Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport
[url=http://www.airportthai.co.th/airportnew/chrai/html/]](CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Rd 8 km from the centre of Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from several companies as well as in town.
At a desk in the airport you can hire a pre-paid taxi. It costs 200 baht to the city centre and more to other places (the prices are on display). It will take you to your hotel, or the driver will find you one if you give him the price range you want to pay.
The airport is served by AirAsia [url=http://www.airasia.com/[/url],]Nok Air [url=http://www.nokair.com/[/url],]Bangkok Airways, Lion Air and Thai Airways [url=http://www.thaiairways.com][/url[/url] to [wiki=3d147c6ba113929f5a004a5e9dcc832e]Bangkok[/wiki]. China Eastern Airlines offers three direct flights per week to/from Kunming China.
There are two bus stations in Chiang Rai: the old bus station and new bus station.
Old Bus Station (Bus Terminal 1) is located in the centre of town. Buses coming from towns in Chiang Rai province such as [wiki=1d519ad213d157f3e59a6abfe48c819b]Chiang Khong[/wiki] and [wiki=3c3aa1501e4235da2a21658a3aaf52fa]Mae Sai[/wiki] stop here. From here you take the bus south to Phayao and Lampang. [url=http://www.greenbusthailand.com/]Greenbus[/url] services to and from [wiki=57e94893120121f19fa688c7b1f02df2]Chiang Mai[/wiki] also arrive and depart from here, after stopping to drop off or pick up passengers in the New Bus station. There is enough English written on the signs and buses at the terminal to tell where the bus is going. They have a big booth with lots of windows at the bus station. Take a number and then by your ticket when called.
New Bus Station (Bus Terminal 2) is 7km south of the city, just off the Super Highway. Buses from elsewhere in Thailand stop here. [url=http://www.greenbusthailand.com/]Greenbus[/url] services to and from [wiki=57e94893120121f19fa688c7b1f02df2]Chiang Mai[/wiki] stop by here on the way to the Old Bus Station, or on the way to Chiang Mai after departing from the Old Bus Station.
During the busy season, it is best to buy your bus ticket in advance through the Greenbus website. There are several bus types ranging from A class (no on board services) to V class (on board service with toilet).
There is a songthaew (officially a "minibus") connecting the two bus terminals. It costs 15 baht per person and takes 15 minutes. Some drivers ask you to pay more if there are fewer than 10 passengers, despite what the official price list posted inside the songthaew says. You can just wait for the next one and pay 15 baht.
However, said service only operates till 5pm and thereafter, tuktuks, motorcycle taxi (50 Baht) and taxicabs exist for the trip back into town.
Both bus stations have plenty of tuk-tuks and songthaews outside, as well as a few metered taxis at Bus Terminal 2.
The nearest train station is at [wiki=57e94893120121f19fa688c7b1f02df2]Chiang Mai[/wiki].
Chiang Rai is about 820 km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok via Hwy 1 and Hwy 32 and from Chiang Mai via Hwy 118.
Many transportation and tour companies offer private van services from major cities to Chiang Rai. You'll find the Toyota Commuter vans most common and each van sits up to 9 passengers. Businesses will usually quote a flat vehicle price while gas is paid separate. If you plan overnight trips, remember to consult with said company regarding the accommodation of your chauffeur. Most of the time, 300 to 500 THB is tipped for the driver to find a place to sleep or buy some essentials to overnight in the van. Many companies offer private van services although it's recommended to always go with one that is licensed by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and has clear responsible business principles.
A motorbike is a good way to see these parts; there are several trails and a 250cc dirt bike is a great way to see the countryside.
*ST Motorcycle is located in the centre of town. It has the most choices of machines.
*Chiang Rai Big Bike Rental 869/79 Soi Thai Viwat
*Soon's delivers motorcycles to some guest houses and may also have a pick-up location, but some bikes may not be reliable.
For suggested Chiang Rai itineraries, see [wiki=f8cfd59650dffbe691f4c4679e6b938e]Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in 3 days[/wiki]
You can add [url=http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF&msa=0&msid=213471206615601765816.0004f57a1c98ec3b04161]this map[/url] to Google Maps My Places feature then view it on your mobile with Google Maps app, if you have a Thai sim with data plan. Or you can export it to KML and load into any GPS device/app.
