Is Chiang Rai value visiting throughout a visit to Chiang Mai in Thailand? That is an often-asked query for anybody visiting the town of Chiang Mai. Though we lived in Chiang Mai for a number of years, we delay taking the journey to Chiang Rai till lately, one thing we now remorse.
So, is Chiang Rai value visiting? After our journey we are able to most undoubtedly say sure and advocate that you just put Chiang Rai on the highest of your checklist of locations to go to from Chiang Mai Thailand.
Why is it value visiting Chiang Rai?
You can see loads of locations to go to and issues to do in Chiang Rai however probably probably the most well-known is Wat Rong Khun or the White Temple as it’s extra generally recognized. The White Temple and surrounding temple complicated buildings are an impressive sight to see and really well worth the six hour spherical journey drive from Chiang Mai.
Different Chiang Rai points of interest embody the equally beautiful Blue Temple and the putting artworks of the Black Home. Additionally sitting on Chiang Rai’s doorstep are the Longneck Karen hilltribe villages, the Choui Fong tea plantation and Golden Triangle, a area the place the international locations of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.
The place Is Chiang Rai Thailand?
Most individuals visiting Chiang Rai will mix the journey with a go to to the town of Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand. Chiang Rai is round three-hours north of Chiang Mai. This 186 km (115 mile) journey might be taken with a day tour, a bus or personal switch.
Bangkok is 791 km (491 miles) south of Chiang Rai. These eager to bypass Chiang Mai can take direct flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Flights go away from each Suvarnabhumi Worldwide Airport and Don Mueang Worldwide Airport with a flight time of round 1 hour and 20 minutes.
How lengthy to spend in Chiang Rai?
How lengthy you spend in Chiang Rai will rely in your timeframe and your alternative of issues to do within the Chiang Rai area.
Probably the most well-liked choice is to take a Chiang Rai tour from Chiang Mai. You can see quite a lot of Chiang Rai itineraries and they are often taken as a day journey or a multi-day tour which is able to assist you to benefit from the countryside and points of interest at a slower tempo.
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The White Temple – Wat Rong Khun
The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun as it’s recognized in Thai, is just breathtaking! At first look you will notice an excellent white façade which is magnificently framed by the deep blue sky. It’s not till you get nearer that you just start to know the true artistry and devotion that went into creating this unbelievable Buddhist temple complicated.
The White Temple is the creation of Chalermchai Kositpipat, a neighborhood artist famend for his work, sculptures, and architectural artworks. You’ll be astounded by the artists imaginative and prescient as you stroll inside an exceptionally lovely and serene setting crammed with Buddhist symbolism and philosophy.
Wat Rong Khun is a big temple complicated crammed with a set of buildings and gardens. There’s a lot to see and right here we present a few of the highlights of the White Temple complicated.
High Tip: When visiting Buddhist temples bear in mind to decorate modestly, guarantee that your shoulders and knees are coated.
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The White Temple
The White Temple is split into 4 foremost buildings, the Chapel, the Buddha Relics Tower, the Sukhawadee Bridge and Buddhist Tower.
Entry into the White Temple is over a bridge which appears down over a sea of outstretched palms that seem frozen amid chaos and agony. My first thought was that this was a illustration of hell however later realized that the palms symbolise the love of earthly wishes and that the bridge to happiness and enlightenment is to withstand temptation.
Standing guard on the “Gate of Heaven” are two fierce creatures wielding swords, their our bodies clothed in bones and sculls. One factors its finger in judgement, prepared to decide on who’s match to enter heaven.
Coming into the guts of the White Temple one can find a collection of extremely adorned temples, alcoves, and walkways. The partitions and Buddhist imagery are embedded with hundreds of delicate silver mirror tiles making the whiteness of the temple sparkle even brighter.
The Golden Lavatory
Throughout from the White Temple is the Golden Lavatory. You could surprise why I would come with a rest room as an attraction, but it surely must be included because it isn’t each day that you just get the prospect to go to a golden “lavatory”. The buildings ornately adorned golden exterior has an equally spectacular golden inside.
Artwork Gallery
Whereas on the White Temple be sure to go to the Artwork Gallery. Inside one can find an intensive assortment of work by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. These putting work are exquisitely rendered in a up to date Buddhist type that sends a message of peace to humanity.
Dharma Backyard
Though the grounds of the White Temple complicated are superbly manicured and maintained, the Dharma Backyard provides an environment of enjoyable, terror, and peace. All through the backyard one can find statues and different options which are influenced by Buddhist teachings.
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Chiang Rai Blue Temple – Wat Rong Suea Ten
The Blue Temple or Wat Rong Suea Ten as it’s recognized in Thai, is a formidable Buddhist temple complicated and the second most visited attraction in Chiang Rai.
The Blue Temple presents an attention-grabbing distinction to the pure white brilliance of the White Temple. The dusky blue hues of Wat Rong Suea Ten imparts a dreamlike high quality that begins from the second you move below the enormous statues that guard the doorway.
Upon coming into the temple grounds, one can find quite a lot of buildings adorned in shades of blue and gold. With every flip one can find a wide ranging assortment of Buddhist symbols and imagery.
Fierce Naga Serpents stand on the entrance of the primary temple. The within is dominated by an imposing white Buddha which is framed by vibrant Buddhist work depicting non secular tales.
As soon as exterior you should buy a drink at one of many many stalls or attempt a vibrant blue butterfly-pea flower ice cream, a refreshing and scrumptious deal with distinctive to the Blue Temple.
High Tip: When visiting Buddhist temples bear in mind to decorate modestly, guarantee that your shoulders and knees are coated.
Click on right here for Blue Temple excursions
The Black Home – Baandam
The Black Home or Baandam as it’s recognized in Thai, is among the most attention-grabbing museums I’ve ever visited. This provocative assortment of artworks was created by world famend native artist Thawan Duchanee.
