From Wikitravel

Chiang Rai (เชียงราย) is the capital of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 62,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.

[edit] Get in

[edit] By plane

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Road 8 kilometres from downtown Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from Avis [1].

The airport is served by Air Asia and Thai Airways to Bangkok and SGA Airlines to Chiang Mai. Despite the name, the airport has no international connections at all.

[edit] By bus

There are two bus stations in Chiang Rai. The old bus station and new bus station - A minibus service runs between the two. It costs 10 baht and takes 20 minutes.

Old Bus Station is located in the centre of town. Buses coming from Chiang Rai province stop here.

• Chiang Khong, on the Laos border. Buses leave every hour or so and have the destination clearly marked. The journey takes two and a half hours and costs 70 baht on local bus.

New Bus Station, Arcade Bus Terminal, (7km north of the city, opposite Carrefour and just off the super highway). Buses from else where in Thailand stop here

• Chiang Mai - There are three types of bus: normal, a/c and VIP. Normal (local) - stops everywhere. Takes 4+ hours. Costs 96 baht. A/C - stops one. Takes about 3 hours. Costs 169 baht. VIP - takes 3 hours, costs 360. Operated by Greenbus depart Chiang Mai's on a regular basis.

[edit] By train

The nearest train station is at Chiang Mai.

[edit] By car

Chiang Rai is about 820km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok via highways # 1 / # 32 and from Chiang Mai on highway # 118.

[edit] Get around

Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. The city itself can be explored on foot, but for trips into the province consider renting a car or a motorbike. Budget and Avis both have offices in Chiang Rai and there are several local agencies. If you don't feel up to driving in what may be a very different environment, then consider hiring a car with driver - it doesn't cost much more.

A motorbike is a good way to see these parts; there are several trails and a 250cc dirt bike is a great way to see the country side. However be aware that many of the mountain roads are narrow and winding and that Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorcycle accidents in the world. Stay alert.

[edit][add listing] See

[edit] Temples and churches

• Wat Phra Kaeo - this beautiful Buddhist temple on Trairat Road right in town is famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand. According to legend, the statue was (re)discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a chedi (stupa) on the grounds, cracking it open and revealing the Buddha inside. The temple grounds are lush with greenery and house a compact but excellent two-story airconditioned museum, with a near-exact replica (1mm shorter!) of the Emerald Buddha. The original is now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, on the grounds of the Royal Palace.

• Wat Phra Sing (วัดพระสิงห์) is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. Like Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple now houses a replica instead. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. Tel: 0 5374 5038

• Wat Klong Wiang. Dating back to 1432, this is an excellent but little-visited temple showcasing exuberant Lanna style at its best. Check out the colorful guardian statues, the elephants in the back and the "No Killing Area" admonition at the entrance.

• Wat Ming Meuang, intersection of Th Banphaprakan and Th Trairat. Small temple housing the spirit of the city (ming meuang) in an exquisitely carved and decorated Lanna-style, almost Laotian wiharn.

• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong (วัดพระธาตุดอยจอมทอง), located on Doi Chom Thong on the banks of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. Tel: 0 5371 6055

• White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น Wat Rong Khun), located at Ban Rong Khun, Tambon Pa O Don Chai, along Phahonyothin roadside at Km. 816, approximately 13 km from the city. This unique modern temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat starting in 1998. A beautiful white ordination hall – Phra Ubosot - is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures. A gable is decorated with a gable apex, a leaf-shaped gable-edging – in the shapes of Phya Naga, dragon and mythical creatures, which are entirely made of white stucco. There are viharn, small hall for recitation surrounding the ordination hall, museum and reception pavilion. The gallery exhibits paintings of Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Posters, drawing albums and T-shirts can be purchased. The earnings will contribute to the fund for building the temple. It opens daily at 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m. Call Tel: 0 5367 3579 Fax: 0 5367 3539.

• Munniti Chiang Rai Across from Sammakkhi Wittayakhom School on Banpaprakan is this Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist temple, a rare sight in Theraveda Buddhist Thailand. There is a Shan house nearby. And on the road to Pattaya Noi is a temple dedicated to to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy featuring a large statue. In the Ban Kheck area is another Goddess of Mercy temple.