:Created by Thailand national artist Thawan Duchanee, the grounds include nearly 40 small black houses made of wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta in various unique styles and design scattered around the temple area. The cluster of houses accommodates Thawan’s collections of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and silver and gold items from around the world. Several of the houses exhibit Balinese and Burmese architecture and art dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. The artist uses bones as a source of inspiration to paint. It is definitely not a place for animal lovers. There are also various kinds of baskets and drums from many regions and countries on display at Baandam. Not all exhibits are open to public. Open to everyone except tour groups, and admission is free. For more information or to arrange group visits, call +66 89 767 4444 or +66 53 705 834.
:You can travel to the Black House by public transport. There is a public bus from the Chiang Rai bus station (20 baht, 30 min, platforms 5 & 6, but ask driver or the Tourist Information counter in the station). The bus will drop you off on the highway and you'll have to walk about 500 m down a side road to get there. To get back, walk back to the opposite side of the highway and flag down a public bus or songthaew. You shouldn't have to pay more than 20 baht. Tip: Buy a cold drink at the small store along the highway, put on some repellent and find a sheltered place to wait instead - the proper bus shelter is another 120m away from the alighting area. Public buses have up to a 40min wait. The last bus back is around 6pm.
* Chiang Rai First Church, its largest, was built in 1914 at PratuSiri corner. It's Presbyterian.
* Munniti Chiang Rai Across from Sammakkhi Wittayakhom School on Banpaprakan is this Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist temple, a rare sight in Theraveda Buddhist Thailand. There is a Shan house nearby. And on the road to Pattaya Noi is a temple dedicated to to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy featuring a large statue. In the Ban Kheck area is another Goddess of Mercy temple.
* Wat Klong Wiang. Dating back to 1432, this is an excellent but little-visited temple showcasing exuberant Lanna-style at its best. Noteworthy are the colourful guardian statues, the elephants in the back and the "No Killing Area" admonition at the entrance.
* Wat Ming Meuang, intersection of Banphaprakan and Trairat Rds. Small temple housing the spirit of the city (ming meuang) in an exquisitely carved and decorated Lanna-style, almost Laotian wiharn.
* Wat Phra Kaeo This beautiful Buddhist temple on Trairat Rd right in town is famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand. According to legend, the statue was (re)discovered when a bolt of lightning hit a chedi (stupa) on the grounds, cracking it open and revealing the Buddha inside. The temple grounds are lush with greenery and house a compact but excellent two-story air conditioned museum, with a near-exact replica (1 mm shorter!) of the Emerald Buddha. The original is now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, on the grounds of the Royal Palace.
* Wat Phra Sing (วัดพระสิงห์) is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. Like Wat Phra Kaeo, the temple now houses a replica instead. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen. Tel: +66 53 745 038.
* Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong (วัดพระธาตุดอยจอมทอง), located on Doi Chom Thong on the banks of the Kok River within the town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest holy relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The chedi containing the holy relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai. It was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. Tel: +66 53 716 055.
* White Temple (วัดร่องขุ่น Wat Rong Khun), located at Ban Rong Khun, Tambon Pa O Don Chai, along Phahonyothin roadside at Km816, approximately 13 km from the city GPS 19.824542, 99.763185. This unique modern temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat starting in 1998. A beautiful white ordination hall-Phra Ubosot-is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures. A gable is decorated with a gable apex, a leaf-shaped gable-edging in the shapes of Phya Naga, dragon and mythical creatures, which are entirely made of white stucco. There are viharn, small halls for recitation surrounding the ordination hall, museum, and reception pavilion. The gallery exhibits paintings of Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Work on the temple continues, and it is not expected to be completed for the next few decades. It opens daily at 08:00-17:00. Tel: +66 53 673 579 Fax: +66 53 673 539. Entry is free.
:Don't forget that this is a temple, so it means you should be dressed appropriately: cover your shoulders and wear shorts/skirt covering your knees! Unlike as in other temples where they mostly don't care (anymore) and just look down at you when beeing dressed unrespectfully, in this temple they do take care and they will give you long skirt to cover yourself.
:It's easy to get to the temple by public transport: there is a public bus from the Chiang Rai bus station (20 baht, 30 min; platform 8, but ask driver or counter). To get back, flag down a public bus or songthaew from the police station on the left side of the road leading back to the main highway.
