Populations have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786. Chiang Rai province_fs Golden Triangle bordering Laos and Burma was once the hub of opium production which had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.
The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to various hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Burma and Laos.
Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, and Doi Mae Salong are three substantially different places. Chiang Saen_fs rich culture has been influenced by its collection of Buddhist scriptures and temples. It was once the provincial capital. Mae Chan_fs name lies in its silver and tribal handicrafts. Once officially unrecognized by the Thai government, Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese KMT (Kuomintang) area renowned for its natural beauty and unique Yunnanese culture. Besides the Chinese 93rd Infantry of the Kuomintang, several other ethnic minorities have settled down in the region including the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khoen and Tai Yuan.
'''Khon Muang''' are the city folk who originally came from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang and Phrae. Culturally, they design their houses having only one floor with wooden gable-decorations called Ka-Lae. They are known for their craftsmanship in wood carving, weaving, lacquerware and musical instruments.
'''Tai Yai''', Burmese in origin, harvest rice, farm, raise cattle and trade. Their craftsmanship lies in weaving, pottery, wood carving and bronzeware.
'''Akha''' have the largest population of any hill tribe in the region. Originating from Tibet and Southern China, they dwell on high grounds around 1,200 meters above sea-level. Within their villages they build a Spirit Gateway to protect them from evil spirits.
'''Lahu''' are also from the Yunnese area and live in high areas. They are known as hunters and planters.
'''Karen''' live in various areas of the region which have valleys and riverbanks.
'''Chin Hor''', these are the former Kuomintang who took refuge in the area, mainly Doi Mae Salong
'''Hmong''' from southern China are located on high land. They raise livestock and grow rice, corn, tobacco and cabbage. They are also known for their embroidery and silver.
'''Tai Lue''' live in dwellings of usually only a single room wooden house built on high poles. They are skilled in weaving.
'''Lisaw''' from southern China and Tibet are renowned for their colorful dress and also build their dwellings on high poles. They harvest rice and corn and their men are skilled in hunting.
'''Yao''' reside along mountain sides and grow corn and other crops. They are skilled blacksmiths, silversmiths and embroiders.
There are services from Chiang Rai bus terminal to various districts in Chiang Rai. Local bus ply nearby provinces, call Chiang Rai bus terminal 0 5371 1224, 0 5371 1154 for details.
From Bangkok drive on highway No.32 to Singburi, then take highway No.11 to Phare and highway No.1103 to Chiang Rai. The route is 829 kilometres.
There is a decent enough bus service in the province but in more remote areas, songthaews (public passenger pick-up vehicles) are the norm.
There is also the chance to travel by boat along the Kok River.
Many folk choose to spend some of their time in Chiang Rai visiting fascinating hill tribes such as the Akha, Lisaw, Hmong, Lahu, Karen, Mien and Yao etc Most visitors go with a certified guide but other simply go on their own (have to plan ahead though). It is all right to stay overnight with the villagers. Solo travelers not going with a guide are advised to stay with the village headmen; a small donation is welcome.
Sadly, some Thai "businessmen" impudently exploit hill tribe people to extract money from the tourists. A village just near the road between Mae Sai and Chiang Rai (it is frequented by tourist minibuses returning from Golden Triangle) is actually privately owned, and, while entrance to the village is free, visiting long-neck Karen people there costs 200 baht. Most tourists (and backpackers) have already paid this price in a tour package, thinking that 1000 baht or more for a day trip is "cheap". Needless to say, these poor Burmese (as was explained privately by guide) Karens working there for a tourists get only a tiny fraction of these money - as they home, Burma (Myanmar), is the one of the poorest countries of the world. Be conscious, this is just a tourist trap. It's better to visit a remote, but genuine Karen village, than to help the rich people to make money from the poorest ones.
When trekking off the beaten track and away from hill tribes, it is possible to sleep at any temple, but again a little donation is appreciated.
'''Doi Hua Mae Kham (???????????)''' is the domicile of the hilltribe near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoed Thai-Ban Huai on routes which wind along the steep mountain edge. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a scattering of Akha, Hmong and Lahu. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most scenic in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
'''Doi Pha Tang (?????????)''', about 160 kilometres from the provincial town, is a viewing point on top of a high cliff over the Thai-Laotian border. It affords a delightful scene of the river and a sea of mist throughout the year. During December-January, blooming Sakuras provide picturesque scenery. It is home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. There are a lots of bungalows & tents serve tourists.
