Chiang Rai is the northern capital of Thailand. Chiang Rai: how to get there, where to live, what to see Excursions from Chiang Rai
Attractions are the main thing for which it is worth going to for a tourist purpose, since there is no sea here, only a river with a small beach. All interesting places theoretically, you can watch in 1 day, but for this you have to get up early in the morning and return home in the evening. In our opinion, it is not worth rushing and not limiting yourself to a one-day excursion, because there are also several museums that are of undoubted interest to inquisitive tourists.
If you settled in the city center, and not in the vicinity, then almost all the sights of Chiang Rai will be within walking distance. The only exceptions are the White Temple and the beach. But it should be borne in mind that many hours of walking around the city during the midday heat is not a pleasant pleasure, so it is better to see all the interesting places with the help of a rented motorbike (200-250 baht). You can also rent a tuk-tuk for these purposes. Their main parking lot is located next to the old bus station, where all buses arrive from different cities of Thailand, including Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
The sights located in the city are only a small fraction of what can be seen in these parts. Many people come here to go to the Golden Triangle, ethnic tribal villages, hot springs and waterfalls. To see all this, it is better to book a tour in one of the local travel agencies. Thus, you will be spared from having to rent, study and search for information about each place.
For your convenience, at the bottom of the page there is a Google map, where we have noted all the most important. So, what is worth seeing in Chiang Rai?
Temples Chiang Rai
Golden Triangle
old city walls
In the past, the city was the capital of the Lanna Kingdom for several decades, which later became part of Thailand. Since then, the port has remained the old stone walls. Unfortunately, this attraction is poorly preserved (unlike the walls of Chiang Mai). There are two places in the city where you can see the tall old walls - on the main road leading to the airport (near the monument to King Mengrai) and next to the Tung Garden Museum. In other places there are only low remains of walls.
it a good place recreation right in the city center. Its area is small, but there are quite a lot of greenery and plants. Two pretty sculptures of girls, in skirts made of flowers, attract attention.
Many come here to look into the museum with national costumes. Outwardly, this is a two-story wooden building, made in the old style. Inside are figurines of people in different clothes. Free admission.
Hilltribe Museum
The museum tells about the ethnic minorities of the Kingdom of Thailand who live in the mountains. You can see household items, clothes, traditional dwellings and much more. The room is small, located on the second floor of the Population and Community Development Association (this is an organization that promotes the ethnic groups of the country). Opening hours: on weekdays from 9 to 18, on weekends from 10 to 18. Entrance fee is 50 baht. Located in the city center (closer to the north), near the Tung Garden.
Oub Kham Museum
It will be of interest to everyone who is interested in the history of the Lanna Kingdom, the capital of which for many years was this city (later it became Chiang Mai). The most interesting exhibits are the golden ball and golden gilded throne from Chiang Tung. You can also see jewelry, clothes, sculptures, royal regalia of the 15th century and much more. There are interesting things from Myanmar, Vietnam and China.
The museum is located in the northwest of the city. Is private. Entrance 300 baht. It is located on the right side of the road (when driving from the city center) and is hardly visible from the street. So watch carefully so you don't miss out.
Monument to King Mengrai (King Mengrai Monument)
This monument is the most important attraction of Chiang Rai for local residents. After all, it was Mengrai who founded this city in 1262. Therefore, it is not surprising that Thais come to bow to him every day, bring incense, flowers and garlands of flowers. Behind the monument is a huge golden trident.
Located in the north of the city, on the left side of the road leading to the airport (at the crossroads).
Clock tower
The tower was erected in 2008 by the same architect who worked on the White Temple. Built as a sign of respect to King Rama IX. After sunset, it is illuminated from all sides. It is located almost in the city center, 10-12 minutes walk from the bus station and the night market.
The place is the center for the preservation of the culture of the Kingdom of Lanna. Consists of 5 parts:
- Botanical garden and park.
- Golden Pavilion.
- Little Golden Pavilion.
- Art gallery.
- A place for rituals.
