Welcome to Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai,was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

How To Go to Chiang Rai

How To Go to Chiang Rai

Bangkok - Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai Transportation

By BusChiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

By AirAirlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

Bangkok - Chiang Rai Transportation

By Air
Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at http://www.thaiairways.com/.One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at http://www.fly12go.com/SGA offers flights to Chiang Rai. Call 0 2664 6099 or visit: http://www.sga.co.th/


By Bus
The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.

By Car
Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Rail
There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang (9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.
By BoatThe capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

Pattaya Hotels

++ Pattaya Hotels ++

The Zing Hotel
Sugar Hut
Welcome Jomtien Beach

Welcome Jomtien Beach Hotel Pattaya

++ Welcome Jomtien Beach Hotel Pattaya

Welcome Jomtien Beach Hotel Pattaya has 382 luxurious guest rooms and all guest rooms offer deluxe amenities including facilities. You will enjoy a private balcony over-looking Jomtien Beach on all the 18 storey. Our Health floor featuring a Gym and an Outdoor Swimming Pool.

The Zign Hotel Pattaya

++ The Zign Hotel

The Zign Hotel Pattaya thrives with the modern transformation of various arts and crafts throughout the time. The lavishly decorated villas amidst the comforting warmth of tropical environment actually surround the large swimming pool. All the villas are fully equipped with modern lifestyle amenities and high-end fittings. Let yourself drift in leisure as The Zigh hotel gives you the perfect combingaion of modern lifestyle and tropical heaven.

The Sugar Hut Resort Pattaya

++ The Sugar Hut

The Sugar Hut is an exotic alternative to the usual hotel accommodation. Our bungalows are built to the exacting standards of traditional Thai style houses, each equipped with fabulous indoor garden bathroom. Enjoy the total privacy and comfort of individual quarters in a lush setting of fragrant flowering trees. For the fitness conscious individual, Sugar Hut has a fully equipped gymnasium and we have created a jogging track of 1 km. in the midst of nature. These and the wild rabbits plus many animals and birds that roam Sugar Hut create the "back to nature" atmosphere, the likes of which you'll never find any where.

Pattaya - Thailand

++ Pattaya A Travelers Paradise

Pattaya is nestled along a picturesque bay on the East Coast of the Gulf of Thailand, roughly 170 kilometers southeast of Bangkok. From a fishing village in the 1960's, Pattaya has emerged as the favorite Southeast Asian vacation center. A fascinating escape where tourists, holiday makers and vacationers from around the world unfold an incomparable array of possibilities to unwind during an exotic holiday beach vacation. Unlike other beach resorts, where natural surroundings are used as magnets to attract tourists, Pattaya makes an all-out attempt to provide the best of everything. Here, everything means everything a tourist can imagine while on holiday: recreation, entertainment, sports, sightseeing and fun. To put it simply, Pattaya is a paradise for everyone, as it has a variety of attractions suitable for all types of visitors. This is the place where you can fill your day, from dusk to dawn, with endless activities, or you may choose to do nothing at all and relax.

Travelling to Pattaya

++ Travelling to Pattaya...

By car Pattaya can be reached in a 2.5-hour drive along Bangna-Trat Highway via Bang Pakong, Chon Buri and Si Racha. However, visitors can avoid Chon Buri by opting for Highway 36, the new Chon Buri - Pattaya - Rayong route or taking the motorway from Rama 9 Road.

By busAir-conditioned and regular buses depart from the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) and Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet Road daily. Buses (air-con) depart the Eastern Bus Terminal every 30 minutes from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from Mochit II (Northern Bus Terminal) from 5.00 a.m. to 7 p.m. Departure times and fares may be obtained from the Eastern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2391 2504, 0 2391 8097 or the Northern Bus Terminal, tel. 0 2936 2852-66. There are also minibuses that travel directly from Bangkok Airport to Pattaya at 9.00 a.m., 12.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. daily. For more information, contact the Bangkok International Airport, tel. 0 2535 1111. In addition, most hotels in Bangkok provide bus services to Pattaya. Contact the tour desk at your hotel for details.

