Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai - Golden Mystique of Thailand

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Madhu_Sethi]Madhu Sethi 

Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province, at the core of the legendary Golden Triangle where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge, 12 km north of Chiang Saen. The border to Laos is visible through the Mae Khong River and to Myanmar through the Ruak River. You can get some spectacular views from the Wat Phra That Pukhao hilltop pavilion, and the Wat Phra That Doi Thung temple. 

Chiang Rai may have once been overlooked by travellers, but the city has much to offer besides the Golden Triangle. Breath-taking mountain scenery, awe-inspiring rivers, elephant treks, and beautiful Buddhist shrines give This city an edge over other tourist destinations in Thailand. Thrilling adventures - rafting, boating and elephant trekking await you along the rivers Mae Kong and Mae Kok. The treks can be electrifying, weaving through misty mountains and silent jungles, rushing down rivers and waterfalls, past interesting caves and temples.

Within the city, you will come across any number of memorials and monuments dedicated to King Mengrai the Great, the founder of Chiang Rai. See beautiful Buddhist shrines such as the ancient Wat Phra Singh and Wat Phra Keo; the latter once enshrined the sacred Emerald Buddha that is now in Bangkok.

In your forays into Chiang Rai's mountains, you will come across a number of enchanting hill tribes that retain their colourful culture and attire. Doi Mae Salong is the best known of these old Chinese hill-villages. Bazaars and local marketplaces in the villages are good places to pick up trinkets, tribal handicraft, silver jewellery, jade and precious stones, leather and clothes. Make excursions to the ancient capital of Chiang Saen with its distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture, to the caves of Mae Sai and the royal botanical gardens of Maephaluang.

Experience a holiday of a different kind, away from the madding crowd of Bangkok, here in peaceful and serene Chiang Rai. 

Get there:

Chiang Rai is 785 km from Bangkok and 128 km from Chiang Mai. The city can be accessed by air (1  hours) and road (12 hours) from Bangkok. You can also sail up the Mae Kok River on a longtail boat from Tha Chon in Chiang Mai (4-6 hours) or take a bus from Chiang Mai (3 hours).

Within Chiang Rai city, you can get around in tuk-tuk taxis, minibuses and trishaws, or rent a car, van, motorcycle or jeep for your excursions.

Best Time:

The best time to come here is between November and March, so that you avoid the heat and the rainy season. Carry cotton clothes, walking shoes and your camera.

Stay:

You will find accommodation to suit all budgets, from star class hotels and resorts, to tourist lodges and inns. Make reservations during the holiday season.

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Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Chiang-Rai---Golden-Mystique-of-Thailand&id=6418035] Chiang Rai - Golden Mystique of Thailand

Chiang Rai Province