The entrance ticket costs 200 baht. Opening hours: 8:30-16:30. Every day except Monday.
Beach on Mae Kok river
The beach is located about 5 km northwest of the city on the banks of the Mae Kok River. An ideal place to relax. There is even some infrastructure: massage beds with fans, cafes, a toilet. The sandy area is small, about 500 meters, but there are many other places where you can enter the water.
It is also worth walking or driving a couple of kilometers west along the coast - from there you will discover very scenic views to the river and hills (see photo).
Chiang Rai, Thailand- from a remote city of hill tribes, located in the picturesque surroundings of the mighty Mekong. Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 as part of the Lao-Thai Lanna Kingdom. It became Siam Territory in 1786 and eventually one of the 77 provinces of present-day Thailand in 1910.
The city of Chiang Rai brings back memories and exotic images. The mountain range in Chiang Rai borders Burma and Chiang Mai on the west side, and the famous Phu Chi Fa mountain and nature reserve is located in the southeast. But otherwise, the landscape in Chiang Rai Thailand is mostly flat, and the land here is agricultural.
The city of Chiang Rai in Thailand is bounded to the north by the Kok River and bordered to the east by Highway 1. Old city Chiang Rai was built on the site ancient settlement Lava or Mon in the early 14th century. Today, little remains of the old city, but there are walls and a moat.
So, what is Chiang Rai, where is it located and what is there to do at all? Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Tourists rarely get here and even less often on their own, because the main attraction here is the famous white openwork temple of heaven and hell ( white temple in chiang rai). And for the more curious, there is also the Black Temple and the village of the long-necked Karen tribes. A large number of the population of the hill tribes converted to Christianity, so in the city of Chiang Rai in Thailand, in addition to Buddhist temples, you can also see Christian churches, as well as Islamic mosques and Chinese temples.
The high western mountains, inhabited by numerous hill tribes, were until recently rather wild places. Today, these places are becoming more famous for travel, mainly due to coffee and tea plantations, as well as the city of Mae Sai in the province of Chiang Rai, Thailand, known as a place of illegal trade in dubious Chinese goods, duty-free cigarettes and fake Viagra. Many illegal drugs still pass along the Burmese border. So the rural areas of Chiang Rai see more police on the roads than any other Northern province.
The city of Chiang Rai has about 200,000 local people. It is a small and quiet town, although there are places for tourists: several international restaurants, a brand new shopping center with all famous foreign brands, supermarkets and a cinema.
Chiang Rai (Thailand), mostly inconspicuous provincial town. Things to Do in Chiang Rairiparian zone where the river descends into the town of Tha Ton in the North of Thailand. Another attraction is the night market. Also in Chiang Rai there are quite decent and nice places to stop and eat. Also, Chiang Rai Thailand is the transport hub of the region, due to its central location and airport.
Many ATMs can be found on Phaholyothinu street. The largest shopping center is Central Plaza Chiang Rai.Chiang Rai has some extraordinary places worth visiting. These are the Black Temple of Chiang Rai (Baan Dam), the famous White Temple of Wat Rong Khun in Thailand and Wat Huai Sai Khao. The White Temple in Chiang Rai is perhaps just his calling card. This place is definitely not to be missed in the city.
White Temple in Chiang Rai (Wat Rong Khun)
The White Temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun Temple is without a doubt the most famous and most photographed temple in Chiang Rai province. It is also one of the most beautiful (and unconventional) temples in Thailand. The color of the white temple signifies purity. The temple was designed by a local artist in 1997, who took 15 years to make his idea a reality.
Inside the white temple in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, you can find not only Buddha statues, but also images of Superman, Batman and Neo from The Matrix. In general, the author's very non-standard approach to the creation of the temple is obvious, who, by the way, believes that this project will give him immortality.
The White Temple in Chiang Rai Wat Rong Khun is located 12 km south of Chiang Rai, close to Pahonyothin Highway Road. It is open daily from 6:30 am to 6:00 pm. Entrance to the White Temple in Chiang Rai Wat Rong Khun is free.