• Chiang Rai First Church, its largest, was built in 1914 at PratuSiri corner. It's Presbyterian.

[edit] Museums

• Hilltribe Museum and Education Center, 620/1 Tanalai Rd, tel. 053-740-088, [2]. Situated in the center of town is aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures etc. The dusty low-key displays include that of housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, fishing and agricultural equipment, but it's worth a visit for an unsanitized view of how the hill tribes are systematically exploited by Thais and the tourist industry. The Center also runs their own hilltribe tours, where the money actually goes to employ and help the tribesmen. Open 8:30 AM to 6 PM. There is a branch of Bangkok's Cabbages and Condoms restaurant downstairs, whose profits go to support family planning and sex education projects in Thailand.

• Oub Kham Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์อูปคำ), 81/1 Na Khai Road, Tambon Rob Wiang near Den Ha market, one kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects used in the royal courts such as Lanna, Khum Chao Phare and Khum Chao Chiang Mai some parts are from northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam which are about 500-1,000 years old. Visitors can admire 120 year-old ancient fabrics, Sin Mai Kham-golden silk skirt-from the Mandalay, the golden throne, king’s golden costumes and silver ornaments. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. All of those show the glory of the kingdom in the past. It opens daily from 09.00-17.00 hrs. Admission for adults is 200 Baht and for children 100 Baht. Tel: 0 5371 3349.

• Cultural Hall Museum near the TAT building on Singhaklai Road is a large white building that has a huge statue of King Mongkut at the main entrance. Visitors can find prehistoric tools, two medieval cannons, costume examples, ancient pottery and examples of ancient Lanna literature in the Dhamma script. There are also videos available, a model of the city and a display of five major areas of Tai culture. The fee for adults is only B10, for children B5.

• Princess Mother '90 Museum is a sizable fascinating pavilion dedicated to the life of the beloved Princess Mother (mother of the present king, King Rama IX). On display are fine collections of lacquer boxes, wood pulleys, pottery, weaving equipment and some old handwritten folded texts with drawings. Admission is free.

• Haw Shan Art Gallery - out NongBua Road, across from Family Bakery, in a large, dark-wood, Shan-style pavilion. It can be opened for special showings.

• Lanna Museum, at Rong Rian Ban Sang Khong Yai, just southwest of Chiang Rai Hospital at an elementary school. It can only be opened by request.

• The Chiang Rai Cultural Center is just north of the new airport, to the other side of the highway, next door to Rajapat Teacher's College.

• Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, 5km west of town, has lovely two lakes, a barge and several large Shan-style small ponds. There is interesting Haw Kam Golden Temple with two Shan halls containing accouterments collected by Princess Maha Chakri and examples of Lanna craftsmanship: seven-armed candelabra, Buddha Images, wooden alters, embroided cloths for wrapping Buddhist scriptures, carved wood screens, swords and monk’s fans.

• The Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Center (ศูนย์ภาษาวัฒนธรรมจีนสิรินธร) in Mae Fah Luang University was established through the cooperation of Mae Fa Luang University and the People’s Republic of China. The center was built as a memorial to honor the Princess mother as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. The center’s design was drawn to adhere as depicted in China. The construction took 7 months to complete at a cost of approximately 60 million Baht. The architecture replicates the Suzhou Chinese structure, building decorations and the garden ornaments by complying with the design layouts and using authentic materials shipped from China. The roofing tiles, the doors and the marble tiles laid at the entrance are all examples of a few of the materials brought from China. Tel: 0 5391 7093, 0 5391 7097 http://www.mfu.ac.th

[edit] Other

The Kok River (แม่น้ำกก) flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Chiang Rai Beach lies on the banks of this river and is a popular picnic spot in summer. Long-tailed boats and cruise can be made from town to travel along both sides of lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hill tribe villages of the Akha, Lisu, Lahu and Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. For more information, contact C.R. pier Tel: 0 5375 0009. Another river route starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward to Chiang Rai town. The boat trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights, contact Tha Ton boat club Tel: 0 5345 9427, Thip Travel Tel: 0 5345 9312

• Gate of Siam - on the border with Laos - you stand high up on a mountain and Laos is in front of you and the mighty Mekong River

• Phucheefah - great sunset view

• Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกขุนกรณ์) can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from town. After 18 kilometres, turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres. Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to proceed further another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, Khun Kon, is some 70 metres in height. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walk.

