Anastasia Smith
Occupying pride of place in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is rightfully dubbed one of the country's hidden gems due to its location and its absence in most tourist itineraries. Here's why this vibrant northernmost city deserves to be explored by the travelling masses.
Called Wat Rong Khun by locals, this is a relatively new construction that has long defied the features of a traditional Buddhist shrine not only in terms of its architecture but also what's contained within. The brainchild of local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the temple first opened its doors to the public back in 1997. Often described as a creative space full of art installations showcasing key Buddhist teachings, Wat Rong Khun is unlike any other temple in the country. Boasting hundreds of sculptures and figures, the predominantly white-coloured temple is still under construction as its creator Chalermchai Kositpipat keeps adding to the structure.
Another reason Chiang Rai should rank high on every visitor's Thai travel itinerary is its remoteness and the resulting tranquillity. There's no denying the peaceful atmosphere of this northern province when compared to other travel hubs in Thailand. Considered the perfect destination for those looking to truly get away from it all, what makes a holiday in Chiang Rai a welcome respite for most travel-wary tourists is its unassuming landscapes free from tourist traps and countless vendors.
Visitors with a passion for a well-brewed cuppa will also relish the exquisite tea plantations that dot this region. Whether one is based at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort or any of the other hotels in Chiang Rai, tea estates are easy to reach from most accommodation hubs in the region. The Chui Fong Tea Plantation and the Wawee Tea Plantation are arguably the most scenic among these estates. The latter is famed as the first Thai tea plantation to cultivate oolong tea while the latter is a veritable institution that has been producing quality tea for more than four decades.
Although this site gained worldwide recognition due to the incident involving the Wild Boars football team, which was trapped inside the cave, the Emerald Pool, constructed by the international team of rescuers, is what makes a visit to Chiang Rai an exciting prospect for tourists. The pool, officially dubbed the Kun Nam Emerald Pool, was built by the heroes of that particular news story. This water feature is located inside the Tham Luang Nang Non-Cave area and is another compelling reason to visit Chiang Rai.
Outdoorsy tourists will also find the remote villages and wildernesses of Pa Mhee village and other rural areas well worth the trip to Chiang Rai, if only for the stunning natural beauty of these regions and the camping possibilities. With many villagers opening up their homes to travellers and with local tour operators running tented campsites, locations such as Doi Pa Mhee are becoming some of Thailand's most coveted camping hubs for nature lovers.
