Daytrips from Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai province has impressive scenery
Although Chiang Rai can be a bit of fun for a day or two, if you are staying for any length of time, you will quickly run out of things to do. Luckily, there is much to see within reach of the city for day-trippers and those into trekking and cycling. Nearby attractions include Doi Tung and the Golden Triangle region.
Doi Tung: this nearby mountain is one of the most interesting daytrips from Chiang Rai. It contains fine views and gardens at the king mother’s old home, Doi Tung Royal Villa, as well as a zoo and temple. The Lanna/Swiss-style Royal Villa is perched atop the mountain and is nice for a visit combined with a tour of the adjacent Mae Fah Luang Garden.
Doi Tung Zoo is nearby and features a watershed forest and many endangered indigenous animals. These include the sun bear, hog-deer, and barking deer. In addition, the zoo has many nice walking trails. Wat Phrathat Doi Tung was built in the 10th century and is another Doi Tung highlight. It features a golden chedi and a Burmese/Lanna look.
Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park: this stunning area of Chiang Rai is about 70kms south towards Phayao and features the lofty Khun Kon waterfall. It is Chiang Rai Province’s highest and most scenic, rising to 70m. It is a 30-minute walk to the falls from the car park, where there is plenty of opportunity to stop-off and relax. The park goes via highways 1211 and 1 and is signposted.
Chiang Saen: is right up on the Laotian border in the so-called Golden Triangle, to the northeast of Chiang Rai, and is good for those who fancy visiting the mighty Mekong River. Although a sleepy town with not much to do, Chiang Saen is one of Thailand’s original towns and comes with an array of ancient Buddhist temples and pagodas.
Once you’ve checked out a few temples, consider taking a boat ride on the river or having a swim in Chiang Saen Lake, which is just south of town. If you are here anytime during the peak season months of November through February, be sure to visit the lake to see thousands of migratory birds. Visitors can stay at bungalow-style accommodation at the lake. More on the Golden Triangle.
Gate of Siam: this popular site is also on the border with Laos. It is a large memorial which is beautifully set within limestone cliffs and was a link between the two countries. It is famously the point where communist Vietnamese, Chinese and Laotian forces fought with US and KMT Chinese Nationalist forces and is strewn with KMT graves. Views of Laos from here are sublime.
The views from Mae Salong are soothing
Doi Mae Salong: Mae Salong is a mountain village to the northwest of Chiang Rai. It lies right on the Burmese border, high up above the supporting highway, and is one of hill tribe farmers and Chinese KMT folk. It is a quaint place to visit and is just a few hours’ drive along highways 1 and 1089. The views and tea are great.
Another worthwhile side attraction from Chiang Rai, yet closer to the city, is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). It is only a few minutes south along highway 1 and is a unique Buddhist temple in Thailand due to its white theme. Brainchild of popular Thai artist, Chaloemchai Khositphiphat, the temple, although unfinished, is very photogenic against a deep blue sky.
Outdoor activities in Chiang Rai
Those into cycling and trekking have many options in Chiang Rai Province. There are some fantastic jungle treks along well-established trails up into hill tribe villages. Elephant trekking in this region is also possible and the good roads offer decent cycling.
Chiang Rai trekking: many tour companies take in the Golden Triangle region by way of Karen and Akha hill tribe villages. Treks often also involve elephant riding and bamboo rafting and can be booked in Chiang Rai or on the internet. If you want to specifically go elephant trekking you will generally need to join a longer trek although some operations offer elephant trekking daytrips from Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai rafting: the Mae Kok River goes right through Chiang Rai and several tour operators offer white water rafting during the July to October rainy season. It is pretty exciting towards the end of the season when the water levels are especially high. If you are here at any other time and fancy a more sedate experience, bamboo rafting can be done year-round. Trekking and bamboo rafting usually go hand in hand.
Chiang Rai biking: visitors can rent road bikes or mountain bikes in Chiang Rai, pick up a map, and simply have a burn around the countryside. Although a large city, you can be out of town within minutes, heading for Doi Tung mountain or perhaps a leisurely ride along the banks of the Mae Kok River. In addition there are organised bike tours in Chiang Rai.
Travel insurance: it’s advisable to have your travel insurance in order before leaving home. There are plenty of adventure opportunities in Chiang Rai province and some of them present a health or safety risk. We recommend the online travel insurance site essentialtravel.co.uk if you are a UK national.
Note! To secure a guaranteed room and find the best rates, we suggest you look online at Agoda.com. They seem to be the most competitively priced of the hotels sites.
