Hidden in the mountainous area of Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai could be easily reached by plane and by Bus. If you come here by plane, it would take only 1.15 hour, and there are 3 airlines to choose from( THAI, Thai airasia, Nok air and one to go). If you come by bus it would take at least 11 hours.( 3 hours from Chiang Mai).
All Nok air’s flights are operated at Don Muaeng Airport.
Historically, Chiang Rai is the first Capital of Lanna Kingdom( Northern Kingdom of Thailand). Just only in 1910 that Chiang Rai was annexed by the Thai King. The reason why most people come to Chiang Rai is that this city is perfect for relaxation. In cool season, there will be a mist covering all the city. The culture here is also obvious different from bangkok. The spoken language here is unique in lexical. Compared to Chiang Mai, citizen of Chiang Rai is less embarrassed to speak their language. the way we wrap the sticky rice is different from Chiang Mai. the taste of food is never been modified.
The city is small, calm and there’s no pollution. That’s why most romance novelists depicted Chaing Rai as a dream summer hill( less crowded than Shimla). 12.5% of its population is hill tribe( Karen, Akka, Muser, Meao etc) who still perform their traditional rituals.
Chiang Rai is also popular for Golf and Shopping. The Santiburi Golf Club is one of Thailands 5 best courses. For shopping, almost every visitor would to mae sai( 1 hour from Chiang Rai), the Burmese border where people can buy both duty free and pirate goods from Mainland China. The one day entry permit costs 10 US dollor. Most expats living in Chiang Mai come here as the nearest point for Visa Extension.
To keep abreast with lated fashion, you can go to Night Bazaar but it’s quite small compared with Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai. For agricultural products, Chiang Rai is well known for its lychee, beer, tea as well as the wine production. its coffee is served on all THAI airways’ flight.
For food, you should try local spicy sausages and Yunnanese noodles.
The main tourist attractions are the opium Museam located at the golden triangle, Up Kom Museam and Emerald Buddha Temple in downtown, Doi Tung Royal palace( the former mansion of Princess Mother built in Swiss chalet sytle) where the Tulip could greet you only 15 days annually, Doi mae salong( Doi is a Thai term for mountain) where you can see sakura flowers, Wat Rong Kuhn or the white temple created by Chalernchai, the modern artist. Also, Chiang Rai is a gateway to Luang prabang, the Ancient Capital of Laos by boat, and a port connecting with Southern China.
NB: The night life here is not so exciting( even worse for Gay scene). The city is best for retiree., the best way to travel around is to rent a car and the scheduled bus is quite slow and will not available after 1700.International travel can pass through the customs at Chiang Rai international airport( 6 kilos from downtown).
Some of the accommodations are as follows:
Dusit Island Resort(https://chiangrai.dusit.com/). This hotel is located in the small island in the Mekok river.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle(https://fourseasons.com/goldentriangle/)
( situated in Doi mae salong Area) Phu Chaisai mountain resort and spa(https://phu-chaisai.com/)
Anantara resort(https://anantara.com/html/special/golden.html)