• The King Mengrai the Great Memorial (อนุสาวรีย์พ่อขุนเม็งรายมหาราช) is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the north and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

• The King Mengrai Stupa (กู่พระเจ้าเม็งราย) in front of Wat Ngam Mueang atop Doi Ngam Mueang in Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

[edit][add listing] Do

• Organize a trekking tour to the hill-tribes

• Visit Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle

• Visit Buffalo Horn Hill and Khun Kon Waterfall (Nam Tok Khun Kon)

Rent a motorbike and go to the temple on Buffalo Horn Hill to have a splendid overview over Chiang Rai by following the old road to Chiang Mai, called Thanon Ratchayotha. Just about when you'll cross the city borders you'll notice a long curve in the road to the right. From this point watch for a hill in the distance at the lefthand side. That's where you want to go! Take a left turn at the next big Soi (Nongpoung soi 3). Take the first turn right after the lake and turn left. The entrance to the small road up is here: look for temple flags. You will be treated with the most beautiful view over Chiang Rai. Especially around sunset! The restaurant at the small lake serves nice fish and gourmet frogs.

Another way to find Buffalo Horn Hill (Wat Phra That Doi Khao Khwai) is to go Thanon Sanam Bin south to the Old Airport, turn right onto Thanon Pracha Santi follow this one and you see the hill in front of you.

Take the same old road to Chiang Mai for about 15 km and turn right at the white sign 'Kun Korn Waterfall'. The pitoresque road meanders up for 11 km. Walk the last kilometer to the waterfall itself through fantastic jungle. Impressive.!! You might need a swimsuit and/or dry clothes... prepare to get wet.

• Visit Huai Hin Fon hot springs and nearby waterfall. The hot springs are located along the Mae Chan to Fang highway (Highway number 1089). It’s just a few kilometers (7.5 to be precise) from Mae Chan and is situated directly next to the road, on the south side. One of the geysers is so prominent, it’s hard to miss while driving pass.

• Another nice place to visit are the hot springs of Pong Phra Bat. Again you could do some walking in the nearby national park of the same name. Take highway 1 north out of Chiang Rai, to the first village (Bandu) / turn off, past the airport. Take the access road along the highway and turn to your left, drive up this road for a km or so until you have a sharp right hand turn. Instead drive through the gate straight ahead of you with the pond on your left. For the Pong Phra Bat waterfall just continue on the paved road for another 5 km's until you come to the end parking. From there it's a 20 minute walk. No entrance fee required!

• Then there are the clean hot springs of Pha Soet nearby the river, a great place to while away a late afternoon. Pha Soet Hot springs is located on the only road going directly west out of town, once on this road, there are many signboards, announcing it's impending existence and after 20 km's you pass a bridge with the hot springs site on your left.

• Play and practise golf at The Old Airport. Here you have a very good Driving Ranch and also a 9-hole golfcourse. You can find one of the best teachers in golf here, Barry Finch. And when you are hungry there is a hamburger restaurant.

• Golf in Chiang Rai There are two highclass golfcourses outside Chiang Rai. Santiburi is one of Thailands 5 best courses and you can find Santiburi 10 km east of town.

Waterford Valley is as good as Santiburi. You find Waterford Valley 35 km northeast of town. There is a hotel if you want to stay over. In town we have two 9-hole courses. The Army Course that you find close to Mae Fa Luang Bridge and The Old Airport course that you find, yes, at the old airport. The Old Airport course you can play without a caddie. At the other courses you must have one.

[edit] Festivals

• Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival (งานไหว้สาพญาเม็งราย หรือ งานพ่อขุนเม็งรายมหาราช) is held during 23 January – 1 February. See the Buang Suang worshipping ceremony which commemorates Phokhun Mengrai Maharat. The Fair is organised by the Chiang Rai provincial office Tel: 0 5371 1612

• Lichi Fair (งานเทศกาลลิ้นจี่และของดีเมืองเชียงราย) is held around the middle of May every year. There is a float competition, Lichi beauty contest and booths of many local products at the provincial stadium of Chiang Rai.