The Chiang Rai Cultural Centre is just north of the new airport, to the other side of the highway, next door to Rajapat Teacher's College.
* Cultural Hall Museum Near the TAT building on Singhaklai Rd is a large white building that has a huge statue of King Mongkut at the main entrance. Visitors can find prehistoric tools, two medieval cannons, costume examples, ancient pottery, and examples of ancient Lanna literature in the Dhamma script. There are also videos available, a model of the city and a display of five major areas of Tai culture. Admission for adults is 10 baht, for children 5 baht.
* Haw Shan Art Gallery Out NongBua Rd, across from Family Bakery, in a large, dark-wood, Shan-style pavilion. It can be opened for special showings.
* Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre, 620/1 Tanalai Rd, Tel. +66 53 740 088, [url=http://www.pda.or.th/chiangrai/hilltribe/museum].]Situated in the centre of town, it is aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures. The dusty low-key displays include housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, fishing and agricultural equipment, but it's worth a visit for an unsanitised view of how the hill tribes are exploited by some Thais and the tourist industry.
:The centre also runs their own hill tribe tours, where the money actually goes to employ and helps the tribes people. Open 08:30 to 18:00. There is a branch of Bangkok's Cabbages and Condoms restaurant downstairs, whose profits go to support family planning and sex education projects in Thailand. Buying a ticket for the museum also gives you a voucher for a free tea/coffee in Cabbages & Condoms.
:Additionally, the museum on Level 3 accepts donations of blankets and warm clothing as the winter season can be very cold for the children of the hill tribes.
* Lanna Museum, at Rong Rian Ban Sang Khong Yai, just southwest of Chiang Rai Hospital at an elementary school. It is opened by request.
* Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park, 5 km west of town, has lovely two lakes, a barge and several large Shan-style small ponds. There is interesting Haw Kam Golden Temple with two Shan halls containing accoutrements collected by Princess Maha Chakri and examples of Lanna craftsmanship: seven-armed candelabra, Buddha images, wooden alters, embroidered cloth for wrapping Buddhist scriptures, carved wood screens, swords, and monks' fans.
* Oub Kham Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์อูปคำ), 81/1 Na Khai Rd, Tambon Rob Wiang near Den Ha Market, one kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects used in the royal courts such as Lanna, Khum Chao Phare and Khum Chao Chiang Mai some parts are from northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam which are about 500-1,000 years old. Visitors can admire 120 year-old ancient fabrics, Sin Mai Kham-golden silk skirt-from the Mandalay, the golden throne, king’s golden costumes and silver ornaments. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. All of those show the glory of the kingdom in the past. It opens daily from 09:00-17:00. Admission for adults is 200 baht and for children 100 baht. Tel: +66 53 713 349.
* Princess Mother '90 Museum is a sizeable fascinating pavilion dedicated to the life of the beloved Princess Mother (mother of the present king, King Rama IX). On display are fine collections of lacquer boxes, wooden pulleys, pottery, weaving equipment and some old handwritten folded texts with drawings. Admission is free.
* The Sirindhorn Chinese Language and Culture Centre (ศูนย์ภาษาวัฒนธรรมจีนสิรินธร)at Mae Fah Luang University was established through the cooperation of Mae Fa Luang University and the People’s Republic of China. The centre was built as a memorial to honour the Princess mother as a symbol of friendship between the two nations. The centre’s design adheres to Chinese principles. Construction took 7 months to complete at a cost of approximately 60 million baht. The architecture replicates the Suzhou Chinese structure, building decorations and the garden ornaments by complying with the design layouts and using authentic materials shipped from China. The roofing tiles, the doors and the marble tiles laid at the entrance are all examples of a few of the materials brought from China. Tel: +66 53 917 093, +66 53 917 097. [http://www.mfu.ac.th[/url]
The Kok River (แม่น้ำกก) flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 km long. Chiang Rai Beach lies on the banks of this river and is a popular picnic spot in summer. Long-tailed boats and cruise can be made from town to travel along both sides of lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hill tribe villages of the Akha, Lisu, Lahu, and Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. For more information, contact C.R. Pier, Tel: +66 53 750 009. Another river route starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward to Chiang Rai. The boat trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights, contact Tha Ton Boat Club. Tel: +66 53 459 427 or Thip Travel Tel: +66 53 459 312.