By trainThe State Railway of Thailand offers a daily train service departing Bangkok's Hua Lamphong Station at 06.55 a.m., tel. 0 2621 8701. It takes about 5 hours to reach a station located near the Siam Country Club.

By Air
Bangkok Airways provides daily flights connecting Ko Samui and U-Taphao Airport. (Approximately 30 kilometers south of Pattaya).

Pattaya Water Park

++ Pattaya Water Park ++

Gigantic water sliders, Jacuzzi, whirlpools and a large pool for children. Located adjacent to the Pattaya Park Hotel. Tel.: (038) 251201-8, 364110-20.

Mini Siam Pattaya

++ Mini Siam

Located near Pattaya Klang, this miniature city with more than 100 models on a scale of 1:25, has replicas of 80 sacred places and important historical sites around Thailand. Models include the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Bridge over the River Kwai, the Golden Stupa and Pimai Khmer Sanctuary. There are also models of the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, London's Tower Bridge, and the Trevi Fountain. Open daily 7a.m. - 10 p.m. Call 038 421628, 424232

Suan Nong Nooch Tropical Garden Pattaya

++ Suan Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

Need somewhere to take the family, or just enjoy doing something different? Nong Nooch, is a beautifully landscaped, recreational park. The entire area covers around 500 acres and houses a botanical garden, waterfall, orchid nurseries and a cactus garden. You can also go canoeing on the lake and see the elephant show. The Arts Centre has presentations of Thai traditional dance (3 times a day), marital arts, and cockfighting daily. You can stay overnight accommodation in cottages, traditional Thai houses and bungalows.About 15 kms. from South Pattaya.

Chiang Mai - Festivals

++ Chiang Mai - Festivals ++

Songkran Festival

Flower Festival

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

Yi Peng Festival

Songkran Festival Chiangmai

++ Songkran Festival ++

Songkran Festival is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda making, blessing of elders, and water splashing.

Flower Festival Chiangmai

++ Flower Festival ++

Flower Festival is held in February. The festival includes ornamental garden flower contests, floral floats parade in the morning and beauty pageants. The parade begins at Chiang Mai Railway Station and passes Nawarat Bridge and ends at Nong Buak Hat Park.

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival Chiangmai

++ Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in January in Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life, and several contests.

Yi Peng Festival or Loi Krathong day Chiangmai

++ Yi Peng Festival ++

Yi Peng Festival is held annually on Loi Krathong day. It is a very interesting event of Chiang Mai. The festival features launching lanterns into the sky to worship the gods. There are also fireworks, lantern contests, and beauty pageants.

Hotel in Chiang Mai

++ Hotel in Chiang Mai ++

As a major tourist destination in the north, Chiang Mai has an endless list of accommodations for tourists to check out. In Chiang Mai town, throughout the city, there are over 300 hotels, resorts, guesthouses, hostels and apartments available. The rates vary from 200 baht/night (room with fan) to over 20,000 baht/night. Standard rooms at 3-star hotels have basic facilities including in-room amenities (kettle, television, cable T.V., mini-bar, and safe deposit box) as well as common facilities such as swimming pools, sun decks, restaurants, coffee shops and fitness centers. Guesthouses and mid-range hotels are located long Charoen Prathet Road, Charoen Rat Road, Tha Phae Gate and Huay Kaew Road. Some hotels provide spa services, which are perfect for pampering the body and soul.

Accommodations out of town can be found in most tourist destinations, especially along the famous Mae Rim Mae Sa Road, Fang Tha Thon area, and Hang Dong District. The majority of these accommodations are set amidst the beautiful scenery of Chiang Mai.
Check them out: Boutique hotels, which are a unique combination of hip designs and truly Lanna (northern) ambience worth exploring, are new in town. In addition, there are an increasing amount of out-of-town resorts providing services for your health and wellness: balancing your body and soul and stimulating inner peace. Accommodations with spa cuisine, activities suitable for your health conditions and meditation courses are provided.

Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort Chiangmai

++ Tao Garden Health Spa & Resort ++

The Tao Garden Health Resort Chiang Mai is a holistic and Ayurveda retreat about 30 minutes outside of central Chiang Mai. The maxim here is simple: Good air, good food and good water equal good health. The resort spreads over several hectares to provide the quiet and tranquil surroundings to heal and cleanse body and soul. The Tao Garden was founded by a Tao Meditation and Qi Gong master with over 30 years experience.

The Tao Garden is not only drug, alcohol and nicotine free but also almost self-sufficient and grows its own vegetables and fruits, and rears several types of animals.

Room Information Room Details The Tao Garden offers a selection of accommodation options in 2-storey houses and equipped with shower, private bathroom, fan and private balcony. All rooms are very spacious cozy, comfortable without flaunting luxury. Between rooms are gathering rooms and patios. The living quarters are designed to fulfill the maxim of absolute quiet.

The Amata Lanna Hotel Chiangmai

++ The Amata Lanna Hotel ++

Situated in the very heart of Chiang Mai, the Amata Lanna Hotel is submersed in the ancient Lanna philosophy of peace and tranquility, a harmonious of nature and well-being. Amidt green lush tropical flora and tradition Thai ambience, our guests experience only the ultimate in luxury boutique accommodation in the contemporary Lanna architectural style.
The Amata Lanna Hotel is only 10 minutes from the airport and within walking distance of variety of Chiang Mai's top tourist attractions including Wat Chai Mongkol, the Night Bazaar and the Mae Ping river.

Portico 21 Hotel Chiangmai

++ Portico 21 ++


Portico 21 is equipped with all modern amenities: we offer clean, quiet and affordable accommodation in the heart of downtown Chiang Mai - Northern Thailand, with a touch of design. Each guestroom is air-conditioned and well furnished in a functional, contemporary style. All guestrooms have individually designed private en-suite bathrooms and benefit from unobstructed views of the old capital of Northern Thailand.
Portico 21 is located in a quiet yet central spot in downtown Chiang Mai - Northern Thailand. We provide comfortable accommodation with well furnished, modern designed guestrooms. Most guestrooms feature twin single beds, whilst a few have double beds; bedding & mattresses are of European standards of comfort.

++ Temple in Chiangmai

... Wat Chedi Luang ...

... Wat Phra That Doi Suthep ...

... Wat Phra Sing ...

Wat Chedi Luang Chiangmai

++ Wat Chedi Luang ++

This 14th century temple, where the City Pillar Shrine is located, is famous for its enormous chedi, which is measured at 282 feet high and 144 feet wide (at the base). Located right in the middle of the city, it is considered to be the largest chedi in Chiang Mai. Its spire collapsed in 1545 due to an earthquake. A pair of magnificent Naga staircases at the front porch of the chapel is among the most beautiful manmade serpents in the North. Chao Khun Uba Lee Poramacharn (Sirichantathera) and Chao Kaeo Navarat built the front chapel in 1928.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep Chiangmai

++ Wat Phra That Doi Suthep ++

Locals would say, You havent really gone to Chiang Mai unless youve been to Wat Phratat Doi Suthep. Truly, the place is the most important and famous Chiang Mai landmark. Built in 1383, this mountaintop temple has a chedi (pagoda) that houses holy Buddha relics. The gold-plated chedi lies in the middle of a square marble-tiled courtyard. The four corners of the chedi are adorned with parasols which represent royal regalia. The temples courtyard is lined by a cloister, which contains images and murals depicting Buddhas life. There are also two viharns situated in the middle of the east and west sides of the cloister. This temple is 15 kilometers from town and is 3,520 feet above sea level. It is the perfect place to get a birds eye view of the city. The temple can be reached via a steep Naga staircase comprised of 290 steps or railcars. The temple is open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
To get there, drive along Huay Kaew Road up the mountain. Alternatively, there are song thaew services available at the foot of the mountain. It costs 30 baht/head to go up to Doi Suthep and approximately 50 baht/head to go further to Doi Pui and Phu Phing Palace. Note that these are one-way fares.

