I had the opportunity to travel to Chiang Rai for 5 days and 4 nights to welcome the cool winter breeze. I explored both the city and the mountains, using Thai Smile Airways to fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport at 7:20 AM and renting a car from Thai Rent A Car to travel around.

Follow my travel adventures on my Facebook page, Chaicatawan: https://www.facebook.com/Chaicatawan

Please like, share, and join the discussion. Thank you. Let's begin our Chiang Rai trip with Thai Smile Airways.

I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport early in the morning and saw the beautiful morning twilight. I couldn't resist taking a picture, even though I didn't have a tripod.

.

Thai Smile's Smile Class offers a generous 20 kg free baggage allowance, while the Smile Plus class, which I was fortunate enough to experience, provides an even more generous 30 kg free baggage allowance. This is a significant advantage, especially for international trips where larger luggage is often required. With 30 kg, I was able to pack everything I needed without having to pay for additional baggage fees.

Smile Plus customers can also use their boarding pass to receive discounts at participating THAI Smile Privilege partner stores.

Thai Smile customers will enjoy numerous privileges, such as priority online seat reservation up to 120 days in advance, free of charge. For more information on seat reservation, please visit www.thaismileair.com/faq.

Royal Orchid Plus members can earn miles and redeem award tickets when flying with Thai Smile Airways. For Thai Smile Airways mileage accrual chart and redemption methods, please visit www.thaismileair.com/th/faq/thaismile.

.

Before boarding, I used the lounge service (Smile Class passengers are not allowed to use the lounge). It was the same lounge as Thai Airways, and there were plenty of snacks available.

.

Including sticky rice parcels.

.

After finishing the snacks, it was time to board the plane.

.

The spacious seats in Smile Plus class, with ample legroom and an empty middle seat, ensure a comfortable and uncrowded journey.

.

Thai Smile offers complimentary snacks and beverages to all passengers on both domestic and international flights.

.

A beautiful flight attendant serving with a smile.

.

On the plane, I took photos continuously without taking a nap. After more than an hour, we arrived at Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai Province.

.

This trip, I used a car rental service from Thai Rent A Car. I picked up the car at the airport, which was very convenient. I got a Vios, a small 1500 cc sedan, which could easily drive up the mountain. I checked the car's condition, and it had a full tank of gas. When I returned the car, I had to fill the tank again. For more information, please visit https://thairentacar.com.

.

My accommodation was at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, a luxurious Thai-style hotel situated on the banks of the Kok River with stunning views.

.

.

I rented a car from Thai Rent A Car and visited many places in the city, such as Singha Park, Wat Rong Khun, Wat Huay Pla Kang, Baan Dam Museum by Ajarn Thawan Duchanee, and also drove up to Phu Chi Fa. This 5-day, 4-night trip to Chiang Rai was in early winter 2016. The weather was perfect, with a very cold wind blowing on Phu Chi Fa. It was so relaxing! For this review, I'm not going to list the places in any particular order. Let's just say that I'll take you on a tour of Chiang Rai city first.

.

The first day began with checking in at The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa.

The young female employees greeted me with a warm and welcoming smile.

.

Please put your bag in the room first.

.

.

Subsequently, we paid respects to King Mengrai.

.

King Mengrai the Great, the first monarch of the Mangrai dynasty, established Chiang Rai as the capital city.

.

And then went to take a picture of the clock tower.

.

This clock tower is located in the heart of Chiang Rai Municipality, on Banphot Phrakan Road in Chiang Rai city. The architectural style is similar to the White Temple and took five years to build. It was officially opened on August 12, 2008, to celebrate the Queen's birthday. It is a Buddhist art piece of Chiang Rai province, an art form imbued with the spirit of Buddhism. It is very beautiful. Construction began in 2005 and was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat.

.

After capturing the clock tower during the day, I decided to return for twilight shots, as I was certain it would be stunning in the evening light. So, I waited and captured it again in the late afternoon.

.

I am excited every time I take photos these days. I'm afraid I won't be able to capture the moment because the beautiful light fades so quickly.

.

