Joanna James
Chiang Rai is probably most known for being a peaceful province, yet it offers an array of exciting activities upon closer inspection. Well worth a visit, there is a whole lot to be discovered. Here is a list of some of the best and most exciting activities in store for you when you plan to visit Chiang Rai.
If venturing off into the darkness is not something that usually stops you, Chiang Rai's Fish Cave Temple or 'Wat Tham Pla' is definitely worth a look. Located around 13 kilometres to the south of Mae Sai, this is a cave that is burrowed into an enormous rock face which sits behind the main temple building on a steep hill. Upon climbing its 200 steps of stone, you'll be presented with a gorgeous sight that features towering walls of limestone lush with leafy greens that close on both sides. The cave's inside is pitch black and contains two big chambers that house bejewelled Burmese-style Buddha image. Once you exit from the other end and move along a series of steps, you'll be greeted to a breath-taking view of The Golden Triangle, which is the jungle that borders Thailand, Burma and Laos. Tham Phra is another cave that is located close to Chiang Rai on the bank of the Kok River, featuring over 80 beautiful Buddha images housed in a Buddhist shrine. If you're looking for Chiang Saen Hotels for accommodation, there are plenty of great choices to select from, such as the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort for example.
Your visit to Chiang Rai, if planned between November and January can be paired with a perfect little activity. This is a sightseeing City Tour that happens on trams which run on a fixed route, taking you between nine incredibly popular attractions in Chiang Rai. The City Tours begin at the King Mengrai the Great Monument daily at 9 & 9:30 a.m. and at 1 & 1:30 p.m. The tram will take you across various places while making stops along the way at the Chiang Rai Cultural Centre, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Doi Ngam Muang, Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra That Doi Jom Thong, Wat Phra Singh, Tung Gardens and the Chiang Rai Clock Tower, before circling right back to the King Mengrai the Great Monument. This free service is a great way to take in the city and observe its landmarks, and its best to note that you can easily hop on and off at any point in the route.
Chiang Rai is home to the 6 biggest ethnic hill-tribes in Thailand, making it a perfect place to start off your overnight trekking journey to explore all the different highland villages. You can signup for tours that feature a combination of boat rides, elephant trekking and stays at a tribal village. These offer an excellent inside look for you to learn about the culture and the livelihood of the people here.
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