Road trip to Chiang Rai

[raidermanca]

Spent the last week in Chiang Mai and thought it would be interesting to drive up to Chiang Rai and stay for one or two nights.

Any suggestions re the following:

1. Good car rental places (we are staying not far from Thapae Gate)

2. What one would expect to pay for mid or full size rental

3. Tips for the drive itself, how long it takes, points of interest along the way etc

3. Things to do and see in CR...where to stay near restaurants and bars etc

As this is my first visit to the north, I don't know my way around CR so I expect it may be a bit of an adventure getting in and out of the city.

Any help appreciated thanks.

[villagefarang]

Here is a link to my map of Chiang Rai. It should give you some ideas for things to see. Google Map of Chiang Rai.

[masuk]

I've done this drive a couple of times, and scared the hell out of me with some of the driving habits. The road is very winding in parts, and the double yellow lines don't seem to mean a lot to some folk. Keep well to the left!

There are interesting hot springs along the way, and worth having a look at.

There is a Cambodian-style temple on the left near one of the hot springs, but work seems to have stopped on the temple. Maybe someone on TV knows the history.

On the outskirts of Chiang Rai, is the well-known White Temple. It's worth at least one visit.

I hired a travel guide for one day, and he took me to quite a few places I'd have never found.

The Golden Triangle overlooking two other countries is quite spectacular with its large statues.

I have stayed over at this place on two occasions. Cheap, comfortable for 2 people. Car parked in front.

http://www.agoda.com/en-au/new-maleena-ville-hotel/hotel/chiang-rai-th.html

[muskoka]

I drove from CM to CR a couple years ago on my Honda 125 motorbike. Likely would not do it again as I could not keep up with traffic and too many people passing me on curves on the mountains. Also, nearly lost it on a couple mountain curves due to sand build-up on the pavement. A larger bike would be ok. Avoiding morning and evening rush hour will help with less traffic to deal with.

[villagefarang]

The 118 from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is an easy drive and quite lovely in places. For the more adventurous, you might want to take the 107 and enter Chiang Rai by way of Doi Mae Salong. If you have time, Doi Angkhang near Fang is a beautiful place to spend a night.

There is a nighty bazaar and a walking street on the weekend but Chiang Rai is not your classic drinking and whoring destination. The winding mountain roads and natural surroundings are the main attraction of Chiang Rai in my opinion.

[chingmai331]

Car rental 'North Wheels' very near Tha Pae gate, on moat road north side. About 1K baht per day. If you can drive a car, you can make the trip. Take 6 hours along the hiway.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

There is a Cambodian-style temple on the left near one of the hot springs, but work seems to have stopped on the temple. Maybe someone on TV knows the history.

Yes I do: It's an artificial prop made out of painted rock-like material on a steel frame. It's basically a fancy billboard to give the tour bus cattle something to photograph.

It's still an okay place to stop for some food or a coffee, and to look at hot water.

Then you get to Wiang Pa Pao; There is the Cabbages & Condoms restaurant there, largely living on old fame (unless someone tells me otherwise). Also in Wiang Pa Pao is a Hong Kong Chinese restaurant; we had some Cantonese American guests recently who really liked it. I forgot the name but it was in Wiang Pa Pao.

Then you go past Mae Suay and the Charin Resort that has a bakery serving cakes that once rated as 'very good, for Thailand', back in the day when any cake around the North was the utter crap that S&P mysteriously persists in peddling to this day. So way back when, 15-20 years ago, this was awesome.

Then the next place to stop would be the White Temple, which is also fairly artificial but considerably more legitimate; you could consider it more of an open-air museum kind of thing, or an exercise in modern Buddhist-inspired architecture.

Then things to do in Chiang Rai itself: beats me! If anyone knows of something I'd love to hear it.

EDIT: Chiang Saen was kind of nice, and for once something that's not a fake tourist attraction. Don't get me started on the Golden Triangle.

EDIT 2: So in all seriousness, for a leisure trip I would perhaps do it differently: drive straight North past Chiang Dao, Fang and Tha Ton (stuff to see in all of those), then go over Doi Mae Salong, visit Doi Tung, and then Chiang Saen. By that time it'll feel nice to be in something resembling a town again, and with that mindset Chiang Rai town might work. Then back to Chiang Mai via the White Temple, Mae Suay, Wiang Pa Pao, Mae Kajan and Doi Saket.

