Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) is the capital of Chiang Rai Province, Northern Thailand.

The town proper has a population of around 62,000. It is the commercial centre of the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region. Chiang Rai is essentially a service city for the surrounding province. The greater area has a relatively small population of 200,000 people, but also has a respected university and other civic facilities.

The character is distinctly Northern and is distinct from Chiang Mai to the south in various ways. The food is spicier and the ethnic composition includes a good percentage of hill tribes and Burmese exiles.

• Art Bridge Chiang Rai (ABCR). The provincial art gallery of Chiang Rai.
• Baan Dam - Black House Museum, 414 Moo 13 Nanglae (About 10 km north of the city. After driving 1.9 km past Chaing Rai University on Hwy 1, turn left into Soi 13 (the first left after the blue sign reading, +66 53 705834, +66 53 776333. 09:00-17:00. Created by Thailand national artist, Thawan Duchanee, the grounds include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple’s area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan's collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world. Several of the houses exhibit Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The artist uses bones as a source of inspiration to paint. It is definitely not a place for animal lovers. There are also various kinds of baskets and drums from many regions and countries on display at Baan Dam. Not all exhibits are open to public. Open to everyone. 80 baht.
• Chiang Rai Cultural Centre.
• Cultural Hall Museum. Visitors can find prehistoric tools, two medieval cannons, costume examples, ancient pottery and examples of ancient Lanna literature in the Dhamma script. There are also videos available, a model of the city and a display of five major areas of Thai culture. Adults 10 baht; children 5 baht.
• Haw Shan Art Gallery. A large, dark-wood, Shan-style pavilion. It can be opened for special showings.
• Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, 620/1 Tanalai Rd (in the centre of town, +66 53 740088. 08:30-18:00. Aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures. The dusty low-key displays include that of housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, fishing and agricultural equipment, but it's worth a visit for an unsanitised view of how the hill tribes are exploited by some Thais and the tourist industry. The centre also runs their own hilltribe tours, where the money goes to employ and help the tribesmen. There is a branch of Bangkok's Cabbages and Condoms restaurant downstairs, whose profits go to support family planning and sex education projects in Thailand. 50 baht.
• Lanna Museum. Open on request.
• Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park. Two lakes, a barge and several large Shan-style small ponds. There is an interesting Haw Kam Golden Temple with two Shan halls containing accoutrements collected by Princess Maha Chakri and examples of Lanna craftsmanship: seven-armed candelabra, Buddha Images, wooden altars, embroidered cloths for wrapping Buddhist scriptures, carved wood screens, swords and monks' fans.
• Oub Kham Museum, 81/1 Na Khai Rd (Rob Wiang near Den Ha market 1 km from the centre of town, +66 53 713349. Daily 09:00-17:00. The collection displayes objects used in the royal courts such as Lanna, Khum Chao Phare, and Khum Chao Chiang Mai. Some are from northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam and are about 500-1,000 years old. Visitors can view 120 year-old ancient fabrics, Sin Mai Kham-golden silk skirt-from the Mandalay, the golden throne, king’s golden costumes and silver ornaments. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. All of those show the glory of the kingdom in the past. Adults 200 baht; children 100 baht..
• Princess Mother '90 Museum. A sizable fascinating pavilion dedicated to the life of the princess mother (grandmother of the present king, King Rama X). On display are fine collections of lacquer boxes, wood pulleys, pottery, weaving equipment and some old handwritten folded texts with drawings. Free.
• Sirindhorns Chinese Language and Culture Centre, +66 53 917093, +66 53 917097. Established through the cooperation of Mae Fa Luang University and the People’s Republic of China. The centre was built as a memorial to honour the princess mother as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Construction took 7 months to complete at a cost of approximately 60 million baht. The architecture replicates the Suzhou Chinese structure, building decorations and the garden ornaments by complying with the design layouts and using authentic materials shipped from China. The roofing tiles, the doors and the marble tiles laid at the entrance are all examples of a few of the materials brought from China.

Art Bridge Chiang Rai (ABCR). The provincial art gallery of Chiang Rai.

Baan Dam - Black House Museum, 414 Moo 13 Nanglae (About 10 km north of the city. After driving 1.9 km past Chaing Rai University on Hwy 1, turn left into Soi 13 (the first left after the blue sign reading, +66 53 705834, +66 53 776333. 09:00-17:00. Created by Thailand national artist, Thawan Duchanee, the grounds include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple’s area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan's collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world. Several of the houses exhibit Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya period. The artist uses bones as a source of inspiration to paint. It is definitely not a place for animal lovers. There are also various kinds of baskets and drums from many regions and countries on display at Baan Dam. Not all exhibits are open to public. Open to everyone. 80 baht.

Chiang Rai Cultural Centre.

