Best week to visit Chiang Rai?

[islandguy]

After 10 years in Thailand, will finally be visiting Chiang Rai. My (Thai) wife and I live in Samui but will be moving to Chiang Dao in a few years. She wants to see a resort on the river built with environmentally friendly concepts to get ideas for our property. I am just glad to get a chance to visit what I hope to be a lovely and interesting part of the North. The best dates for us would either be the 3rd week in November (maybe not yet winter coolness or not the best time for flowers?) or the middle part of December (after Father's Day and before Xmas (maybe already totally jammed with Thai and foreign visitors?). Any members of this forum care to recommend one or the other based on your experiences? We will be driving up from Chiang Mai, I hope. Should I go up one way and back the other? All suggestions appreciated.

[villagefarang]

There shouldn’t be a huge difference between the dates you mention. Early November is the tail end of the rainy season and then the harvest starts later in the month but still very little chance of burning. December is the peak season from Father’s Day through to the New Year and the weather is usually at its coolest during that time but it can get busy.

The local flower show would be in December not November but it will be very green in November. Flowering trees in the mountains is more of a February event. I guess if you don’t mind the crowds there is more going on in December.

The 118 is a nice drive if you are in a hurry but the 107 to Doi Angkhang and then coming in the back way to Doi Mae Salong is great backcountry driving. The 107 will take you past Chiang Dao as well. There are so many great drives it really depends on how much time you have.

[1FinickyOne]

The dates are not far enough off to matter too much though I would choose the earlier… a bit fewer people maybe and yes, I would do the circuit rather than repeat the shorter route. It is very scenic and can bring you back through Chiang Dao… have fun.

[islandguy]

Thanks for the replies. Will probably go the later date and hope that driving ourselves will reduce the time spent shoulder to shoulder with other tourists enjoying the chilly weather and mountains. Maybe time to get my down jacket out of storage Is there a best time to see the famous white temple to avoid the bus tourism?

[ripstanley]

We drove from Phayao to Chaingrai last Sunday. We stopped for a break at the White Temple. It was about 0930 and the busloads had not arrived. There were tourists there but not too many.

[charliebadenhop]

VillageFarang gave a great overview.

Looking for a place to stay?

I have a nice rental on Airbnb!

:-)

cb

[bangmai]

Going to Phayao only adds about an hour to the trip....considering its small size, there is quite a bit to do. B2 Night Bazaar Chiang Rai is clean/cheap/modern...with a few barking dogs..but that is where I've been staying in CNR. Saturday traffic seemed pretty bad, just don't be in a rush. Great afternoon market opposite side of the clock tower from the night bazaar...which isn't that great. They also have a nice walking tower map/route that includes 9 points of interest. Takes about 90 minutes///would be a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city.

[ripstanley]

Going to Phayao only adds about an hour to the trip....considering its small size, there is quite a bit to do. B2 Night Bazaar Chiang Rai is clean/cheap/modern...with a few barking dogs..but that is where I've been staying in CNR. Saturday traffic seemed pretty bad, just don't be in a rush. Great afternoon market opposite side of the clock tower from the night bazaar...which isn't that great. They also have a nice walking tower map/route that includes 9 points of interest. Takes about 90 minutes///would be a great way to get a feel for the layout of the city.

Yes Phayao has some good attractions but they are not publicised very well. The Wat in the lake is different as well as the view from the lakes edge looking west.The daily market in the centre of town is good as well as the cheap nightly food market. Come and have a look and have a stay.There are some good restuarants. They cater for all requirements.

3 new hotels have opened and there are another 2 are being built. Some businesses must think their is potential in Phayao.

[bangmai]

The lakeside area itself is too touristy, I think it is better to stay closer to the bus station and take advantage of the superb market/street food. You are still only a 10 minute walk to the lake. The late night club at the Gateway was pretty cool.