Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, 180 kms. to the northeast of Chiang Mai, has been growing recently, but still shows evidence of its lengthy past, predating the Northern Capital as its foundation does. The easiest approaches are by air and road, but the four-hour boat trip from Ta Thon down the Mae Khok River gives the best introduction. The so-called Golden Triangle meeting point of the Thai, Lao and Burmese borders can claim to be the most famous tourist destination, but its rival is the Doi Tung Development Project. Situated on the 'Reclining Lady' Mountain near the Burmese border and initiated under Royal patronage, Doi Tung has become one of the North's biggest tourist attractions. Different ethnic groups working there produce handicrafts that are known world-wide, and nature-lovers are drawn from far and near to the Mae Fah Luang Arboretum, with its extraordinary diversity of flora. The project also offers accommodation of the highest quality.