Hey there!

I've just moved to Mae Sai to start my new job, and after my first pay next week, looks like I'll be hitting up Chiang Rai on the weekends to look for fun - just wondered if anyone could give me any tips etc?

Firstly, cool bars and suchlike? I've heard a lot of good things about Peace Bar - as a kind of hipster type myself, sounds like a definite good call first off. Also, where's good to rent a motorbike

I'd also like to know where's good to pick up girls and otherwise? I'm bi-sexual so I'm very into ladyboys - amongst other conquests, I've picked up three during my time here, and when I was in Lop Buri, had an on-off ladyboy girlfriend.

Lastly, where's good to rent a motorbike in order to drive around, check out waterfalls and the like - I'm very keen to do this, after hearing some people say they actually prefer Chiang Rai to Pai for this kind of thing - quite something, as so far, Pai has been my favorite place in Thailand.

Any tips/pointers would be massively appreciated!

Johnno xx

P.S. If anyone could also tell me where other teachers and long-term residents hang out, that would also be awesome though again, kind of guessing Peace Bar might be a good place to start.

While it is my understanding that we have represented in Chiang Rai every sexual proclivity one might imagine, I doubt any of them would want to out themselves on this forum. Good luck anyway and perhaps you will get some private messages from likeminded individuals.

One of the most honest introduction posts in awhile and funny how so many are hiding, not willing to say welcome

Welcome to the fourm JohnnoGaGa

I am sure you will have a better time if you spend your weekends in ChiangMai. More choice there.

Looks like Jedyod road would be the place for you to venture off to. (Adjacent the main Clock Tower) Probably find everything that you are looking for. The area is popular amongst the many expats that frequent the strip type venues. Don't be alarmed if you see them trying to maintain a low profile.555 The 69 Bar rents motorbikes along with several other places in area, just ask around. As far as the Ladyboy population, you hit the jackpot. You will find many at all the Disco's and some of the bars on Jedyod road. Welcome to Chiang Rai, at least you are a honest chap. Happy Hunting........

Welcome to Chiang Rai JohnnoGAGA and good luck not only whit your weekends but your hole future here.

Hi John,

If you’re looking for farang bars then Jetyod road in CR city is possibly your best bet, but I couldn’t say whether the customers are mainly residents or tourists. There are also a couple of motorbike rental shops on Jetyod rd.

<snip>

Re meeting ladyboys, well down my way there are ladyboys working in 7/11s, Tescos, banks, builders’ merchants, restaurants, salons – you name it. One of my nearby villages has a ladyboy president, and why not?

Re where do teachers and other expats hang out, that’s a good question – probably mostly on internet forums. Many live out of town with their partners and don’t socialise much face to face with other farangs, probably no bad thing given the regular flare-ups and tantrums on these forums.

Anyway, Good luck!

Ahh excellent news, thanks for the info everyone - and for the welcoming!

Yeah after asking around I'm reliably informed that Chiang Rai has been described as the ladyboy capital of the country - not the reason I moved here, but it's a massive bonus knowing that

Mainly, from what I've seen Chiang Rai is a beautiful place, even more so than Pai in terms of waterfalls, hot springs, cool hippie types to meet, great music scene etc, so well excited about getting my explore on!

Peace out xxx