Chiang Rai is situated about 120 kilometers north /northeast of Chiang Mai bordering Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand...

The Chiang Rai, the city itself has many places where you can explore different trades. In the city you find a night market which is not as crowded as the one in Chiang Mai.

There are many good places to eat, both local and international foods.

The outskirts of the city run the river Mae Kok all the way to Myanmar. You can sail up through the jungle and see hot springs as well as stunning nature.

The area surrounding Chiang Rai is mountainous and as in Chiang Mai you can meet and visit the hill tribes.

45 kilometers north of Chiang Rai is Doi Tung (“Mountain of the Holy Banner”). This mountain has some of Thailand’s most beautiful nature. On the top of the mountain lies the Mae Fah Luang art and sculpture park founded by the late Princess’ mother. The mountain is also called “Little Switzerland” and the late Princess’ mother was very fond of it. Today the mountain is known as where the coffee and tea grown there. On the mountain you can, among other things, visit the house of the late Princess’ mother and if you like flowers and nature, the Doi Tung and Mae Fah Luang art and culture garden are worth a visit.

On the border of Myanmar (Burma) is Thailand’s northernmost city Mae Sai. The entire city thrives on the border trade and merchants who sell anything at all…

The city also has some fine jade workshops where you can see how this kind of gem is made into beautiful jewelry and figures.

A little further east from Mae Sai is the golden triangle where the river Mae Kong separate Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. Here you can go by boat on the Mae Kong river, sail along the river next to Myanmar (Burma), visit the large casino built on the border of Thailand, then continue to sail over to the other side of the river and visit Laos before heading back to Thailand.

In the golden triangle there are several museums where you can see and experience how opium was grown and distributed. This trade has practically ceased today. All the museums have plenty to offer and you should allow plenty of time to see them.