[edit][add listing] Buy

• Night Bazaar & Food Court - The bazaar is located between the bus station and Phaholyothin Road in the center of town. The market consists of many small stands lining the narrow street running between Phaholyothin Road and the bus station. Everything on display from silk ready-made garments to tattoo etching, even pets. The hill tribes sell an amazing selection of old coins, collector's pieces of needlework and very fine quilted bed spreads.

• Chiang Rai Handicraft (ศูนย์หัตถกรรมเชียงราย) 237 Mu 5 at Km.832 Tel: 0 5371 3355 (pottery, silk, cotton)
• Doy Din Dang Pottery (ดอยดินแดง พอทเทอร์รี่), Ban Doi Din Daeng, Tambon Nang Lae (12 km From Chiang Rai and 6km from airport; when traveling on superhighway direction Mae Sai, take the 2nd u-turn after Rajapat University. Follow the 'Long Neck Karen Village' - signs. DDD is about 2km from the highway on the left hand side), ☎ 053-705291 / +6653705291 (doydindg @ loxinfo.co.th), [3]. closed on Sundays. Doy Din Dang is a pottery which is both a gallery as a place to buy beautiful crockery and ceramics. You can see the whole process, from clay grinding, kneading, throwing, through glazing and the firing in the oven.  edit
• Hilltribe Handicrafts (หัตถกรรมชาวเขา) 620/25 Thanalai Rd, Tel: 0 5371 8869 (hilltribe handicrafts)
• Healthy Choice (ร้านของโปรด) 179 Thanalai Rd., Tel: 0 5371 5533 (Healthy Food)
• Javi Craft (ชาวี คราฟท์) 272 Mu 2 Ban Pa Yang Mon Tambon Robwiang Tel: 0 5374 2493 www.javi-craft.com (mulberry paper, handicraft products)
• Lily Handicraft (ลิลลี่ แฮนดี้คราฟท์) 869/84 Phisitsangwan Road, Tel: 0 5371 7065
• Nanthawan (แหนมนันทวัน) 68/4 Mae Kok rd., Tambon Rimkok Tel: 0 5375 1133, 0 5375 1116 (local food)
• Silver Birch (ไม้มุงเงิน) 891 Phahonyothin Rd, Tel: 0 5371 4877 (silverware, wooden handicrafts)
• Sujin Muyo (สุจินต์หมูยอ) 425/8 Banphaprakan Rd, Tel: 0 5371 2477 (spicy pork and local food products)
• Thanyaporn (ธัญพร) 326 Ratyotha Rd., Tel: 0 5371 8869 (products from Mae Fa Luang Foundation)
• T.S. Jewellry (ทีเอส จิวเวลลี่) 877-879/9 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 1050 (precious stone)

[edit][add listing] Eat

There is lots of good food to be found in Chiang Rai, but most tourists seem to end up eating at the Night Bazaar. There are actually two separate places to eat here: "Centrepoint", run by a single restaurant with a Western-Thai menu and comparatively high prices (dishes 100-200 baht), and then the "actual" night bazaar food court (dishes 30-100 baht). Both have free music and dance performances almost nightly. While there are over 50 food stalls to choose from, the fare on offer is mostly quite touristy, with food toned down for the farang palate. About half the stalls seem to be devoted to selling deep-fried stuff (fritters, French fries, attempts at tempura, etc) to accompany beer. There are also a few non-Thai stalls, offering Italian, Indian, German etc, plus the obligatory insect stall for creepy-crawly cravings.

• A&P Bakery, 93/4 Thanon Sanambin (Old Airport Road), opposite 'Muse Bar'. Tel: +66-857231410 / 08-57231410. This is definitely the best bakery in town as it comes to whole grain bread, multi grain bread, white bread, baguette, rolls and cakes! There's even a picture book with at least 200 sorts of cakes which you can order. It is run by the very friendly Aom and Pascal (A&P).

