Chiang Rai Thailand


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Chiang Rai Thailand

Chiang Rai is the capital of the Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 62,000 and 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. The character is distinctly Northern and is distinct to Chiang Mai to the south in a number of ways. The food is definitely spicier and the ethnic composition includes a good percentage of Hill Tribes and Myanmar exiles such as various varieties of Karen.

Having been to Chiang Rai before and having done the tourist thing we didn’t feel the need to run around and see it all again so this trip was very much about relaxing, catching up on some work and of course eating. (I have however include my favorite tourist spots at the bottom of this blog) Having been deprived of Thai food now for nearly a year we were REALLY looking forward to eating great northern Thai dishes.
Rather than stay in an hotel we rented an apartment for a week and it was an absolute delight. Housed in the Chiang Rai Condotel it is beautifully decorated with cook top, microwave and fridge. Perfect for making breakfast or a simple meal. It is an easy walk to the centre of town and the night bizarre (or a quick tuk tuk ride if you do not want to walk)  there is also a daily market just down the street where we bought fresh fruit.  Chiang Rai Condotel.
We quickly settled into a routine and re discovered our favorite restaurants and a few new ones. Our new favorite and local became the Chiangrai Corner & Ricos bar who do fantastic authentic Thai food and even serve a not bad red wine. Even better still it was just across the road!

We did also stop by Coconuts bar for a Sunday roast dinner which came with baked potatoes, vegies and gravy.

The night market is also a great food option where they serve up tasty Thai food and do a reasonable selection of western food, it is a pleasant environment with local entertainment on nightly.

What to see…Where to go.

There are many many wonderful things to see and do in and around the town of Chiang Rai…a few of my favorites are;

Wat Phra Kaeo – where the Emerald Buddha was housed in the 14th C before it was whipped off the Bangkok.

The White Temple – Amazing! We did a  push bike tour to this temple and it was great fun. Although go early as it gets very hot cycling in th afternoon!

Hilltribe Museum – Learn about the minority Hilltribe people

Homestay – Stay in the home of a hilltribe family. Definately and experience you will not forget quickly.

Waterfalls and Hot Springs – Kun Korn is a 70 metre waterfall – about 15 km south of town.

Tour the Golden Triangle – Hire a private driver and visit the Golden Triangle which includes wonderful tea houses and plantations.

For Information on Travelling In Thailand Read Our Thailand Travel Guides