Wat Phra Sing Chiangmai

++ Wat Phra Sing ++

Built in 1345, the temple is located on Sam Lan Road. It houses the North's most revered Buddha statue, Phra Phuttha Sihing which is enshrined in Vihan Lai Kham, a chapel that features exquisite woodcarvings and northern style murals. Every year on April 13, Songkran Day, the image is paraded through the streets of Chiang Mai for local people to sprinkle scented water on. This area was formerly Wat Li Chiang Market until 1345, when King Pa Yu, the fifth king of the Meng Rai Dynasty commanded the construction of this temple and a 24-feet chedi to contain his father's ashes.

Get Around Chiang Mai

++ Get Around Chiang Mai ++

Mai now has a new large air conditioned bus service. You can see these nice air conditioned white buses all over the major city routes. There are also pedicabs called samlor; the 3-wheeled tuk-tuk; and the most popular, the songthaew.

++ By Songthaew The most common way to get around Chiang Mai is by songthaew. These are covered pick-up trucks with two benches in the back, and indeed the name means "two benches" in Thai. Seen everywhere, to board one just put your arm out and look at the driver, who will stop. Then tell the driver which street you want to go to, and if he is going that way, he will nod his head "yes"; if not, he will say "no" and go on. Don't worry - there will be another one right behind him. When the driver turns down the street you want, start looking for where you want to get off and press the switch located on the roof of the cab. The driver will pull over, let you out, and then you pay him. The fare should be 15 baht for regular trips around town. If you specify a hotel or establishment, the driver will think you want to hire him for a private trip, and the price will be much higher. Negotiate any price beforehand if you want to go to a specific address. The best way to avoid this "charter" situation is to discuss your destination and not the price; asking for a price is interpreted as asking for a charter. Then, when you arrive, hand the driver the correct change. If the driver demands more, then it is up to you to work out a fair payment, but armed with this information, you should have a reasonable idea of the proper fare, and that will aid you in your bargaining.
The colour of the songthaew indicates its general route or usage. Most common by far are red songthaews, which roam the main streets in the city itself. Warorot Market (by the Ping River) is the most common terminus for songthaews that travel along fixed routes. From Warorot Market, white songthaews travel to the eastern suburban city of Sankampaeng, yellow songthaews travel to Mae Rim in the north, blue songthaews travel to Sarapee and Lamphun in the south, and green songthaews travel to Mae Jo in the north-east.

++ By tuk-tuk or samlor Tuk-tuks serve as Chiang Mai's taxis, going point to point for 30 baht and up depending on your haggling skills. A few three-wheeled bicycles (samlor) still cruise the streets and will go your way for the same price, which is a great way to see the inner city temples. Try taking a samlor from Wat Prasing Temple to Wat Chedi Luang Temple in the early evening around sunset, or around the inner city at sunrise to see the monks walking around with their bowls collecting alms from the citizens.

++ By taxi Chiang Mai has finally introduced Bangkok-style metered taxis. In early 2005 there were only 15 plying the streets (versus 2700 songthaews), but one year later there were over 45, with the number growing monthly. Rates are very reasonable at 30 baht for the first 2 km and 4 baht/km after that. Dial +66 53-279291 for advance bookings, which are particularly useful when going to the airport (100 baht flat fare).

++ By bus Chiang Mai's on-again, off-again local bus service began operation again in November 2005. There are currently 5 routes and fares are a flat 15 baht. Route 4, connecting to the airport, is probably the most useful. See Chiang Mai Bus for a route map.

++ By motorcycle Chiang Mai has an abundance of motorcycle rental services, with choices aplenty. Typical Asian motorbikes can be rented, such as Honda and Yamaha 110cc and 125cc models (both step-through and automatic), but off-road bikes and larger street bikes can also be found quite easily. Renting a small bike starts at around 200 baht/day with insurance; larger machines can climb to 800 baht/day for a V-twin chopper or large sport-bike, also with insurance. Expect discounts when renting for several days. Passports are usually taken as a deposit, although some shops will accept a photocopy with a cash deposit of a few thousand baht. As with any other tourist town in Thailand (except possibly in Bangkok), a valid international permit (IDP) isn't required by the rental shop; however, if you find yourself stopped by the police for whatever reason, be prepared to discreetly pay a small "mai pen rai" fee of at least 200 baht.

