of impressions because it’s the exhibition area, ask your tour guide to know about any of these works and take nice pictures to keep your memory in Walking Street!
Many exciting destinations and activities in Chiang Rai are waiting for you, contact Asia Private Travels for detailed information!
Chiang Rai cuisine
If you travel to Chiang Rai you cannot forget the food taste here, let’s find out some reasons!
Cuisine in Chiang Rai has a strong Northern Thai influence, and as a result, Northern Thai cuisine has its unique flavors and variations. Most dishes are cooked to be just tender, with less spiciness and fewer intense spices. They are typically eaten with various types of plain rice and sticky rice.
Cuisine in Chiang Rai has a strong Northern Thai influence
The dishes here are both cheap and delicious, rich in flavors of Northern Thailand, and inherit the quintessence of Burmese cuisine with delicious Khao Soi Phor Jai (Pho Chai), unique Pla Tabtim Tod Kratiem or Khanom Jeen Nam Ngiao. The famous Goong ten shrimp at the night market or the Northern Thai herbal sausage with a spicy taste.
Best season in Chiang Rai
If you are a lover of outdoor activities, then surely the festival season in Chiang Rai will be extremely suitable for you!
Weather in Chiang Rai
From November to April, this is the ideal time to visit Chiang Rai to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the festivals because the weather is warm and comfortable. You can experience the Loy Krathong festival (lantern festival) taking place in mid-November; the Yi Peng festival (sky lantern festival) is also one of the special festivals taking place around this time; or the Songkran Festival, also known as the traditional Thai New Year, takes place across the country in mid-April every year.
In the summer (from June to October), there is more rainy and hot weather, but that doesn't mean you cannot visit Chiang Mai during this time. What does Chiang Mai have this season? On this occasion, Chiang Rai travel prices are very cheap, and few tourists, so you can save a lot of money! This is also the season for ripe rice, so you can admire the beautiful bright yellow fields and smell the rice on the road.
Do you get excited? Let us guide you on how to reach this wonderful place right now!
How to get to Chiang Rai?
By Air:
If you come from another country, you can book international flights to major airports in Thailand, and then move to Chiang Rai by train or car. In case you are in Thailand, booking a flight to Chiang Mai is an ideal choice.
International airports in Thailand
By Train:
If you are in Thailand, you can transfer by train. Though Chiang Rai does not have a train station, you can take a train from Bangok to Chiang Mai, (the nearest city to Chiang Rai) and then continue your journey to Chiang Rai by bus or taxi.
By Tourist Van/Minibus or Motorcycle
Many travel agencies and tour operators in Thailand offer minibus or tourist van services for transportation to Chiang Rai from various cities and tourist destinations, including Chiang Mai. Besides, if you're an experienced rider, you can also travel to Chiang Rai on a motorcycle or scooter. However, be sure to follow all safety guidelines and regulations.
Minibus in Chiang Rai
There are many ways to move to Chiang Rai, so check for the most up-to-date information, book your tickets in advance if possible, and plan your trip accordingly. If you are looking for a tour in Chiang Rai to avoid stressing about itinerary or hotels, do not hesitate to ask Asia Private Travels!
Where to stay in Chiang Rai?
Don't worry about where to stay in Chiang Rai because there are many options for you!
Do you love luxury and comfort? Chiang Rai has the most prestigious hotels and resorts, ensuring that you have a wonderful vacation here. At the same time, the diverse prices here are suitable for many audiences.
Accommodations in Chiang Rai
However, homestays and budget motels will be a great choice if you are on a budget. In particular, the people in Chiang Rai are extremely friendly and enthusiastic; you will have very interesting experiences in this land!
Ending
With the sharing of information about Chiang Rai tourism, we hope to help you get more information. Don't forget that Asia Private Travels has many Indochina and Thailand tours with special offers; feel free to ask us for more!