'''Doi Luang National Park (?????????????????????)''' covers an area in Amphoe Mae Suai, Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Amphoe Wang Nuea in Lampang and Amphoe Mae Chai, Amphoe Mueang in Phayao. It has an area of 731,250 rai (1,170 million square metres) with a topography of high mountains whose peak is Doi Luang. It contains mixed deciduous forest, evergreen forest and deciduous dipterocarp forest. There are diverse kinds of wildlife and birds. To get there take the Chiang Rai ? Phayao route for 58 km. to get to Ban Pu Kaeng. At km 773 turn right and go on for 9 km. to the national park office. One interesting tourist attraction there is Namtok Pu Kaeng, a beautifully big waterfall in Chiang Rai. It has 9 tiers containing lots of stalagmites and stalactites. Camping and forest trekking are available. Please call 0 5360 9042 or contact the office in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.
'''Wiang Ka Long (??????????)''' is a community about 16 kilometres from the district office of Wiang Pa Pao. Here have been found remains of ancient furnaces used to make terra cotta utensils. The furnaces are shaped like turtle shell of various sizes with a width of 2 to 5 meters.
'''Bo Nam Ron (??????????)''' is a hot spring located at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai on the Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai road at Km. 64-65. It is found next to a stream. Villagers sell eggs to boil in the hot spring.
'''Khun Chae National Park (???????????????????)''' at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai of Wiang Pa Pao district can be reached by taking the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai route, Highway no. 118. The park headquarters is right next to the highway at Km. 55-56. Visitors wishing to undertake a jungle trek and camp within the park need to have a guide and prepare their own camping equipment. The trek through the Khun Chae jungle is for adventure travel enthusiasts as the route passes through steep terrain and several hilltops and cliffs over 1,400 metres height. There are good viewing points and trekkers can enjoy waterfalls, flowing streams and virgin jungle areas lush with plantlife. Tel: 0 5360 9262, 0 2562 0760 http://www.dnp.go.th
Hilltribe Museum and Education Center situated in the center of town is aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures etc. These are the six major tribes: Akha, Lisaw, Lahu, Karen and Yao and Mien The displays include that of housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, clothing, giant bamboo, fishing and agricultural equipment. Visitors can also enjoy a half an hour power-point presentation in any main language.
'''Trekking'''
The trekking area in Chiang Rai covers Amphoe Mueang, Amphoe Mae Suai, and the banks along the Mae Kok River. Prices include guide, basic meals, transportation, accommodation, boat, and elephant. Different prices depend on the condition of accommodation, food, vehicle, insurance etc.
'''Trekking Advices'''
#Trekking alone or with unauthorized tour guide/ operator is not recommended. #Trekker is advised to contact an authorized tour operator who provides: brochure with detailed information on trekking program, prices, accommodation, transportation; well-trained guide and licensed by TAT; and advice on how to get ready for trekking including necessary trekking accessories. #Some trekking guides may encourage customers to try a sample of opium, or make a side trip into Myanmar. These sound very exciting but any of these can be very dangerous. Taking narcotics is illegal (may lead to imprisonment) and smoking opium may lead to death. Tour operators, guides, as well as tourists are all requested to cooperate in this regard and notify the Tourist Police of such blameworthy behavior. Call 1155 or 0 5371 7779, 0 5371 7796 #Malaria exists only in hill and forest areas. During the trip protect yourself with mosquito repellent, sleep under mosquito net. If having a fever within 15 days following, one must have a blood check at the nearest hospital.
'''Travel along Kok River (Route: Tha Ton ? Chiang Rai)'''
Tha Ton is a village along the Kok riverside, 24 km. north of Amphoe Fang, Chiang Mai. Attractions along the route: Phra That Sub Fang, many tribal villages near the river and hot spring. Either long-tailed boat or bamboo house rafts with pilot is available for travelling. For more information, please contact Ban Tha Ton Boat Club Tel: 0 5345 9427 or rafting which takes 3 days 2 nights at Thip Travel Tel: 0 5345 9312, Tha Ton Tour Tel: 0 5337 3141. There are 4-5 resorts and guesthouses at Tha Ton and also in Amphoe Fang.
