The Magic of the Mekong River Chiang Rai

Adrian Bridge takes a Mekong cruise through Laos, where, despite the encroachment of the modern world, the ‘Mother of Water’ remains the region’s spiritual lifeblood. My first impression of the Mekong was disappointing. Night had fallen and as we sped north from Chiang Rai to the evocatively named “Golden Triangle” (the meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Burma), I was full of eager anticipation at…

What to See in Chiang Rai

Muang Chiang Rai refers to the city and it is here where most tourists to the province will base themselves. Here you will find plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, bookshops, and all the other things that tourists like. Most people who visit the city remark that it feels a lot more laid back than Chiang Mai; it has the perfect mix of tourist friendliness and…

Chiang Rai Arrivals and Departures

Chiang Rai International Airport is located about ten kilometers outside the city. It is a small airport with just one terminal and very little in the way of entertainment as you wait for your flight. Train There is no train service directly to Chiang Rai.  The furthest north the train runs is Chiang Mai and from there you can catch as bus to Chiang Rai.…

The Majestic Beauty of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where visitors looking to avoid the hordes can visit remote hill tribes, spot exotic wildlife, and check out the golden triangle, the former center of the world’s opium trade and still a major drug route. Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Mengrai established it as…