Mae Salong village and mountain (Doi Mae Salong), Chiang Rai
There are several interesting villages in the mountainous northern part of Chiang Rai City. One of the most picturesque of them is Mae Salong, located 74 km northwest of the city of Chiang Rai. There is a special atmosphere, and everything around is reminiscent of China, and by the way, most of the inhabitants have Chinese roots and even speak Chinese with each other.
The view from the top of the mountain is breathtaking. Very atmospheric, quiet and peaceful place. There are few tourists, life seems to have stopped. There are also numerous scenic routes along tea and coffee plantations. You can just walk around these places and enjoy away from the hustle and bustle. If you rent a motorbike, then the trip will also turn out to be very exciting.
Black Temple of Chiang Rai Baan Dam
If there is a white temple in Chiang Rai City, Thailand, then there must be some opposite. And now, it is also there - the black temple in Chiang Rai - this is another very ambitious project by another local artist. The temple illustrates the darkness in humanity. The whole temple is done in red and black colors, it is decorated with skulls, skins and various other parts of animals and eerie works of art.
The Black Temple of Chiang Rai (Baan Dam) is located about 10 km north of Chiang Rai off the Phahonyothin Highway leading to the Thai-Burmese border at Mae Sai. The temple is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm. There is a tourist center, a souvenir shop, and a small cafe.
Temple of the Emerald Buddha Wat Phra Kaew
Of course, this is not the most popular Chiang Rai temple among tourists. Everyone has heard about the white temple in the city of Chiang Rai (Thailand), but few have heard of Wat Phra Kaew. However, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha Wat Phra Kaew is one of the most significant cultural and religious sites in Chiang Rai province. This temple gained notoriety when it was struck by lightning in 1434. A statue of the emerald Buddha was found in the wreckage. Since then, the temple has been called that. The statue itself was taken to Bangkok a long time ago, and a malachite copy of that very emerald Buddha remained in Chiang Rai.
Where the statue of Buddha came from in the temple is still not exactly known. There is a version that it was created in India about 2000 years ago and brought to Sri Lanka, then to Cambodia and at the end of the 14th century it ended up in the northern part of Thailand.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
The clock tower traditionally marks the center of the province. In Chiang Rai, this clock tower is one of the finest and most beautiful in all of Thailand.
Singha Park, Chiang Rai
The park is little known among tourists (yet). The main reason why most people would like to come here is the massive golden lion statue of Singh. A very picturesque place.
Why go to Chiang Rai in Thailand?
Even through Chiang Rai lies the path to the golden triangle on the border with. This is the junction of three rivers and historically (formerly) a drug offshore zone. Drug dealing was prohibited and severely punished, so they came up with the idea of bypassing the law to exchange goods in the middle of the confluence of three rivers, during a drop in the water level, where a small island was formed for several people.
In fact, there is nothing beautiful or important in this triangle, just a simple lure for gullible tourists. Most often, it is under such a program that tourists who get to the north of Thailand buy themselves a one-day excursion from.
On its own in Chiang Rai Thailand those who want to make a visa run (extending their stay in Thailand by crossing the border and returning to the country one day for a new stamp) or desperate backpackers who want to visit Laos and are heading, as a rule, go.
Town Chiang Rai (Thailand) small, no different from other similar ones, quiet, but the influence of Laos, and therefore of France and America, is clearly felt here, and prices are 20-30% higher than Thai ones. There is little left of Thailand here, the feeling of a completely different country and people, although, it would seem, some hundred kilometers .... In general, it is hardly necessary to specially go here, only if you intend to cross the border on your own and head to the wonderful mysterious Laos.
That's all for now. Today I talked about the city Chiang Rai in Thailand. This city is interesting in its own way, you can find a special charm and local flavor. And for tourists, this place is known for the fact that the famous white temple in Chiang Rai, famous among independent travelers, is located here. The White Temple in Chiang Rai City, Thailand can be seen in the images of Thailand and also in the list of the most interesting places in Thailand.