* Gate of Siam - on the border with Laos - you stand high up on a mountain and Laos is in front of you across the mighty Mekong River.
* Phucheefah - great sunrise view.
* Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park (วนอุทยานน้ำตกขุนกรณ์) can be reached by taking Hwy 1211 from town. After 18 km, turn right and proceed on for another 12 km. Or go along Hwy 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 km where there is a right turn to proceed further another 17 km, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, Khun Kon, is some 70 m in height. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walks. It is somewhat of a walk from the parking area, and it is quite hilly, so if you are not reasonably fit for a half hour walk over undulating terrain, then do not try it.
* The King Mengrai the Great Memorial (อนุสาวรีย์พ่อขุนเม็งรายมหาราช) is located in town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the north and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
* The King Mengrai Stupa (กู่พระเจ้าเม็งราย) in front of Wat Ngam Mueang atop Doi Ngam Mueang in Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
* Chouifong Tea Plantation( ไร่ชาฉุยฟง) Chouifong Tea Plantation is located in the Ban Prayaprai of Thertthai village sub-district theta between Mae Fah Luang and Mae Chan district. Chiangrai province is a source of quality tea in Thailand. Tea lovers are most likely to like tea from Chaingrai province. Chouifong Tea Plantation is an expert in tree with over 40 years of experience,experting their product to many other contries,cultivating tea leafs. The Company's best clients include brands such as Oishi, Mali and Lipton, etc. The plantation spans a total area of 1,600,000 square meter and the high mountain rage, with a beautiful view and good atmosphere, it makes Chouifong Tea a tourist interest. There are many ways to visit the Chouifong Plantation Tea. First, option is to take your own car. Second, option is to take the bus from Meuang Chiangrai District to Maesai District and get off at Ban Pasang , it cost only 18 baht .So in conclusion, Chouifong Plantation Tea is a very interesting place for travel and has a lot of quality tea for tourist to enjoy.
Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai or Phokhun Mengrai Maharat Festival (งานไหว้สาพญาเม็งราย หรือ งานพ่อขุนเม็งรายมหาราช) is held 23 January-1 February. See the Buang Suang worshipping ceremony which commemorates Phokhun Mengrai Maharat. The fair is organised by the Chiang Rai Provincial Office, Tel: +66 53 711 612
* Lychee Fair (งานเทศกาลลิ้นจี่และของดีเมืองเชียงราย) is held around the middle of May every year. There is a float competition, lychee beauty contest and booths of many local products at the provincial stadium of Chiang Rai.
Aye's Restaurant Great restaurant, serving both European and Thai quality food. From German schnitzels and English breakfast to traditional Thai food. Located on Paholyothin Rd diagonally opposite entrance to Night Bazaar. There's a nice atmosphere and a live music every night.
* Coffee P2 is a nice coffee shop located on Thanalai Rd (Saturday Walking Street) near Ratanaket Rd. Their food is organic and they grow their own hydroponic lettuce. They also have delicious steaks and good pastries. You can also get a beer.
* Da Vinci is another good place on the main road serving nice pizzas from a wood burning oven as well as pastas and salads. Their lasagne is recommended.
* Doi Chang is a coffee shop that has hit the big time. It is located on the corner of Ratanaket and Phayonyothin (the big light near the night bazaar). Usually packed, the owner has been steadily increasing his prices but still the farang come. Their coffee is pretty famous in Thailand and they have a nice cross section of Western and middle eastern food.
* Hungry Wolf's Excellent authentic American food including pizzas, burgers, pastas, wings, salads, and more. They have a large beer selection and draft beer as well. They're well known in the city most likely for their 25 inch pizzas. The owners are an American from New York and an Australian, friendly and willing to accomodate. Hungry Wolf's is located two blocks north from the Night Bazaar, turn left down the second street and you won't miss it. They deliver too. For precise directions use their Facebook or find them on Google. A "must" if you want quality Western food.
* Ingfa is located just west of the town centre on Ratchayotha. This new restaurant has a vast menu of Thai and Western food including pizzas. Their hamburger is probably the best in Chiang Rai.
