Top 5 Best Things to Do and See in Chiang Rai, Thailand – Seek the beauty, and history whilst you enjoy the visit!

Dating back to the 14th century, this Royal Temple holds a significant stature for Buddhists as the famous Emerald Buddha Statue of Thailand had been ensconced at a chedi of this temple originally. A bolt of lightning cracked the chedi exposing the statue which was later securely enshrined at the Wat Phra Kaew temple on the Royal Palace grounds in the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, whilst a replica was placed at the temple in Chiang Rai for viewing and worshipping by the locals and visitors such as those from Chiang Saen hotels visiting its original temple.

Unlike many other night markets which sell dozens of the same item, this market provides you with the pleasure of picking up those unusual items to take back home as gifts for friends and family or as souvenirs of your holiday such as traditional bags, accessories, and masks plus many more. The pieces are original and made by tribes of people living in the mountainous region and have a variety to choose from. Although smaller than the night market in Chiang Mai, the prices are less costly at Chiang Rai. Stalls of food and drink are in plenty to satisfy your hunger pangs as you shop or taste a different dish. Adding excitement to all this is the entertainment by way of live music and dancing by the local artists as enjoyed by visitors from Anantara Golden Triangle.

An extensive green space with artistically laid out gardens, gorgeous lakes and a massive pavilion Haw Kham which is made of teak as a gift by the people to a revered persona 'Mae Fah Leung', Princess Sinagarinda of Thailand. The entire park carries various forms of teak artefacts depicting the skilled craftsmanship of a bygone era. A pleasurable half day can be spent at this beautiful park which is only a 15-minute taxi ride from Chiang Rai and pick up a few souvenirs too.

This Buddhist temple called Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple was privately designed, constructed and opened in 1997. It is a wonderful art exhibit to be admired at close quarters. The skills of architecture and craftsmanship are visible both on the exterior and interior of the temple, the setting sun reflects a glow on the exterior of the temple making it look surreal, whilst the statues on the interior look almost real. The brilliant hue of white is a result of a special plater mixed with glass which also protects the exterior from the fierce rays of the sunlight as well as from the rain.

Do a visit to Oub Kham Museum to have a glimpse into the history of Northern Thailand's tribal past. The costumes, jewellery and sculptures of the Lanna people take you back to an interesting past, the entrance fee includes a guide who takes you through the interesting facets of an ancient era.