Story
Chiang Rai is older than Chiang Mai, it was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai (1239-1317), who used it as a residence. For centuries, this convenient location on the Kok River, a tributary of the Mekong, was inhabited by the Lava and Moi tribes. For many years the city was under Burmese rule, and only in 1786 (four years after Bangkok became the capital) went to Thailand. Little is known about its previous history, but further development The city turned out to be closely connected with the history of Chiang Mai and Chiang Sen, located 60 km away.
How to get there
- By car:
from Lampang on National Highway No. 1 (240 km), from Chiang Mai on Highway No. 107 almost to Phang, then Highway No. 109 and No. 1 (268 km). - By bus:
from Chiang Mai and Bangkok (with Northern bus station) daily. - By plane:
from Bangkok and Chiang Mai up to six flights a day. - By train:
nearest railroad station- Chiang Mai (180 km).
What to watch
Wat Phrakew Donthau
It was in Chiang Rai that the famous Jade Buddha was found, which was kept for many years in the Phrakew Dontau Temple (now in the Phrakew Temple in the Grand Palace, Bangkok). In 1434 one of Phrakeu-Dontau's chedis was struck by lightning; as a result of restoration work, a nondescript plaster figurine was found. However, under the plaster, a 75-cm jade Buddha statuette was discovered, which attracted the attention of King Mengrai.
He certainly wanted to get the statue in his capital. However, it was decided to give the decision to the elephant to whose back the precious burden was attached. At the decisive fork, the animal turned not to Chiang Mai, but to neighboring Lampang, where the Jade Buddha stood in the Phra-That-Lampang-Luang wat until 1468, and from here it finally ended up in Chiang Mai and in 1782 after further vicissitudes - to Bangkok. In the Phrakeu-Dontau temple, wooden facades with carvings and paintings are especially good. This temple complex, like the neighboring Wat Phra Sing, was built in the 15th century. Both sanctuaries have been repeatedly restored and rebuilt.
Wat Mung Mueang, Wat Chet Yot
The temple of Mung Muang has a good carved pediment and several statues of Buddha in the Chiangsai style (XI-XVI centuries). Wat Chet Yot features a wihan of graceful proportions and a chedi with seven turrets on a rectangular plinth.
Neighborhood Chiang Rai
Malaw Reservoir
The local population loves to relax on the beautiful place Malaw Reservoir (following National Highway 1 to the south, then along Highway 109 towards Fang).
Maesai
Highway 110 heading north leads to Maesai (63 km), the northernmost point in Thailand (1010 km from Bangkok). This small frontier town with busy markets used to be on an important trade route to China. On the security of a passport here you can get a one-day visa to Myanmar.
Luang Cave
Luang Cave (Tham Luang) is the largest (5-10 m high) of the four caves discovered several years ago south of Maesai. The first kilometer along it you can just walk, using stairs and paths. The remaining six are best left to cavers with special equipment.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is very popular with pilgrims; located at the foot of Mount Thong (1330 m). In early March, tens of thousands of people flock here in cars, buses, motorcycles and just on foot. A steep path 17 km long leads to the temple, departing from highway No. 110 near the village of Huaykrai. From the top, a magnificent panorama of northern Thailand opens up, for which alone it would be worth climbing here. The buildings of the temple of recent construction are of no interest. Near the Burmese border, in the town of Mae Chan, there is a training center (Mae Chan Community Station), where specialists train mountaineers in occupations that are an alternative to opium production.
If you go further along the unpaved road behind the Community Station, you get to Kosenchai, an Akha village. The wooden swing at the entrance to the village is used in fertility ceremonies. In huts on stilts, with low-hanging roofs, live big families. Akhu dwellings are divided into male and female halves. Most hill tribes have their own language and animistic beliefs. All things seem to them to be in the power of spirits. So, in their opinion, evil spirits live in the water, so the highlanders try to avoid washing as much as possible.
Since 1976, the Thai government has been taking measures to assimilate hill tribes, which, however, is progressing very slowly. The Akha, who live in the mountains around Chiang Rai, have preserved their cultural identity to the greatest extent. They still practice traditional crafts. The government maintains several offices in Chiang Rai with the Thai Hillcraft Foundation, an institution that organizes the marketing of silverware, embroidery and fabrics.
