Explore Northern Thailand: Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai
Thailand is a charming tropical country in southeast Asia that boasts glamorous cities, beautiful beaches, and spectacular landscapes. While Bangkok, Pattaya, and Phuket attract many tourists, the northern cities Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai aren’t much on the tourists’ radar. Most first-time visitors travel to the already hyped-up destinations. However, it’s only in cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai one can experience an entirely different and authentic side of Thailand.
If you are planning for a non-mainstream tourist journey, exploring Northern Thailand would be your best bet. Through this blog you will learn about the top things to do and places to visit in the cities of Northern Thailand—Chaing Mai and Chiang Rai.
Northern Thailand: The Tale of Two “Chiangs”
The word “Chiang” roughly translates to city or a fort. Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have a deep history, hill-tribe culture, and age-old traditions. These northern Thai cities take one back to a historical era. Out of the two, Chiang Mai is a more popular tourist spot amongst digital nomads, trekkers and hikers, and anyone looking for an offbeat experience.
Chiang Rai is suitable for those in search of a reclusive vacation and staying close to nature. The gorgeous tea plantations, waterfalls, temples, and iconic landmarks such as Golden Triangle will be the highlight of a Chiang Rai itinerary. Let us explore further to see what one can expect from Ching Mai and Chiang Rai.
Chiang Mai: The Blend of Old and New
Connectivity:
Chiang Mai enjoys connectivity with domestic and international cities through the Chiang Mai International Airport. A smooth and convenient train or a bus ride from a city like Bangkok provides an alternative option to reach this city.
Where to Stay?/ Accommodation:
Chiang Mai has numerous stay options that cater to tourists of every budget. Whether you want to stay at a lavish resort or backpack at a comfy hostel, there is no dearth of choices. Top resorts in Chinang Mai are Shangri-La Chiang Mai, Anantara Chiang Mai Resort, and Na Nirand Resort. Backpackers can stay at Hug Glur House & Hostel, Lanna Hostel, or Slumber Party Hostel Chiang Ma.
Attractions & Activities:
- Go for temple hopping by visiting centuries old temples like Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, Wat Umong, and Wat Phra Singh.
- Watch a sunrise or sunset and enjoy a soul-healing time at Doi Inthanon National Park.
- Click photos with tigers at Chiang Mai’s Tiger Kingdom. If you are visiting Chiang Mai with children, take them to Chiang Mai zoo and aquarium.
- Spend time in nature with the gentle giants at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
- Trek to Bua Thong Waterfall, better known as “Sticky Waterfall”.
- Learn about history at the Lanna Folklore Museum.
Shopping:
Buy souvenirs, trinkets, and other knick-knacks from Chiang Mai’s best markets. Explore Wua Lai Walking Street and Sunday Walking Market.
Nightlife:
Don’t expect the nightlife in Chiang Mai to be as unhinged as Bangkok’s or Pattaya’s. Just like everything else, the nightlife here is chill and laid-back. The nightlife scene in Chiang Mai is to be found in the night markets, road side clubs and pubs.
Festivals:
Experience the Chiang Mai flower Festival, Loi Krathong (Lantern Festival), Poy Sang Long and the Bo Sang Umbrella Festival in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai: For Quieter Retreat
Connectivity:
Mae Fah Luang airport in Chiang Rai offers great air connectivity from Bangkok and Phuket. Alternatively, one can also book a cab, bus or train from Bangkok to travel Chiang Rai. But, that will be more time consuming than taking a flight.
Where to Stay?/ Accommodation:
The stay options in Chiang Rai are limited and most accommodations are either budget or mid-range. The best five-star properties in Chiang Rai include Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa, Le Méridien, and Mora Boutique. The budget-friendly accommodations include TT Hostel, Chian Guesthouse, Baan Nuk Anong Guesthouse, and Baan Baramee House.
Attractions & Activities:
- Visit the beautiful White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun. The sunlight reflects brightly on the pristine white exteriors of the temple. Walk on a bridge to reach the entrance of the temple. The temple remains open from 8 AM to 6 PM everyday and the entrance fee is 50 Thai baht.
- Next, explore the Blue Temple or Wat Rong Suea Ten in Chiang Rai. The gold and blue exterior of the temple is eye-pleasing and equally fascinating are the interior of the temple. There is no visitor’s fee to enter the temple and the timings are 7 AM to 8 PM everyday.
- Baan Dam Museum (Black House Museum) makes for an ideal place to stroll and admire the different architectural styles (traditional and modern) of Thai houses. The museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm, closes between 12 to 1 PM, and then opens again for the rest of the day. Every visitor has to pay an entrance fee of 80 Thai bahts.
- Golden Triangle View is amongst the most visited places in Chiang Rai. It is a point where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.
- Soak in the healing waters of Pong Phrabat Hot Springs and visit the lush tea plantations of Chiang Rai.
Shopping:
Buy handmade artefacts, green tea, silver jewellery, hill-tribe arts, and pottery as souvenirs from Chiang Rai. The best places to buy these items are Saturday Night Walking Street, Central Plaza, and Chiang Rai Night Bazar.
Nightlife:
Chiang Rai’s nightlife is quite demure in comparison to Chiang Mai. The walking streets, night bazaars, live performances, and a couple of clubs and bars keeps the nightlife of Chiang Rai buzzing.
Festivals:
In Chiang Rai, tourists can experience Songkran festival (April), Lychee Fair (mid-May), Loy krathong festival (November), and Blooming Mexican Sunflower festival (November).
Concluding Words
Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket, and Koh Pahngan, pulls in party animals and beach lovers. These spots remain the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand due to nightlife, music festivals, and full-moon parties. But, for a peaceful, laid-back and serene journey in Thailand, explore the mountainous cities of the north. Add Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to your northern Thailand tour packages and discover the wondrous sights of the beautiful cities. The two important cities of the Thai Kingdom—Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai that have preserved unique traditions, festivals, and heritage are definitely worth visiting.
