Chiang Rai

From MaxTravelz

Chiang Rai (pop. 40.000) is in Northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Rai province, the northernmost province of Thailand. The town is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.

Contents 1 Get in 1.1 By car 1.2 By bus 1.3 By plane 2 Get around 3 See 4 Do 5 Buy 6 Eat 7 Drink 8 Sleep 9 Get out

Get in

By car

Chiang Rai is about 830 km north of Thailand and is easily accessible from Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

By bus

Extensive services run to Chiang Mai and there are several buses daily to Bangkok. The main bus station is called Kohn Song.

By plane

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Road 8 kilometres from downtown Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from Avis .

The airport is served by AirAsia, Nok Air, One-Two-Go and THAI.

Get around

Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. The city itself can be explored on foot, but for trips into the province consider renting a car or a motorbike. Budget and Avis both have offices in Chiang Rai and there are several local agencies. If you don't feel up to driving in what is a very different environment, then consider hiring a car with driver - it doesn't cost much more.

A motorbike is a good way to see these parts; there are several trails and a 250cc dirt bike is a great way to see the country side. However be aware that many of the mountain roads are narrow and winding and that Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the world. Stay alert.

See

• Princess Mother Hall
• Golden Triangle
• Doi Tung Royal Villa
• Wat Santhaat
• Gate of Siam
• Wat Thoeng Sao Hin

Do

Organize a trekking tour to the hill-tribes or head on for the Golden Triangle

Buy

• Night Bazaar - The bazaar is located between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road in the center of town. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Road and the bus station. Everything on display from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching, even pets. The hill tribes sell an amazing selection of old coins, collector's pieces of needlework and very fine quilted bed spreads.

Eat

Roughly halfway down the alley is Centrepoint, an open-air hawkers/restaurant surrounded by more stalls and with a stage for classical music and dance performances.

Drink

Sleep

Chiang Rai offers all kinds of accommodation from basic guesthouses to hotels.

At the top end is the Dusit Island Resort, 1129 Kraisorasit Road, Muang; tel. +66-53715777 fax. +66-53715801.

Get out

• Mae Sai
• Golden Triangle

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