• Chiang Rai Beach during the day or the early evening is an excellent spot. There are around 20 eateries overlooking the 'Mae Kok River'. Bring your dictionary with you for there are no English menus to be found. A bit out of town. Go by tuktuk or motorbike.

• Nakhon Pathom (นครปฐม), Th Phahonyothin, near Th Banphaprakan intersection. The famous khao moo deng (rice with red sauteed pork, or as shown on the menu: 'rice with BBQ pork', 30 baht) tastes best at this big Chinese restaurant. No English sign, but looks for the red sign board with large yellow font Thai letters. It's opposite the Lebanese shop. Big cold coffee machines attract the locals to having lunch there. Delicious!

• Phetburi, Th Banphaprakan. Local curry-and-rice restaurant, just pick your favorites from the display. Under 50 baht for a full meal. Ratburi, right next door, is very similar.

• Po Sai, Thanon Jet Yot 1023/2 (opposite Wangcome Hotel). Famous for its khao sawy (Burmese style chicken curry with noodles, 25 baht) and other northern dishes like special Northern Thai sausage (25 baht) and naam phrik num (dip made of eggplant and peppers). No English sign or menu, but some English spoken. Open early but closes by 6 PM.

• Tong Tung Restaurant (no English sign) serves you Northern Thai food. Try this semi-outdoor place on the western side of the road about 1 km south of Thanon Banphaprakan on 1/1 Thanon Sanambin (old airport road). Their 'Kaeng Hung Lay' curry is to be recommended.

[edit] Mid-range

• Da Vinci is an other good place on the main road serving nice charcoal pizzas an pastas. Their lasagna is recommended.

• Oasis is a very specialized and delicious vegetarian restaurant. Behind the new main stage at the 'Night Bazaar' you'll notice a high building situated behind the small eateries which still belong to the market. It's at the corner of a street which leads to the fruit market. A 'must' for vegetarian people! Open until 20.00.

• Kad Khaw Nung is a restaurant in the North Hotel which specializes in home made northern style food. Here you can find Northern Thai sausage, Kaeng Hunglay (northern pork curry) and a variety of northern style dishes made by the mother of the owner. Their family recipes will give you a real taste of Northern cuisine. The North Hotel is situated next to Oasis, just in the middle of a small street between the Night Bazaar and fruit and flower market.

• Nova Restaurant, Th Phaholyothin, 053 740 554. Lebanese restaurant serving Falafel, Tabouleh, Hummous and other Middle Eastern delicacies.

• Siam Corner on Thanon Jet Yot. Very good Thai food, some Western dishes also.

[edit] Splurge

• C&C Cabbages and Condoms (ซี แอนด์ ซี), 620/25 Thanalai Rd. (Hilltribe Museum), Tel: 0 5371 9167, [4]. Classy (if somewhat toned-down) Thai food in chic settings, with condoms cropping up in all sorts of unexpected places. Profits go to support family planning and sex education in Thailand.

• Ek Ocha (เอกโอชา) 455 Mu 4 Mae Yang-Chiang Rai Rd., Tel: 0 5371 2543 (Thai – Chinese food)
• Gara Garon (กาเรการ่อน) 869/18 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 4779 (Thai food)
• Haw Narika (หอนาฬิกา) Saenphu Hotel Intersection, Tel: 0 5371 3738
• Haw Nariga 1 (หอนาฬิกา 1) 402/12 Banphaprakan Rd., Tel: 0 5371 1062 (Thai-Chinese food)
• Haw Nariga 2000 (หอนาฬิกา 2000) Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5374 3084 (Chinese food)
• Hua Phochana (ฮั้วโภชนา) Near Mae Kok Bridge, Tel: 0 5375 1055 (Chinese food)
• Jaw Charoen Chai (จ.เจริญชัย) 1 Sanambin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 2731 (Chinese food)
• Kai Yang Pimpa (ไก่ย่างพิมพา) 24 Mu 3 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 2167 (Isan food)
• Kaow Tom Mee Na (ข้าวต้มมีนา) Rongsi Kao Si Koet (Thai food) 0 5371 6088, 0 5374 0014
• La Antina (ลาแอนติน่า) 528/20 Banphaprakan Rd., Tel: 0 5371 6808 (European food)
• Lee O-Cha (หลีโอชา) 416 Banphaprakan, Tel: 0 5371 1812 (Chinese food)
• Lotus Bakery House (โลตัสเบเกอรี่ เฮาส์) In front of Wangcome Hotel, Tel: 0 5371 4519 (Thai food)
• Muang Thong (เมืองทอง) 889/1-2 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 1162 (Chinese food)
• Phu Thai Kai Yang (ภูไทไก่ย่าง) 38 Mu 4 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5379 3080 (Isan food)
• Rom Mai (ร่มไม้) Km.8 Dong Mada Rd., Tel: 0 5367 3808 (Local food)
• Saban Nga Khantoke (สบันงาขันโตก) 226/50 Sankhong Rd., Tel: 0 5371 2290 (Northern style food with dances)
• Slung Kham (สลุงคำ) 834/3 Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5371 7192 (Thai and Local food)
• Toke Tong (โตกตอง) Phahonyothin Rd., Tel: 0 5375 6370 (Local food)
• Yunan (ยูนนาน) 211/9 Khwae Wai Rd., Tel: 0 5371 3263 (Chinese food)

