| Population |
• Over 12% of the population belongs to hill tribes, a collective term for northern Thailand's minority ethnic groups such as Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo, and Muser.
• Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population - well over half of northern Thailand's large businesses are owned by people of Chinese heritage.
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| Area |
11,678 square kilometres
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| Time difference / local time |
GMT +7 hours
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| Language |
Thai
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| Currency |
Baht
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| Safety |
As with all major cities and destinations, beware of pickpockets. Leave valuables in the hotel safe and only carry the essentials.
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| Highlights |
Hill tribes
Many hill tribes (former immigrants from neighbouring countries) live in the mountains around Chiang Rai. Some villages are home to Padaung families of the Karen people, and the women wear rings stacked around their necks to stretch them.
Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao
This temple is the archaeological site of the Emerald Buddha, now housed in Bangkok at Wat Phra Kaeo. The statue is actually made of jade, not emerald.
The Golden Triangle
See where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River.
Wat Rong Khung
The 'White Temple' is unlike any other in Thailand, with stunning filigree decoration on its doors, railings and roof beams. Building on the temple started in 1998 and it’s still not finished.
Phra That Pha Ngao
At this hill-top temple you’ll see a bell-shaped chedi and a vihan where Buddha statues are enshrined, as well as taking in scenic views of the surrounding areas.
Chiang Saen Lake
Between November and February, this natural lake teems with migratory waterfowl.
Khun Chae National Park
Take a challenging trek through steep terrain, hill-tops and cliffs, seeing waterfalls, streams and virgin jungle.
Kok River
Hire a long-tailed boat and float up this scenic river, stopping at hill tribe villages or the Buddha cave, an elephant camp and a hot spring.
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| Passports and Visas |
• You need a full EU 10-year passport. We recommend that the expiry date is at least six months after your arrival back in the UK.
• You only need a visa if you’re staying longer than 30 days (29 nights), and you can get one from the Thai Embassy.
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| Transport |
• A taxi from Chiang Rai Airport to the city's hotels takes about 15 minutes; and an hour to the Golden Triangle.
• If you've booked private transfers, a member of our local agency will meet you at the airport and take you to your vehicle.
• Route 1 runs from Bangkok through Chiang Rai to Mae Sai on the Burma border.
• Chiang Rai is 839km from Bangkok - about 14 hours by car or bus.
• According to official bus schedules, the bus ride to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai takes about 1½ hours; however, the 175km trip most often takes at least 2½ hours.
• Several flights are available to and from Bangkok daily. Chiang Rai International Airport flight time is about 1½ hours.
• There is a daily scheduled boat service between Chiang Rai and Thaton in Chiang Mai province.
• There are currently no rail services to Chiang Rai, as the railway line from Bangkok ends at Chiang Mai.
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| Events and festivals |
January
Akha Hill Tribes Mini Light & Sound Show
Hill tribe villagers from the Mae Chan District showcase their culture at this show, held once a month until April.
King Mengrai the Great Annual Fair
Buy local products and enjoy entertainment at this fair.
August
Akha Swinging Tradition
Villagers ride a swing built by the village elder during this four-day ceremony to celebrate the crops waiting to be harvested. Ancestors are worshipped and there’s also dancing.
October
Mountain Biking in Three Lands
This event covers a distance of 670km as cyclists tackle a route that passes through Thailand, China and Lao.
December-January
Chiang Rai Flower Festival
Admire flower processions and browse for fruit trees, plants, tea and coffee.
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| Shopping |
Look for local handicrafts in the city or the rural areas where they’re produced, meeting the artisans who created your purchase.
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| Flying time to destination |
11½ hours
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| Eating/Drinking |
Food
• Chiang Rai is renowned for its northern Thai cuisine, flavoured with different varieties of chilli in sauces and soups. Sausages and pork are also typical of the region.
• Don’t miss the chance to try a kantoke dinner, where you sit around a round table and sample delicacies.
• Most hotels offer American, English and continental breakfasts, and you may find western-style fast food outlets, snack bars and ice cream parlours.
• Thai cuisine is a spicy menu of noodles, curries, sweet-and-sour dishes, slow- and fast-cooked ingredients, exotic spices and condiments.
Drink
• Don’t drink the tap water or ice – stick to bottled mineral water or purified water in hotels.
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| Good to know |
Dialling code
+66 54
Religion
Theravada Buddhism. Minority religions include Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Sikhism.
Etiquette
• Thais revere their royal family, so never express disregard for it.
• Outward expressions of anger are regarded as crude and boorish.
• Each Buddha image - large or small, ruined or not - is considered sacred. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything that might show lack of respect.
• Public displays of affection between couples are frowned upon. Westernised Thai couples may hold hands but that’s as far as it goes in polite society.
• It is considered rude to point your foot at a person or object.
• Never pat a Thai on the head – they see it as the highest part of the body, both literally and figuratively.
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No vaccinations are compulsory but some are recommended. For more detailed and up-to-date information, contact your GP or a specialised vaccination centre.
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| Clothing |
• Dress neatly in all religious shrines - never go shirtless or in shorts, hot-pants or other scanty attire.
• Take off your shoes when entering private Thai homes, chapels that house Buddhist images, and mosques.
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| Nightlife and discotheques |
Chiang Rai's nightlife is fairly quiet compared to Chiang Mai and Bangkok's. However, there are some bars - try Lobo, Mars Bar, Butterfly or the popular Turntable Jazz Bar.
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| Museums |
Hill Tribe Museum
This historical museum charts the history and lives of various hill tribes, and admission fees and proceeds go directly to these tribes.
Oub Kham Museum
Discover artefacts from Lanna kingdoms, including laquerware, jewellery and a stunning golden bowl used by the royal family.
Chiang Saen National Museum
Found in the old town of Chiang Saen, in this museum you’ll find artefacts including Lanna relics, a bronze Buddha, inscription stones and hill tribe musical instruments and ornaments.
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| Tipping |
Tip porters and hotel staff if you’re happy with their service. If a service charge isn’t added to your restaurant bill, tip 10-15%.
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