Tourism

Chiang Rai – Attractions, Food, Shopping and Much More.

Chiang Rai is a beautiful city located in the northern part of Thailand, and it’s one of the most charming cities I’ve ever visited in the country. With its lush nature, breathtaking temples, fun markets, friendly locals and tasty food – Chiang Rai makes one great destination!

One of the best things about Chiang Rai is that the city isn’t that touristy, so you really get the chance to see the local side of Thailand and meet its friendly people.

Are you going to travel to Chiang Rai soon? Then this is the ultimate Chiang Rai Travel Guide for you!

Here’s your Chiang Rai Travel Guide

Things to do in Chiang Rai

There are several things to both see and do, in and outside, Chiang Rai. To visit Chiang Rai in only two or three days isn’t enough if you want to explore it all. I would recommend you to take one week in the city and explore everything that it has to offer, the nearby attractions and just enjoy the friendly atmosphere that the town has to offer.

Wat Phra Kaew – Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Wat Phra Kaew is a beautiful lush oasis in the middle on Chiang Rai. Here you can come to have a stroll in a peaceful environment with green plants, colorful orchids, and amazing temples. Was Phra Kaew is one of the oldest and most revered Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai. The temple is also known under the name ”Temple of the Emerald Buddha,” and that’s because it once housed the famous Emerald Buddha that you today find in Bangkok.

Wat Phra Kaew is a peaceful and beautiful place with a calm and relaxing atmosphere, and a visit here is one of the top things to do in Chiang Rai!

Golden triangle

The Golden Triangle is the place where the three countries meet; Laos, Thailand, and Burma. From the viewpoint, in the Golden Triangle, you can see all three countries at the same time, and the big river Mekong that separates them.

Except for a cool view, you can also visit an amazing and old temple, see the big golden Buddha statue and do some shopping at the market stalls!

Mae Sai

If you like to shop souvenirs, clothes, accessories and jewelry, then you should head to Mae Sai. Mae Sai lies about one hour and 15 minutes by car from central Chiang Rai and is a place to see if you’re planning on going on a tour or if you’re on your way to the Golden Triangle.

Monkey Cave

Monkey Cave is a must to visit if you like animals. Here you can feed cute and wild macaque monkey and see them playing, swinging from tree to tree and bathe in the turquoise lake where the catfishes live. If you’re in good health, then I recommend you to challenge yourself and climb the steep staircase to see the cave inside the mountain and also to get up to the viewpoint where you can see a beautiful view of the area.

Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the most unique and beautiful temples in the World. The White Temple is a privately owned art exhibit in the style of Buddhist temples that you can see around the Chiang Rai Province. It’s such a beautiful temple with its sparkling white color, incredible details and beautiful green garden with fish ponds.

The temple is free of charge to visit, and it’s open every day from 6:30 am to 06:00 pm. The best time to visit the temple is either early in the morning or before it’s closing to avoid the huge crowds of tourists.

Wat Rong Khun is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in the world, and therefore you should write it up on your list of things to do in Chiang Rai.

Shopping in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai offers a variety of shopping with everything from clothes and decor to hill tribe vendors selling handmade products. In the city center, there are a few stores selling souvenirs, sunglasses and some clothes, but if you visit the markets or the shopping mall, you can find a huge variety of everything that you need.

The Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar lies just a short distance away from the big clock tower in town. When heading towards the market, you will see a big sign that says; “Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.” Inside the market, you will find small stalls selling everything from clothes and bags to paintings and handicrafts. The Night Bazaar is very cozy and has a friendly atmosphere with beautiful lights hanging over the alleys, performances of traditional Thai dance and singing.

In the corner of the market, you will find the big food court where they sell lots and lots of food, drinks, and snacks. My recommendation is not to eat there every night because the price is high and you don’t get that much food for your money. But if you want to try it for one night, then I would recommend you to try a “hot pot,” which is a thing there.

At the food court, they also have these ice drinks with fresh fruit for 30 TBH (less than 1 USD), make sure to buy one because they’re so delicious! My favorite is with passion fruit, pineapple mixed with either orange or banana!

Central Plaza

If you are looking for more fashionable clothing, sportswear, electronics or just want to go to the movies. Then you should head out to the Central Plaza. The Central Plaza lies a bit outside central Chiang Rai but can be reached by tuk-tuk, minibus or by foot.

