Things to Do
16 Things to Do on Your First Visit to Chiang Rai
The northern Thai province of Chiang Rai is a city that’s fast-growing in popularity amongst tourists from all over the world. With enchanting attractions like the Rong Suea Ten Blue Temple, Singha Park, and Akha Village homestay, a vacation to Chiang Rai will certainly be one steeped in the vast and diverse traditional culture of Thailand. Here’s a list of the top things to do and places to visit that’ll make your Chiang Rai trip a fruitful one.
1. Zipline through a Tea Plantation
Image credit: Singha Park Chiang Rai
Take an exhilarating zipline across Singha Park and get a panoramic view of the vast Thai tea plantations that extend into the horizon. Singha Park offers four different zipline adventure courses for those up for an exciting thrill ride and a new way of viewing the lush greenery.
2. Admire majestic murals at the Blue Temple
Stop by the Blue Temple (or Rong Suea Ten) and take in the beauty of this stunning architectural masterpiece. The relatively new temple incorporates Buddhist motifs and imagery in its contemporary mural artwork. As the sun goes down, the mirrors lining the temple’s exterior turns it into a stunning paragon that’s a must-see when you visit Chiang Rai!
3. View the city through the eyes of Thailand’s Biggest Guan Yin Statue
Image credit: David McKelvey
Driving along the outskirts of the city, you won’t be able to miss this enormous statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Deity. The Huai Pla Kung Temple is a blend of exquisite Chinese and Thai architecture, and a popular pilgrimage site for local Buddhists. Take a lift up 25 storeys in the statue itself and you’ll have an amazing bird’s eye view of the city literally through the eyes of Guan Yin.
4. Feast of delicious local street food
Forget the fancy restaurants and overpriced cafes, the best food in Thailand is from its humble street food stalls! Feast on sumptuous Northern Thai delicacies like Khao Soi rice noodles and Bua Loy Kai, a unique coconut milk dessert with poached eggs and rice balls. The best part? These delicious local street food won’t burn a hole in your pocket!
5. Spend a night with the indigenous Akha Hill Tribe
Image credit: Akha Mudhouse Maesalong
The mountains of Northern Thailand are home to numerous indigenous hill tribes that migrated south from China more than a century ago. Today, you can pay a visit to some of the rural villages to discover the traditional culture of the ethnic minorities. The Akha Mudhouse Maesalong is a fascinating attraction featuring arguably the most vibrant of the hill tribes. The project offers day tours as well as homestays for visitors to experience what it’s like to live like the Akha people.
6. Shop till you drop at a night market
Image credit: David McKelvey
While most tourists travel to Bangkok to feed their shopaholic needs, Chiang Rai is a shopping haven in itself! Visit the night markets and take your pick from the wide variety of products, ranging from trendy apparels to souvenirs that are hand-crafted by the local hill tribes.
7. Cook eggs in a hot spring
Image credit: ol’pete
If you’re travelling between Chiang Rai and its neighbouring city of Chiang Mai in the south, be sure to make a pit stop at Mae Khachan Hot Springs. Besides having a well-deserved soak for your tired feet, you can boil some eggs in the hot springs as well! Simply lower the baskets into the water on a pole and you’ll have some freshly cooked eggs in a couple of minutes!
8. Go on a treetop walk adventure
Image credit: Tree Top Adventure Park
Tucked within the premises of Mae Fah Luang Garden is a treetop walk adventure 30 metres above ground amongst the jungle trees. The 390-metre long suspension bridge is guaranteed to be a unique way to explore the garden from a different perspective!
9. Have a walk in Mae Fah Luang garden
Image credit: Atibordee Kongprepan
With over a hundred different species of flowers, the Mae Fah Luang Garden is definitely a breathtaking sight to behold. Take a relaxing evening stroll through the 10 acres of gorgeous landscape and you’ll be awestruck by the beauty of the flora and fauna!
10. Spot Superman, Minions, and more at the White Temple
Image credit: Jipe7
A visit to Chiang Rai won’t be complete without visiting its most renowned temple, Wat Rong Khun. Built by one of the country’s national artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple mirrors one’s journey from hell to heaven, with one-way gates and bridges for visitors to journey through the temple grounds. Wat Rong Khun isn’t like your conventional temple; the interior murals are dotted with paintings of popular culture. Look closely and you’ll find the likes of Michael Jackson, Superman, and even your favourite Despicable Me minions! Indeed, the White Temple is a splendid showcase of one of Thailand’s esteemed artist.
11. Have Singha beer at Singha Park
Lager beer isn’t the only thing the Singha brand is known for. This 8,000-acre landscaped park is the perfect place to take in the natural environment and rejuvenate yourself, well away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Have a picnic by the scenic riverfront, take a leisurely stroll through the fields of flowers, or even feed giraffes and zebras at Singha Park’s farm!
