Chiang Rai is a quiet poem in the middle of the book. The oldest city of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, it holds many beautiful secrets for you to discover. Not far from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, and a sister to Chiang Mai, this beautiful Northern region of Thailand is filled to the brim with diverse culture, delicious food, incredible people, and so much beauty that its poetry leaves a lasting impression on you. Full of local and enriching cultural experiences this guide shares what to do in Chiang Rai for a beautiful, immersive experience in this unique part of Thailand.
Visiting the hill tribes of Northern Thailand is a once in a lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed while in Chiang Rai. Image © Pat Bailey
How to Get to Chiang Rai from Bangkok
Contents
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand, and situated on the Kok River basin, 416 metres above sea level. It is about 829 kilometres from Bangkok, and mostly mountainous. It reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders both Myanmar and Laos. Search flights to Chiang Rai.
I arrived in Chiang Rai via Thai Smile Airways from Bangkok after a few days of dusting my self off from the flight from San Francisco. You can arrive easily from any direction into Mae Fah Luang International Airport, this is the main airport in Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai has become a tourism gateway into Mayanmar and Laos, with easy access into both, and it is the home of many hill tribes with customs and fascinating ways of life that have been paused in time for many, many years – making it an incredibly interesting place to visit.
Related: 10 Things You Must Do in Chiang Mai Thailand
Luxury and natural beauty come together in perfect unison at Le Meridien Chiang Rai. Image © Pat Bailey
The Best Places to Stay in Chiang Rai
Le Meridien Chiang Rai | Check Prices
When you arrive at Le Meridien Chiang Rai you are greeted by a rotunda filled with painted elephants, and Thai smiles holding cold wet lemongrass-scented towels and fresh flower garlands that I swear you can smell as you turn onto the driveway. This is Thailand and this is Chiang Rai. The open air lobby spans the entire façade of the first floor and overlooks the Kok river, shallow reflection pools and beyond; the sound of sweet khim music can be heard just beyond the front steps and it calls you to its place where an exquisitely beautiful woman gently and artfully pulls the sound out of the instrument with grace. This serenade happens in the lobby every evening at 6:30pm, but it felt like she was playing just for us, and she was. It is an impressive start, and a true first impression for the stay that you will have at this luxury property.
Our modern, chic and comfortable room at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
There are 159 rooms and one suite at Le Meridien, each has either a garden, river or pool view. My Deluxe River View Room had a balcony that opened up to the river which you could see from the 53 square metre room. All rooms are modern and spacious with king sized beds, ample seating for lounging, air conditioning to escape the heat and all of the modern amenities of a luxury property.
An abundant buffet of mind-numbing choices is served every morning for breakfast at Favola, the downstairs restaurant with views of the river. The rustic Italian-inspired cuisine is a delicious surprise and an outside table under the stars and beside the glowing reflection pools is dreamy. Be sure to indulge at the sticky rice cart which is set up for every meal.
A day bed to tempt with stunning property views at Le Meridien, Chiang Rai. Image © Pat Bailey
The rooftop bar and lobby bar are both splendid spots for a nightcap or happy hour drink. Drop in to Latitude 19 just off of the lobby for dessert after dinner and be sure to order the éclair, each month the chef presents a new éclair and they are perfect with a glass of bubbles.
A wander beyond the common area and along the floating walkway above the reflection pools will reward you with an infinity pool oasis that you will want to linger in. Take another path up and across an arched bridge and walk along the river. The property is framed by two 100-year-old rain trees, and within close proximity to a monastery which gives the resort a rich heritage feel that is connected to the land it sits on.
If polishing, buffing and bathing is on your list you are in luck. Prepare to splurge at Parvati Spa, the spa on property and take your pick between the Jasmine Rice Body Polish and the Tropical Herb Bath, this spa has mastered the art of combining plants, herbs and natural local ingredients to its spa menu and the treatments are so delicious you could eat them.
Reflective pools at Le Meridien Chiang Rai, Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort | Check Prices
A stay at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort is a must when you visit Chiang Rai. This Anantara property is filled with magic, and my stay here will always be one of my favorites. The 160-acre picturesque property is located in the heart of the Golden Triangle with three-country panoramic jungle views, and a natural soundtrack including elephants in the distance; the lush views include a bamboo forest, indigenous gardens and rice paddies.
The Anantara Golden Triangle offers three-country panoramic jungle views, and a natural soundtrack including elephants in the distance. Image © Pat Bailey
A picture-perfect oasis of calm at the Anantara Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai, Thailand. Image © Pat Bailey
Pat relaxes at the jungle spa at the Anantara Golden Triangle. Image © Pat Bailey
The lushness doesn’t stop with the views, every bit of the stay here is filled with luxury. The grand open-air common spaces include a two-story lobby with a courtyard entrance and peek-a-boo view into what is waiting for you when you check in, a welcoming lobby bar with velvet seating, an outdoor terrace where you can sip and dine poolside, and wrap-around spaces with extra-large balconies that share the spectacular views.