Readme before you journey
......Where to visit in "Chiang Rai"......
For this trip, we had accommodation and a car, as we were dropping off my brother who was starting a new job in the province. This meant we didn't have to worry about finding a place to stay or transportation. Our main focus was to explore the famous tourist attractions of Chiang Rai province. We planned to spend five days and four nights in the province. Our accommodation was located in the city center of Chiang Rai, on Thanalai Road. Upon arrival, we settled into our house, paid respects at the local temple and shrine, and then rested for the night.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
The first morning... our day began with the search for breakfast. We decided to... walk...
As you stroll along Sukhothai Road, you will encounter a magnificent clock tower (exquisite craftsmanship indeed).
The atmosphere of the shops on both sides of the street is ordinary. Most of them are shops selling electrical appliances. The atmosphere seems quiet.
There are also souvenir shops!
Walking past the clock tower, I was immediately drawn to this shop…
....... "The first coffee truck in Chiang Rai" ......
Without hesitation, we were drawn to the intriguing name of the shop. Our first morning began at this establishment. The shop offered seating, tea and coffee brewed from a yellow pickup truck, and a menu featuring minced pork congee and fried eggs.
The "fried egg on a pan" here is truly impressive. The egg is perfectly cooked, with a crispy exterior and a soft, runny yolk.
Delicious! The porridge is amazing (it's a pity I didn't take a picture). The taste is very satisfying, and the price is reasonable. If you are visiting Chiang Rai, you should try it on your first morning.
After a satisfying meal, we started walking back to our accommodation. However, as we were about to turn into our street, we noticed a small, intriguing clock tower. We decided to take a detour and explore it before heading home. Upon inquiring with locals, we learned that it was called the "Old Clock Tower."
Before reaching the old clock tower, you will pass "Municipal Market 1", which caters to the fashion needs of children, teenagers, and the elderly. It has everything you need, from fresh food to souvenirs to breakfast. In the late morning, it starts to pack up, but by 2 pm, it sets up again as a market selling rice with side dishes, fried pork skin, and northern Thai sausage. If you have time, go shopping there, my lord!
After browsing the goods at the Municipal Market 1, I returned home to plan my next tourist destination.
Consulting Google Maps for nearby attractions, two locations emerged:
............"Wat Phra Kaew" ....... and......... "Wat Phra Singh" ......
We rushed to shower, got dressed, and set off on our journey to explore Chiang Rai on foot. Let's go! ... Following the route on our phones, we chatted as we passed the old clock tower and entered Phakdi Narong Road. Then...
We have arrived at Wat Phra Singh.
The architectural style is Lanna, distinct from the northeastern style I am familiar with. The roof slopes gently down to the ground, creating a long, elegant silhouette. The principal Buddha image in the ordination hall is a 21st-century Lanna Thai Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, made of bronze and gilded.
The temple is peaceful and quiet, with few visitors. There is a station for offering candles for birthdays.
Behind the ordination hall is a "chedi", a Lanna Thai Buddhist art style.
And there is a "Sri Lankan Sala tree" next to the pagoda, which is incredibly beautiful.
The side of the ordination hall is where one can pay respects to the Phra Singh Buddha statue.
Next, we continued on foot, our next destination being the **"Temple of the Emerald Buddha"**.
Guided by Google Maps, the distance was not far at all.
We chatted and gossiped as we walked, and in no time at all, we arrived at the ....Temple of the Emerald Buddha....
This is known as the "Jade Pagoda".
Before ascending to the Jade Pagoda, pay homage to "King Mengrai the Great"
Pray to God for immediate blessings.
Ascend to pay respects to the "Jade Buddha"
The Jade Buddha Hall houses the "Phra Phuttha Rattana Nakorn Nawuti Wassanusorn Mongkol" statue, which is a replica of the Emerald Buddha enshrined at Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) in Bangkok. However, the current Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai houses the "Phra Yui" or "Chiang Rai Jade Buddha," a newly created statue.
