Exploring Nature on a Road Trip in Chiang Rai

As the rain subsides and a refreshing breeze sweeps through, the enchanting beauty of Chiang Rai becomes irresistible. Picture lush green and golden fields, blooming flowers, and morning sea fog creating the perfect travel atmosphere. With fewer crowds than in winter, this time of year is ideal for visiting. We opted for a road trip, which meant we needed a car. Mytour provides affordable flights to Chiang Rai along with car rental services! With great rates and a variety of options, both with and without drivers, we simply landed, contacted the staff, and were soon on our way to Chiang Rai!

Day 1

Kick off the first day of your journey with a relaxing tour organized by Mytour. Our first stop was the Mae Kachan Hot Spring, where we soaked our feet in the warm mineral waters to unwind. Next, we returned to town, pausing to visit Wat Rong Khun, a remarkable temple renowned for its unique design and stunning all-white structure—truly unforgettable. Our next destination was Wat Rong Suea Ten, another temple showcasing striking blue hues, a beauty that’s one of a kind. Finally, we visited the Baan Dam Museum, the home of Thailand’s famed national artist Thawan Duchanee, adorned in black and filled with captivating artworks including paintings and sculptures. The day encompassed a journey through the colors of White, Blue, and Black—an incredible experience! The tour also includes an international buffet, so there’s no need to worry about meals.

Source: https://web.facebook.com/SinghaparkChiangrai/

In the evening, we sought a nearby nature spot away from the town, and we discovered Singha Park, which turned out to be ideal! With convenient access and numerous picturesque locations for photos, the park offers a variety of activities. You can embark on a farm tour by bus and stroll through gardens blooming with flowers, or opt for something more thrilling with extreme sports. The park features a shop and café serving local delicacies like tea and homemade pizza. Experiencing the farm as the sun sets is truly unforgettable!

After settling in Chiang Rai, we discovered the Blue Lagoon Hotel. This modern hotel is situated in the town center, conveniently close to attractions like the Night Bazaar, Clock Tower, and shopping mall, all at an affordable price. It was a pleasant stay and a great choice we made.

Source: https://web.facebook.com/walkingstreet.cr

If you find yourself in Chiang Rai on a Saturday like we did, be sure to visit the Chiang Rai Walking Street. This vibrant marketplace is the perfect spot to discover local foods, snacks, and souvenirs. Stroll along the street, interact with locals, and savor delicious regional dishes while browsing through unique keepsakes. Just a reminder: this market operates only on Saturdays!

As we mentioned earlier, our travel plan for this trip involves driving! We reserved a car through Mytour, and we were all set to hit the road. We entered Phu Chi Fa as our destination in Google Maps and revved up the engine. This mountain is an ideal spot for catching the mesmerizing sea of fog, so be prepared to wake up early and depart from the hotel—trust us, the breathtaking view makes it worthwhile!

Close to Phu Chi Fa lies another fantastic spot for sunrise viewing known as ‘Phu Chi Dao’. You can drive up to the foothill, but then you'll need to hop onto a local truck for about 3 kilometers. After that, it's a 200-meter walk to reach your destination! The scenic beauty awaiting you will make the trek well worth it. Although this spot is less crowded than Phu Chi Fa, it's essential to plan ahead and contact locals to secure a guide.

From Phu Chi Fa, we took a long drive to Doi Sa Ngo, which rises 709 meters above sea level. Here, you can experience the daily life of the Akha tribe in their villages. The viewpoint offers a stunning 360-degree panorama encompassing the landscapes of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos. If time allows, consider spending the night here—you might be fortunate enough to gaze at a sky filled with stars. We parked our car at the base and took a local truck for about 1 kilometer to reach the hilltop.

We made our way back down to the ground and drove towards the town, stopping at the well-known Tham Luang – Khun Nam Nang Non National Park. This location has become a tourist hotspot following the incident. While the cave is a key attraction, don’t miss the stunning emerald pool with its striking color. The natural surroundings are vibrant with a rich diversity of plants and wildlife.

In the afternoon, we continued our journey to Doi Mae Salong to visit the temple and pray at the Sinakarintrastitmahasantikhiri pagoda situated atop the hill. Not only did we receive blessings, but we also enjoyed breathtaking views. It's said that the best time to visit is in the morning to catch the sunrise from this vantage point.

Another significant site in Doi Mae Salong is its renowned tea plantation, celebrated as one of Thailand's top locations for cultivating tea leaves. It's a perfect backdrop for stunning photographs. Once at the farm, don’t miss the opportunity to savor a cup of their exquisite tea! Pair it with a delightful cake and take a moment to unwind.

After visiting various sites, our stomachs started to growl. Thankfully, Doi Mae Salong is famous for its Yunnan cuisine. We indulged in Stewed Pork Knuckle served with rice or bun. Be sure to try the stir-fried vegetables made with local ingredients, including fresh tea leaves.

On the final day of our trip, we opted for a unique shopping experience in the Mae Sai district, where you can cross the border into Myanmar and explore local markets. Since it was our last day and we preferred a relaxed itinerary, we booked a one-day tour with Mytour. They guided us to popular attractions in Chiang Rai as well as the Mai Sai market. The tour also included a visit to the Golden Triangle Park and Chiang Saen District, rich with fascinating sites. Our schedule was flexible, allowing us to coordinate with our guide to ensure we reached the airport on time for a budget flight back to Bangkok!

Regardless of how quickly time passes, Chiang Rai remains a small, tranquil city that exudes simplicity. It’s becoming increasingly accessible thanks to local guides and available amenities. The residents here are friendly and always willing to help. We have a deep affection for Chiang Rai, confident that we’ll find a perfect retreat from urban chaos. Strolling through the streets or hiking up the mountains provides unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish too. Start planning your adventure and catch a budget flight from Bangkok to this enchanting city whenever you get the chance.