Cultural Hall Museum. Visitors can find prehistoric tools, two medieval cannons, costume examples, ancient pottery and examples of ancient Lanna literature in the Dhamma script. There are also videos available, a model of the city and a display of five major areas of Thai culture. Adults 10 baht; children 5 baht.

Haw Shan Art Gallery. A large, dark-wood, Shan-style pavilion. It can be opened for special showings.

Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, 620/1 Tanalai Rd (in the centre of town, +66 53 740088. 08:30-18:00. Aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures. The dusty low-key displays include that of housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, fishing and agricultural equipment, but it's worth a visit for an unsanitised view of how the hill tribes are exploited by some Thais and the tourist industry. The centre also runs their own hilltribe tours, where the money goes to employ and help the tribesmen. There is a branch of Bangkok's Cabbages and Condoms restaurant downstairs, whose profits go to support family planning and sex education projects in Thailand. 50 baht.

Lanna Museum. Open on request.

Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park. Two lakes, a barge and several large Shan-style small ponds. There is an interesting Haw Kam Golden Temple with two Shan halls containing accoutrements collected by Princess Maha Chakri and examples of Lanna craftsmanship: seven-armed candelabra, Buddha Images, wooden altars, embroidered cloths for wrapping Buddhist scriptures, carved wood screens, swords and monks' fans.

Oub Kham Museum, 81/1 Na Khai Rd (Rob Wiang near Den Ha market 1 km from the centre of town, +66 53 713349. Daily 09:00-17:00. The collection displayes objects used in the royal courts such as Lanna, Khum Chao Phare, and Khum Chao Chiang Mai. Some are from northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam and are about 500-1,000 years old. Visitors can view 120 year-old ancient fabrics, Sin Mai Kham-golden silk skirt-from the Mandalay, the golden throne, king’s golden costumes and silver ornaments. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. All of those show the glory of the kingdom in the past. Adults 200 baht; children 100 baht..

Princess Mother '90 Museum. A sizable fascinating pavilion dedicated to the life of the princess mother (grandmother of the present king, King Rama X). On display are fine collections of lacquer boxes, wood pulleys, pottery, weaving equipment and some old handwritten folded texts with drawings. Free.

Sirindhorns Chinese Language and Culture Centre, +66 53 917093, +66 53 917097. Established through the cooperation of Mae Fa Luang University and the People’s Republic of China. The centre was built as a memorial to honour the princess mother as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. Construction took 7 months to complete at a cost of approximately 60 million baht. The architecture replicates the Suzhou Chinese structure, building decorations and the garden ornaments by complying with the design layouts and using authentic materials shipped from China. The roofing tiles, the doors and the marble tiles laid at the entrance are all examples of a few of the materials brought from China.

• Gate of Siam. You stand high up on a mountain. Laos and the Mekong River are in front of you.
• King Mengrai Great Memorial. King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the north and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
• King Mengrai Stupa. Built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
• Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, Khun Kon is some 70 m in height. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walk. It is somewhat of a walk from the parking area, and it is quite hilly, so if you are not reasonably fit for a half hour walk over undulating terrain, then do not try it.
• Phucheefah. Great sunset view.
• Thai Professional Football, Singha Stadium. Chiang Rai is the home of Chiangrai United, which plays in Thai League 1. The club has won domestic competitions, 2-times Thai FA Cup, Thailand Champions Cup, and Thai League Cup.
• Views of the City. Buffalo Horn Hill has a splendid overview of Chiang Rai. Other sweeping views can be gained from the top of Doi Kong Kao (Rice Box Hill), 4 km west of town. There's a steep walkway up its west side. Well worth it, plus a 3 m standing golden Buddha statue is at its summit. The summit of the 90 m vertical limestone cliff at Boomerang Park affords a view of the city and miles of the river valley, though it's a bouldering scramble up its west flank to get there.

Gate of Siam. You stand high up on a mountain. Laos and the Mekong River are in front of you.

King Mengrai Great Memorial. King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the north and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

King Mengrai Stupa. Built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, Khun Kon is some 70 m in height. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walk. It is somewhat of a walk from the parking area, and it is quite hilly, so if you are not reasonably fit for a half hour walk over undulating terrain, then do not try it.

Phucheefah. Great sunset view.

Thai Professional Football, Singha Stadium. Chiang Rai is the home of Chiangrai United, which plays in Thai League 1. The club has won domestic competitions, 2-times Thai FA Cup, Thailand Champions Cup, and Thai League Cup.

Views of the City. Buffalo Horn Hill has a splendid overview of Chiang Rai. Other sweeping views can be gained from the top of Doi Kong Kao (Rice Box Hill), 4 km west of town. There's a steep walkway up its west side. Well worth it, plus a 3 m standing golden Buddha statue is at its summit. The summit of the 90 m vertical limestone cliff at Boomerang Park affords a view of the city and miles of the river valley, though it's a bouldering scramble up its west flank to get there.

• Chiang Rai First Church. Built in 1914 at PratuSiri corner. It's Presbyterian.