Next, walk alongside the "Phra Hoong Luang Saeng Kaew Museum", which houses a wealth of invaluable artifacts. Many objects that we have never seen before are preserved and displayed here, allowing us to learn and appreciate them.
Is there anything else I can help you with?
Before leaving, they paid their respects to the principal Buddha image in the ordination hall (Phra Chao Lan Thong), a bronze statue in the attitude of subduing Mara.
The temple also houses a pagoda, which I did not enter to photograph. Legend has it that the pagoda was struck by lightning, revealing the Emerald Buddha hidden within (a fact I only learned upon leaving the temple).
The original text is in Thai. Here is the translated text in English:
We walked out of the temple, our next goal was to recharge. We searched for restaurants on Google Maps and found many, but each one was too far away to walk. As we walked to the opposite side of the temple, we came across a blue songthaew (a type of shared taxi). We immediately forgot about the restaurants and thought only about wanting to experience the feeling of riding public transportation in Chiang Rai. So we asked the driver to take us to the beautiful clock tower. He agreed, and the fare was 20 baht per person.
(The next day, the lottery numbers were 85. Oh well… Some people just don't have luck.)
Arrived safely. There were 3 people in the car... The uncle is lovely.
Upon arriving, I was immediately drawn to this restaurant's unique decor. The menu offered both coffee and traditional northern Thai cuisine, so I decided to indulge in both.
The name of the shop is "Home Cafe - My Home Kitchen" and it is located near the clock tower.
The shop's recommended coffee
Refreshing drink
Khao soi brings comfort.
The fried rice with pork looks good...
Our lunch, or rather... (it must have been late afternoon)
The restaurant boasts a pleasant atmosphere, delicious food, and moderate prices. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing and enjoyable dining experience.
After a satisfying meal, we flew back home, walking as usual. Along the way, we came across a shop set up in front of our accommodation. Wow! Could this be a market? We stopped to ask the vendor if there was a market, and she replied, "Yes, it's the **"Chiang Rai Walking Street."** It's open every Saturday." Our eyes lit up, and we hurried back to our accommodation to save our energy for an evening stroll.
Our accommodation is right on the walking street. We went out for a walk at 5 pm. The market stretches all the way down Thanalai Road, it's very long.
This market offers a wide variety of locally-produced goods, including clothing, accessories, and fresh produce. The abundance of handmade items was particularly impressive, captivating our attention until late in the evening.
Let's take a look at the food zone.
Open-air seating for a chill hangout.
Avocado smoothie, coming right up!
This massage seems to be quite famous... there are a lot of customers...
No worries about travel… because they are really ready.
I also captured some memorable images.
The bustling Chiang Rai Walking Street on the evening of Saturday, March 31, 2018, offered a vibrant atmosphere with a wide array of goods, friendly vendors, and a comprehensive selection of items to satisfy every need.
It is natural that when you shop a lot, you spend a lot. ...
For tonight, let's end the day with a smile, everyone...
April 1, 2018 (Lottery Day)
We set out on our journey as well…
This morning, I had no rush and my mission was to go shopping at Big C to buy groceries for my brother. I also had lunch at Food Court. After that, I...
The plan is proceeding as planned, with two destinations already reached in Chiang Rai. Must-visit locations include:
........"White Temple".........&........"Singha Park"........
I decided to drive to Boon Rawd Farm first because I really wanted coffee. I haven't had any coffee since this morning.
The coffee at the farm must be fragrant and refreshing. The distance from Chiang Rai city to Boonrawd Farm is about 10 kilometers. It's an easy drive. Just set your GPS and follow the directions. You won't get lost.
Upon arrival, the grand structure, a symbol of the farm, stood prominently and majestically at the entrance.
Head straight to savor the taste of tea and coffee...
The menu is up to you... (You can use the coupon for the tram ride to the farm for a discount.)
For the cake, the choice is yours...
Did you get what you wished for?
