Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is one of the more peaceful provinces in Thailand and offers travellers a unique experience to travel the untouched natural beauties the country has to offer. Being surrounded by lush jungle and rocky mountains, Chiang Rai is debatably the best place in all of Thailand for Trekking. Make your way through the mountains to the hill tribes and try rock climbing the limestone peaks reaching 80 metres, all just a few kilometres from Chiang Rai.  See the greatest view of the city from high up on Buffalo Horn Hill and visit the Traditional Thai temple that sits on top for a great day out. Another remarkable place to visit and especially to take the family, is Boomerang Adventure Park. The park offers experiences such as zip lining and rock climbing, along with many other adventurous activities for all ages to enjoy

When planning your holiday in Chiang Rai, the stand out attractions are the abundance of Temples the city has to offer. Chiang Rai holidays are often centred around making trips out to the individually designed Buddhist Temples. The most prestigious being the White Temple. The temple was created by Chalermchai Kositpipat and is of modern design, with construction starting in 1998.  The unique structures on the temple grounds are white in colour to reflect the purity of Buddha and many of them entail pieces of mirrors and glass to enhance their beauty in the sunlight. The artist uses modern murals and some artwork even comprises of celebrity themed gargoyles to represent the teachings of Buddha in a striking and modern way. With many other surrounding temples, all architecturally individual and authentic, be sure to set aside a couple of days at least to visit these landmarks during your Chiang Rai holiday.

Holidays to Chiang Rai involve a peaceful atmosphere, and are almost a more authentic Thai experience, however, this doesn’t mean you won’t stay in the luxurious resorts Thailand is famous for. Resorts line the Chiang Rai beach and offer anywhere from a budget stay, to the 5-star Villas fit for a king. The beaches of Chiang Rai offer a wide selection of luxury yet affordable resorts, with amazing pools, pampering spas and private beach areas. For a unique experience, why not stay at one of the resorts built in amongst the jungle. Some resorts offer 5-star tented accommodation, with others having a more rough-it style camping adventure. Regardless of which you choose, you won’t be disappointed as both offer tribal trekking and elephant interactive experiences.

A holiday in Thailand can be very predictable when it comes to the climate, as most of the country experiences similar conditions.

Chiang Rai is best visited in dry season, October through January, where the temperatures are at their coolest and the days are not disrupted by any storms. The hotter months of February to May are also pleasant, however you can expect to spend a lot more time cooling off in the beach when the temperatures rise above 40°C.  If you’ve planned your holiday to Thailand in April, don’t miss the Songkran Festival celebrating the Thai New Year and is by far the biggest party in the Chiang Rai. Highly recommended that visitors consider this time of year when booking holidays in Thailand, to be a part of the action.

ACTIVITIES IN THE COOL

The months of October to December prove to be the desirable option for a Thailand holiday. Trekking the scenic hills to experience the tribal lifestyle and wandering the many unique temples of Chiang Rai, is perfect with the cooler weather. Visiting the hot springs also makes for a great day out as they are much more refreshing with the temperature below 28°C. Trekking to the waterfalls is equally exciting during winter as the lack of rain promises clearer waters and more picturesque views of the natural wonders.

RELAXING HOT DAYS

If your holiday in Thailand is going to take place in the hotter months of February to May, be prepared for an average daily temperature of 33°C. While the humidity encourages visitors to spend their days lazing by the pool and enjoying the Chiang Rai beach, it also brings in a lot of tourism. Use your mornings and your evenings wisely, as the weather will be cooler during these hours, to visit the temples and experience all of the outdoor activities. The Lychee fair is also on during May, showcasing cultural displays of entertainment and handcrafted goods at the Sri Kaud Old Market. At night, be sure to visit the night bazaar to pick up a bargain, and wander the beautiful town in a much more comfortable climate setting. If you are lucky enough to be visiting Thailand in April, stay around for the Thai New year festivities that fill the streets with entertainment.

BRIEF RAINY DISRUPTIONS

The wet season as always promises less crowds and cheaper deals on accommodation throughout all of Thailand. Chiang Rai being a quieter Thai destination, is increasingly calm during this period. Visitors can enjoy less crowded resorts and cheaper shopping at the markets due to the less packed streets. The rainfall though heavy is generally brief, and clears to leave a comfortable climate for visitors to continue on with their day and enjoy all of the outdoor activities. The temperature sits at a lovely 25°C, perfect for all attractions Chiang Rai has to offer, and makes for an enjoyable Thailand holiday.