I actually walked to and from the Plaza, and I must say it was a nice walk through the less “touristic” areas of Chiang Rai. If it’s a hot, sunny and wind still day, then I recommend you to either bring a big bottle of water, take the minibus or a tuk-tuk.

At the mall, you’ll find a wide selection of stores selling fashion of, both international and local brands!

Saturday Night Street Market

One of the biggest events of the week is the Saturday Night Market. It’s a one kilometer market on Thanalai Road in the center of town. This road is closed from cars from 05.00 pm to around 11.00 pm every Saturday of the year.

Here you can find everything from tasty food and handmade bags to accessories and cheap Thai massages. During this night they also have entertainment of traditional Thai dancing shows. Make sure to visit the big scene/food court where you can see all the locals dance their traditional dances with a big smile on their face!

This market is something you don’t want to miss during your stay in Chiang Rai since the atmosphere is absolutely fantastic and you’ll have a great time.

Get around in Chiang Rai

It’s very easy to get around in Chiang Rai because there are several options for you to choose from. The question is, which one is the best for you?

If you’re just going around the city center, then I recommend going by foot. Just have in mind to be careful when crossing the streets, because cars won’t stop for you (even if you walk over the zebra striped crossovers). My best tip is to cross the road when you see a gap. If there’s a two-way road that you’re going to cross – walk over the first one when you see a gap, then wait by the middle-line and wait for another gap to cross the last road.

Tuk-Tuk

Tuk-Tuk is one of the most popular ways among tourists to get around. It’s pretty cheap, it’s convenient and transports you fast to your preferred destination in the city. Just wave your hand to one that’s driving by or walk up to a tuk-tuk that’s parked on the street, and you’ll find a ride. Make sure to negotiate the price before you hop into the tuk-tuk, so they don’t rip you off!

Minibus – Songthaew

The minibuses in Chiang Rai is far the best and praiseworthy transportation I have been riding with. A fare costs around 20 THB, even if you’re going outside the city center. If you want to travel with a minibus, you just wave it in from the street, and you tell the driver where you’re are going. The driver is either going to say yes or no, depending on which way the other travelers are going. If it’s a yes, then hop on and ring the bell when you want to hop off.

Taxi

Taxi is also a good alternative that’s cheap if you’re just going somewhere in the city center. If you are planning on going outside the center of town, the price will be 10 THB per kilometer, which is not that bad either. The thumbs up for taxis is that they have aircon, they’re spacious and almost always on time.

Tricycle

A bicycle taxi is just what it sounds like, a bike with passenger seats! This is a fun way to get around in Chiang Rai, but make sure not to bargain too much when it comes to the price – remember that these drivers drive around tourists all day in the blazing sun for cheap money, so make sure to give the driver the money that he deserves!

Make sure to use these tricycles at least once during your stay in the city. The drivers will appreciate you riding with them since this is how they make a living.

Weather and Climate

Many people wonder when it’s the best time to visit Chiang Rai, and I’ve got the answers you’re looking for.

During the months of January, November, and December, Chiang Rai offers a nice weather with a good and warm average temperature. If you don’t want to get soaking wet, then you should avoid May, June, August, September, and October, since that’s the months with the most rainfall.

The dry periods of Chiang Rai are in January, February, March and December. April is the warmest month, January is the coolest month, February is the driest month, and August is the wettest month – and should, therefore, be avoided if you don’t want a rainy holiday.

By Christine Abroad

Tourism

Interior Ministry Introduces New 180 Day Destination Thailand Visa

People from more nations will be now able to enter Thailand without a visa beginning Monday. This is part of an effort to increase tourism and encourage visitors to stay longer, Interior Ministry spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul said on Friday.

According to Ms. Traisuree, Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has signed four documents that will make it easier for foreigners to travel. These modifications will all take effect on Monday, provided they are published in the Royal Gazette.

The instructions include 93 more nations on the list of individuals who can visit Thailand without a visa, up from 57 previously. People from these countries can stay for a maximum of 60 days. Additionally, from 19 to 31, nearly twice as many nations will be able to obtain visas on arrival in Thailand.

To attract digital nomads, artists, and tourists interested in learning or practicing skills such as cooking and Muay Thai, the country will also introduce the Destination Thailand Visa service.

