1. Singha Park Chiang Rai (Rai Bun Rawd)
Singha Park Chiang Rai is a vast agricultural and tea plantation located in Chiang Rai, covering an area of more than 600 rai (approximately 960,000 square meters). The park is known for its diverse range of cultivated plant varieties that are suitable for the soil conditions in the area. Visitors can explore the park and admire the fruit trees, such as jujubes, star fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, lychees, longan, mangoes, and santolas. The park also features horticultural plants, including Oolong tea, lime, and mulberries.
In addition to the agricultural land, Singha Park Chiang Rai also offers well-known field crops like barley and rice, as well as a variety of vegetable plants like broccoli. Visitors can also visit a Shiitake mushroom farm and a dairy farm. The park also has integrated farming plantations and flower gardens, providing beautiful photo opportunities for tourists.
To enter Singha Park Chiang Rai, there is an admission fee of 50 Baht per person. However, children below 4 years old can enter for free. The park offers tours that take approximately 45-50 minutes. The first round starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by the afternoon round at 12:30 p.m., and the last round at 5:00 p.m. It is important to note that the farm tour is closed from March to October and only open in winter, from November to February. However, the Bhubhirom Restaurant is regularly open for visitors to enjoy a meal.
For more information about Singha Park Chiang Rai, visitors can contact the park’s management at Tel. 0 5373 7359-11.
2. Ban Kariang Ruam Mit
Ban Kariang Ruam Mit is a village located in Chiang Rai that is home to the Karen ethnic group. The village is also surrounded by the Akha and Lahu hill tribes. One of the main attractions of Ban Kariang Ruam Mit is the opportunity to go elephant trekking and explore the nearby hill tribe villages.
Visitors to Ban Kariang Ruam Mit can enjoy various activities, including elephant rides and cart rides to sightsee the way of life of the ethnic groups, the beautiful scenery, and various plant species. One popular destination for an elephant ride from the village is the Huai Mae Sai Waterfall. The village also has a souvenir shop where visitors can purchase products made by the hill tribes. For those who wish to experience the local culture more deeply, there is also the option to stay overnight at the village’s homestay.
To reach Ban Kariang Ruam Mit, visitors can drive from Pho Khun Mengrai Maharat 5-way Junction towards Amphoe Mae Chan. After crossing the bridge over the Kok River, they can turn left onto the route to Tambon Mae Yao and continue for about 7 kilometers. When reaching the T-junction, they should make a left turn and follow the direction signs to Ban Karen Ruam Mit. Alternatively, visitors can take a red bus (Chiang Rai – Mae Yao route) or charter a Song Thaeo at the Municipal Market. Another option is to take a Kok River cruise service at the foot of the Mae Fa Luang Bridge.
For more inquiries about Ban Kariang Ruam Mit, visitors can contact the Mae Yao Sub-district Administrative Organization at Tel. 0 5373 7359-11.
3. Ban Dam Museum
Ban Dam Museum, also known as the Black House Museum, is a unique attraction in Chiang Rai. Founded by Achan Tawan Duchanee, a national artist in fine art and visual art, the museum is a cluster of houses built in the Lanna style. Each house is painted black, hence the name “Black House,” and is decorated with exquisite carved wood, animal horns, and bones.
The museum showcases numerous pieces of paintings and sculpture artworks created by Achan Tawan Duchanee. The artist’s favorite color was black, which is reflected in the exterior of the houses. The interior of the houses is adorned with intricate wood carvings and animal horns, such as buffalo’s horns and deer’s antlers, as well as animal bones like elephant’s bones.
Visitors to Ban Dam Museum can explore the different houses and admire the unique artwork. For more details about the museum, visitors can call Tel. 0 5377 6333.
4. Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a renowned tea plantation in Chiang Rai. It is operated by the Choui Fong Company Limited, the largest tea producer in the region. With over 40 years of experience in tea cultivation, the company is not only a tea producer but also a distributor and exporter. Some of its main clients include well-known brands like Oishi, Mali, Unif, and Lipton.
What sets Choui Fong Tea Plantation apart from other tea plantations is its breathtaking landscape. The plantation spans over a thousand rai and features tea plants growing along the curve of the mountain ridge, creating a stunning terrace-like effect.
Visitors to Choui Fong Tea Plantation can learn about the tea cultivation process, enjoy the scenic views, and even sample various types of tea. For further information about the plantation, visitors can call Tel. 0 5377 1563.