* The North In The North Hotel. Specializes in home-made Northern-style food. Here you can find Northern Thai sausage, Kaeng Hunglay (northern pork curry) and a variety of northern style dishes made by the mother of the owner. Their family recipes will give you a real taste of Northern cuisine. The North Hotel is situated next to Oasis, just in the middle of a small street between the Night Bazaar and fruit and flower market.2013-05-28, the personnel derisively claimed to never have had a restaurant in the place.
* Oasis is a very specialized and delicious vegetarian restaurant. Behind the new main stage at the 'Night Bazaar' you'll notice a high building situated behind the small cafes which still belong to the market. It's at the corner of a street which leads to the fruit market. A "must" for vegetarians. Open until 20:00.
* Rico's is located just west of the town centre on Uttarakit (across the street from Concotel). This is the place to be if you're an older farang who likes to play golf. There is a lively expat community of retirees. Plenty of Western food (including pizzas) and a nice drink selection keeps everyone coming back. Also Rico is very friendly and spends most of his time hanging out, he'll probably come say "hi" is he sees you.
* Soodkhed Steak serves meat-based Western fare at a very affordable price range outside the tourist centre. Situated at the residential end of Thanon Baanpapragarn, after the High School. Fan-only. No alcohol served.
* Siam Corner on Jet Yot Rd. Very good Thai food, some Western dishes also.
C&C Cabbages and Condoms (ซี แอนด์ ซี), 620/25 Thanalai Rd (Hilltribe Museum), Tel: +66 53 719 167, [http://www.pda.or.th/restaurant/]. Classy (if somewhat toned-down) Thai food in chic settings, with condoms cropping up in all sorts of unexpected places. Profits go to support family planning and sex education in Thailand.
Very close from the City central bus station. Great location! The owner family live somewhere else, and they often go back home. So very often you don’t find anybody at the reception especially in the morning. When they go back home, they lock the front door. So if you arrive while they are gone, you’ll have to wait for them to come back. Sometimes they would be gone for a few hours, but eventually they’ll come back, so be patient. The guests will all have keys to the front door, a key to the room and another key for the locker. When you go out, don’t forget your keys, you’ll be locked out even during the daytime. It’s better to check-in after 15:00, you’ll likely to find them sitting at the reception. The owners are nice and helpful people. Free WiFi in the rooms. (Dec. 2014)
* They have a large courtyard for camping. Free parking space available for bicycles and motorcycles. There is a self-catering kitchen, tea and coffee free for breakfast. Wifi available. An ideal place for campers. (Dec. 2014)
*Akha Camping [url=http://www.akhacamping.com]Set]in the stunning mountains of Doi Chaang, Mae Suai, Chiang Rai, Camp on a private site in an authentic hill tribe vilage from 100-500 baht.☎+66 93 256 2760"
* City Home Guest House, ☎+66 053600155, 868 Paholyothin Rd, 2 mins walk from bus station. 50m north of Night Bazaar entrance. Dorm room (6 beds) 180 Baht. Small rooms with fan and shared bathroom for 350B, private bathroom and airco for 650B(201507). Free Wi-Fi. Nice staff. Backs onto Night Bazaar and so is noisy until 12:00am.
* Tourist Inn [url=http://www.touristinnhotel.com/[/url]]1004/1 Jedyod road, pretty close to the bus station. 150B for a single room with shared toilet (pretty clean) to 600B Deluxe AC room. Free speedy Wi-Fi. Staff is a little bit distant but it's pretty usual for a big place with no personality, however, this is good value for money hotel and it's walking distance from everything. As of Feb 2014 email and website do not work.
* Baan Bua Homestay, Down lane beside Tourist Inn, pretty close to the bus station. 180B for a three bed fan dormitory attached bathroom. Free speedy Wi-Fi. Friendly Staff Also walking distance from everything. ☎085 622 9683
*Very friendly staff, Family run, swimming pool. Walking distance to Local market, Night Bazaar, Bars, Kok river and many temples.
*Based 23 km west of Chiang Rai in the jungle-covered hills, a great retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The rooms views of the jungle and sun rising over the misty mountains, and the nearby waterfall and hot springs are well worth a visit. The staff are friendly and eager to learn or practice their English. Open-air restaurant, electric hot water, free WiFi, pick-up and drop-off.