12. Visit the late Princess Mother’s home – Doi Tung Royal Villa
The Doi Tung Royal Villa was the former residence of the late Princess Mother, the mother of two Thai kings who was, however, never a queen herself. When she stayed in Chiang Rai, she dedicated her life to transforming the area from a region plagued by drug cartels and human trafficking to the thriving city it is today. Needless to say, she’s beloved and respected by the people of Thailand. Take a self-guided tour around the Swiss-inspired villa to find out more about her Royal Project.
13. Watch a musical light show at the town’s clock tower
Image credit: Plasticsturgeon
Image credit: simon17964
Right in the centre of Chiang Rai city, this incredibly intricate golden clock tower is indeed a remarkable iconic landmark of the town. Every evening, a short musical performance transforms the dusty street into an oasis of glitzy lights. Don’t be late, the show starts at 8pm sharp at the junction of Thanon Jet Yot and Thanon Baanpa Pragarn!
14. Drink freshly brewed tea at a tea plantation
Image credit: ไร่ชาฉุยฟง
Ever wondered where your Thai iced tea comes from? Nestled on the outskirts of Chiang Rai are some of the most picturesque tea plantations that serve the freshest brewed tea leaves. Visit the Choui Fong Tea Farm and treat yourself to a top-qualiTEA cup that’ll perk you up for the remainder of your trip!
15. Take a cycling tour around the Chiang Saen District
The northern district of Chiang Saen is a quaint town with plenty of interesting sights off the beaten track. Hop on a bicycle and explore the charming countryside and historic archaeological sites of the neighbourhood. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch some water buffalos soaking in the mud on a hot afternoon!
16. Visit the Golden Triangle
Image credit: Douglas Perkins
In the past, the Golden Triangle was one of Asia’s largest opium-producing regions. Now, it is known to be the tri-junction of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos, whose borders meet in the Mekong River. From the waterfront of Thailand, you’ll be able to see the other two countries, or even take a boat tour further out into the river for a closer look.
What are you waiting for? Start planning your next holiday to Chiang Rai! It’ll definitely be an unforgettable experience discovering the beauty and culture of the region.
By Stephanie Lauw
Stephanie is an English literature and film student – CLICK TO SEE MORE ARTICLES BY Stephanie Lauw
(CTN News) – The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a 522,427-acre natural playground straddles the Tennessee and North Carolina southern Appalachian Mountains. A popular national park in the United States, it boasts incredible biodiversity, rivers, deciduous forests, and endless mountains and ridgelines.
More than 800 miles of hiking trails can be found within the park boundaries, including 70 miles of the Appalachian Trail, the LeConte Lodge, front and backcountry camping, wildlife and wildflowers everywhere, history everywhere, and 2,100 miles of rivers and streams. To help you plan your Smoky Mountain excursions, we have listed some of the park’s best hikes below and some information about the park.
Must-do Hikes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
1. Newfound Gap to Charlie’s Bunion on the Appalachian Trail
A round-trip hike of 8 miles on the infamous Appalachian Trail with some of the best views in the park at Charlie’s Bunion. You may be inspired to hike the entire AT from Georgia to Maine after experiencing this taste of the AT.
2. The Clingman’s Dome
The summit of Clingmans Dome is the highest point in the park, making it a popular spot for visitors. There are no limits to the views; the sunrises are often breathtaking, and the sunsets reveal the Blue Ridge Mountains in a way that will leave you wanting to come back again and again. Walk to the top of the observation tower in a round-trip distance of one mile. Say hello to the gnomes as you explore the Clingmans Dome Nature Trail on your way back down the road.
3. The Cammerer Mountain
The hike to Mount Cammerer is one of the best hikes in the park. When you arrive at your destination, a lookout tower and an ocean of views will greet you. In 1937, the CCC built the tower, which is still open to the public for exploration and even napping before heading back down the mountain.
4. Trail to Alum Cave
There are views, views, and more views. Those are the things you’ll see on the Alum Cave Trail. As well as offering tranquil cascades, the Alum Cave Bluffs offer the shortest access to Mount LeConte.
5. Loop at Cades Cove
Take a hike, a bike ride, or a run on it. It is possible to drive through Cades Cove, but you will miss out on a true Cades Cove experience. Enjoy the best wildlife viewing opportunities by taking the 11-mile loop to see historic building sites.
6. Cascades around Ramsey
The hike to the tallest waterfall in the park is an eight-mile round trip. On this hike, you’ll be hiking through the park’s largest old-growth forest, so take the time to appreciate the journey rather than just the destination.