The new form of visa, which is valid for five years, allows travelers to stay for up to 180 days.

According to Ms. Traisuree, students holding visas for master’s degrees or higher will not be required to leave Thailand immediately upon graduation. They will be able to stay for an additional year to hunt for work or vacation.

In order to enhance the economy and tourism, the cabinet took a general decision on these additional measures in May. The statement was meant to be released in June, but it was pushed back.

Ms. Traisuree believes that this is the greatest sort of visa for persons who want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and explore the nation without the various restrictions and complications that come with conventional tourist visas.

Getting a DTV will give you a 5-year multiple-entry visa that lets you stay in Thailand for a total of 180 days a year, with the opportunity to stay for another 180 days.

Ms. Traisuree said that the Destination Thailand Visa is great if you want to work from home in the Land of Smiles and see the sights without the many restrictions and problems that come with a regular tourist visa. The Destination Thailand Visa will cost 10,000 THB.

Qualifications for the Thailand Destination Visa (DTV)

According to Thai Embassy, to be eligible for the visa, you must fulfill the following conditions (which could change):

You have to be 20 years of age or older
You have to be able to afford the cost of the visa
To sustain your stay in the nation, you must demonstrate that you have at least 500,000 THB in your bank account
Proof of your employment with a recognized company is required.

For digital nomads or remote workers who want to make the most of their travels and yet have the opportunity to work while they’re there, the Destination Thailand Visa is designed just for you. Additionally, it is ideal if you are traveling to Thailand in order to partake in any of the following activities:

Thai food prepared with Muay Thai
Instruction and conferences
Sports medicine therapy
International talent International music and art events

Thailand DTV Visa Benefits

Additionally, there is uncertainty about these details and they could change:

In comparison to other Southeast Asian nations that provide comparable visas, Thailand has less stringent income requirements and charges for the visa. For another 10,000 THB, you can extend the visa once, for a maximum of 180 days.
There are ninety-three foreign nations that qualify for the Thailand DTV Visa.
With this visa, you can lawfully operate remotely for foreign clients and companies while in Thailand.
Your spouse and any children under the age of twenty may accompany you.
You are exempt from paying taxes on your foreign income because the visa allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 180 days.

Drawbacks of a Thailand DTV Visa

You are unable to work for a Thai company that needs a Thai work visa, even though you are still able to engage in some activities and make money. Your DTV will end if you decide to change the kind of visa you are currently on.

Additional information on the visa’s release date and application process will be available in late June or early July of 2024. You will most likely be able to apply for it via the Thai immigration office, a Thai embassy, or a Royal Thai Consulate.

Tourism

Hotels in Thailand Fret as German Itravel Group Files for Bankruptcy

Thailand’s Hotels Association (THA) reports that another German tour operator has gone bankrupt, but that this will have a far less effect than the recent bankruptcy of FTI Touristik.

Following notification from the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Thai Hotels Association has now confirmed that the Cologne-based luxury tour operator Itravel Group has formally filed for bankruptcy.

Southern Thailand is home to numerous high-end resorts, which Itravel aims to attract, according to Thai Hotels Association president Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun.

As a result of Itravel’s bankruptcy, he said, the hotels association is currently collecting data from its members.

On Monday, the organization wrote to the TAT and the Foreign Ministry, requesting that they assist hotel operators in keeping up with legal developments surrounding the bankruptcy of the German tour operator FTI, which resulted in a loss of almost 111 million baht for hotels around the country.

Hotels having issues with Itravel

On Monday, during the THA monthly meeting, Mr. Thienprasit noted that they also emphasized the case’s urgency to Minister Sermsak Pongpanit of Tourism and Sports.

In response to allegations that hotel operators with business partnerships with Itravel were experiencing issues with financial transactions, the agency issued an alert to the industry, according to Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, TAT deputy governor for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

He speculated that the losses might be lower with Itravel, an online travel agency that focuses on the niche luxury market, than with FTI, the third operator.

According to the Bangkok Post, at Monday’s THA meeting, Mr. Sermsak stated that the ministry will look into measures to assist hotels, especially since the goal of 3.5 trillion baht in tourism earnings for this year is still very ambitious.

According to Mr. Thienprasit, the organization is opposed to the government’s plans to increase the legal foreign ownership of condominiums from 49% to 75%. This, he added, might lead to an increase in unlawful accommodations and make other condo residents feel uneasy about having more guests around the clock.

