Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai has become popular, but not quite over-run, among tourists looking for something of the old Thailand. Of course, Chiang Rai has only been a part of Thailand for a few hundred years, and only became a province less than a hundred years ago, in 1910.

The sights of Chiang Rai are often visited on a day-trip from Chiang Mai, but we would highly recommend a one or two-night stay in Chiang Rai town. Tours from Chiang Mai often skip the sights of the city, and it does have something different to offer.

The main attraction for tourists is the so-called Golden Triangle, where opium was once grown in abundance. However, those expecting a 'wild-west' atmosphere will be disappointed. What you will find are temples over 1,000 years old and small towns that aren't too spoiled by western tourism.