7. Thunderhead Mountain + Rocky Top
It’s possible that “Rocky Top, You’ll Always Be Home Sweet Home to Me” is one of Tennessee’s most popular song lyrics. It won’t take long for you to sing the same song when you reach Rocky Top of the Smokies. Hiking with breathtaking views is a challenging activity.
8. Gregory Bald and Shuckstack Firetower
With 360-degree views and 78 stairs up an almost century-old fire tower, you’ll be in awe of this summit hike.
9. The Big Creek Loop from Mount Sterling
You’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view at the top of one of the toughest hikes in the park. If you’re not up for the entire 17-mile loop, there is a 2.7-mile trail that leads directly to Mount Sterling’s summit.
10. Trillium Gap and Boulevard to Mount LeConte
Get the best of both worlds on this hike. It’s a waterfall, there are views, there’s a lodge, there’s the Appalachian Trail, and there’s a waterfall. You’ll need to shuttle to complete this hike unless you’re up for a long hike.
Trending Topics:
(CTN News) – As we approach the end of another year, it’s the perfect time to take stock of your financial situation and ensure you’re on the right track for 2024.
The holiday season brings with it not only festive cheer but also an opportunity to perform some essential financial tasks.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through eight must-do items, each taking just 30 minutes or less, to set yourself up for financial success in 2024.
8 Essential Tasks to Kickstart 2024
1. Review Your Retirement Contributions:
Kickstart your financial year-end review by checking your 2023 retirement contributions.
For your 401(k) or employer-sponsored retirement plan, the maximum contribution is $22,500, and for an IRA, it’s $6,500. If you haven’t maxed out these contributions, consider doing so before the year-end.
Additionally, if you receive a holiday bonus, think about allocating a portion to boost your retirement savings. Don’t forget to adjust your contributions for the upcoming year as well.
2. Check Your Asset Allocation:
Ensure your investment portfolio’s asset allocation aligns with your financial goals. Market fluctuations may have shifted your desired distribution, so take a moment to rebalance your portfolio.
Simultaneously, review and update the beneficiaries for your accounts to ensure they align with your current wishes.
3. Review Your Debts and Plan for 2024:
Take a close look at your outstanding loans, including student loans, mortgages, auto loans, and credit card debts. Note the amounts, interest rates, remaining balances, and terms. Evaluate your progress in paying down your debt and create a plan for 2024.
If you’ve made significant strides this year, challenge yourself to do even better in the coming year.
Prioritize paying off high-interest debt, and consider utilizing an end-of-year bonus to make strategic debt payments.
4. Conduct a Year-End Tax Review:
Although tax season is a few months away, preparing in advance can save you headaches later. Consider life changes, like marriage or having a child, and make any necessary adjustments to your tax withholding status.
Depending on your income, explore tax-efficient transactions, such as deferring or accelerating bonuses, mortgage payments, or charitable contributions.
5. Offset Investment Gains with Losses:
Explore tax-loss harvesting to offset investment gains with losses. This strategy involves strategically selling investments that have decreased in value to minimize taxes on profitable sales.
While it’s crucial to maintain a long-term investment perspective, tax-loss harvesting allows you to rebalance your portfolio while gaining tax benefits.
6. Think About Roth IRA Conversions:
Diversify your retirement accounts by contemplating a Roth IRA conversion. This can be particularly advantageous if you’ve experienced a year with lower income, such as taking an extended work break.
Crunch the numbers and determine if a Roth conversion aligns with your financial situation. Ensure you complete the conversion before the year ends.
7. Fine-Tune Your Budget for 2024:
The end of the year is an ideal time to review your spending and savings. Make adjustments to your budget based on your actual expenses and financial goals.
Identify areas where you can cut costs and negotiate better deals with service providers. A well-tailored budget sets the foundation for financial success in the coming year.
8. Check Your Credit Report:
Obtain a free copy of your credit report from www.AnnualCreditReport.com. Scrutinize it to ensure accuracy in reflecting your financial history. This step is crucial if you plan to make significant purchases, such as a house or car, in 2024.
Pay attention to your credit utilization ratio, and consider requesting a credit limit increase to improve it.
Conclusion:
Completing these eight essential financial tasks before the year-end can take just a few hours and leave you well-prepared for a prosperous 2024.
Taking the time for this financial housekeeping now sets the stage for a successful and financially empowering new year. Remember, if you need support or more information, don’t hesitate to reach out. Here’s to a prosperous 2024!
(CTN News) – Divers in Koh Samui have a plethora of dive locations to choose from. These locations, distinguished by vibrant reefs, corals, and underwater seamounts, are a diver’s paradise. Furthermore, the waters around the islands are teeming with marine life, including beautiful whale sharks, fish, manta rays, and others.
