Joanna James
Chiang Rai located t in north Thailand is a city rich in culture. Welcoming tourists the friendly locals, cheap food and nomadic tribes mean there's plenty to enjoy and do within the beautiful region.
No tour to Chiang Rai is complete without a visit to the clock tower. Sitting majestically right in the middle of the city center the elaborately decorated gold painted clock tower is an iconic attraction. It is one of Chiang Rai's most famous attractions drawing visitors at night to watch the special light show that takes place between the hours of 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar takes place every night; the place draws a mix of locals and tourists out to enjoy the balmy nights and holiday atmosphere that prevails there. The ideal place to shop, relax, indulge the foodie in you and take in some entertainment the night bazaar is a fine amalgamation of shopping, dining, and fun. Scout around for some authentic handicrafts; especially those made by the famous nomadic hill tribes. Taste the delicious local snacks available at the many food stalls and hang around for live musical performances.
This market is quite unlike the Night Bazaar; it is quite a large event favoured by locals and Thai tourists. Not many western travellers know about this Saturday market held every weekend which is a pity, for the huge bazaar has all manner of retail products and food to enjoy. The market is located Thanalai Road and commences by 5 pm every Saturday. It goes on until about 11 pm and is a bustling area where busy thoroughly enjoy browsing through the good quality goods on display. There is no shortfall of food here too and is probably the best place to treat your taste buds to the many varieties of traditional regional cuisine. Easily accessed from your Chiang Rai resort the Saturday Night Market definitely warrants a visit if you are in the city over the weekend.
Wat Rong Khun cannot boast a rich history as it is a fairly new temple, but what it lacks in years is well made up for in terms of the impressive exterior. The outside of the temple is quite stunning; consisting of elaborately carved nooks and corners the walls are embedded with thousands of pieces of mirror that glitter and shine in the sunlight. You need to visit the place to wholly understand how magnificent Wat Rong Khun's design is. Here's a tip; try to make it there in the early hours of the morning and you will avoid the crowds that gather daily to drink in the stark beauty of this holy monument.
The Golden Triangle denotes the borders of Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. From this location, you can tour all the three countries in one day. But what the Golden Triangle hill region is most famous for are the hill tribes and Thai elephants. Visit the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort for one on one interactions with these gentle giants and later plan a hike across the hills visiting the nomadic tribes. Welcoming and very friendly these people are not of Thai decent; it is possible to spend a night in the villages absorbing the culture.
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