[edit][add listing] Drink

• Rusta Bar with rasta music at San Khok Chang Rd.

• Cat Bar with jam sessions almost every day and a pool table on Yet Yod Rd.

• Joe's on Yet Yod Rd.

• Reggae Bar situated somewhere in Night Bazaar's little alley's behind the silver colored stage. Good variety of music and drinks. Open after 8pm. Later local farangs meet here.

• Easy Bar on Thanon Jet Yot. Open all day. You can have a meal here, read Bangkok Post, watch Cable TV.

• The Turntable Jazz Bar, the North Hotel is the only place you can find a wide range of Jazz records from the 40 year-old collection of the hotel’s Norwegian co-owner. Several jazz related books can also be found. The bar offers cheap beer and drinks and a friendly atmosphere. The turntable jazz bar is located between the Night Bazaar and Sirikorn (flower and fruit) Market, tel:+66 (0) 5371 9873, Fax: +66 (0) 5374 0156. MAP [[5]]

• SiTSip Bar&Coffee House. Located at Ground Floor; Wangcome Hotel. 053-711-800. The place is decorated in modern style. Serving drinks, food&snack, and lots of cocktail menu.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

[edit] Budget

• Baan Bua Guest House 879/2, Jetyod Road, tel: (66) 053 718880, fax: 053-705357 baanbua@yahoo.com - very central but nice and quiet, with a pleasant garden where you have breakfast with other travellers and in the evening enjoy a beer. Air-con rooms 200-400.

• Ban Khun Yom (บ้านขุนยม) 155 Thanalai Rd., (Tel: 0 5371 6216), 42 rooms: 600-800 baht

• Baan Lanna Hotel 395 Moo 2, Rimkok, Muang tel. (66) 053-712555 manager@baanlaana.com - clean air-con rooms, mini bar and friendly staff. Rates 450 - 800 baht.

• Ban Silp (บ้านศิลป์) 260/44 Mu 15 Sankongnoi Rd., Tambon Robwiang (Tel: 0 5375 6335-6), 27 rooms: 300-600 baht
• Ban Suan Nanglae Resort (บ้านสวนนางแล รีสอร์ท) 298 Mu 5 Phahonyothin Rd., Km.851 (Tel: 0 5377 2490-1), 60 rooms: 600-800 baht

• Baan Warabordee; very beautiful, clean, air-con, well decorated rooms in quiet street near centre, in the street behind the Wiang Inn. Prices for a double: 400-500 bahht, triple: 600-700 baht; 59/1 Sanpanard Rd. - Moo18 - Chiang Rai; Tel. +66(0)53754488 Fax. +66(0)53719293

• Chat House [6]

• City Home 20 rooms, fan/air, cable TV. Fan rooms starting from 250bath and aircon rooms 350 bath. Good location near night market and bus station. Clean rooms, good value for money. Address 868 Phahonyothin road, Chiang Rai 57000, Tel: +66 (0)53600155, email Cityhome.chiangrai@yahoo.com

• Mae Hong Son Guest House in Chiang Rai, 126 Singhaklai Road, tel. +66-053715367

• Orchids Guesthouse 1012/3 Jedyod Road Muang (off Th Jet Yot). 10 new very clean, spotless double rooms with A/C, TV, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea included at 350 Baht. Central location, quiet rooms, they also offer car, bicycles or motorcycle hire and trekking options with a lisenced guide. +66 (0)5371-8361.