Fortunately, exploring these terrains is simple with the assistance of Samui’s diving schools. We’ve compiled a list of the top 5 on the island to help you choose the best one for you. For the greatest diving experience, each of these operators combines efficiency, customization, and the best service.
Top 5 Dive Schools in Koh Samui
Discovery Divers
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 17:00.
- Address: Amari Koh Samui Resort, Chaweng Beach, North Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps) / Central Chaweng, Chaweng Regent Beach Hotel, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps)
Discovery Divers is a 5-star dive center that has been in operation on Samui since 1999.
Their instructors are highly experienced, multilingual, and professional. Furthermore, they provide a variety of PADI diving courses and diving tours at reasonable prices.
The courses at this diving school in Koh Samui range in difficulty from beginner to advanced to professional. Furthermore, they differ in length, such as the 3 – 4 day PADI Open Water Course and the 1-day Discover Scuba Diving session (no certification).
If you want to acquire your first professional diver certification, they also offer divemaster training. Classes are intimate and small, with only 1-2 students per course.
This allows you to learn at your own pace in a calm environment. Discovery Divers is a reputable diving school that can take you to some of the best diving places in Samui.
Silent Divers
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 20:00.
- Address: 39/8 Moo 3, Bophut, Chaweng, Koh Samui 84320 (Google Maps)
Silent Divers is a long-running diving school in Koh Samui with over ten years of experience. They, like Discovery Divers, are a PADI 5-Star center that caters to divers of all levels of expertise.
Their crew is knowledgeable and has strong maritime experience. Furthermore, they know how to arrange a safe diving trip and can accommodate last-minute travel.
The classes at Silent Divers Koh Samui are customizable and taught by a PADI certified. The Divemaster class is one of their most popular, lasting 3 to 6 weeks and developing leadership skills while qualifying students to supervise trips with qualified divers. Alternatively, they provide diving classes for youngsters, allowing the entire family to join.
The Life Aquatic
- Opening hours: Daily, 08:00 – 22:00.
- Address: Moo 1 2/86 TAMBON bophut, Ko Samui District (Google Maps)
The Life Aquatic program assists pupils in creating their own oceanic experience. On their purpose-built speedboat, they provide daily 2-dive trips, as well as VIP Snorkelling sessions and private charters. They also provide a comprehensive range of SSI scuba and snorkeling training.
The 3-day Open Water Diver (15,900 Baht) training is ideal for individuals looking to become certified divers. This class includes pool training and allows you to dive to a depth of 18 meters anywhere in the globe. Finally, they periodically service their equipment to assure the safety of all customers.
Scuba Birds
- Opening hours: Daily, 09:00 – 20:00.
- Address:10, Chang Wat, Surat Thani 84320 (Google Maps)
This institution is a PADI 5-Star and IDC-certified international diving school in Koh Samui. They have a more relaxed atmosphere and offer five diving courses on Koh Samui.
There’s something for everyone, from specialist courses to one- to two-day courses. Furthermore, for added peace of mind, all courses at this diving school in Koh Samui adhere to global safety standards.
Booking is simple, and the customer service is prompt and excellent.
The Dive Academy
- Opening hours: Daily, 11:00 – 19:00. diving schools
- Address: 157/15 Bo Put, Surat Thani 84320 (Google Maps)
The Dive Academy only accepts a maximum of four divers in each group. Furthermore, their diving facilities are among the best, with the most up-to-date PADI equipment and digital products.
They also have Samui’s only 3.5m swimming pool dedicated to diver training. They provide 1- to 2-day programs for novices, as well as the world’s most popular entry-level diving course, the PADI Open Water Diver Course.
Certified divers, on the other hand, can enroll in specialist courses such as the PADI Rescue Diver Course. You’ll be exploring the ocean in no time with all of these diving schools. After diving, why not spend some time at the island’s top 5 spas and seafood restaurants?
Related CTN News:
Thai Prisoners in Israel Arrive at 22 in the Midst of Heightening Gaza Conflict
-
News3 years agoLet’s Know About Ultra High Net Worth Individual
-
Entertainment1 year ago
Mabelle Prior: The Voice of Hope, Resilience, and Diversity Inspiring Generations
-
Health3 years agoHow Much Ivermectin Should You Take?
-
Tech1 year agoTop Forex Brokers of 2023: Reviews and Analysis for Successful Trading
-
Lifestyles2 years agoAries Soulmate Signs
-
Health2 years agoCan I Buy Ivermectin Without A Prescription in the USA?
-
Movies2 years agoWhat Should I Do If Disney Plus Keeps Logging Me Out of TV?
-
Learning2 years agoVirtual Numbers: What Are They For?