How to spend 3 days in Chiang Rai – Take pleasure in Thailand’s northern highlands
Chiang Rai is considered the gateway to exploring the ‘ins and outs’ of the famed Golden Triangle with intrepid travellers afforded ample opportunity to stumble upon a rich legacy. Therefore, for one awe-inspiring time that will ensure you leave this part of Thailand completely taken in by its magnificence, consider staying over for a duration of 3 days. With such an outing comes the freedom to move through its temples, taste aromatic fare and learn the ways of local tribes.
Image via Anantara Golden Triangle
The city centre will escort you to some of its sublime landmarks which are arguably, amongst the most photographed in all of Thailand. However, for an unforgettable encounter with customs and beliefs, consider going on a tour of the local temples. First up is the sacred Wat Rong Khun which is fondly referred to as the ‘White Temple’ owing to it being hewn solely in snow-white stone. Farther away, the shrines of Wat Phra Singh together with Wat Phra Keow will transport you to the good old days of Chiang Rai while allowing you space and time to surround yourself with eye-catching architecture. As evening draws closer, do a beeline for the Chiang Rai Night Market which sure does leave no stone unturned in entertaining the curious globetrotter. Pick and choose from a vast range of street food and be sure to delve into the distinct favours of Khao Soi which is a dish prepared with the help of fresh coconut. Also, do not forget that the Night Market is strewn with numerous souvenir stalls that sell a host of traditional handicrafts that will serve as wonderful mementoes of your time in the city.
Day 2
Allocate day 2 of your holiday to Chiang Rai towards voyaging to the region called the Golden Triangle which witnesses the borders of Laos, Thailand and Myanmar converge. Further, a good way to commence your adventures to the Golden Triangle will be to reserve a stay at one of the hotels in Chiang Rai such as Anantara Golden Triangle. Once here, you can inquire about the possibility of scheduling a day trip that will see you delighting in every nook and cranny of this section of Thailand. For culture and history buffs, it is advisable to make a pit stop at the Chiang Saen Village where the ruins of an ancient kingdom can be discovered and admired accordingly. Found close to the Village is another attraction worthy of one’s attention called the Hall of Opium. This museum documents the region’s opium trade in no uncertain manner which will come off as quite the far cry from your average tourist attraction. Although, be sure to reserve time on your itinerary for a leisurely cruise along the waters of the iconic and picturesque Mekong River which is cloaked in a peaceful ambience.
Day 3
For a fascinating and gripping introduction to the ways of the locals, look no further than embarking on a tour of the villages nestled in remote sections of Chiang Rai. Immerse your senses and charter a course that will culminate in you and those around you (if such is the case) delighting in the age-old practices of the Karen, Akha, Lisu and Hmong settlements that are bounded by green hills and dense jungle. In the event you seek to remain closer to the city, then it would be a must to check out Singha Park which caters to varied interests including tea plantation tours and ziplining. To cap off this unique experience, do head for the nearest Thai dinner show where you will be treated to the mouth-watering regional fare, folk dance acts and live musical performances.