• Munniti Chiang Rai. Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist temple, a rare sight in Theraveda Buddhist Thailand. There is a Shan house nearby. And on the road to Pattaya Noi is a temple dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy featuring a large statue. In the Ban Kheck area is another Goddess of Mercy temple.
• Wat Klong Wiang. Dating back to 1432, this is an excellent, but little-visited temple showcasing exuberant Lanna-style at its best. Noteworthy are the colourful guardian statues, the elephants in the back and the "No Killing Area" admonition at the entrance.
• Wat Ming Meuang. Small temple housing the spirit of the city (ming meuang) in an exquisitely carved and decorated Lanna-style, almost Laotian wiharn.
• Wat Phra Kaew. Beautiful Buddhist temple famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand. According to legend, the statue was (re)discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a chedi (stupa) on the grounds, cracking it open and revealing the Buddha inside. The temple grounds are lush with greenery and house a compact but excellent two-story air conditioned museum, with a near-exact replica (1mm shorter!) of the Emerald Buddha. The original is now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, on the grounds of the Royal Palace.

• Wat Phra Sing, +66 53 745038. Used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. Like Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple now houses a replica instead. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. free.

• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, +66 53 716055. Contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The chedi containing the holy relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town.
• Wat Rhong Sua Ten. Called the Blue Temple, inspired by the White Temple.
• White Temple, +66 53 673579. Daily 08:00-18:00. This unique modern temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat starting in 1998. A beautiful white ordination hall, Phra Ubosot, is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures. A gable is decorated with a gable apex, a leaf-shaped gable-edging, in the shapes of Phya Naga, dragon and mythical creatures, which are entirely made of white stucco. There are viharn, small hall for recitation surrounding the ordination hall, museum and reception pavilion. The gallery exhibits paintings of Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Work on the temple continues, and it is not expected to be completed for the next few decades. The temple and its closer surrounding area could not be entered due to some damages causes by an earthquake in April 2014. Access was restored in March 2015, although damage is still visible on some parts of the temple. Foreigners: 50 baht to enter the prayer hall (ubosot) and 50 baht for the art hall.

Chiang Rai First Church. Built in 1914 at PratuSiri corner. It's Presbyterian.

Munniti Chiang Rai. Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist temple, a rare sight in Theraveda Buddhist Thailand. There is a Shan house nearby. And on the road to Pattaya Noi is a temple dedicated to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy featuring a large statue. In the Ban Kheck area is another Goddess of Mercy temple.

Wat Klong Wiang. Dating back to 1432, this is an excellent, but little-visited temple showcasing exuberant Lanna-style at its best. Noteworthy are the colourful guardian statues, the elephants in the back and the "No Killing Area" admonition at the entrance.

Wat Ming Meuang. Small temple housing the spirit of the city (ming meuang) in an exquisitely carved and decorated Lanna-style, almost Laotian wiharn.

Wat Phra Kaew. Beautiful Buddhist temple famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand. According to legend, the statue was (re)discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a chedi (stupa) on the grounds, cracking it open and revealing the Buddha inside. The temple grounds are lush with greenery and house a compact but excellent two-story air conditioned museum, with a near-exact replica (1mm shorter!) of the Emerald Buddha. The original is now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, on the grounds of the Royal Palace.

Wat Phra Sing, +66 53 745038. Used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. Like Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple now houses a replica instead. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. free.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, +66 53 716055. Contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The chedi containing the holy relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town.

Wat Rhong Sua Ten. Called the Blue Temple, inspired by the White Temple.

White Temple, +66 53 673579. Daily 08:00-18:00. This unique modern temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat starting in 1998. A beautiful white ordination hall, Phra Ubosot, is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures. A gable is decorated with a gable apex, a leaf-shaped gable-edging, in the shapes of Phya Naga, dragon and mythical creatures, which are entirely made of white stucco. There are viharn, small hall for recitation surrounding the ordination hall, museum and reception pavilion. The gallery exhibits paintings of Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Work on the temple continues, and it is not expected to be completed for the next few decades. The temple and its closer surrounding area could not be entered due to some damages causes by an earthquake in April 2014. Access was restored in March 2015, although damage is still visible on some parts of the temple. Foreigners: 50 baht to enter the prayer hall (ubosot) and 50 baht for the art hall.

