Suggested Chiang Rai Itineraries
Chiang Rai is a very small town. You can see most of the sights of the city in one day. The town's main attraction is as a base for exploring the far north. Here are some suggestions for a short visit to Chiang Rai:
- Day 1 - City Tour
- Start at Wat Prathat Doi Tong,
proceed to Wat Ngam Muang,
then on to Wat Phra Kaeo.
A side-trip to the town's market can make an interesting diversion.
Move on to Wat Phra Singh,
and then down to Wat Kland Wiang.
If you've still got energy, you might also visit the Hill-tribe Museum. - Day 2 - Golden Triangle
- A visit to the Golden triangle is the reason most people come to the far north. There isn't a lot to see or do at the triangle itself, so most day trips to the area take in either the border town of Mae Sai or the ancient city of Chiang Saen.
Day Trips
You can generally book day trips to the Golden Triangle through hotel tour desks, or independent travel agents in town. In addition to the Golden Triangle, other popular trips include Doi Tung and a visit to hill-tribe villages.
Of course, the best way to ensure that you get the trip you want, and with a reputable tour operator, is to book in advance through an online agency such Viator, which offers a range of half-day and full day tours around Chiang Rai province. The following trips are currently available out of Chiang Rai:
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Private Tour: Hill Tribes and the Golden Triangle Duration: 8 hours | $ 56.26 |
Start your full-day excursion to Mae Chan to visit the Yao and the Akha hilltribe villages. Your private guide offers you greater flexibility and a more exclusive experience. Drive on to Mae Sai, the farthermost northern border between Thailand and Burma, with its bustling market place. Buffet lunch is served. Drive on to the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos convene, Visit the Opium Museum. Continue to the old city of Chiang Saen, dating back to A.D.1260 and set on the steep banks of the Mekhong river, opposite to Laos. Witness some magnificent ancient ruins and temples. Return to your hotel. | ||
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Private Tour: Elephant Adventure, Hilltribes and Mae Kok River Trip Duration: 6 hours | $ 71.84 |
The Mae Kok River, 80 miles long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle-tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. The many hilltribes who inhabit the area have long trudged the mountain passes between Northern Thailand and their home villages in Burma and China. Each tribe is district, with its own culture, religion, language, art, and dress and on today's journey you will have the opportunity to meet an array of cultures. First on this private tour you will leave the hotel for Mae Kok boat trip by long-tail boat to the Karen Hilltribe Village, where you start two hours elephant trekking up and down hill into the woods, to a Yao Hilltribe Village. Lunch will be provided and your private guide can give you a greater insight into today's touring. After lunch visit Yao and Akha Hilltribes, both fascinating people. Then trek to a waterfall, where you can swim and take a short rest. Return to your hotel, enroute visit Chiang Rai Handicrafts Center. | ||