'''Golfing'''
Chiang Rai offers the visitors an ample amount of enjoyable activities and golf is right up there are one of the most popular. New golf courses are being designed, built and opened all the time. Wanna-be golfers can confirm with travel agents opening times, playing rates and how to get to the courses.
''Golf Courses''
'''Agro tourism'''
Doi Pha Mon Highland Agricultural Extension Office (????????????????????????????????????) in Amphoe Thoeng located in touch the spectacular scenery _eSea of Mist_f & _eFantastic Sunrise_f on Phu Chi Fa and the splendid flower bed of _eTulips_f. This is a place to observe the recycled plantations of _etemperated climate plant_f. Open daily from 08.00-16.30 hrs. Tel: 0 5371 4023 Fax: 0 5371 4024
There are other Agricultural Extension Offices which are also interesting as follow; #Mae Chan District Agricultural Extension Office (????????????????????????) Tel: 0 5377 1654 #Hua Mae Kham Highland Agricultural Extension Office(????????????????????????????????) Tel: 0 5377 3496 #Chiang Rai Agricultural Research Center (????????????????????????) Tel: 0 5367 8202
'''Mountain Biking'''
Since Chiang Rai has a stunningly scenic mountain landscape with lots of fresh air. It is an ideal place to go mountain biking. Cyclists will love the natural beauty along the trails following the Mekong River including great views of Burma and tropical forests. Contact travel agencies for more details.
'''Rafting Along the Mae Kok River''' This 130-km river is well known as one of the most picturesque and cleanest rivers in the whole of Thailand. Rafting can be done along the waterway and visitors can view hilltribe villages situated along the banks. Lush jungles and mountain cliffs create scenic views and a fresh atmosphere.
It takes 3 days and 2 nights to cover the 80-km distance by raft from Tha Ton of Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai town. River trips to and from Chiang Rai by long-tail boats are also organized regularly. The trip takes about 4-5 hrs.
'''Elephant Riding & Trekking'''
Riding on elephant's back is one of those fantastic activities one should not miss. For more information contact a travel agency.
'''Spa'''
'''Sport'''
'''Dok Siao Ban or Blooming Siao Flower Festival at Phu Chi Fa (??????????????????????????)''' is held during 13-15 February. There are sports competitions and cultural performances from hilltribes at Ban Rom Fa Thai in Amphoe Thoeng.
'''Buatong Ban or Blooming Mexican Sunflower Festival (?????????????????????)''' is held in November. See performances from hilltribes and visit the sunflower field, waterfalls and a sea of mist at Ban Hua Mae Kham, Amphoe Mae Fa Luang. Chiang Rai Flower Festival (??????????????????????????) This beautiful festival is held during the end of December to January every year. There are colourful flower processions, flower gardens, Miss Thinn Thai Ngarm Contest and also the fair of agricultural products and the variety of indigenous flowers.
Chiang Rai is rich in handicraft items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products. Certain food items are quite popular such as Naem and Mu Yo (preserved and fermented pork sausages). Agricultural products include lychee (April-May), pineapples, tea, and other products from the royal projects.
'''Amphoe Mae Chan'''
'''Amphoe Mae Suai'''
'''Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao'''
Typical delicious dishes in the area are '''khan khanoon''' (spicy jackfruit curry), '''khaeng yuak''' (banana palm leaves), '''sai oo-a''' (pork sausages) and '''Yunnese''' and '''Burmese rice noodles'''.
'''Khantok''' is a traditional dinner which can be found in several restaurants in the town.
In the meantime, for those not fancying anything Thai, there are plenty of international restaurants with something for everyone_fs taste.
'''Doi Pha Tang'''
'''Phu Chi Fa'''
'''Amphoe Phan'''
'''Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao'''
'''Amphoe Mae Chan'''
'''Amphoe Mae Suai'''
'''Amphoe Mae Lao'''
'''Hospitals'''
Chiang Rai has three quality hospitals.
Nationwide Television, cable TV and local cable TV channels are available in Chiang Rai. International newspapers and magazines are also available at the book shops in department stores.
Landline telephone, all mobile phones, high-speed internet (ADSL), post offices and parcel services are available in Chiang Rai Province.