Edited June 8, 2015 by WinnieTheKhwai

[villagefarang]

For things to down around Chiang Rai, there are tea plantations, waterfalls, reservoirs, rivers, twisty mountain roads leading to scenic views. There are some lovely hotels and spas but sightseeing is probably the main attraction. One of my favorites is long bike rides through the country side where I live, but then again I enjoy the exercise and photography.

[Rotweiler]

There is a Cambodian-style temple on the left near one of the hot springs, but work seems to have stopped on the temple. Maybe someone on TV knows the history.

Yes I do: It's an artificial prop made out of painted rock-like material on a steel frame. It's basically a fancy billboard to give the tour bus cattle something to photograph.

Correct

It's still an okay place to stop for some food or a coffee, and to look at hot water.

Then you get to Wiang Pa Pao; There is the Cabbages & Condoms restaurant there, largely living on old fame (unless someone tells me otherwise). Also in Wiang Pa Pao is a Hong Kong Chinese restaurant; we had some Cantonese American guests recently who really liked it. I forgot the name but it was in Wiang Pa Pao.

Duck House 19°21'4.98"N 99°30'24.98"E

Then you go past Mae Suay and the Charin Resort that has a bakery serving cakes that once rated as 'very good, for Thailand', back in the day when any cake around the North was the utter crap that S&P mysteriously persists in peddling to this day. So way back when, 15-20 years ago, this was awesome.

Stop for lunch there! Great food (and don't forget to buy a jar of kumquat jam - delicious). Their pastries are homemade andexcellent - trry the peach torte - Charin Garden Resort N19 41.773 E99 34.871.

Then the next place to stop would be the White Temple, which is also fairly artificial but considerably more legitimate; you could consider it more of an open-air museum kind of thing, or an exercise in modern Buddhist-inspired architecture.

Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) may welkl; be worth a half-day visit. The work that has gone into that temple area is dramatic. Yes, it is an active temple. Yes, it is a tourist attraction! Rescued from collapse by as local artist, the temple is simply amazing.

Then things to do in Chiang Rai itself: beats me! If anyone knows of something I'd love to hear it.

Chiang Rai - a lot like Chiang Mai was 25 years ago. The clock tower area, the weekend street market, the river cruises, great food and snacks at the Municiple Downtown market, amazing temples including Wat Phra Kaeo and the City Cornerstones. As laid back as you want; or upbeat with great hotels and restaurants.

EDIT: Chiang Saen was kind of nice, and for once something that's not a fake tourist attraction. Don't get me started on the Golden Triangle.

Not sure what you meant by the comment on the Golden Triangle, but it IS well worth a visit. From Highway 1 at Mae Chan, turn east onto Highway 1016 to Chiang Saen. Highway 1290 follows the Mae Khong north to the area known as the Golden Triangle - the meeting of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar. Take the speedboats over to the Lao tourist trap island for some snake wiskey and T-Shirts. For the treuly adventuresome, there is the casino on the Myanmar corner of the Golden Triangle. Speedboats will take you there free from the docks jest below the Golden Triangle Monument (no Myanmar visa required - just bring money...)

On the Thai side, visit the restaurants for soime fresh seafood on the Mae Kong across from the Imperial Resort - or pop into the resort for a 100B cup of tea.

EDIT 2: So in all seriousness, for a leisure trip I would perhaps do it differently: drive straight North past Chiang Dao, Fang and Tha Ton (stuff to see in all of those), then go over Doi Mae Salong, visit Doi Tung, and then Chiang Saen. By that time it'll feel nice to be in something resembling a town again, and with that mindset Chiang Rai town might work. Then back to Chiang Mai via the White Temple, Mae Suay, Wiang Pa Pao, Mae Kajan and Doi Saket.

[northernjohn]

For things to down around Chiang Rai, there are tea plantations, waterfalls, reservoirs, rivers, twisty mountain roads leading to scenic views. There are some lovely hotels and spas but sightseeing is probably the main attraction. One of my favorites is long bike rides through the country side where I live, but then again I enjoy the exercise and photography.

Does Chiang Rai have a forum on Thai Visa?

[villagefarang]

For things to down around Chiang Rai, there are tea plantations, waterfalls, reservoirs, rivers, twisty mountain roads leading to scenic views. There are some lovely hotels and spas but sightseeing is probably the main attraction. One of my favorites is long bike rides through the country side where I live, but then again I enjoy the exercise and photography.