• Ruangnakorn Hotel (near the police station) costs 450 baht/room

• Sport Inn Hotel 557 Prachasanti Road, tel: (66) 053 756 959, fax: 053-756 156 - very nice Hotel, free internet and they have wifi too, 5 minutes from the centre of town, Air-con double rooms 350 baht.

• The North Hotel Between the Night Bazaar and Sirikorn (flower and fruit) Market, tel:+66 (0) 5371 9873, Fax: +66 (0) 5374 0156 [7] [8] - rates 450-700 baht per person per night. Air-con, private facilities, hot and cold shower, cable TV, fridge, restaurant and Turntable Jazz Bar.

• YMCA International Hotel 70 Phaholyothin Road, tel:+66 (0) 5371 3785 to 6, +66 (0) 5370 2763 to 4 ymcawf@loxinfo.co.th [9] - rates 100-400 baht

[edit] Mid-range

• Ban Ing Doi Resort (บ้านอิงดอย รีสอร์ท) 603 Mu 14 Doi Khaokwai Rd., (Tel: 0 5371 7844-6, 0 5371 5883), www.ingdoicrresort.com, 35 rooms: 750-2,000 baht

• Ban Lanna (บ้านล้านนา) 395 Mu 2 Tambon Rimkok (Tel: 0 53712555), 35 rooms: 1,200 baht

• Ban Rabieng Chom Fa (บ้านระเบียงชมฟ้า) 386 Mu 5 Tambon Thasud (Tel: 0 5366 1118), 8 rooms: 2,500 baht

• Chiang Saen River Hill Hotel [10]

• Golden Triangle Inn [11]

• Little Duck Hotel [12]

• Luck Swan Resort and Spa [13] - 499 Moo 4, Rimkok Muang-Chiang Rai. New hotel with Thai and Western food. Air-con rooms. Hotel has a nice garden and gazebo. Rates: 1200 to 1800 Free internet access in the lobby. Tel. (66) 053-750855 Fax: (66) 053-750857

• Starbright Hotel [14]

• Morning Dew Lodge [15] - New hotel targeting long term visitors and 10 minute walk from town centre. Rates: 600 /night 6000/month Free WiFi internet throughout the building. Tel. (66) 081 595 5502

[edit] Splurge

• Dusit Island Resort 1129 Kraisorasit Road, tel. +66-53715777 fax. +66-53715801 [16]

• The Legend Chiang Rai, tel 66 53 910 400 or fax 66 53 719 650, [17]

• Mantrini Boutique Resort [18]

• Phowadol Resort and Spa [19]

• Wangcome Hotel, 69/90 Pemawibhata Rd, ☎ (053) 711-800, [20]. Chiang Rai's grand old 1970s hotel, now getting on in the years, but rooms have been renovated and are looking reasonably up to date. Right across the street from the Night Market and the bus station. Glum shady pool, mediocre breakfast buffet. Airport transfer 200 baht. 1600 baht.  edit

• Wiang Inn [21]

[edit] Long Term Rent

• Baan Dok Bua [22]

Rent a house for your long term stay. Starting from 1 week till 1 year or longer. Floris

[edit] Get out

• Check out the royal villas and mountaintop temple views at Doi Tung
• Visit Thailand's northernmost town at Mae Sai and pop across the border to Tachileik, Myanmar (no visa needed)
• Go north-east to the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet, and formerly a major opium-growing region
• Go east to Chiang Khong and cross the Mekong to Huay Xai, Laos
• Go south to Chiang Mai

This is a usable article. It has information for getting in as well as some complete entries for restaurants and hotels. An adventurous person could use this article, but please plunge forward and help it grow!