Should I Visit Chiang Rai?

[xenophanes]

What is there to do and see in Chiang Rai? As an expat living in Chiang Mai, I am considering a short holiday in CR but have no idea what is on offer. Any help would be hugely appreciated so thank you in advance for any ideas.

[Limbo]

What is there to do and see in Chiang Rai? As an expat living in Chiang Mai, I am considering a short holiday in CR but have no idea what is on offer. Any help would be hugely appreciated so thank you in advance for any ideas.

Just read this forum and you will find answers to all your questions.

There are 41 pages with each about twenty topics about Chiang Rai.

Good luck!

Limbo

Edited August 15, 2009 by Limbo

[lukamar]

If you like CMai you will love CRai. It's like CM was 20 years ago, sort of.

[topben]

What is there to do and see in Chiang Rai? As an expat living in Chiang Mai, I am considering a short holiday in CR but have no idea what is on offer. Any help would be hugely appreciated so thank you in advance for any ideas.

catch the early mornings market fairs - several to choose from. down a couple of the local concoctions of herbal brews with a few sticks of locally made b-b-q steaks roasting over a fire like marshmallows would back in the west. visit the surrounding temples and talk to the locals or farangs who work there. banking problems? none whatsoever. atms all over. prices? cm is more expensive for sure then here. visit the hilltribes with a guide or diy with a rented bike. a very cosy hotel - in fact , several - overlooking the northern panaroma is available. in short, in chiangrai, the hills are live if you look out for it. the airport is not too far out too. the bus terminal? the main one is smack right in town - it is also where you see the full colors of northern thailand away from those you see in cm which is a bit sadly over-commercialised. the authentic experience is what you get in chiangrai - the rustic charm included with a very very low crime rate against farangs - an essential point of consideration for a good holiday in thailand these days. bon voyage!

Edited August 15, 2009 by topben

[goski]

In a tourist/holiday perspective that is a slightly too positive picture of Chiang Rai. Basically it is the same as Chiang Mai with markets, hill tribes, and trekking extravaganza but just less. Chiang Rai city itself doesn't offer much to the general tourist, even less for a person already living in Thailand. Prices in town are not much different from Bangkok even with the exception that if it's cheaper it's not as good. Nightlife is non existent if you are looking for something with more style than hillbilly discos.

For a get away holiday trip on the other hand Chiang Rai has a bit to offer. No hustle and bustle with a relaxing atmosphere. It's a great base for doing short trips around the countryside which is recommended. Depending on your taste there are a few alternatives which easily can be reached by car or even motorbike. As opposed to Chiang Mai there are no sky high buildings and there is a genuine feel even though that's the same as any suburb or village outside of Chiang Mai. A higher level of friendliness from locals is guaranteed for the time being so that's nice too.

I recommend going if you consider a few trips to different spots that will certainly enhance the experience.

[brahmburgers]

.....depends on what sorts of things you like to do.

if you like modest treks near town, there are several. Same for mostly-level bicycle rides that meander thru the countryside - though local tourist outfits won't know about it. Instead, the tourist tour businesses want to put farang in minivans and bus them to the White Temple (yawn) and the Golden Triangle (longer yawn).

Recently, there are also half day motorbike treks - west and NW of town that have the feel of modest explorations. If you have a good sense of direction, you probably won't get lost. If you get lost, well.... that could be the highlight of your frolicking in Thailand.

[bsacbob]

In a tourist/holiday perspective that is a slightly too positive picture of Chiang Rai. Basically it is the same as Chiang Mai with markets, hill tribes, and trekking extravaganza but just less. Chiang Rai city itself doesn't offer much to the general tourist, even less for a person already living in Thailand. Prices in town are not much different from Bangkok even with the exception that if it's cheaper it's not as good. Nightlife is non existent if you are looking for something with more style than hillbilly discos.

For a get away holiday trip on the other hand Chiang Rai has a bit to offer. No hustle and bustle with a relaxing atmosphere. It's a great base for doing short trips around the countryside which is recommended. Depending on your taste there are a few alternatives which easily can be reached by car or even motorbike. As opposed to Chiang Mai there are no sky high buildings and there is a genuine feel even though that's the same as any suburb or village outside of Chiang Mai. A higher level of friendliness from locals is guaranteed for the time being so that's nice too.

I recommend going if you consider a few trips to different spots that will certainly enhance the experience.

"for the time being"

Goski do you know something we don't, are we about to be pillaged and raped by gangs of marauding old ladies or better still young one's ???

By the way are you back yet

[xenophanes]

Well, all of your kind, well informed and comprenesive replies have convinced me that CR is blessed with a most civilised and generous group of ex-pats. Thank you so much for all the time and trouble you put into these posts which have definitely persuaded me to jump into the jalopy and drive to your city for a break and change of scenery.

Once again, a million thanks to you all.

[goski]

Good choice.

And Bob, not yet. Leaving Monday so I better start packing.

[bsacbob]

Good choice.

And Bob, not yet. Leaving Monday so I better start packing.

Look forward to seeing you to give you my updates, can you bring me back something Sweden is famous for, and i don't mean ABBA cd's

Will that mean same as last year but in a bigger box !!!!

[RubbaJohnny]

"please dont its full horrid snowing and we dont want coach loads of falangs unless they open casino big lucky

Main tribe fat falang is all sold to AIS pylons

Handicrafts to Chatuchak and wildlife to restaurants

Also v cheap cold 22degrees brrr

Not enough western bars bombs drugs thieves or golf to attract proper travellers

Try Brisbane instead or if prefer more culture Haad Yai"

2rism offiz jangwat C Lie

[mcgriffith]

"please dont its full horrid snowing and we dont want coach loads of falangs unless they open casino big lucky

Main tribe fat falang is all sold to AIS pylons

Handicrafts to Chatuchak and wildlife to restaurants

Also v cheap cold 22degrees brrr

Not enough western bars bombs drugs thieves or golf to attract proper travellers

Try Brisbane instead or if prefer more culture Haad Yai"

2rism offiz jangwat C Lie

James Joyce "Ulysses" reborn?

Dubliner gone troppo?

[sceadugenga]

He was unjustly jailed on another board for his fine usage of the English language.

[changgarden]

Of course you should visit Chiang Rai.

As to nightlife, there maybe is not much, but surely you will find nothing like TeePee bar anywhere.

Naturally I am prejudiced, I live her for almost 3 years now and still love it. Friendly atmosphere, beautiful nature and enough to experience.

Especially the smaller scale of things is a plus to my opinion, the trails are not so trampled yet if you dare to go beyond the obvious like Golden Triangle and Wat Rong Khun.

For a nice get-a-way why not come to us? Stay in your own private bungalow for the price of a hotel room. (chang-garden) If you come with child the best place to stay. Get in tough and we will make you a special offer.