Unscrupulous investors

He said that some international investors are already breaking the law by renting out their rooms to day guests, even though the Hotel Act only permits rentals of at least 30 days.

An increase in the foreign ownership quota for condos, according to Mr. Thienprasit, could entice unscrupulous investors and lead to the construction of even more unlawful rooms, which now exceed the number of registered hotel rooms by a factor of two.

The success of Thailand’s hotel industry is highly dependent on the business of tour operators. These collaborations bring in a constant flow of visitors, particularly during busy seasons.

It is more convenient for passengers to book comprehensive packages offered by tour operators, which include hotel accommodations and activities. Because of this arrangement, hotels may anticipate a specific amount of bookings without having to spend a lot on advertising.

Additionally, hotels are able to provide more affordable rates, which appeals to guests who are mindful of their budget. But if tour operators go through slumps or start focusing on other places, this dependence might be disastrous.

Source: Bangkok Post, Thai PBS

Tourism

Embracing Paradise: Your Guide to an Unforgettable Vacation in Los Cabos

Nestled at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Los Cabos emerges as a paradise where the desert meets the sea, offering a unique blend of natural wonders, luxurious accommodations, and vibrant culture. Whether you seek serene relaxation, thrilling adventures, or cultural explorations, Los Cabos promises an idyllic escape that exceeds expectations.

Discovering Pristine Beaches

Los Cabos is renowned for its stunning beaches, each with its own charm and allure. Sink your toes into the soft sands of Medano Beach, a bustling stretch perfect for sunbathing and people-watching. For a more secluded experience, explore the rugged beauty of Santa Maria Beach, ideal for snorkeling amidst vibrant marine life in crystal-clear waters. Enhance your beach experience with guided tours and snorkeling excursions offered by https://boattripsloscabos.com/, where you can explore the coastline and underwater wonders with expert guides.

Embarking on Aquatic Adventures

Venture into the azure waters of the Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean for thrilling water activities. Dive into snorkeling or scuba diving expeditions to discover underwater treasures like colorful coral reefs and curious sea creatures. Set sail on a whale-watching tour during the winter months to witness majestic humpback whales breaching against the backdrop of the Pacific horizon.

Exploring the Baja Desert

Beyond its pristine coastline, Los Cabos boasts dramatic desert landscapes waiting to be explored. Take an ATV or jeep tour through the rugged terrain of the Baja desert, where towering cacti and unique rock formations paint a striking contrast against the deep blue sky. Visit the Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve for hiking trails that lead to hidden oases and panoramic vistas of the surrounding desert.

Indulging in Culinary Delights

Los Cabos is a culinary paradise, offering a fusion of traditional Mexican flavors with international influences. Sample fresh seafood tacos at local taquerías or dine on gourmet cuisine crafted by world-renowned chefs at upscale restaurants overlooking the ocean. Savor authentic Baja cuisine with dishes like fish tacos, ceviche, and grilled octopus paired perfectly with locally produced wines and craft cocktails.

Experiencing Vibrant Nightlife

As the sun sets, Los Cabos transforms into a lively nightlife destination. Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in Cabo San Lucas with its array of beachfront bars, live music venues, and pulsating nightclubs. Dance the night away under the stars or enjoy a sunset cocktail overlooking the marina, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and excitement.

Relaxing in Luxury Resorts

Los Cabos boasts a plethora of luxurious resorts and boutique hotels that cater to every traveler’s desire for relaxation and indulgence. Unwind in infinity pools with panoramic ocean views, rejuvenate with holistic spa treatments inspired by ancient Mexican traditions, or tee off on world-class golf courses designed by golf legends amidst stunning coastal landscapes.

Immersing in Local Culture

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Los Cabos with visits to historic landmarks like the Mission San Jose del Cabo Church or art galleries showcasing local and international artists. Browse through vibrant markets selling handmade crafts, textiles, and souvenirs, or attend cultural festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions, music, and dance.

Planning Your Los Cabos Escape

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Los Cabos offers a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion. With its breathtaking landscapes, diverse activities, and warm hospitality, Los Cabos ensures a memorable vacation that leaves you rejuvenated and inspired, promising a return to its paradise shores time and again.