Chiang Rai Tours, Vacation Packages & Travel Experiences
Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is located north of Chiang Mai and is a good centre from which to visit the Golden Triangle border region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos merge. Although not particularly large and reasonably quiet, it has a wealth of historical and cultural sites worth visiting on a Thailand vacation. The visitor will notice a considerable number of temples here. The most important include Wat Phra Kaeo which is known for having been the place where the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous statues, was kept in the 14th Century and which is now in Bangkok. There is a replica in the adjoining museum. Another is the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) which, although only built in 1998, is architecturally beautiful. One of the halls of the temple is decorated with solver mirrors together with large murals of Buddha in different poses. The Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong Temple contains what is believed to be the oldest holy relic in Chiang Mai. One more important temple is Wat Phra Singh, one of Chiang Rai’s oldest temples built in 1385. It contains a chapel with a footprint of Buddha.
Chiang Rai also has some excellent museums. The Baan Dam Museum consists of 40 small black houses made of different materials in various unique styles. Inside are collections of paintings sculptures and silver and gold items. Several of the houses contain Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya Period (1351–1767. The Cultural Hall has an enormous statue of King Mongkut at the main entrance. Inside are collections of prehistoric tools, t medieval cannons, ancient pottery, and ancient scripts. An interesting museum is the Hill Tribe Museum which highlights the culture of local indigenous people including their lifestyle, housing, tools, utensils, and hunting equipment. The museum operates tours to their outlying villages.
Other attractions in Chiang Rai on Thailand tours include the Saturday Walking Street, an excellent night market with exotic snacks, handicrafts made by the hill tribes and locally made clothes. With the many food stalls in the market, you can have dinner here. The Mae Fa Luang Cultural Park is a pretty park with attractive pavilions and lakes. Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park has the highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai. There are nature walks along trails.
Chiang Rai, Thailand
3 Trips Available
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Chiang Mai & Chiang Rai Explorer
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Discover the temples, hill tribes, and night markets of Northern Thailand on this journey to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. During your week-long vacation, you’ll delve into Chiang Mai’s culinary scene, visit the Golden Triangle at the borders with Laos and Myanmar, and meet with hill tribe villagers in the countryside.- Duration:
- 7 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Active & Adventurous, Private Experiences, Tailor-made Travel Ideas
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Northern Mekong River Cruise: Thailand & Laos
FIRST-CLASS | CRUISE: Float through one of the world’s most laid back countries on this Mekong River cruise. Set out from Chiang Rai and let the lifestyle and local culture of Laos seduce you.- Duration:
- 8 Days
- Prices From:
- US$ 2,457
- Trip Type:
- Cruises & Sailing, Small Group Touring
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Thai Ancient Kingdoms: River Kwai, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai & More
FIRST-CLASS | PRIVATE-GUIDED: Travel through the heart of old Siam on this Thailand tour that emphasises the cultural aspects of this ancient kingdom. You’ll also explore the history of the River Kwai, old Sukhothai, and Chiang Mai.- Duration:
- 9 Days
- Prices:
- On request
- Trip Type:
- Bucket List Travel Ideas, Private Experiences
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