• Central Plaza Movie Theatre. A movie theatre showing English-language movies.
• Crouching Lion Hill. On its west end there's a Buddha Cave and a pleasant picnic/park area. Close to its east end, there's a 3-chambered cave, and each chamber has a natural skylight at its apex. The largest chamber is as big as a basketball court and as high as a large tree. Trekkers can hike right through the hill from the river side (south) to the road side (north). Volunteers from nearby Boomerang Park have kept the south entrance path clear of weeds, and have cut a new path leading from the north opening to the road below. The hill also hosts the area's largest fig tree, halfway along the hill on the river side, with bright red figs adorning its stout branches in the summertime.
• Frisbee Golf. 9-hole (or 9-basket) disk golf course, no cost. Frisbees provided. At same site are twin 160 m zip lines.
• Golf. There are two high-class golf courses east of Chiang Rai. Santiburi is 10 km east of the town and Waterford Valley is 35 km northeast of the town. In town there are two 9-hole courses: the army course that you find close to Mae Fa Luang Bridge and The Old Airport course, which also has a driving range. You can find golf instructors for hire there.
• Chiang Rai Beach. The 130 km long Kok River (แม่น้ำกก) flows through Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Beach lies on the banks of this river and is a popular picnic spot in summer. Longtail boat cruises can be made from town to travel along both sides of lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hill tribe villages of the Akha, Lisu, Lahu and Karen. Elephant rides are available to see the surrounding area. For more information, contact C.R. Pier Tel: +66 53 750009. Another river route starts from Thaton in Chiang Mai Province going north to Chiang Rai. The trip takes about four hours. Bamboo raft trips take 3 days and 2 nights. Contact Thaton Boat Club Tel: +66 53 459427, Thip Travel Tel: +66 53 459312.
• Prataap Jai. This three-storey shop aims to be a place "where cultures align", offering a number of affordable activities in both English and Thai: bilingual movie nights, open mic nights, yoga, monthly art exhibitions and workshops.
• Rock Climbing. Some free crags for the adventuresome, though they're mostly vine covered. There are also some cliffs at Boomerang Park with at least two dozen routes, all skill levels, which have been cleared of vines and debris and fixed with sturdy top rope anchors. Free outdoor activities for all ages.
• Trekking. Organise a trekking tour to the hill-tribes. Various companies in the area can organise this.
• Wanna Farm. An interesting place, the farm has ostriches which you can feed or ride for 100 baht. It has a low-quality midway section with old country fair games to play. Offers camping and other activities as well.
• Waterfalls and Hot Springs. Kun Korn is a 70 m waterfall about 15 km south of town. Take a right at the wooden sign of the same name. Take the scenic windy road to its end. A smaller set of waterfalls is northwest of town at Mae Sai hill tribe village (not the border town of the same name). There's also a hill tribe museum at that village. Yet another pair of rather large waterfalls is west of the town at an Akha village. Go west from town, along the south side of the river, for about 19 km, and look for signs which lead you left into steep hills. Pong Phra Bat Hot Springs: Take Hwy 1 north out of Chiang Rai, to the first village (Bandu). Turn left just after the big market on the highway. Go about 5 km. If you continue on that road to its end, you get to Pong Prabat Waterfall, which is a year-round stream winding through a very nice forest. Another hot springs is Pha Soet, near the river. It's on a winding road going directly west out of town, which parallels the river, about 29 km. Huai Hin Fon Hot Springs and nearby waterfall are 7.5 km west of Mae Chan, on the south side of the road.

• Lychee Fair. Held around mid-May every year. There is a float competition, lychee beauty contest, and booths of many local products at the Chiang Rai provincial stadium.
• Solar Fair. Hosted by Boomerang Park, showcases products and services related to alternative power, organic farming and alternative building.
• Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival, +66 53 711612. Held 23 Jan–1 Feb. See the Buang Suang worshipping ceremony which commemorates Phokhun Mengrai Maharat. The fair is organised by Chiang Rai Province.

Lychee Fair. Held around mid-May every year. There is a float competition, lychee beauty contest, and booths of many local products at the Chiang Rai provincial stadium.

Solar Fair. Hosted by Boomerang Park, showcases products and services related to alternative power, organic farming and alternative building.

Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival, +66 53 711612. Held 23 Jan–1 Feb. See the Buang Suang worshipping ceremony which commemorates Phokhun Mengrai Maharat. The fair is organised by Chiang Rai Province.

Central Plaza Movie Theatre. A movie theatre showing English-language movies.

Crouching Lion Hill. On its west end there's a Buddha Cave and a pleasant picnic/park area. Close to its east end, there's a 3-chambered cave, and each chamber has a natural skylight at its apex. The largest chamber is as big as a basketball court and as high as a large tree. Trekkers can hike right through the hill from the river side (south) to the road side (north). Volunteers from nearby Boomerang Park have kept the south entrance path clear of weeds, and have cut a new path leading from the north opening to the road below. The hill also hosts the area's largest fig tree, halfway along the hill on the river side, with bright red figs adorning its stout branches in the summertime.

Frisbee Golf. 9-hole (or 9-basket) disk golf course, no cost. Frisbees provided. At same site are twin 160 m zip lines.

Golf. There are two high-class golf courses east of Chiang Rai. Santiburi is 10 km east of the town and Waterford Valley is 35 km northeast of the town. In town there are two 9-hole courses: the army course that you find close to Mae Fa Luang Bridge and The Old Airport course, which also has a driving range. You can find golf instructors for hire there.

