Nestled in the heart of the Golden Triangle region, which encompasses the mountains of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand, Chiang Rai is a land of tropical hills and lush mountainsides. Both the province and city of Chiang Rai have rapidly become one of Thailand’s tourist hotspots. Highlights include the famous Burma Road straddling the Thailand-Myanmar border, high-mountain tea plantations, and the ancient Lanna capital of Chiang Saen.
Visitors should note that the demographics of the area are much more ethnically diverse than elsewhere in Thailand, offering an interesting cultural contrast to the rest of the nation. A significant minority of the population is composed of members of the so-called “hill tribes”, among them the Karen, Lisu, and Akha, as well as ethnic Chinese settlers.
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Complete your exploration of the Golden Triangle with a day trip into Myanmar. Your destination is a village not far from the border, on the way to Kengtung, capital of Myanmar’s Shan State. Your drive will take you through stunning mountain terrain to an undiscovered region refreshingly devoid of touts and souvenir shops. In this region dwell numerous tribes who have remained untouched by outside influence and live much as their ancestors have for centuries.
Cruise approximately 30 minutes by boat up the Khong River and into Laos. Disembark and visit Ban Had Tai village, where your guide will introduce you to its residents for a better understanding of life in this remote region.
Explore the fascinating architectural history and museum collections of Chiang Saen, the capital of Thailand’s 14th-century Lanna kingdom.
Drive 1.5 hours to the beautiful mountaintop village of Doi Mae Salong, home to indigenous hill-tribe peoples and Chinese settlers. Once opium country, Doi Mae Salong is now home to Thailand’s premier oolong tea production.
Visit the Hall of Opium, which chronicles the long history of opium production and trade in the Golden Triangle.
At 4,265 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level, Mae Kampong has a pleasant, year-round temperature of 50-65 °F (10-18°C). The town is also home to the Flight of the Gibbon, an elaborate, 18-platform zipline course that travels through various layers of the rainforest canopy; its namesake is the gibbon, an acrobatic ape that swings from tree to tree. During your time here, you will also learn more about the Gibbon Project’s efforts to protect the endangered gibbon, which is under threat from habitat loss.
Train as an elephant mahout (a handler and caretaker) and go elephant trekking through the surrounding jungle. Learn how to bathe and feed an elephant, and afterwards, learn some of the traditional commands used to "drive" an elephant.
Go for a one-hour hike through the tea fields and hill-tribe villages. Pending their availability, sip tea with the owner of one of the largest plantations in Thailand, followed by lunch and tea with a prominent member of the Doi Mae Salong community to discuss the life today in this rural part of the country.
Journey up the “Burma Road,” a hair-raising route that straddles the narrow, mountainous border between Thailand and Myanmar. Along the way, stop at strategic lookout points for expansive views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.
Thailand has it all – from towering mountains, gilded temples, vibrant corals, ancient ruins and powdery white-sand beaches. Enjoy an 11-day journey through the diverse landscape of what’s known as the Land of Smiles. The hospitality along with the mouthwatering cuisine make this country a traveler’s favorite.
Retreat to the mountainous province of Chiang Rai on this 6-day trip to two different wellness destinations, Pa Sak Tong and Phu Saichai. Breathe in deep the fresh mountain air and unwind with pampering spa treatments, refocus with mindful meditation in the verdant fields, strengthen the body with jungle treks and biking, and refuel with organic wholesome meals. This luxury getaway into the cool and green hills of northern Thailand will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Achieve a near-impossible feat of comfortably visiting 3 countries in 5 days on this luxurious trip. When you stand in the Golden Triangle, you are able to get a glimpse of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand simultaneously. Make the most of the area with a trip down the Mekong river and explore the area’s many markets.
Explore nearly 200 ancient ruins and 26 different stunning temples at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sukhothai. The adventure only begins there, continuing for 8 luxurious days through Thailand’s magical North. See the culture, history and natural beauty beyond Thailand’s beaches.
Discover the differences between Thailand and Myanmar as the two countries are juxtaposed on this unique 11-day luxury voyage from Northern Thailand to Kengtung, Myanmar. You’ll go from petting tigers in Chiang Mai, to trekking through a Chiang Rai tea plantation, to meeting members of the Loi tribe in Kengtung.
From the bustling city of Bangkok to the cultural center of Chiang Mai, the rustic Chiang Rai to the luxurious Koh Samui - this 10-day adventure-by-private-jet packages the best Thailand has to offer into a vacation that fits the bill.
