Home to myriad mountains and forests, northern Thailand is a popular tourist destination particularly in the winter months when visitors can enjoy clear skies and refreshingly cool temperatures. As one of the primary northern provinces, Chiang Rai offers a wealth of unique cultural and natural sites to explore.
Let’s start at a place to pray to the Buddha for good things: Wat Rong Seur Ten.
You may have heard of Chiang Rai’s famous Wat Rong Khun – the precious creation of Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat that’s also known as the “White Temple” – but have you heard of Wat Rong Seur Ten? Called the “Blue Temple” in English, Wat Rong Seur Ten’s decorative main hall showcases Thai-style Buddhist art and patterns using the contrasting colours of blue and gold. It has a beauty that fascinates anyone who walks by – you immediately want to go inside! Created by another local Chiang Rai artist, Puttha Karbkeaw, who was a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, you’re sure to fall under the temple’s colourful spell.
Directions
It is located in the town of Chiang Rai 300 metres away from the Kok River Bridge. Stay on the Mae Chan – Mae Sai Road. After crossing Kok River Bridge and reaching the intersection, turn left onto Mae Yao Road and then turn left again about 50 metres to Wat Rong Seur Ten.
Admission
Opening hours : Every day
Travel period : Throughout the year
Admission Fee : Free admission
Location : Rong Seur Ten, Rim Kok, Muang, Chiang Rai 57110
Contact
Tel. : 082-026-9038
Website : www.facebook.com/วัดร่องเสือเต้น-ตำบลริมกก-อำเภอเมือง-จังหวัดเชียงราย
After paying respect to the Buddha, it’s time for tea at the iconic Chui Fong Tea Plantation.
One of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Thailand is the stunning Chui Fong Tea Plantation, which is especially attractive at the end of raining season and the beginning of winter. Now there are two branches of the plantation in Chiang Rai that are available to visit. The first one is in Mae Chan district and the second one is in Mae Fa Luang district. This time we are talking about the one in Mae Chan district. This place is not only well known for its delicious tea but also the picturesque terraced tea fields. The scent of tea, when enjoyed with the plantation’s desserts and stunning setting, is a perfect combination.
Chui Fong Tea Plantation is definitely one place in Chiang Rai that that you simply cannot miss!
Directions
Out of Chiang Rai city, drive along the Mae Chan-Mae Sai road about 30 kilometres to reach Mae Chan district. Keep driving until you see the intersection with Mae Salong signs, then turn left following the way to Doi Mae Salong. (There will be guideposts to Chui Fong Tea Plantation along the way.) From the intersection, drive for another 7 kilometres. You will see the entrance to Chui Fong Tea Plantation on the right-hand side. Drive for another 3 kilometres and you will arrive at the plantation.
Admission
Opening hours : Every day from 8.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m.
Travel period : Throughout the year
Admission Fee : Free admission
Location : 97 Moo 8 Ban Pa Sang, Mae Chan, Chiang Rai 57110
Contact
Tel. : 053-771-563
Website : www.facebook.com/ChouiFongTea
Now that you’re refreshed after enjoying some tea, let’s see some more of the region’s beautiful natural attractions: The Emerald Pool.
You’ve likely heard about the young football team, the Wild Boars, who were stuck in Chiang Rai’s Tham Luang Nang Non cave. Now known around the world thanks to the historic rescue efforts, the cave is now home to a beautiful emerald pool that was created by the international rescue team.The pool is so wonderful that it is named “Kun Nam Emerald Pool” and is boosting tourism in Tham Luang Nang Non Cave area. At the time of the cae rescue, the water inside the cave was very high and needed to be released causing a series of events that created this clear pool. Now it’s one of the must-see tourist attractions in Chiang Rai.
Direction
From Chiang Rai’s downtown take the National Highway No. 1 to Mae Sai district. When you arrive at Pong Pa, there is an intersection with the sign for Wat Ban Jong at the entrance. Drive along this road for about 1.5 kilometres, until you arrive at the emerald pool, Sai Tong Cave.
Admission
Opening hours : Every day
Travel period : Throughout the year
Admission Fee : Free admission
Location : Tham Luang Nang Non Cave Pong Pha, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai
Contact
Tel. : 053-714-914
After soaking up the Emerald Pool’s natural surrounds, continue onto Doi Pa Mhee, a village in the middle of mountains at the Thai-Myanmar border.
There is a popular saying in Thai about the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej: “There is nowhere in this country that our father had never been to.” His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej even visited his people at the remote Doi Pa Mhee, a rural village high in the hills near the Thai-Myanmar border. Now Pa Mhee village has opened a homestay and tent camping area for tourists. While sitting at the village’s restaurant and café, you can enjoy your meal while looking out at the fantastic mountains and picturesque morning mist. We can tell you that anyone who visits this place, will forget their worries thanks to the fascinating view together with the fresh air. It is not hard for Pa Mhee to make everyone fall in love with it!
Directions
From downtown Chiang Rai heading toward Mae Sai district, you’ll eventually pass Chan Ka Pak restaurant. Doi Pa Mhee is located near the restaurant just a bit further down the alley road. There is a sign marking the village entrance. It takes around 1 hour from Chiang Rai’s city centre to reach the village.
Admission
Opening hours : Every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Travel period : Throughout the year
Admission Fee : Free admission
Location : Wiang Phang Kham, Mae Sai, Chiang Rai 57130
Contact
Tel. : 053-646-569
So, what do you think about these four tourist attractions? We can tell you that each special place is worth a spot on your travel itinerary. Do not forget to visit these recommended places if you are travelling to Chiang Rai this year!