After twilight, I waited until 7 pm to watch another light and sound show of the clock tower. The show used two songs, the second of which was "Chiang Rai Remembrance." I must admit that I was mesmerized during this part. "Chiang Rai Remembrance" is a song that I love very much. Listening to it, I could see the most romantic Chiang Rai at night. Some parts described the Kok River: "If the moon shines, the love story will never fade."
The light and sound show of the clock tower has three rounds: 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm. In each round, there are tourists who come to watch the light show. There are quite a few foreigners.

.

.

Wat Huai Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang is located on a hill in Rim Kok Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province. It offers stunning views.

.

This is the Phra Phutthabat Si Roi, a magnificent nine-story pagoda showcasing a blend of Chinese and Lanna architecture, adorned with a vibrant red roof.

.

The stairway to the pagoda is flanked by two long dragons, surrounded by 12 small zodiac pagodas. Locals believe that visiting Wat Huai Pla Kang is akin to ascending to heaven. Inside the pagoda, various Buddha and Arhat statues are enshrined.

.

The pagoda houses a large statue of Guanyin, carved from fragrant sandalwood.

.

The Huai Plakang Temple was originally an abandoned temple with an unknown history. Later, Phra Ajarn Phop Chok Tissawo renovated and constructed a stupa, a chapel, and a large statue of Guanyin.

.

The colossal statue of Guan Yin is still under construction, with an estimated completion date in the near future.

.

Wat Huai Pla Kang at twilight.

.

White Temple

Visiting Wat Rong Khun is a must-do when in Chiang Rai. This world-renowned temple is a masterpiece of contemporary Lanna art, created by the renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.

.

The White Temple, also known as Wat Rong Khun, is located in the San Sai district of Chiang Rai province, Thailand. It is easily accessible via Google Maps, and is situated near the Phahonyothin Road (Highway 1). To reach the temple, take the turn onto Highway 1208 (the Khun Korn Waterfall turnoff) and continue for approximately 100 meters. The White Temple is located about 13 kilometers before reaching the city center of Chiang Rai.

.

The construction of Wat Rong Khun began in 1997, replacing the original temple. Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat designed and constructed the new Wat Rong Khun, gradually expanding its area over time. The temple currently occupies over 10 rai of land.

.

Upon entering the temple grounds, visitors are required to walk forward and refrain from turning back. This measure is implemented to manage the large volume of tourists who visit the temple daily. The interior of the temple houses a magnificent main Buddha statue, which is truly breathtaking. However, photography is prohibited within the temple, hence the lack of images to share.

.

This is the renowned golden bathroom.

.

The White Temple is open daily from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

.

.

Singha Park, also known as Boon Rawd Farm

To reach Boon Rawd Farm, also known as Singha Park, from Wat Rong Khun, turn left onto Highway 1208. Continue driving and turn right at the three-way intersection onto Highway 1211. Singha Park will be on your left after approximately 2 kilometers.

.

Observe this large golden lion, a symbol of Singha Park. If you continue driving without stopping at Singha Park, you will reach Chiang Rai city, which is about 10 kilometers away.

.

Visitors to Singha Park can either drive their own vehicles through the park or take advantage of the park's tram service (tram fare 50 baht per person). The tram runs multiple times throughout the day.

.

I drove into the park (free of charge). There were beautiful flowers and trees to take pictures of, a large tea plantation, and a restaurant with a beautiful view. However, the flowers depend on the season, so it's a good idea to check beforehand to see what's in bloom.

.

This is a tea plantation viewpoint located near the Phuphirom Restaurant. It's a great spot to enjoy the breeze and scenic views.

.

This is the Ban Daeng area, where you can rent bicycles to explore the farm.

.

.

Today, I spent the evening at Singha Park. The atmosphere was indescribable. The cold wind blew, and the sun was setting behind the mountains. I scurried around looking for a spot to take pictures and managed to capture a few shots of the sunset.

.

Singha Park is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

.

Back to the hotel.

**The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa** Rest and recharge

.

Waking up at 5 am to capture the morning twilight.

.

