Joanna James
Chiang Rai is often underrated as a tourist destination. Travellers either consider it a brief stop-over on their way to Chiang Mai or a mere tour to see the White Temple. But, Chiang Rai is so much more! Thanks to the waterfalls there, it's great for a nature lover!
Needless to say, you can't expect very cool temperatures in Chiang Rai. Even if you visit this destination during the cool season (which is of course the ideal time to visit its waterfalls), you have to expect temperatures in the low 30s. So, visit Chiang Rai from October to February and explore the cascading waterfalls. The skies will be all clear, but you may expect some evening showers here and there. From August to September is the wet season where there can be unpredictable heavy rainfalls all the time. If you plan your Chiang Rai tour during this period, make sure you are aware of the flood situations and landslides before you head to areas with waterfalls.
Mae Sai is of course for the adventurer in you! It's an epic waterfall located at the end of a long tea-plantation and you may also observe rice-fields on your way to explore this waterfall. There are two waterfalls here where you can do that thrilling waterfall cliff jump and also do that relaxing swim. Keep your fears away, get closer to nature and enjoy your moments to the fullest! (But, always know about the conditions from a local before you jump- make your safety a priority!)
Mainly because of the fact this waterfall was very recently opened up for tourism, it's not even known by the locals. But, Huay Kaew is surely worth a visit when you are in Chiang Rai because it's all calm and peaceful here, and you feel so relaxed to be here! Quite similar to Mae Sai, Huay Kaew also has two primary levels and for you to enjoy a relaxing swim, there is also a shallow freshwater pool at the base.
This is of course loved by the locals and the foreigners alike, and thus is a popular waterfall in Chiang Rai. It's a 70m impressive waterfall, and its beauty is beyond all adjectives and exaggerations. The hike to this waterfall is also amazing, as you get to walk through bamboo forests and banana fields. If you are running out of time in Chiang Rai, and only have time to visit one waterfall, make sure you pick this!
Chiang Rai is not just about its waterfall or its temples. As mentioned before, it's about so much more. Holidaying in this destination will only be fun if you pick the right venue of accommodation for you. You may always go for a wise option such as Hotel Sooknirund and enjoy your holidays. They offer some of the best Chiang Rai hotel deals out there that'll make your holiday much more colourful.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