Chiang Rai Beach. The 130 km long Kok River (แม่น้ำกก) flows through Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Beach lies on the banks of this river and is a popular picnic spot in summer. Longtail boat cruises can be made from town to travel along both sides of lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hill tribe villages of the Akha, Lisu, Lahu and Karen. Elephant rides are available to see the surrounding area. For more information, contact C.R. Pier Tel: +66 53 750009. Another river route starts from Thaton in Chiang Mai Province going north to Chiang Rai. The trip takes about four hours. Bamboo raft trips take 3 days and 2 nights. Contact Thaton Boat Club Tel: +66 53 459427, Thip Travel Tel: +66 53 459312.

Prataap Jai. This three-storey shop aims to be a place "where cultures align", offering a number of affordable activities in both English and Thai: bilingual movie nights, open mic nights, yoga, monthly art exhibitions and workshops.

Rock Climbing. Some free crags for the adventuresome, though they're mostly vine covered. There are also some cliffs at Boomerang Park with at least two dozen routes, all skill levels, which have been cleared of vines and debris and fixed with sturdy top rope anchors. Free outdoor activities for all ages.

Trekking. Organise a trekking tour to the hill-tribes. Various companies in the area can organise this.

Wanna Farm. An interesting place, the farm has ostriches which you can feed or ride for 100 baht. It has a low-quality midway section with old country fair games to play. Offers camping and other activities as well.

Waterfalls and Hot Springs. Kun Korn is a 70 m waterfall about 15 km south of town. Take a right at the wooden sign of the same name. Take the scenic windy road to its end. A smaller set of waterfalls is northwest of town at Mae Sai hill tribe village (not the border town of the same name). There's also a hill tribe museum at that village. Yet another pair of rather large waterfalls is west of the town at an Akha village. Go west from town, along the south side of the river, for about 19 km, and look for signs which lead you left into steep hills. Pong Phra Bat Hot Springs: Take Hwy 1 north out of Chiang Rai, to the first village (Bandu). Turn left just after the big market on the highway. Go about 5 km. If you continue on that road to its end, you get to Pong Prabat Waterfall, which is a year-round stream winding through a very nice forest. Another hot springs is Pha Soet, near the river. It's on a winding road going directly west out of town, which parallels the river, about 29 km. Huai Hin Fon Hot Springs and nearby waterfall are 7.5 km west of Mae Chan, on the south side of the road.

The north of Thailand has its own distinctive art and crafts including bronze casting, carving, mulberry paper, Buddha images, and sign painting. Local handmade items popular with tourists are clay charcoal stoves, tea sets, brooms and dust pans, and umbrellas for shade and decoration.

• Central Plaza. Central Plaza is Chiang Rai's mall. It is 4 storeys tall and has cinema which shows English-language films. It is located across the highway from Big C and is connected by a pedestrian bridge. Big C has a number of small shops surrounding it and acts as a mini mall. Both Big C and Central Plaza have food courts.
• Morning Market. In the morning there is a good market in Chiang Rai that sells a lot of good local foods meaning you get a real feel for the place.
• Night Bazaar & Food Court. 7PM-10PM. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Rd and the bus station. Everything on display from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching, even pets. The hill tribes old coins, high quality needlework and very fine quilted bedspreads.
• Saturday Walking Street. 18:00-22:00. The market is 4 blocks long with a attached food area with music near the east end.
• Sunday Walking Street. Though slightly smaller than the Saturday Market, the Sankhongnoi Happy Street features more performances and cultural activities.

Central Plaza. Central Plaza is Chiang Rai's mall. It is 4 storeys tall and has cinema which shows English-language films. It is located across the highway from Big C and is connected by a pedestrian bridge. Big C has a number of small shops surrounding it and acts as a mini mall. Both Big C and Central Plaza have food courts.

Morning Market. In the morning there is a good market in Chiang Rai that sells a lot of good local foods meaning you get a real feel for the place.

Night Bazaar & Food Court. 7PM-10PM. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Rd and the bus station. Everything on display from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching, even pets. The hill tribes old coins, high quality needlework and very fine quilted bedspreads.

Saturday Walking Street. 18:00-22:00. The market is 4 blocks long with a attached food area with music near the east end.

Sunday Walking Street. Though slightly smaller than the Saturday Market, the Sankhongnoi Happy Street features more performances and cultural activities.

The staple diet of local people consists of sticky rice (glutinous rice) which is rolled into balls and served in small handmade bamboo containers. The rice is served steamed and some add sweeteners for a dessert rice. Typical main dishes in the area are dishes of curried chicken or shrimp and particularly kaeng khanun (spicy jackfruit curry), kaeng yuak (banana stalk curry), sai ua (grilled pork sausage), and Yunnan cuisine and Burmese rice noodles. Khao soi is a noodle dish with chicken stock and chicken that is also popular. Nam ngiao is a traditional noodle dish with chicken or pork.