It is strictly not recommended to go to the hill tribes without a guide, knowing the language and terrain. Language difficulties can lead to misunderstandings with unpleasant consequences. By itself, unobtrusiveness is implied (especially with regard to photography).
Our first trip to the north of Thailand ended in the city of Chiang Rai. In this post, I will talk about the main attractions of Chiang Rai, as well as our general impressions of the city.
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
The White Temple in Chiang Rai is the main attraction of the city, for which tourists mainly come here. The construction of the temple began in 1997 and continues to this day. It is being built at his own expense by one of the most talented living artists and architects in Thailand, Chalermchayu Kositpipat. Exhibitions of his work can be viewed in neighboring buildings. The talent of this man is really limitless, his paintings and bronze sculptures are simply amazing in their beauty (you can’t photograph them). By the way, the gold clock in the center of Chiang Rai is also his work. Entrance to the territory of the white temple is free.
All tourists visiting the white temple in Chiang Rai are given the opportunity to contribute to the construction of the complex. For 30 baht you can buy an aluminum heart and write your wishes on it. Later, all these hearts are collected and they form the ceiling in various street structures on the temple grounds. It looks very nice. Few turn down the opportunity to "publish" their dreams in such an energetic place.
Video tour of the white temple in Chiang Rai:
Black Temple (Baan Dam)
The Black Temple in Chiang Rai is not actually a temple. It's just a big black house with a common interior space, in which some installations and exhibitions of modern art periodically take place. The territory of the black temple is quite large and includes many buildings of medium and small size. The whole complex is permeated with a gloomy mood of death, skulls and skins of dead animals lie everywhere. The place is quite interesting, but it does not make a particularly strong impression. By the way, it is also being built by a modern Thai architect at his own expense.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
We set aside a whole day to visit the royal villa of Doi Tung. It is located 55 km from Chiang Rai. On the bike we reached it in about an hour and a half. First, the road goes along a wide highway, and the last 16 km you need to climb uphill along a winding serpentine with very beautiful views.
The attraction consists of four objects, for the entrance to each of which you need to pay separately, or you can buy complex ticket. We decided to visit three objects that are located in close proximity to each other: the interactive pavilion, the Mae Fa Luang flower garden and the royal villa itself. Tickets cost us 190 baht per person.
In the interactive pavilion, you can learn about the history of the Thai royal family and important events in the life of Thailand in various forms (photo, video, audio). Quite an interesting tour.
Immediately at the exit of the interactive pavilion is the entrance to the Mae Fa Luang flower garden. There is not much to say about him. The garden is naturally very beautiful and you can take a lot of good photos there. Thais are great masters in creating beautiful gardens and parks.
Just after the flower garden, a little higher on the mountain, is the royal villa of Doi Tung. The house is completely built of wood in the style of a Swiss chalet. The villa is operational and members of the royal family have a rest there from time to time. At the entrance to the building, we were given audio guides for English language, with the help of which we got acquainted with some interesting facts from the construction of the villa and the life of the queen mother. Shooting inside is prohibited.
Hotel search in Chiang Rai:
On this, our trip to the north of Thailand came to an end, and now we are already in the capital of Malaysia, where the Formula 1 racing stage takes place from March 28 to March 30 (post Trip to Malaysia for Formula 1 in March 2014). Also, after returning to Pattaya, we will write a final post about our northern trip, in which we will talk about the most memorable moments and financial expenses.
Northern woman:
The borders of three amazing Asian states - Thailand, Myanmar and Laos - are a special area called the Golden Triangle. total area The region is quite large, while the tourist center is the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers in the village of Sop Ruak in Thailand. Travelers from all over the world go to the north of the country to see firsthand the three great countries at the same time.