The atmosphere inside the shop
Overall, it is considered value for money. … You have to try it to know (don't believe the reviews…hehe)
After finishing our coffee, we went to the information desk at the ticket booth to inquire about the details of visiting the farm. We decided to buy tickets right away since we were already there. We figured we might as well check out the farm. The tickets cost 100 baht each and included a tram ride at 2:30 PM.
Details of the entrance point are as follows. To be honest, I can hardly remember the details. When I bought the ticket, the tram was about to leave at 2:30 p.m. ...
The guide will lead the tour of the orchard.... The car will stop at each point for 10 minutes. At each stop, there will be fruits grown at that point for tasting and purchase.
Along the way
Point 1 ------ Tea plantation
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
I never thought I'd find green tea so beautiful. The way she dresses and poses is a bit strange.
She was there for 10 minutes, very fast. Was that tea?...I didn't taste it...just taking pictures wasn't enough for us...
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Point 2: Mushroom Farm
Let's try it!
After indulging in the delicious food, let's find a scenic spot to enjoy the view.
10 minutes as usual… then we'll continue.
Point 3: Tomato Farm
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Point 4 ----- Zoo
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Point 5 ------ Red House
This location offers a variety of activities, but it is only accessible by private vehicle. If you arrive by tram, you will not be able to participate in these activities. The available activities are shown in the image. Please zoom in for a closer look.
The atmosphere here is great... but only for 10 minutes. Get ready to move on to the next spot.
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Point 6 ----- Melon field... (Final point)
The tour of the farm took approximately one and a half hours. The ticket price was well worth it.
Before leaving, they took a picture with the symbol of the farm as a souvenir.
Farewell, Boon Rawd Farm.
It is almost 5 pm. Let's continue to the **White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)**.
The distance between "Singha Park" and "White Temple" is approximately 7-8 km.
It takes about 5-10 minutes by car to get there.
(Warning!!! When entering the temple, do not wear shorts above the knee. If you forget, you must rent a white cloth for 20 baht to wear, which may make your photos not beautiful at all.....)
We have arrived.... "Wat Rong Khun"
Adorned with beautiful moral principles.
Wishing Well
I also prayed... After finishing the prayer, I shook my wrist.... I was very happy because the coin fell on the lotus flower...
Another aspect that demonstrates faith is the offering of "Bodhi leaves to monks."
Let's take a look at the beautiful bathrooms here.
Here... there is still a locker where tourists have forgotten their belongings.... Just one locker teaches us about... honesty.
We stayed there until 6 pm. It was half past six when we finally left the temple.
Finally, they took a commemorative photo together.
On the way back to our accommodation, we started thinking about dinner. We decided that since we were in Chiang Rai, we had to try "Khantoke," a traditional northern Thai dinner set. After searching for reviews, we found a restaurant called "Saban Nga," which is both a restaurant and a hotel. We called to make a reservation, and the staff informed us that the price was 350 baht per person, with unlimited refills until the restaurant closed. Although we thought it was expensive, we decided to give it a try since we were already there. We made a reservation for three people. The staff also mentioned that there was a "Walking Street" market that day, and that the restaurant was located right next to it. They advised us to take a different route to get to the restaurant, as the usual route was closed due to the market. We got a little lost, but with the help of locals, we managed to reach our destination.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, we bombarded the staff with questions, ranging from the day's Khao Tok menu to recommendations for local tourist attractions, as we planned to explore the area the following day. We inquired about Chiang Rai's renowned cuisine and popular souvenir shops. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, providing comprehensive answers to all our inquiries.
And now, what you all have been waiting for... has arrived... Are you satisfied? "Khantoke"
"Mieng kham," a welcome snack for guests.
Eat to your heart's content... The staff refilled countless times.... The northern Thai chili dip was incredibly delicious.
We sat and talked until almost 10 pm, planning our itinerary for the next day. Once we had finalized our plans, we paid the bill and headed home to sleep. See you tomorrow!
