Highlights
Temples
The original home of Bangkok’s famed Emerald Buddha, the striking Wat Phra Kaew is Chiang Rai’s most sacred temple, made officially ‘royal’ by Thailand’s King in 1978. The iconic Wat Doi Tong once epitomised the centre of the universe for devout Buddhists, whilst Wat Phra Singh boasts flamboyant frescoes and intricate wooden carvings. Opened in 1998, the unique Wat Rong Khun - or ‘White Temple’ – is a swirly-topped, wedding cake extravaganza designed by renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat. This massive project is still underway and is quickly becoming one of Thailand’s most extraordinary landmarks; the end product will comprise a staggering nine buildings, including a hall of relics and a living quarters for the resident monks.
Culture
The stunning mountain scenery offers great hiking trails and access to the diverse hill-tribe villages. For those not keen on trekking, visit the Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre where you can watch an informative slide show on the hill tribes and their culture and view exhibits such as typical clothing, anthropological implements, everyday examples of the use of bamboo displays and traditional crafts.
The Golden Triangle
Visit the Golden Triangle, an area of 367,000 square miles that overlaps the mountains of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, and where the Rivers Ruak and Mekong converge. The border location is famous for being Asia’s (and indeed the world’s) most extensive opium-producing area from the 1950s until the 21st century when Afghanistan became the biggest producer.