72h schedule wandering in Chiang Rai

72h schedule wandering in Chiang Rai

I could not forget the excitement and enjoyment as the boy when I first hand stroked the wet duck and gave the adorable giraffe eat in the afternoon of Singha Park Chiang Rai or enjoyed a sunset cocktail on the slope of green tea at Phuphirom Restaurant on the top of the hill.

On this trip, I also saw the sunrise on Mount Doi Tung, which is about 2,000 meters high, with the feeling that you can reach the sun and make it impossible for us to leave the camera close.

Like many legendary lands, Chiang Rai residents also have a legend of a fairy godmother, of the remote northern poor. On the way to Doi Tung, this "mother of heaven" has transformed land known as the dead land, mysterious land between the three countries Laos, Thailand and Myanmar - Golden Triangle - became a land of riches. 

I really admire you, mother-in-law of King Bhumibol Adulyadei of Thailand today.

From Vietnam, I arrive in Chiang Mai in advance via Vietnam Airlines or Bangkok Airways ... but will have to transit in Bangkok. Round trip airfare round trip (Vietnam - Bangkok) ranges from $ 124 - $ 150.

In the second leg (Bangkok to Chiang Mai), the lowest round trip ticket price is about $ 228 (tax included).

The road from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will have a bus. One of the most popular is Green Bus, departing at the Arcade Bus Station - at the end of Kaeo Narawat. Ticket price 50 baht (about 33,000) a person if boarding from central Chiang Mai. Alternatively, you can also choose the more expensive bus called VIP Bus, which costs about 300 baht (190,000) per person.

• Vehicles

The most convenient way is to rent a motorbike or bicycle and drive yourself, explore, explore all this mountain town. Two suggestions for visitors are Chiang Rai Big Bike Rentals (Address: Soi Thai Viwat, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai) and ST Motorcycles.

If you rent a car at Chiang Rai Big Bike Rentals, you will have to deposit about 10,000 baht (equivalent to 6.5 million VND), 400 baht daily rent for common vehicles. With ST Motorcycles, you can register online and pay online. The car will be located right at Chiang

I would like to share the 3-day tour schedule in Chiang Rai.

• Day 1: Visiting Singha Park

15h30: I departed at 9:30 am from Hanoi, plus time to transit and move, my schedule will start at 15h30 in Chiang Rai. This is also a good time to prepare for sunset in the mountains.

My first destination was Singha Park - free to all visitors. The park also has a giraffe farm where visitors experience the feeling of eating or playing and stroking.

17h: Singha's campus also has a cozy European-style teahouse, looking directly at the sunset and well deserved for you to stop. The hot tea, fragrant flowers or cardamom combined with warm space in the sunset will make me feel better after a long day moving.

18h: I have just had dinner and enjoy the romantic space at night at Phupirom Restaurant (also in Singha) with various dishes, Thai flavor such as fried tea leaves, tom yum. There is also a band on request, but there is always a tip for them. The price of food in Phupirom ranges from 100 to 200 baht (about 65,000 to 130,000 dong) and drinks are from 65 to 90 baht (43,000 to 58,000 dong)

20h: I went to the royal house resort in Tung Hill at Mae Fah Luang, about 80km from Singha and took 2 hours to travel. This was once a place reserved for the servants of the queen and queen of Thailand but now open to all visitors. You can book rooms through websites online. In general, I came back to hotel early because I was so tired for a long day.

Day 2: Explore Tung Hill and Golden Triangle

Doi Tung Hill is a large project area of the Royal Thai Government initiated by Queen Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani with the purpose of improving people's lives, creating employment opportunities by exporting local products. From the hostel, you can hike the trail to visit the scheduled destinations below.

8h: First I visited the Royal Thai villa - this is the place of residence of Empress Dowager at birth, designed in European style and decorated very simply, open to visitors every day. This place is equipped with a small kitchen for the queen or princess to cook when the time.

12h: I go back to the motel for lunch. Due to its location at the top of the mountain, I was dining amidst the romantic scenery and overlooking the entire Chiang Rai valley below.

14-16h: I visit the Hall of Opium and the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen, 90km from Chiang Rai along Route 1016 and 1. In the past, this place was once a hot spot for commerce. The drug is located at the prime location, located at the fork of Thailand - Laos - Myanmar border.

Today, the site is under tight security control and attracts a large number of daily visitors. The Opium Museum is also open to students for the purpose of education, popular knowledge.

I had a private article about the opium museum or the Hall of Opium in the Experience! You can look to read.

17-18h30: I turn to Chiang Rai center and explore the unique cafe. One of these is Chivit Thama Da Coffee House with indoor and outdoor space, Western style. The food here brings both local Thai and international flavors. For desserts, try cheese cake and mousse. Prices range from 200-300 baht (130,000 to 190,000), while drinks and fruit cakes are under 100 baht (65,000 dong).

19h: Walking in the evening, watching the nightlife of the indigenous people and visiting Tung Park - which used to be a prison, mainly detained prisoners transporting and selling drugs.

• Day 3: Discover White Temple, move back to Chiang Mai

9h00: The last day in Chiang Rai, I visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) with beautiful architecture, completely different by an artist design. The temple is open from 6:30 am to 18 pm and free admission. It is important to dress appropriately, politely and remove your sandals before entering the temple

10h30: I boarded Chiang Mai, continue to discover the place was called the Northern Rose. Or if you book cheap airline tickets you can fly directly to Bangkok.

• Some small notes that I think will be necessary for you to travel first in Chiang Rai.

The regions of Thailand share the same time zone with Vietnam: fresh northern weather, cool, dry during the day but slightly cold at night.

April 13-15 is the traditional Lunar New Year in Thailand called Songkran. Numerous cultural activities take place everywhere, such as parades, beauty contests, water splashing ... If you are free, I would recommend you to arrange a visit to Chiang Rai at this time.

Also, as far as I know Chiang Rai has a special clock tower that is considered a popular tourist destination. At 19, 20 and 21 hours a day, the tower plays music and performs light. While walking around the city, do not forget to visit this location at the intersection of Thanon Jet Yot and Thanon Baanpa Pragarn.

The night market in Chiang Rai is also near the clock tower and is home to many local produce. You can buy handmade souvenirs or handmade furniture entirely and also clothing and footwear. Compared to Chiang Mai, the items here are quite cheap and the seller hardly challenged. They work primarily thanks to Empress Dowager's project.

I bought 3 jars of honey and 3 boxes of coffee here !!!

In the middle of the night market, Chiang Rai is a gathering place for all kinds of traditional dishes such as tom yum, grilled squid, fruit and salad. Price is affordable, ranging from 10-30 baht (7,000 - 20,000) depending on the type and comfort tables and chairs, the band served on the stage.

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