There is lots of good food in Chiang Rai, but most tourists seem to end up eating at the Night Bazaar. There are two separate places to eat here: "Centrepoint", run by a single restaurant with a Western-Thai menu and comparatively high prices (dishes 100-200 baht), and then the "actual" night bazaar food court (dishes 30-100 baht). Both have free music and dance performances almost nightly. Centrepoint has comfortable wooden furniture while the food court uses rather ugly yellow metal tables and chairs. While there are over 50 food stalls to choose from, the fare on offer is mostly quite touristy, with food toned down for the farang palate. About half the stalls seem to be devoted to selling deep-fried stuff (fritters, French fries, tempura) to accompany beer. There are also a few non-Thai stalls, offering Italian, Indian, German, plus the obligatory insect stall for creepy-crawly cravings.

• Chiang Rai Beach. During the day or the early evening is an excellent spot. There are around 20 cafes and restaurants overlooking the Mae Kok River. Bring your dictionary with you for there are no English menus to be found.
• Coconut Bar. Has good vegetarian options including a good vegetable stew and a chili-sin-carne.
• Crêpe corner (Boon Bun Dan Inn), 1019/69 Jed Yod Soi 3, +66 83 4707755. 08:00-21:00. Inexpensive French crêpes & galettes (80-110 baht) and Thai food. Breakfast starts at 50 baht for muesli to 110 baht for American breakfast. Served by a lovely Thai lady. 45-130 baht.
• LuLum ChiangRai, 188/8 Moo 20. Thai food.
• Muang Thong Restaurant. Delicious Chinese food, very popular with locals.
• Nam Ngiao Pa Suk, 197 Sankhongnoi Rd. 09:00-15:00. Very popular lunch spot with locals. Serves Nam Ngio, a great noodle soup/curry from northern Thailand for 35 bahts (May 2017). No english menu and very little english spoken.
• Nakhon Pathom. Famous khao moo deng (rice with red sauteed pork, or as shown on the menu: rice with BBQ pork, 30 baht) tastes best at this big Chinese restaurant. Big cold coffee machines attract the locals to having lunch there.
• Phetburi, Banphaprakan Rd. Local curry-and-rice restaurant. Just pick your favorites from the display. Ratburi, right next door, is very similar. Under 50 baht for a full meal.

• Khao Soi Phor Jai, Jet Yod Rd 1023/2 (Opposite Wangcome Hotel. 07:00-16:00. Famous for its khao soi (ข้าวซอย) (Shan-style chicken curry with noodles 40 baht May 2017) and other northern dishes like special northern Thai sausage (25 baht) and nam phrik num (dip made of aubergine and peppers). No English sign or menu, but some English spoken.
• Tong Tung Restaurant. Serves northern Thai food. Their kaeng hung lay curry is recommended.

Chiang Rai Beach. During the day or the early evening is an excellent spot. There are around 20 cafes and restaurants overlooking the Mae Kok River. Bring your dictionary with you for there are no English menus to be found.

Coconut Bar. Has good vegetarian options including a good vegetable stew and a chili-sin-carne.

Crêpe corner (Boon Bun Dan Inn), 1019/69 Jed Yod Soi 3, +66 83 4707755. 08:00-21:00. Inexpensive French crêpes & galettes (80-110 baht) and Thai food. Breakfast starts at 50 baht for muesli to 110 baht for American breakfast. Served by a lovely Thai lady. 45-130 baht.

LuLum ChiangRai, 188/8 Moo 20. Thai food.

Muang Thong Restaurant. Delicious Chinese food, very popular with locals.

Nam Ngiao Pa Suk, 197 Sankhongnoi Rd. 09:00-15:00. Very popular lunch spot with locals. Serves Nam Ngio, a great noodle soup/curry from northern Thailand for 35 bahts (May 2017). No english menu and very little english spoken.

Nakhon Pathom. Famous khao moo deng (rice with red sauteed pork, or as shown on the menu: rice with BBQ pork, 30 baht) tastes best at this big Chinese restaurant. Big cold coffee machines attract the locals to having lunch there.

Phetburi, Banphaprakan Rd. Local curry-and-rice restaurant. Just pick your favorites from the display. Ratburi, right next door, is very similar. Under 50 baht for a full meal.

Khao Soi Phor Jai, Jet Yod Rd 1023/2 (Opposite Wangcome Hotel. 07:00-16:00. Famous for its khao soi (ข้าวซอย) (Shan-style chicken curry with noodles 40 baht May 2017) and other northern dishes like special northern Thai sausage (25 baht) and nam phrik num (dip made of aubergine and peppers). No English sign or menu, but some English spoken.

Tong Tung Restaurant. Serves northern Thai food. Their kaeng hung lay curry is recommended.