Capture the lobby in the soft light of the morning twilight. An advantage of shooting early is the lack of crowds, but you'll need to ask the hotel to turn on the lights, as they typically remain off in the mornings.

.

Today, I am staying at a hotel, taking some relaxing photos and swimming in the pool.
In the afternoon, I will head out to explore the Black House, also known as the Baan Dam Museum, created by the renowned Thai artist Thawan Duchanee.

.

Black House Museum (Black House)

The Black House, located in Tambon Nang Lae, Mueang District, Chiang Rai Province, was created by Thawan Duchanee, a National Artist of Thailand, who produced numerous artworks in both painting and sculpture.

This area houses several buildings painted black, a color favored by Professor Thawan Duchanee. These buildings serve as exhibition spaces for Professor Thawan's artwork and personal collection.

.

The house is adorned with intricately carved wood, featuring animal motifs such as buffalo horns and deer antlers. The unusual shapes are a delight to behold, showcasing the artist's meticulous attention to detail in embellishing the world with their art.

.

Many houses with peculiar shapes are a delight to walk around. One can sense the dedication of the artists who meticulously created art to adorn the world.

.

Black House is open to the public for free every day (except Mondays) from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

.

.

The next morning, I woke up and took another picture of the hotel.

.

Breakfast was enjoyed at the riverside restaurant.

The morning atmosphere at the Rim Kok River Restaurant features a white mist floating above the water's surface.

.

A steaming cup of coffee might help to alleviate the chill.

.

.

We then sped up to Doi, the first destination was Phu Chi Fa, Phu Chi Fa, Thoeng District, Chiang Rai Province.

From Chiang Rai, take Highway 1020 to Thoeng District. Continue driving until you reach the outskirts of Thoeng. At the three-way intersection, turn left onto Highway 1155 to ascend Phu Chi Fa. (If you continue straight at the intersection, you will reach Chiang Kham District, which also leads to Phu Chi Fa, but the route is longer and steeper.) Feel free to stop and take photos along the way, as the scenic views are worth capturing. This is one of the advantages of renting a car, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

.

Reaching Phu Chi Fa in the late afternoon, we enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at the Good View campsite.

.

Sunset photography at the campsite Good View @ Phu Chi Fa

.

Tonight, I'm staying in a house. It's inexpensive. At Good View Campsite at Phu Chi Fa, there are only two houses, but the campsite area is vast. It's early in the cool season, and it's still drizzling. No tents are pitched at the campsite. If you come during this time, it's better to stay in a house. This one costs 1,000 baht and can accommodate two people.

.

The view of the campsite at sunset evokes a sense of longing for someone special... feeling lonely.

.

The highlight of visiting Phu Chi Fa is to watch the sea of mist and the sunrise on the top of the mountain. However, today it seems hopeless because the sky is not clear. Waking up early would probably not see anything. So I drove from the tent site to the parking lot near the path up to Phu Chi Fa in the late morning. There were young children singing songs for me to listen to.

The atmosphere in the late rainy season and early winter is very cool. The fog is quite thick and widespread.

.

Although there is no sea of mist today, the cold weather is still enjoyable. I would love to stay here all day.

.

I stayed there for quite some time, waiting until the sky began to clear, allowing me to see what was below.

.

The image below depicts the Lao People's Democratic Republic, with the majestic Mekong River, Asia's grandest waterway, meandering through the landscape, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

.

The atmosphere is amazing. I wish someone was here with me, walking in the mist and enjoying the cool breeze together.

This photo was taken secretly.

After visiting Phu Chi Fa, I continued my journey to Doi Pha Tang, where I spent another night. I will share my experience there in a future post.

.

On the day of my return, while waiting to board my flight, I relaxed in the lounge, where I enjoyed a variety of snacks and refreshments.

.

This trip was made possible by Thai Smile Airways, Thai Rent A Car, The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, and all the encouragement from viewers who liked, shared, and commented on the content.

.

The light was beautiful when I arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport around 6:00 pm.

.

Take the bag and go home with a smile.

Travel with a smile in our Thailand.

From the heart... the roof of the sun