Doi
Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri
village, a community settled by the former
Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar
to reside
on
Thai territory in 1961. The village became well
known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil
atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction
with its small-town ambience, delicious native
Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses
catering to visitors and tea, coffee and fruit
tree plantations. The scenery is especially
picturesque in December and January when sakuras
are in full bloom. Scattered with many hill
tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for
trekking. More>>
Wat Rong
Khun
Wat
Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple.
Whereas most temples visited by tourists
have a history going back many centuries,
this
magnificent place of worship was built only
recently. It is the realization of a dream for
Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat,
who designed and is supervising the construction
of this beautiful white temple and its many
statues of figures based on religious beliefs.
The construction started in 1998 and is expected
to be completed in 2008. In addition, there
is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings.
To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive
north along Asia Highway. More>>
Mae Kok
River
The
Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions
in Chiang Rai. It runs from Thathon in
northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City
and
then
flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang
Khong. From Baan Thathon boats, rafts and treks
leave daily venturing into the surrounding mountains
where the jungle dips into the river's cool
waters. A long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry
visitors up and down the river. Stops can be
made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe
villages. Alternatively stops can be made at
the Buddha cave, a temple within a cavern; an
elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring; and
a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300
bahts to 700 bahts ($7-$16), depending on the
number of stops made. The ferry pier is beyond
the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.
More>>
Doi Tung
Doi
Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District
and can be reached by taking Highway No.110
for about 48 kilometers and turning left
onto
Highway
No. 1149, an asphalt road leading directly to
Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful
scenery with many interesting sites including
the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak Doi tung), the
Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal
villages. IN addition to scenic lookouts, the
most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi
Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop
the mountain. More>>
Mae Sai
Mae
Sai which is about 62 kilometers from
the provincial seat on Highway No. 110
is Thailand's northern-most district.
Mae Sai borders on
Myanmar's
Tha Khi Lek marked by the Mae Sai River with
a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors
are allowed to cross over to Tha Khi Lek market
by presenting their passports and paying a fee
at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. In addition,
there are tour services to Chiang Tung in Myanmar,
which is approximately 160 kilometers north
by road. More>>
Mae Chan
Mae
Chan, which is about 29 kilometers to
the north of Chiang Rai, serves as a trading
post where the Akha and Yao hill people
sell their
goods
and buy manufactured items. Silver and other
tribal handicrafts are available at local shops.
More>>
Doi Hua
Mae Kham
Doi
Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill
tribes near the Thai-Burmese border, about
three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban
Thoet
Thai-Ban Huai In route which winds along the
steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are predominantly
of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the
Akha, Hmong and Muser tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham
is most spectacular in November when the yellow
wild sunflowers are in full bloom. More>>
