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Featured Travel Article: Chiang
Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai is Thailand's
northern most province, part of which is situated in the Golden Triangle region
shared with adjacent Burma and Laos. The capital of Chiang Rai province is the
town of Chiang Rai, which is about 785 km from Bangkok, or 180 km from Chiang
Mai, and comprises a population of approximately 74,000 inhabitants.
The town of Chiang Rai itself
is situated on the banks of the Kok River, and there is much to travel to see
during your vacation in and around this town. The area is home to many
indigenous hill tribes who still follow a traditional lifestyle.
There is no railway link into
the province, so travel to Chiang Rai will be either by bus or plane from Chiang
Mai or the capital Bangkok. From Bangkok, one can travel by air-conditioned bus,
which takes about 9hrs, or about 1hr 20min travel by plane.
There are numerous Wat's
(Buddist temples) in the area that one may travel to see. Some of the more
notable ones within the town itself are the Wat Phra Sing, the Wat Phra That Doi
Chom Thong, and the Wat Phra Kaeo.
Other notable attractions to
include during your vacation in the area will be the Kok River itself, which
flows through the town of Chiang Rai. One can hire long-tailed boats, and even
bamboo rafts, for scenic travel along the river on journeys ranging from only a
few hours to several days. Excursions can be arranged from the river journey to
visit hill tribe villages such as those of the Karen, Iko, Lisu, or Akha
indigenous minorities. Elephant rides can also be taken in conjunction with the
river travel.
The Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest
Park is worth travelling to. It includes the Khun Kon waterfall which is some 70
metres high, the highest in the province. The park is about a 30km drive from
Chiang Rai, with about a 30min walk to reach the waterfall after arrival.
No vacation to Chiang Rai
province would be complete without a visit to the following museums:
Ho Watthanatham Nithat
- This museum exhibits written records on history, literature and indigenous
intelligence as well as many ancient artefacts and exhibits on royal
activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is located at the old
town hall building in the town of Chiang Rai and its opening hours are
Wednesday-Sunday between 8:30 to 15:30.
Oub Kham Museum - This
museum's focus is on artefacts used at the royal courts of the Lanna kingdoms,
whose influence extended around modern day Northern Thailand, as well as parts
of north-east Burma, southwest China and Vietnam. The artefacts include silver
jewellery, lacquer ware, and clothing. The centrepiece is a golden bowl used
by the Lanna royals. The admission fee is 100 baht per person. Oub Kham Museum
is located about 1km from the centre of town, near the Den Ha market, and its
opening hours are daily between 9:00 to 18:00. Call 0-5371-3349 for more
information.
For more information on
vacations to, and travel within Thailand, visit the
Tourism
Authority of Thailand Official Website.
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