But not so long ago, completely different motives led people here. "Opium Paradise" attracted smugglers with a thirst for profit. The policy of the neighboring powers successfully got out of the situation, and this issue is no longer on the agenda. So what can you profit from in the Golden Triangle now? The pristine beauty of Don Sao Island, descending the Mekong River, visiting observation deck at the top of Wat Phrathat temple and, of course, a visit to the opium museum will diversify your vacation.
Kok river
The Kok River is the deepest and longest river in Northern Thailand. It begins in Myanmar, flows through picturesque places, some of which are nature reserves, and flows into the Mekong River (Mekong) in the Golden Triangle area, the crossing point of the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. The border in this place, just, is the river.
Kok links the Thai provinces of Chiang Rai (Chiang Rai) and Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai) and is the most important route of communication between them. That is why walking along the Kok River is so popular among tourists: following the course of the river, you can watch the inhabitants of these places, stop the boat at the shore and continue traveling through the jungle or drive to the city to admire the ancient temples.
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Mount Doi Tung
Mount Doi Tung is located on the territory of the Golden Triangle. This "Triangle" is the intersection of the borders of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand. The main income of local peasants has always been income from the cultivation of opium poppy, which adversely affected the local population. However, in the 80s of the last century, the royal family took up the revival of these places, and one of the most important projects was Doi Tung. The once troubled region turned into a blooming garden when the mother of the current monarch of Thailand moved into a palace built here especially for her.
The Doi Tung project occupies 150 square kilometers of land and employs over 11,000 people. Now, instead of opium poppy, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and coffee are grown here. The project is directly supervised by the royal family.
Wat Rong Khun Temple is considered to be the most unusual Buddhist temple in Thailand. It is relatively young - its construction began in 1997. Creator of this unique monument- Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (Chalermchai Kositpipat), who, according to rumors, erected a temple only with his own money in order to perpetuate his name in history. Every detail, every roof slope, every figure in the temple, the artist made according to his own sketches.
It is simply impossible to describe the temple in words. It looks as if it was created not by a man, but by some unseen force. The stark white jagged temple is surrounded by ponds teeming with sacred fish. Inside the temple, you can look at the works of the artist Chalermchayu and even buy some of them.
Monument to King Mengrai
In Chiang Rai, on the outskirts of the city, next to the road to Mae Chan, there is a tall dark monument against the background of a golden carved wall with sharp ends. This is a monument to Mengrai, the founder of the city. According to legend, King Mengrai was looking for his elephant on the banks of the Kok River and, admiring the beauty of these places, decided to found a city here. Many city tours start from this place as a sign of respect to the founding king.
Opium Museum
The most famous Opium Museum in the world is located in Thailand for a reason. It was in this country that almost until the end of the 20th century, the production of opium was almost the only way to ensure the life of local peasants. The exposition of the museum is designed in such a way that, moving from one exhibition to another, one can imagine the development of the production of drugs in Thailand from ancient times to the present day. The museum's extensive collection includes tools, agricultural implements, posters, and modern multimedia resources.
The museum is open all days except Monday from 8.30 to 16.00.
Museum "House of Opium"
In the heart of the "Golden Triangle" is a private museum "House of Opium". Its collection is not as extensive and varied as that of the great and famous Hall of Opium, but it also deserves attention. Here are examples of agricultural tools used in the cultivation of poppies, utensils for making opium, a collection of old photographs and much more. The price of an entrance ticket is several times cheaper than a ticket to the big Opium Museum.
In addition, the "House of Opium" is open every day without days off from 7.00 to 19.00
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Temple Wat Umong
Wat Umong is one of the most unusual temples in Thailand. It was founded in 1927.
The temple is a cave that is connected by tunnels. Umong means "Tunnel" in Thai. Inside the underground temple are statues of Buddha, lit by candles.
Most of the territory is occupied by a pond and forest. There are big carps and turtles in the pond. In the forest near the temple, “wise trees” grow, on which there are tablets with written Buddhist sayings. The temple houses a replica of Ashoka's pillar with four lion heads and a Dharma wheel, erected in the 13th century. This is a world symbol of the spread of Buddhism.
There is also a library-museum and a meditation school where classes are conducted in English.
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