Scattered throughout the museum grounds are a gaggle of outdated teak buildings that home a unprecedented assortment of artworks that come straight from the darkish, quirky, weird, and strikingly lovely creativeness of the artist.
A go to to the Black Home is a singular and unforgettable expertise, one which shouldn’t be missed on a visit to Chiang Rai Thailand.
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Lengthy Neck Karen Hill Tribe Village
Lengthy earlier than visiting Thailand, I bear in mind seeing images of girls with impossibly lengthy necks adorned with circlets of brass. By no means in my wildest goals did I ever think about that I’d sooner or later meet them of their village.
Visiting a Lengthy Neck Karen hill tribe village offers a glimpse into the tradition of those fascinating folks. Every village home has a thatched roof and partitions product of bamboo and though easy, are neat and properly maintained.
The village sits in a peaceable rural setting with giant fishponds and alleyways the place vibrant chickens run free and native canines swagger with a carefree perspective. Earlier than assembly the Lengthy Neck hill tribe ladies take the time to browse the roadside stalls for a superb array of hilltribe arts and crafts.
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The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle refers back to the area the place the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet. You’ll be able to see all three international locations from the perspective and take a ship down the Mekong River to get a better look.
The world was additionally as soon as notorious for heroin manufacturing, and you’ll be taught the historical past of the opium commerce on a go to to the Opium Home.
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Choui Fong Tea Plantation
The Chiang Rai area has the right local weather for rising tea. On the Choui Fong Tea Plantation you’ll be able to be taught every part you might have ever wished to learn about tea manufacturing. The plantation grows quite a lot of teas together with Oolong, Assam, inexperienced and black tea.
The Choui Fong Tea Café encompasses a tea making demonstration and is the right place to get pleasure from your favorite brew in futuristic type with spectacular 360-degree views overlooking the plantation.
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Chiang Rai Night time Bazaar
The Chiang Rai Night time Bazaar is a small market which options Northern Thai arts & crafts, reside music, and avenue meals. You probably have an extended keep in Chiang Rai, the market is unquestionably value visiting an excellent place to return to take in the native ambiance.
If you’re visiting Chiang Rai independently, the Chiang Rai Night time Bazaar is a brief stroll from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
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Visiting Chiang Rai Independently
If you happen to don’t wish to take a tour, another choice is to take your time and discover the world by yourself independently.
You can see an excellent number of Chiang Rai accommodations to select from and so they vary from price range to luxurious resorts. Transport choices from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai embody personal switch and bus.
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After all, you’ll be able to nonetheless journey to Chiang Rai independently and take a tour of Chiang Rai when you arrive. It is a common alternative for anybody eager to spend extra time within the Chiang Rai area.
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Chiang Rai Accommodations & Resorts
Widespread locations to remain in Chiang Rai are the posh resorts alongside the banks of the Kok River or at accommodations close to the Chiang Rai Night time Bazaar and Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1.
Right here we showcase three completely different types of lodging in Chiang Rai Thailand, luxurious resort to mid-range and price range accommodations.
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Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort Thailand
The Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort is our best choice for luxurious Chiang Rai resort lodging. This beautiful 5-star resort has a décor which is impressed by the Thai Lanna type of the area. Large interconnecting verandas overlook peaceable views of the Kok River.
Le Meridien rooms and suites are adorned in a recent fashionable design and have a alternative of backyard, pool, and river views. The resort has three onsite eating places with Favola providing tranquil terrace views overlooking the Kok River. Different resort amenities embody a spa, swimming pool and health centre.
Click on right here to e-book Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort
Le Patta Resort Chiang Rai
The Le Patta Resort Chiang Rai is our decide for a mid-range Chiang Rai lodge. The Le Patta Resort Chiang Rai is within the centre of Chiang Rai, near markets and points of interest.
The lodge rooms are gentle, ethereal and fashionable, with quite a lot of room configurations together with twin, double and suites with separate lounge space. All rooms have a balcony and suites characteristic a non-public terrace.
The onsite restaurant serves each Thai and Western dishes. Different lodge amenities embody a saltwater pool and health club.
Click on right here to e-book La Patta Resort Chiang Rai
Sleepy Home Chiang Rai
The Sleepy Home Chiang Rai is our alternative for price range Chiang Rai lodge. The Sleepy Home Chiang Rai is a comfortable and clear lodge which is styled in a cute and quirky cat theme.
The lodge is within the centre of Chiang Rai, near the night time market and the bus terminal. The lodge has a alternative of dual, double and household rooms.
Click on right here to e-book Sleepy Home Chiang Rai
The Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Transport Choices
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai transport choices for the unbiased traveller embody personal switch and bus.
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Personal Transfers
A Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai personal switch is probably the best and most handy transport choice after a tour.
Personal transfers can be organized for teams and embody lodge decide up and drop off. The journey time between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai is round three hours.
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The Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus
GreenBus companies the Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus route with a journey time of three hours & 45 minutes. The Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai bus leaves from Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 3 and arrives at Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 in central Chiang Rai.
Click on right here for Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai Bus tickets
High Tip: Be aware that Chiang Rai has a couple of bus terminal, Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 is the closest to the Chiang Rai metropolis centre.
Click on right here for bus from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai tickets
Final Phrases On Is Chiang Rai Price Visiting?
Is Chiang Rai value visiting? After studying this text I’m certain you’re already reserving your journey to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand.
Once you go to the points of interest of Chiang Rai prepare for an extended day however after you go to, I’m certain you’ll agree that it was properly well worth the effort and time.
So, in case you are visiting Chiang Mai in Thailand be sure to place a visit to Chiang Rai on the highest of your checklist of issues to do.
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