Monday, April 2, 2018
Today's plan is
--- "Choui Fong Tea Plantation" ---
--- "Doi Tung" ---
---"Phra That Doi Wao" ---
---"Golden Triangle" ---
---"Monument of King Mengrai the Great" ---
--- "Aun Oon's Buay Loi" ---
The journey began at 8:30 AM, driving towards the "Choui Fong Tea Plantation." The sight was truly delightful.
This angle must be my heart...
I plan to come here and sit and drink coffee in a relaxed way for a long time, and then continue at around 10 am.
Upon entering the shop, I was greeted by a vast selection of teas. Coffee, however, was absent. I decided to postpone my coffee craving for another time and explore the diverse tea options available.
I ordered a green tea and a slice of Zui Fong cheesecake. The result was delicious, especially the cheesecake.
Tea leaves from the cake...
Capture memories before continuing your journey.
Unseen panoramic views of this place.
Farewell, breathtaking views. Goodbye, Choui Fong Tea Plantation.
Next stop: "Doi Tung"
The climb to the top is a bit steep, but not too strenuous...
On the way to the ticket booth, there is a "Kad Doi Tung" market where you can buy souvenirs.
Details at the ticket booth
I had planned to visit the Doi Tung Royal Villa, but when I arrived at Doi Tung, it was almost 11:00 AM, and the villa was closed at 11:00 AM. So, I could only have a cup of Doi Tung coffee.
A single glass that lasts all day…
Out of money...can press...all camps, really.
Came here for a cup of coffee ... a little disappointed ... so I took a picture of the flowers instead.
Farewell, Doi Tung
Heading south from Doi Tung, our next stop is Mae Sai district!
Our next destination: Wat Phra That Doi Wao
As you approach the end of Phahonyothin Road, you will see a sign indicating the border crossing to Myanmar. Slow down and look for a heavily congested area with numerous parked cars along the roadside. You will find a small alleyway on the left side of the road leading to the temple entrance, which is flanked by shops on both sides.
The climb is a bit tiring, girls, with a total of 226 steps.
Upon reaching the summit, one encounters the majestic stupa…
After paying respects, walk to the side of the pagoda where you will find a staircase leading up to the statues of King Naresuan the Great, King Ekathotsarot, and Princess Supankanlaya, who are facing Myanmar. On the Myanmar side, there is also a statue of King Bayinnaung facing Thailand. This symbolizes the good relationship between the two countries.
The view stretches far from the Thai side to the Myanmar side.
After enjoying the view, we started to feel hungry. As we walked down from the viewpoint, we saw people crowding around a stall. We couldn't resist checking out what the stall was selling. The answer we got was... "Khao Fuen"... We were confused. What is that? To satisfy our curiosity, we decided to try it. We ordered everything the stall had to offer.
The first dish we ordered was called "Spicy Glass Noodle Salad".
The next menu item is a thin sheet of dough that the vendor cuts into strips and serves with a dipping sauce. This dish is called "dipping noodles".
The final dish is called "Khao Fuen" ... The block that the aunt is cutting is a rice block ... Ask the aunt.
A full menu of unique and delicious flavors. Come and try it yourself!
After eating, we went down to do some shopping. The shopping area here is similar to Sampeng in Bangkok.
Walking in the hot weather... The two ladies went for a walk together... We are not shopaholics, so we just walked around and waited... We didn't buy anything at all.... The two ladies got some roasted almonds, dried strawberries, macadamia nuts, and blankets... That's about it... As you can see, there are a lot of silver and gem products... If you get to visit this place, don't forget to bring a lot of money... Good Bye Mae Sai
Driving to Chiang Saen District
The coordinates are "Golden Triangle"
The distance from Mae Sai is about 30 kilometers.
The road is very good, driving comfortably, following Google Map until you reach the large and majestic Buddha statue.
You have arrived at the "Golden Triangle".
The scene unfolds like a tableau on a ship's deck, revealing a river with two distinct colors.
Guided tours of the island are available.
For a clear view of the Golden Triangle, you must climb to Wat Phra That Phu Khao, or Wat Phra That Pu Khao. The entrance to the temple is located opposite the 7-Eleven store.