* Fourteen uniquely decorated rooms with modern amenities. Comfortable, clean, quiet, and secure. Enjoy complimentary breakfast, 24-hour kitchen use with coffee and tea provided, free Wi-Fi and use of well-maintained bicycles for guest convenience. Spacious café, garden, family room, and reading book. Laundry service, cheerful and objective touring advice, and motorbike rental available. English spoken and environmentally friendly. Please review pictures via Facebook page.
* Chat House [url=http://www.chatguesthouse.com[/url]]100-400 baht. Old wooden house with attached restaurant and friendly staff. Free Wi-Fi. Near Wat Phra Kaeo and Overbrook hospital dormitory. Laundry for 40 baht/kg, you are not allowed to do laundry by yourself. Bed in 4-bed-dorm 100B, but they might tell you it's not available even if it is. Single room with shared bathroom 150B. Shared toilets and showers (hot shower only in the morning) are downstairs outside.
*Fun-D Hostel Chiang Rai is a brand new chic & colorful place with 24-hour reception, providing all air conditioning dorms; 4 bunk beds with shared but separate gender bathrooms, or the dorms with private bathrooms and 1 double deluxe room. Self service breakfast included from 7 a.m.-10 a.m..Nice restaurant serving Thai and fusion dishes. Free Wi-Fi throughout the area. The Laundry is offering Automatic coin-operated
washing machine & dryer. Located in the center of Chiang Rai, easy to travel and explore the whole city with variety of tourist attractions.
* Lek & Damian, Sanpanad Road, Newly opened, family-run and very friendly homestay place! Just three Dormbeds (150 Baht) and one Singleroom (250 Baht), but cosy and clean. Free Wi-Fi, drinking water and hot shower. The owner Lek is amazingly helpful and welcoming!
* Simple fan rooms with shared bathrooms. Bathrooms and rooms are clean though the mattresses are rather worn. Nice bar/restaurant downstairs. No laundry but laundromats nearby.
* Twin/double with fan and private bathroom. included WiFi, in a quiet courtyard. Clean rooms (with tv) and friendly staff. Owner can arrange motorbike renting (300 THB & up). The concrete building makes the room feeling more private compared to traditional Thai wooden buildings.
* Mae Hong Son Guest House in Chiang Rai, 126 Santirach Rd, tel. +66 05 371 5367, +66 86 586 4764. Located ~1 km (~15 min walk from bus station) north of downtown. Pass the police station it's the second alley on the right, before the new bridge (not on the LP map). Rooms are basic, but clean and staff are very friendly. Doubles from 150 baht (fan and shared bathroom) to 250 baht (private bathroom). Free Wi-Fi. Good restaurant & bar, bicycle/motorbike rental, laundry service (40 baht/kg) and tour service.
-(November 2013)Thai wooden building. Double rooms w/bathroom attached are located on ground floor, and have quite low height to the ceiling, watch your head enter/exit the doors aswell! Bathroom is old and unappeling. Something very similar to centipede comes crawling out from the bathrooms water drain, and manages to get into the bedroom. Rooms upstairs are a better option, though very bacic and feeling of little privacy as the walls are thin and you can clearly hear neighbour even wispering. Staff is kind. A much better alternative is Jitaree,10 meters before MHS G.H.
* 15 new very clean, spotless double rooms with air-con, TV, free Wi-Fi, coffee/tea included. Central location, quiet rooms, they also offer car, bicycles or motorcycle hire and trekking options with a licensed guide.
* Ruangnakorn Hotel (near the police station) costs 450 baht.
* Sport Inn Hotel 557 Prachasanti Rd GPS 19.892832, 99.828692, tel: +66 53 756 959, fax: +66 53 756 156. Very nice hotel, free Wi-Fi, 300m from the golf club, 2.5km south of night bazaar, 1km from central plaza and BigC, Air-con double rooms 350 baht.
* YMCA International Hotel 70 Phaholyothin Rd, tel:+66 53 713 785 to 6, +66 53 702 763 to 4 [mailto:ymcawf@loxinfo.co.th ymcawf@loxinfo.co.th[/url] [http://www.ymcachiangmai.org/h-contact.htm] - rates 100-400 baht.