5. Doi Tung Royal Villa
Doi Tung Royal Villa is a unique architectural masterpiece located in Chiang Rai. The villa was constructed using the late Princess Mother’s private fund. The exterior of the villa is made of concrete and adorned with wood slabs cut from discarded teak trees.
The interior of Doi Tung Royal Villa is panelled with pine wood recycled from crates used for large tools and equipment. The floor is lined with gold teakwood, which was presented to the late Princess Mother by the Forest Industry Organization. The villa serves as an excellent example of utilizing existing natural resources for maximum benefit.
The upper floor of the building is divided into four sections, each housing different exhibits. Visitors can explore the villa and learn about the history and cultural significance of the royal family. For more information about the opening and closing times of Doi Tung Royal Villa, visitors can call Tel. 09 0107 3145.
6. Mae Sai-Tachileik Border Trade Area
Mae Sai-Tachileik Border Trade Area is a bustling market located in Mae Sai, Chiang Rai. The market has been famous as a border market for over ten years, attracting crowds of Burmese people and minority groups who cross the border to buy consumer products from Thailand.
In the past, visitors could walk across to Tachileik without requiring a border pass. However, due to conflicts between the Myanmar government and minority forces, the border is now often closed. Negotiations have been held to ease the situation, but strict measures are in place due to concerns about minorities and drug issues. Thai people now need a border pass to cross to Tachileik.
For more details about the Mae Sai-Tachileik Border Trade Area, visitors can contact the Mae Sai District Office at Tel. 0 5373 1396 or 0 5373 3223.
7. Chiang Rai Walking Street
Chiang Rai Walking Street is a vibrant and nostalgic market that takes place every Saturday in central Chiang Rai. The market, which started in November 2008, aims to revive the local wisdom and showcase the communities’ way of life. The walking street is set up along Thanalai Road, stretching from the Intersection of the Office of Tobacco to the Intersection of the Savings Bank, covering a distance of 1,500 meters.
Chiang Rai Walking Street offers a Lanna retrospective atmosphere, with various stalls selling local products, handicrafts, clothing, and street food. The market is divided into three zones and is open from 4:00 p.m. until midnight every Saturday. For more inquiries about Chiang Rai Walking Street, visitors can call Tel. 0 5371 1333.
8. Wat Huai Pla Kang
Wat Huai Pla Kang is a temple located in Chiang Rai that has gained popularity due to a monk named Phra Achan Phop Chok Thitsawangso. The temple was originally established as an ecclesiastical residence, but it has become well-known across the country because of the monk’s ability to foretell the future.
The temple’s stupa houses a statue of Guan Yin, carved from wood, on the first floor. Each floor of the stupa also has a designated Buddha image. Visitors can explore the temple and learn about its history and spiritual significance. For more inquiries about Wat Huai Pla Kang, visitors can call Tel. 0 5315 0274.
9. Phu Chi Fa
Phu Chi Fa is a stunning natural attraction located on the border between Chiang Rai and Phayao provinces. It is part of the Doi Pha Mon Mountain range and features a rock cliff standing right on the borderline between Thailand and Laos. In the past, Phu Chi Fa was an area of significant importance during the Communist Party of Thailand’s movement.
The area’s sloping highland topography made it an ideal stronghold. The rock cliff, known as Phu Fa, stands straight up to the sky and is considered a natural wonder. Visitors can reach the peak of Phu Chi Fa through a road that runs parallel to the Thailand-Laos border.
It is important to note that the entrance to the peak is in Thailand, but due to the border situation, visitors are not allowed to stay overnight on the peak for safety reasons. For more information about Phu Chi Fa, visitors can call Tel. 0 5316 0743.
10. Rai Chuen Tawan Meditation Centre
Rai Chuen Tawan Meditation Centre is an international meditation center located in Chiang Rai. Founded in 2009 by Phra Maha Wutthichai Wachira Methi, a well-known monk, writer, preacher, and social thinker, the center aims to provide a peaceful environment for meditation.
The meditation center is situated on a vast area of more than 170 rai, surrounded by paddy fields to the north and the Huai Sak Reservoir to the south and east. It is also conveniently attached to the community’s road on the west. The center offers meditation retreats and programs for visitors who wish to learn and practice meditation.
For more information about Rai Chuen Tawan Meditation Centre, visitors can contact Tel. 08 7080 7779.
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