The two distinct colors of the river are truly a marvel. Upon arrival, we captured the scene as a souvenir.
Remember to pay respects at the Phra That Pu Khao temple... The atmosphere within the temple is incredibly peaceful and quiet, making it an ideal place for meditation.
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Fortune cookies may not always be accurate, but you can try your luck with the fortune-telling Buddha statue. We tried it and it worked for us!
They remained there until five o'clock in the evening, their bodies at ease and their minds tranquil. Then they led their army into the city of Chiang Rai, together with the lord...
Farewell to the Golden Triangle
Driving back to Chiang Rai city
Next stop: "Monument of King Mengrai the Great"
Follow Google Maps to avoid getting lost.
Historically, King Mengrai the Great founded Chiang Rai as its first capital.
Therefore, if you come to Chiang Rai and don't visit here... you might as well not have come at all...
After paying respects and making offerings, we set out to find the famous local delicacies. The staff at the Sawannga Restaurant recommended Aunt Oun's Bua Loy, a sweet soup with dumplings, as a must-try dish. They even mentioned that it was so delicious that it had been served to Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. With such high praise, we couldn't resist giving it a try. Aunt Oun's Bua Loy is located in the Night Bazaar.
Three options, please.
Delicious indeed... If anyone is interested, head over to the Night Bazaar!
For dinner, we decided to explore the area around the clock tower again. There, we stumbled upon this restaurant, which immediately captivated us with its ambiance.
A restaurant named "Phad Thai Clock Tower" ....
Located on the same side as Charoen Muang Road... Seating options include floor seating with mats and tables.
Enjoying the meal with a view of the clock tower. For those looking for dinner in Chiang Rai, I highly recommend it!
That's the end of my trip today... Tomorrow, I'll pack my bags and head back to Bangkok.
Tuesday, April 3, 2018
Packing up today to prepare for my flight home this evening. Before I leave, I'm planning to relax in a hot spring.
I've chosen "Pong Phra Bat Hot Spring" as my destination.
Located just over 10 kilometers from the city center, easily accessible via Google Maps.
This location offers both foot baths and full-body immersion baths. However, during our visit, the full-body immersion baths were undergoing renovations, with an estimated completion time of one to two months. Visitors arriving after this period will likely have the opportunity to enjoy the full-body immersion experience. It's important to note that the water temperature is very hot.
Foot bath
Hot spring
How hot is it? Ask your heart.
For the perfect picture...we'll do it!
We'll take a quick snapshot instead of soaking.
Yet she, almost bathed in it.
Let's test the heat together.
Start with half a handful of water.
30 seconds... Guaranteed results.
This is a remarkable place that should not be missed. I was very impressed with my visit before returning to Bangkok.
Farewell, Pong Phra Bat Hot Spring
Five Days in Chiang Rai: A Journey of Discovery
My five-day, four-night stay in Chiang Rai was a journey of discovery, despite the summer heat preventing me from experiencing the cool mountain air. Each location offered a glimpse into the rich tapestry of this northern province.
The warmth and friendliness of the locals left a lasting impression. Their melodious northern dialect and fair complexions added to the charm. The cuisine, though unfamiliar at times, showcased the region's culinary wisdom, with dishes designed to combat the cold.
The architecture, particularly the distinctive long, sloping roofs, stood out. This design, a response to the colder climate, contrasts sharply with the open, airy structures of my native Isaan, built to maximize airflow and provide a cool breeze.
My departure wouldn't be complete without the iconic Chiang Rai souvenirs: crispy pork rinds, flavorful sai oua sausage, spicy nam prik noom, and the ever-popular fermented pork sausage, naem.
With the promise of a future winter visit and a night or two spent on the mountain, I bid farewell to Chiang Rai, carrying with me memories of its beauty, culture, and warmth.
This is the longest blog post I've ever written, as I've been here the longest… But I had to do it to keep a record of my memories and to recommend it to those who like to travel like us… Thank you for following….
Ja….……
จ๊ะจ๋า - ตาตีบ
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 4:10 PM