Quiet guest house. Free Wi-Fi, laundry. 20 rooms. Mud-style house with bamboo furniture. Lots of space to relax outside. On the bank of the Mea Kok River. It has a nice restaurant and their staff are very friendly. Organise a great jungle trek.
*
* Clean air-con rooms, mini-bar and friendly staff.
* Air-con and fan-rooms 24 square metres, private shower, balcony, 24" LCD-satellite TV, fridge, double or twin box spring beds, free Wi-Fi public areas and in rooms.
* Very beautiful, clean, air-con, well-decorated rooms in a quiet street near the centre, in the street behind the Wiang Inn. English is spoken reasonably well. It is a 300m walk to a main road, and close to the bus station and night market. You can drop laundry some 300m up the road, give them your hotel number,and they will return it by evening if you put it in before 09:00 (they do not speak English). Another 50m at the main road intersection is a restaurant where you can get a good Thai breakfast for under 100 baht, and a cheap dinner with beer also. Some English spoken there.
* 42 rooms
* 27 rooms
* Mountain views, with pool. Very quiet. All rooms aircon.
* 20 rooms, fan/air, cable TV. Good location near night market and bus station. Clean rooms, good value for money.
*Large hotel with a central lake, popular among local tourist. Very good value for money. Free shuttle service to bus station and night market.
* 4 backpacker rooms, 8 superior rooms: TV, DVD, mini-bar, hot & cold shower, 1 Jacuzzi room. All rooms include breakfast. Friendly staff, swimming pool, genuine Thai kitchen at low-budget prices, bar, free Wi-Fi.
* Friendly non-profit mindful recovery and self-development community on a farm set amongst hills and lakes 30 minutes outside of Chiang Rai city. Great value for money. Clean and basic en suite rooms with fans available for guest stays. Rate inclusive of healthy breakfast and Thai-style buffet lunch and dinner, use of swimming pool, steam bath, and free access to yoga, Tai chi, and meditation sessions held twice daily. Warm water showers, free Wi-Fi in dining hall.
*Comfortable, exceptionally clean, quiet and cosy hotel located very close to restaurants and the Mae Sai market, approximately 1km from the city centre. All rooms have private balcony, queen sized beds, air conditioning, refrigerator private bathroom with shower, TV with free cable, free Wi-Fi. Laundry service available. Bicycle and motor scooter rentals (150 baht/day) are available for guests.
New hotel with Thai and Western food. Air-con rooms. Hotel has a nice garden and gazebo. 1,200 to 1,800 baht. Free Internet access in the lobby.
* Giant bed, nice wet room/bathroom, big satellite TV in the rooms plus nice swimming pool. The gardens are the best feature: lots of tropical plants well-maintained in a labyrinth of guest villas. The restaurant is comparatively expensive compared to the rest of Chiang Rai but aren't all hotels. Basic meals are 250 to 350 baht, but require add-ons like plain water 50 baht or a small bowl of rice 50 baht. Large breakfast choice including western breakfast items, Thai porridge is on offer which is a must try. Overall, the place is beautiful to look at and rooms extremely comfortable but the restaurant is a little expensive compared to other places in Chiang Rai.
* An all-inclusive cozy vegetarian retreat center that offers healing, learning, and natural living practices. Clean and down-to-earth bungalows with wall fans, solar-heated warm water shower, facing the private lake and organic farm. Room rate inclusive of three organic vegetarian meals per day and one wellness class, such as yoga, stretching, tai chi per day. Facilities include Museflower Spa, salt water swimming pool, herbal steam, floating room, bicycle for rent, aquaponics, free Wi-Fi in all public areas. Facilities also for rent for groups up to 36 people.
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* The Legend Chiang Rai Resort lies along the Mae Kok River, secluded from Chiang Rai Town, yet only a few minutes by car from the city center. The property has a panoramic view of the near-by hills and mountains. The riverside is rich with large rain trees and lush vegetation. The immediate surroundings are relatively undeveloped, providing a tranquil, natural location ideal for a resort & spa.
* One of Chiang Rai's older hotels located in the city center, it is currently being updated. New modern lobby, conference room, and rooms that look reasonably up to date. Food is still not top-notch though, but it has certainly improved. Rooms ranging from 900-5000 baht.