10 Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a beautiful and friendly town situated in the northern most region of Thailand. Chiang Rai is located in the northern part of the country, in the mountains of the so-called Golden Triangle, which is the point where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar; it is a perfect starting point to explore the culture and nature of this part of the world. The town is set among lush green hills and valleys enhancing the look of the place, and a cool climate and misty mornings compared to the growing warm of the plains of the middle Thailand. Transportation within the town is well facilitated by road and air transport with the Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport connecting to most of the major Thai cities.
The Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple is a gorgeous fusion of Buddhism and new age artistry; it’s an architectural beauty by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat; the whole building has a mother-of-pearl like finish which gleams in the sun and the mirror like carvings give a fabulous reflection. For visitors interested to learn more of Chalermchai and his concepts that inspired the artwork, a museum in the temple compounds has artifacts of Chalermchai’s productions.
Wat Rong Suea Ten or Blue Temple
The next famous temple I would recommend is Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple, the main building is painted in exquisite indigo with interior gold. It is called Lokeshwar Temple or the ‘Nritya Gaja Vilas’ meaning the ‘House of the Dancing Tiger’ which originally refers to tiger that was once in the vicinity. The buildings have bright blue colours which enhance tranquillity, the gold pattern work exterior has been also very artistic and inside there is this big white coloured buddha statue.
Baan Dam Museum, or otherwise called the Black House, is one of the peculiar and rather mystical sites which were designed by the famous artist Thawan Duchanee, contains more than 40 structures of different architectural design and all have been painted black and looked rather gloomy. The structures accommodate paintings, sculptures, animal bones and skins. When strolling around the captivating, yet rather creepy atmosphere of the place, one will experience a thoughtful and at the same time aesthetic attitude towards life and death.
Singha Park is one of the largest agricultural parks that offer areas suitable for any outdoor activity. Singha Corporation owns this park that comprises large extension of farmland, tea gardens and picturesque garden area. One can bicycle or work with a guide to visit park attractions such as a Zoo, a Zip-line, and plantations of tea. One should not also overlook the restaurant which is availed within the park and which brings out freshly prepared meals that incorporate the local cuisine.
Phu Chi Fa is a mountain which area provides one of the most beautiful sunrise views one can witness in Thailand. The place is relatively remote and some 100 kilometers away from Chiang Rai but the effort taken to travel to this place is well worth. It is recommended to come early in the morning to see the sun rising over the sea of fog and Laos mountains in the far distance.
The Golden Triangle is the meeting point for Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar and there is a lot of history associated with this place. Go up the viewpoint to see the union of Ruak and Mekong rivers and the three nations that meet at this spot. Right next door to The Cafe, The Hall of Opium is an informative museum that tells you everything that you want to know about opium in China and that will surely be of interest. It would be equally adventurous to take a boat tour on the Mekong River in attempts of a better view of this region.
For lovers of the royal Thai family, there is the Doi Tung Royal Villa, which was home to the now deceased Princess Mother, King Rama IX’s mum. This villa was constructed with both the Swiss chalet and Lanna constructions, has transformed into a museum where the life and works of the princess mother are captured. Adjacent to the villa, there are the picturesque Mae Fah Luang Gardens famous for exotic flowers and beautifully designed gardens. It shows the concern of the Princess Mother in the welfare of the tribal people through proper cultivation and environmental protection.
There is the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar that you can visit for some feel of local Thai life. It mostly opens at night and contain night Bazaars that deals in foodstuffs, handmade products, clothing, and trinkets among others.Another component that is available in the market is the live performance through music and dance as this makes the market session more enjoyable in the evening.
The Wat Huay Pla Kang temple is another rather original and very large-scale construction with the statue of the Guan Yin – the goddess of mercy. The compound also consists of an astonishing nine storey building in the form of a pagoda and an exquisite temple embellished with features. Due to the location and the general layout of the structure, it becomes ideal for one to meditate and appreciate the quality of work that went into the design of the building.
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park – Location of this art and culture park is so peaceful and attractive that is specialized for maintaining the Lanna cultural ethic. It has Lanna style of architecture, which includes the grand teak building, Haw Kham. The museum contains numerous Lanna pieces, clothing, and artwork within the park’s beautiful gardens and waters feature accommodates leisurely and serenity that helps the visitor to appreciate the historical heritage of the northern Thailand.
All of the ten concentrations provide magnificent view, and all are well worth the visit if one is interested in temples, gardens, or history of the region. Whether you are a backpacker or a luxury tourist, you will never forget Chiang Rai as it is a very diverse city.
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