Chiang Rai Trip Report

Just back from my third visit to Chiang Rai and I have to say that it has become one of my favourite places in Thailand.

Much quieter than it's better known neighbour, Chiang Mai, it nevertheless has enough to offer for a short break.

We actually visited during Loy Krathong so 2 of our evenings were taken up with events related to that. Despite choosing a town centre guest house we didn't actually make it to the nearby complex of beer bars!

Thanks to Trip Adviser I discovered two eating places that I would be happy to recommend to anyone. The first is an excellent Thai owned coffee shop that sells delicious cakes, breakfasts and snacks. A high quality operation where the Thai owner is passionate about his business and focuses on quality - IMO something not commonly seen with Thais. They have a sign "Our secret ingredient is quality" - they live up to that claim. Excellent coffee.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._Province.html

https://www.facebook.com/polarchiangrai?ref=stream

Although it rated as number restaurant in Chiang Rai I would not actually put it in the restaurant category - a first class coffee shop. most definitely.

The best restaurant was:-

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._Province.html

http://www.chivitthammada.com/

Excellent location on the river, the main building is a New England/cottage style affair and carries a wonderful ambiance. We dined (twice) on the balcony area overlooking the river. The food quality is first class and some of the best I have experienced in Thailand. A few pics attached.

Also recommended is Phu Lae restaurant which is very popular with local hi-so Thais. Not cheap (and TA contributors offer better value options) but worth a visit for their Hang Lay,

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._Province.html

We did 2 day trips - one was a full day and the other a half day-ish outing.

The first involved a trip up to Doi Tung (wonderful coffee) and Mae Fah Luang gardens, royal villa and Hall of Inspiration. The gardens are beautiful nestling in the hills and the king's mother resided at the villa with views over to Burma. The Hall of Inspiration is essential about the royal family and says a lot about Thai culture and life. 190 Baht to visit all 3 attractions - well worth it, we stayed over 2 hours.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Province.html

http://www.doitung.org/tourism_attra...en.php?Lang=en

We then went on to the border at Mae Sai and decided to pop over into Burma - just to say we had been. Our taxi driver (more later) advised Jip to get a 30 Baht pass at the amphur en route (she paid a further 10 Baht fee on arrival. For Farangs it is 500 Baht at immigration. I handed over $10 (the official visa fee) and it was accepted. Stamped in and out on the spot in 30 seconds. Very friendly, cheerful and smiling staff. Wondered around and spent a good while in duty free - we were allowed to bring back 2 litres of booze (+ got 5 tins of Chang as a free gift).

Our taxi driver from the airport on arrival was a Thai lady in her late 40's (but looked early forties and quite fit!). This made my missus very comfortable and they became good friends. They never stopped talking and enabled me to nod off whenever I wished. She was exceedingly helpful and also directed Jip where to buy Jade, gifts and avocados from Burma at 100 Baht for 3 kilo!

Any Farang taking his Thai wife to Chiang Rai would be well advised to use Thim's services. 2,000 Baht for full day tour and 1,000 Baht half day. You can do it cheaper but I doubt better.

We also took up just over half a day going to Singha Park, the white temple and Baan Dum (black house).

Singha Park has stunning views, the white temple is just stunning and Baan Dum is a fascinating contrast to the white temple. A nice combination of locations.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Province.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserR..._Province.html

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio..._Province.html

We flew from Bangkok with Nok Air (3,000 Baht for the 2 of us). Taxi to town 150 Baht. We have previously stayed at the Dusit Island resort (3,000 Baht a night) but wanted to stay in the centre of town so chose a small but comfortable hostel for 850 Baht a night.