Does Chiang Rai have a forum on Thai Visa?

Yes it does actually.

[onthedarkside]

For things to down around Chiang Rai, there are tea plantations, waterfalls, reservoirs, rivers, twisty mountain roads leading to scenic views. There are some lovely hotels and spas but sightseeing is probably the main attraction. One of my favorites is long bike rides through the country side where I live, but then again I enjoy the exercise and photography.

Does Chiang Rai have a forum on Thai Visa?

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/forum/69-chiang-rai-forum/

[Paagai]

I second the recommendation of North Wheels, have used them many times, great service and value for money. Some of the vehicles are a bit older, but unlike some unscrupulous places in town, they don't try and scam you for any tiny scratches in the paint - most have too many to count already!

Agree with many suggestions here, especially Fang, Doi Angkhan and Mae Salong, all are good places to spend a night and Fang can be quite lively. The road between Fang and Mae Suai is an interesting route too with some spectacular scenery.

Another alternative route to Chiang Rai is via Phayao. The 120 from Mae Khachan over the mountains is a good road and beautiful. Phayao is very much an up and coming place but relatively free from foreign tourists. Lots of places to eat along the lake side and a good place to stay overnight too with a few live music bars and Pubs for entertainment. Phayao is about 2.5 hours from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is then an easy 1.5 hour drive straight up highway 1..

Edited June 9, 2015 by Paagai

[CMKiwi]

In the Golden Triangle they have an opium museum and it's well worth a visit. Allow about an hour to look at everything. Some very interesting history in there and initially I was very skeptical as to how good it would be. On the outside there is all the usual tourist trappings with knick-knack shops, but once you pay the small entrance fee (40 baht I think) there is a lot to see and read inside.

[raidermanca]

Thanks all for your info and opinions

[thaiscot]

if you go to the white temple in chiang rai , when you turn into there from the main road you can also follow this road for a few kms & you will come to boomrawd farm (also known as singa park) that is a tea plantation , has some animals (giraffes,zebras etc) and has a very nice resturant , its ok for spending a couple of hours

thay have concerts by thai bands & camping facilites available also

[JulieM]

The only problem with this trip is the aggressive drivers coming in the opposite direction, over-taking a vehicle and in your lane. Due to the twist and turns you can't see them far in advance. I've done the trip several times in buses and cars without incident, so you will be fine.

[Saan]

And just in case you were thinking of a quick trip across the Mekong while you are in the Golden Triangle to visit the Kings Roman Casino in Laos I trust you will forget about it when you read this article abut the bears and tigers that are served up in the towns restaurants to wealthy Chinese tourists -

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/radical-conservation/2015/mar/19/high-end-laos-resort-serves-up-illegal-wildlife-for-chinese-tourists

[redandyellow]

Here is a link to my map of Chiang Rai. It should give you some ideas for things to see. Google Map of Chiang Rai.

You could consider taking him for a bike ride, but I believe you bike alone like me, but I don't dress like Johnny Cash - but sending a map in lieu of a private bike tour is nice of you

All in all a decent gesture

But..

[villagefarang]

Here is a link to my map of Chiang Rai. It should give you some ideas for things to see. Google Map of Chiang Rai.

You could consider taking him for a bike ride, but I believe you bike alone like me, but I don't dress like Johnny Cash - but sending a map in lieu of a private bike tour is nice of you

All in all a decent gesture

But..

Sure I could offer a bike ride in my area but to be honest where I live is not that convenient for most visitors.

I live an hour from town, so there and back, would mean four hours of driving on top of three hours on the bike. The only time I ride anywhere near town is when I hitch a ride with my wife and ride home from the university. Oneway is already a 60 to 70 km ride so I am not familiar with any of the routes townies might ride.

In consideration of my wife I do not offer accommodation in our house to complete strangers, either. So offering bike rides is something I have considered but decided against. You conjure an interesting image but I don't believe Johnny Cash was ever into cycling. I believe drugs were more his thing.

Edited June 11, 2015 by villagefarang

[Puwa]

Then you go past Mae Suay and the Charin Resort that has a bakery serving cakes that once rated as 'very good, for Thailand', back in the day when any cake around the North was the utter crap that S&P mysteriously persists in peddling to this day. So way back when, 15-20 years ago, this was awesome.

I just stopped for pie at Charin a few days ago, homemade and delicious. Just goes to show that some things stay sweet while others go bitter.