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| Home » Thailand Travel Guide »
Chiang Rai » Chiang Rai Town |
| DESTINATION THAILAND |
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CHIANG RAI
GUIDE |
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 ATRACTIONS IN
CHIANG RAI |
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| HIGHLIGHTS IN
CHIANG RAI |
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| QUICK GUIDANCE |
| The breathtaking landscapes, beautiful coastlines, cultural delights and historical significance, make Thailand an enjoyable stop in Asia travel map. To help you plan a trip in Chiang Rai - Thailand, we provide the useful guide of hotel options, package tours, transport, attractions, shopping and entertainment. You just click the sections below for helpful information. |
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CHIANG RAI
OVERVIEW |
| The town of Chiang Rai is capital of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is 200 km in the north eastern of Chiang Mai City, 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Burmese border, 60 km South western of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the PDR of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province. The Mae Kok river runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
The city has a distinguished history that stretches back to the reign of King Mengrai, who established Chiang Rai as the capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1262, before moving south to Chiang Mai three decades later. With historic monuments of its own, but without the brass rubbing of mass tourism, it is far quieter than Chiang Mai though less polished.
Chiang Rai and its surrounding areas present a wealth of attractions for visitors. The city has an abundance of markets, selling a myriad of goods ranging from fresh foods to flowers, clothes and souvenirs. The Night Bazaar, between Pahonyothin road and the bus stop, is a bustling melting pot of cabaret shows, well-priced food, open-air bars and stalls selling an enticing selection of local handicrafts, jewellery, and art.
The city's Main Market, located adjacent to the songteaw terminus, offers almost everything you could possibly ask for. Its wares include a kaleidoscope of Oriental crafts and specialties, fresh and cooked food, domestic products, Buddhist statues and amulets, medicinal remedies, and much more. In addition to these two major markets, there is also a charming fruit and flower market to the north of the bus station, and a fresh food market near the Oub Kham Museum, covered with a typically Shan style roof.
Culturally, Chiang Rai is a mishmash of ethnic communities, and the city is peppered with a varied selection of religious structures that serve these different groups. Wat Phra Singh, situated in the northern section of the old town, contains one of oldest Buddha images in Northern Thailand. However, it is the abundance of hill tribes in the province which had an interesting facet to the city - and the streets are sometimes awash with colour as these minority groups in their bright traditional costumes hawk their wares.
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CHIANG RAI TRAVEL TIPS |
Climate
The north of Thailand is popularly known as a cooler place. The reality is that in the hot summer months, Chiang Rai can be just as uncomfortably hot as much of the rest of the country, if not more so. However, from December to February the nights can be cool enough to require a jacket, so the appellation is not totally undeserved.
The cool season runs from December to March, although there's usually just one week in December when temperatures are actually comfortable. The heat starts to increase soon after the new year and by April or May it can be almost unbearably hot and humid. During the rainy season the downpours can be extremely heavy, but generally only last for an hour or so in the afternoon.
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GETTING IN - OUT
CHIANG RAI |
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Car: The town of Chiang Rai is about 785 km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok on highway no 1 and from Chiang Mai on highway 118. You take Highway No. 1, turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km
Bus: The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.
The town of Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen
Boat: The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River
Plane: At this time, Thai Airways Internationals , One to Go Air, Air Asia, Nork Air operates daily flights from Bangkok and other northern Thai cities.
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GETTING AROUND
CHIANG RAI |
* Car: The 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 may be a very different environment, then consider hiring a car with driver - it doesn't cost much more.
* Motorbike: This 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.
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CHIANG RAI FOODS |
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ENTERTAINMENT |
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| Northern Thailand |
| Chiang Mai - Chaing Dao - Mae Ai , Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong - Chaing Saen , Lampang, Lamphun , Mae Hong Son - Pai ,
Nan ,
Phayao, Phetchabun, Phitsanulok , Phrae , Sukhothai - Sisatchanalai, Tak - Maesot, Buriram , Mukdahan, Nakhon Phanom,
Nakhon Ratchasima,
Nong Khai , Surin, Ubon Ratchathani , Udon Thani , Yasothon |
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| Central Thailand |
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Ayutthaya, Bangkok, Kanchanaburi - Sai Yok , Lop Buri, Nakhon Phathom, Nonthaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan - Hua Hin,
Phetchaburi - Chaam ,
Ratchaburi, Chanthaburi , Chon Buri - Pattaya, Rayong - Ko Samet, Trat - Koh Chang , Lop Buri |
| Southern Thailand |
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Chumphon, Krabi - Ao Nang - Ko Phi Phi - Rai Leh , Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat,Pattani,
Phang Nga - Ao Phang Nga - Khao Lak, Phatthalung, Phu ket - Karon Beach -Patong Beach , Ranong, Satun - Tarutao,
Songkhla,
Surat Thani - Ko Pha Ngan - Ko Samui , Trang, Yala |
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