• Aye's Restaurant. Great restaurant, serving both European and Thai quality food. From German schnitzels and English breakfast to traditional Thai food. There's a nice atmosphere and a live music every night. Onion soup, 150 baht.
• Coffee P2. Nice coffee shop. Their food is organic and they grow their own hydroponic lettuce. They also have delicious steaks and good pastries. You can also get a beer.
• Doi Chang. A popular coffee shop that is usually packed. The owner has been steadily increasing his prices, but still the farang come. Their coffee is pretty famous in Thailand and they have a nice cross section of Western and Middle Eastern food.
• Hungry Wolf's, +66 94 717 6165. W-M 11:00 - 21:30. Excellent authentic American food including pizzas (they have 25-inch pizzas), burgers, pastas, wings, salads, etc., which they also deliver. Have a large beer selection and draught beer. The owners are American and Australian.
• Ingfa. A vast menu of Thai and Western food including pizzas. Their hamburger are amongst the best in Chiang Rai.
• Muang Thong. Open air Chinese restaurant selling good quality, clean Chinese food at low prices. No website, no email, no English sign, though some English spoken. Just tasty food. from 80 baht a plate.
• The North. Specialises in homemade northern-style food. Here you can find northern Thai sausage, kaeng hunglay (northern pork curry) and a variety of northern-style dishes made by the mother of the owner. Their family recipes give you a real taste of northern cuisine.
• Oasis. Till 20:00. A vegetarian restaurant serving delicious meals.
• Rico's. This is the place to be if you're over an older farang who likes to play golf: there is a lively expat community of retirees. Plenty of Western food (including pizzas) and a nice drink selection. Also Rico is very friendly and spends most of his time hanging out, he'll probably come say hi if he sees you.
• Siam Corner, Jet Yod Rd. Very good Thai food, some Western dishes also.
• Yoddoi Coffee & Tea, +66 84 209 9529. 08:00-21:00. Organic coffee & tea coming from nearby Doi Chan hill tribes, to have on the spot or to buy in small packages. Food consists of homemade bagels, burgers, salads, crepes, etc., served on banana leaves. They sell bottles of flower honey, shampoo. Cosy with walls and ceiling covered with bamboo mats for more authenticity. Friendly & smiling manager who speaks great English.

Aye's Restaurant. Great restaurant, serving both European and Thai quality food. From German schnitzels and English breakfast to traditional Thai food. There's a nice atmosphere and a live music every night. Onion soup, 150 baht.

Coffee P2. Nice coffee shop. Their food is organic and they grow their own hydroponic lettuce. They also have delicious steaks and good pastries. You can also get a beer.

Doi Chang. A popular coffee shop that is usually packed. The owner has been steadily increasing his prices, but still the farang come. Their coffee is pretty famous in Thailand and they have a nice cross section of Western and Middle Eastern food.

Hungry Wolf's, +66 94 717 6165. W-M 11:00 - 21:30. Excellent authentic American food including pizzas (they have 25-inch pizzas), burgers, pastas, wings, salads, etc., which they also deliver. Have a large beer selection and draught beer. The owners are American and Australian.

Ingfa. A vast menu of Thai and Western food including pizzas. Their hamburger are amongst the best in Chiang Rai.

Muang Thong. Open air Chinese restaurant selling good quality, clean Chinese food at low prices. No website, no email, no English sign, though some English spoken. Just tasty food. from 80 baht a plate.

The North. Specialises in homemade northern-style food. Here you can find northern Thai sausage, kaeng hunglay (northern pork curry) and a variety of northern-style dishes made by the mother of the owner. Their family recipes give you a real taste of northern cuisine.

Oasis. Till 20:00. A vegetarian restaurant serving delicious meals.

Rico's. This is the place to be if you're over an older farang who likes to play golf: there is a lively expat community of retirees. Plenty of Western food (including pizzas) and a nice drink selection. Also Rico is very friendly and spends most of his time hanging out, he'll probably come say hi if he sees you.

Siam Corner, Jet Yod Rd. Very good Thai food, some Western dishes also.

Yoddoi Coffee & Tea, +66 84 209 9529. 08:00-21:00. Organic coffee & tea coming from nearby Doi Chan hill tribes, to have on the spot or to buy in small packages. Food consists of homemade bagels, burgers, salads, crepes, etc., served on banana leaves. They sell bottles of flower honey, shampoo. Cosy with walls and ceiling covered with bamboo mats for more authenticity. Friendly & smiling manager who speaks great English.

• Cabbages and Condoms, 620/25 Thanalai Rd, +66 53 719167. Classy (if somewhat toned-down) Thai food in a chic setting, with condoms cropping up in all sorts of unexpected places. Profits go to support family planning and sex education in Thailand.

Cabbages and Condoms, 620/25 Thanalai Rd, +66 53 719167. Classy (if somewhat toned-down) Thai food in a chic setting, with condoms cropping up in all sorts of unexpected places. Profits go to support family planning and sex education in Thailand.

