Chiang Rai Privunce is the Northernmost Province in Thailand. With its cooler tropical climate during the winter months it is ideal for agriculture, not only rice is grown here but also sunflowers, cotton, oranges, strawberries and tobacco.
The province´s capital Chiang Rai still has small town character despite modern shopping malls on the outskirts. The city center still consists of some old teak wood houses, a variety of restaurants, hotels and guest houses as well as a Night Bazaar.
The extraordinary clock tower was built by famous Thai architect Chalerchai, who has also built the white temple about 6 km outside the city in Ban Rong Khum, which is worth a visit.
Chiang Mai has plenty of things to offer and is a good starting point to explore the province.
Chiang Rai also stands for the famous Golden Triangle - the myth of the Opium trade. The little Village Rob Suak that stands for the Golden Triangle offers a nice view over the river and you can do a long tail boat tour on Maekhong River. A must is a visit at The Hall of Opium 2 kms outside the village. An impressive exhibition takes you through the history of the Opium trade.
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Chiang Rai is also known for its coffee and tea plantations. Visit the village of Mae Salong, an ancient Chinese colony on top of the mountain. Several hill tribes live in the mountains of Chiang Rai. Mae Fah Luang and the Doi Tung Palace are just some more reasons to explore Thailand´s northernmost interesting province.