Travel from the bustling streets of Bangkok to the quiet heights of Vietnam’s Sapa by private aircraft, experiencing history and adventure with VIP access.
Does the thought of simply relaxing on the beach bore you? This luxury bike tour of Northern Thailand is far from a lazy holiday. Bike through stunning mountain towns visiting small villages, ancient ruins and even the bewildering architectural marvel of the White Temple in Chiang Rai on this thrilling adventure.
Resting along the serene Mekong River, the charming Chiang Khong Teak Garden Hotel is the perfect place to discover the scenic gems of Northern Thailand. Surrounded by a garden of century-old golden teak trees, the hotel features 72 contemporary rooms and four spacious suites. Each accommodation is fitted with teak and burl wood flooring, a scenic view overlooking the lush garden, satellite TV, free WiFi and modern amenities. After checking in, patrons can enjoy a relaxing Thai massage at the spa, check e-mails at the business center, grab a refreshing drink at the bar or dance the night away at the nightclub. Guests can also indulge in savory Thai cuisine at the restaurant on-site. During the day, visitors can take advantage of the bicycle rental facility at the hotel and pedal to lush hills, tropical greenery and majestic rivers. The hotel is also located near the peaceful beach town of Chiang Khong.
Escape to the tranquil Huai Khum Resort and experience the serene wilderness and scenic landscapes of Chiang Rai. Set on the stunning Mae Kok River and surrounded by pristine jungle, the resort offers peace and comfort to its guests. With 27 hillside bamboo cottages to choose from, patrons will experience a whole new world deep in the lush forest. Each accommodation is furnished with intricate wood furniture, comfy beds and modern amenities while the villa cottages come with a separate living room and spacious terrace. The resort also offers an outdoor swimming pool, beautiful gardens, historical museum, cultural shows, meditation terrace, water sports and more. For tasty Thai cuisine, visitors can enjoy organic dishes at the gourmet restaurant and sip on freshly shaken cocktails at the bar on-site. During the day, guests can easily journey to traditional mountain villages nearby and trek through rich countryside to witness exotic plants and wildlife.
Situated in the heart of Chiang Rai, this four-star resort provides the ultimate experience for its guests with its welcoming staff, contemporary rooms and state-of-the-art modern facilities. Comfort and relaxation are sure to be achieved at this elegant resort, which is set in a gorgeous lily garden. Choose from 79 Thai-style bungalows, each equipped with free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, minibar, basic kitchen facilities and more. Kick back and relax at the impressive outdoor and indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi and salon facilities. Patrons can also unwind at the spa and massage parlour and spoil themselves with a traditional Thai massage. After a day of leisure, grab a tasty cocktail at the bar and indulge in a delicious Thai meal at the hotel restaurant. Other services include an on-site travel agency, business center, meeting facilities and dry cleaning. This charming resort is also conveniently located in Chiang Rai and is the perfect base from which to explore famous destinations such as the Golden Triangle and elaborate Buddhist temples.
The perfect little hideaway, Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort is the ideal oasis for travelers in northern Thailand. This luxurious resort, sprawling over 10 glorious acres, is situated on the Mae Kok river and boasts an outdoor pool, spa and children’s center for ultimate relaxation. With close proximity - and a complimentary shuttle bus - to nearby popular sites, the resort can be used as a home base for touring or a retreat from the road. With the option of nearly 160 rooms, spanning from Deluxe Room to Grand Deluxe Room to Grand Suite Rooms, and four on-site dining options, including a poolside bar, guests may never want to leave the premises.
Set on the banks of the gorgeous Mekong River, the Siam Triangle Hotel is a breathtaking four-star hotel that will fulfill most travel desires. Choose from 52 modern rooms, each equipped with stylish décor, spacious balconies with a scenic river view, free WiFi, flat-screen TV and basic kitchen facilities. After checking in, patrons can lounge by the large outdoor swimming pool, relax in the sauna, work up a sweat at the fitness center or enjoy a soothing Thai massage at the on-site spa. Friendly hotel staff are more than happy to help guests organize travel excursions, book car hires, plan events at the hotel’s grand meeting facilities, take care of dry cleaning and much more. After a day of exploring Chiang Rai, guests may head to the hotel restaurant and feast on delicious Thai and international cuisine while overlooking the scenic river. The Siam Triangle Hotel is also only a few miles away from the Golden Triangle and is the perfect base from which to explore the treasures of Northern Thailand.
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