• Cat Bar, Jet Yod Rd. Jam sessions almost every day and a pool table.
• Easy Bar, Jet Yod Rd. Open all day. You can have a meal here, read the Bangkok Post, watch cable TV.
• Reggae Bar. 20:00-. Good variety of music and drinks. Later local farangs meet here.
• SiTSip Bar&Coffee House, +66 53 711800. The place is decorated in modern style. Serving drinks, food, snacks, and lots of cocktails.
• Teepee Bar, 542/4 Phaholyothin Rd. Great ambiance and an eclectic collection of artifacts, friendly staff, and fairly low-priced drinks. Also is a great place for pictures with rock-style wigs and guitars, and there is a good selection of music.
• Turntable Jazz Bar, the North Hotel, +66 53 719873,. A wide range of jazz records from the 40 year-old collection of the hotel’s Norwegian co-owner. Jazz-related books also. The bar offers cheap beer and drinks and a friendly atmosphere.

Cat Bar, Jet Yod Rd. Jam sessions almost every day and a pool table.

Easy Bar, Jet Yod Rd. Open all day. You can have a meal here, read the Bangkok Post, watch cable TV.

Reggae Bar. 20:00-. Good variety of music and drinks. Later local farangs meet here.

SiTSip Bar&Coffee House, +66 53 711800. The place is decorated in modern style. Serving drinks, food, snacks, and lots of cocktails.

Teepee Bar, 542/4 Phaholyothin Rd. Great ambiance and an eclectic collection of artifacts, friendly staff, and fairly low-priced drinks. Also is a great place for pictures with rock-style wigs and guitars, and there is a good selection of music.

Turntable Jazz Bar, the North Hotel, +66 53 719873,. A wide range of jazz records from the 40 year-old collection of the hotel’s Norwegian co-owner. Jazz-related books also. The bar offers cheap beer and drinks and a friendly atmosphere.

• Ban Chivit Mai Bakery. 08:00-19:00. Scandinavian style coffee shop / bakery and restaurant. Prices are high but go to BanChivitMai, an NGO helping local hill-tribe communities.
• Cat 'n' A Cup Cat Cafe, 430, Prasopsook Rd. 08:00-21:00. A bit on the expensive side (50-100 bahts) but great place to hang out for animal lovers. Very clean and the animals are well cared for.
• Oak & Awe Coffee Bar, Jetyod Rd. 09:00-22:30. Popular little cozy cafe. Serves also food and alcohol. Live music on Saturday night.

Ban Chivit Mai Bakery. 08:00-19:00. Scandinavian style coffee shop / bakery and restaurant. Prices are high but go to BanChivitMai, an NGO helping local hill-tribe communities.

Cat 'n' A Cup Cat Cafe, 430, Prasopsook Rd. 08:00-21:00. A bit on the expensive side (50-100 bahts) but great place to hang out for animal lovers. Very clean and the animals are well cared for.

Oak & Awe Coffee Bar, Jetyod Rd. 09:00-22:30. Popular little cozy cafe. Serves also food and alcohol. Live music on Saturday night.

It is possible to refill your empty water bottles with drinking water using these blue vending machines. One baht refills approximately one liter. Using one saves money and a lot of plastic waste.

• Water refill station on Jetyod Rd, Jet Yod Rd (Next to the laundry.
• Water refill station on Thanon Thaiviwat, Jet Yod Rd (In front of Reggae Home & Bar.
• Water refill station on Trirat Rd, Jet Yod Rd (Next to a side street near the intersection between Trirat Rd and Uttarakit Rd.

Water refill station on Jetyod Rd, Jet Yod Rd (Next to the laundry.

Water refill station on Thanon Thaiviwat, Jet Yod Rd (In front of Reggae Home & Bar.

Water refill station on Trirat Rd, Jet Yod Rd (Next to a side street near the intersection between Trirat Rd and Uttarakit Rd.

• Overbrook Hospital (semi-private) Founded in 1903 by Dr. William A. Briggs, as a missionary hospital.
• Kasemrad Sriburin General Hospital, Private hospital.
• Chiangrai Prachanukroh Hospital, Public hospital.
• Fort Mengraimaharaj Hospital, Military public hospital.
• Chiang Rai Inter Hospital, Private hospital.
• Bangkok Hospital - Chiang Rai, Private hospital by BDMS chain.

• The royal villas and mountaintop temple views at Doi Tung, you can hire a car with driver for about 1,600 baht for the day, plus fuel, and you go where you want to go.
• Visit Thailand's northernmost town at Mae Sai and pop across the border to Tachileik, Myanmar (no visa needed)
• The remnants of China's Kuomintang army, who now peddle tea instead of opium at Mae Salong
• Go northeast to the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet, and formerly a major opium-growing region
• Go east to Chiang Khong and cross the Mekong to Huay Xai, Laos
• Go south to Chiang Mai