Chiang Rai and Lampang Gay Resources and Travel Tips by Utopia Asia

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Travel & Resources: CHIANG RAI

Please help us keep these listings up-to-date. Special thanks to llz, klund324, HKFatBoy, oatmen, fwheby, ricci, williamhoo81, wart, oatmen and Bill!

Chiang Rai -- area code +66-53

Chiang Rai, gateway to the Golden Triangle, is a half-day’s drive (or short flight) from Chiang Mai. Along the way you’ll pass verdant mountain forests, emerald valleys, and electric green rice paddies. Several pristine National Parks are located along the way for hiking and appreciation of nature.

The city of Chiang Rai is pretty sleepy, but the night bazaar is a real slice-of-Thai-life and a good place to sample local food and entertainment. Phallic worshippers my wish to visit the rings of linga at Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong. And Wat Klang Wiang is a picture-perfect northern-style temple.

Most visitors use the city as home base for exploring nearby historic towns and natural wonders…

Drive up into the mountains to the tea plantations of Mae Salong. Here, farms perch dramatically on steep mountain faces and Hill Tribes people (Hmong, Ahka, Lisu, Mien) wander past in colorful traditional costume. Take a walk through the winding town and try some honey-flavored oolong teas at a shop. Also up in the mountains is the royal project, Doi Tung, with a museum, Botanical Garden and Hall of Opium detailing the history of poppy cultivation. At the top of the mountain is Wat Phra Tat Doi Tung, housing important Buddha relics and offering a panoramic view of the Thai/Myanmar border.

North of Chiang Rai is the border city of Mae Sai where tourists with passports can cross into Myanmar to shop in the exotic markets trading in goods from China and Burma.

Northeast is the charming town of Chiang Saen, a former 14th century capital, where boats from China dock to unload goods. This quiet little town has grown up around the ancient city walls and red brick ruins, many in excellent shape and a treat for fans of lost ancient cities.