++ By bicycle Within the old city walls biking is still an easy option to get around. You can get everywhere in town within 10 minutes and it saves the hassle of negotiating with tuk-tuk drivers all the time. Bikes rentals are offered at every other street corner. Prices for a simple bike are 50 THB a day, or 200 THB a week.

Travel in Chiang Mai - Thailand

++Chiang Mai - Thailand ++

Chiang Mai is a city built on the roots of a traditional heritage that dig deep into the soil of time. It's a city with a beautiful cultural personality of its own. In addition, it's been blessed with much majestic beauty in nature. The people themselves are an unforgettable part of Chiang Mai. Handicrafts of silk, silver and wood are timeless souvenirs for visitors from all over the globe. Along with all this, a wide variety of accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment all help to make Chiang Mai one of Thailand's prime tourist attractions.

Cooking Thai Cuisine 4

++ Desserts ++

Thai desserts use flour, rice, coconut sugar and coconut milk. Thailand is famous for the variety of its fruits from durians to rambutans, so it is logical that fruits are alsocombined with flour to make delicious desserts.

Khanom Kluai

Banana Pudding

(KHANOM KLUAI)

Khanom Ba-Bin

Coconut Cake

(KHANOM BA - BIN)

Sherbet Makham

Tamarind Sherbet

(SHERBET MAKHAM)

Khao Niao Tat

Sweet Sticky Rice with Coconut Cream and Black Beans

(KHAO NIAO TAT)

Cooking Thai Cuisine 3

Main Courses

Thai foods are unique because of the combination of ingredients. Curries tend to be quite light as the curry paste is made from fresh ingredients, while the richness is derived primarily from coconut milk. The use of herbs and spices, plus the simplicity of the cooking process, makes Thai food refreshing, while the imaginative mix of ingredients enhances the taste.

Khao Phat Khai

Egg Fried Rice

(KHAO PHAT KHAI)

Phat Thai

Phat Thai

(PHAT THAI)

Priao Wan Kung

Sweet and Sour Prawns

(PRIAO WAN KUNG)

Kai Phat Bai Kraphrau

Stirfried Chicken with Thai Basil and Chili Peppers

(KAI PHAT BAI KRAPHRAU)

Kaeng Khiao Wan ...

Green Beef Curry with Thai Noodles

(KAENG KHIAO WAN NUEA - KHANOM CHIN)

Cooking Thai Cuisine 2

++ Soups and Salads ++

The lack of starch in Thai soups is a unique facet of Thai cuisine. By combining Thai herbs such as galangal, kaffir lime and lemon grass with clear broth, Thai soups are refreshing, while the herbs soothe the stomach. Salad dressings (nam yum) differ from those in the West in that they are not oily and contain no fats of any kind. This makes them light and delicious, however once tossed they should be eaten immediately.

Som Tam

Carrot or Papaya Salad

( SOM TAM )

Tom Yum Kung

Hot and Sour Soup with Prawns

( TOM YUM KUNG )

Tom Kha Kai

Chicken Coconut Soup

( TOM KHA KAI)

Thai Prawn Salad

Thai Prawn Salad

(PHLA KUNG)

Cooking Thai Cuisine 1

++ Snacks and Starters ++

...Thais love to eat and not just at meal times. Hence snacks and starters are often eaten between meals, at teatime, or at drinking parties as well as at the start of a meal.The variety of snacks in Thai cuisine reflects the abundance of raw ingredients and the imaginative use of indigenous herbs and spices.

Mu Ping And Kai Yang

Marinabe for Grilled Skewered Pork and Grilled Chicken Breast Thai Style

(MU PING AND KAI YANG)

Satay Kai And ......

Chicken Satay and Peanul Sauce

( SATAY KAI AND NAM JIM SATAY )

Thod Man Pla....

Spicy Thai Fish Cakes and Cucumber Salad.

( THOT MAN PLA AND ACHAT )

Po Pia Thot

Fried Spring Rolls

(PO PIA THOT)

Lab Salmon

Spicy Salmon Salad, Thai Style

(LAP SALMON)