Tucked away in northern Thailand, Chiang Rai lies as a gateway to authentic local life in the heart of the Cultural Triangle. Here, traditions of Thai, Burmese, Lao, and Chinese communities merge. From riverside journeys and bustling border towns to serene tea fields, Chiang Rai offers travellers a chance to slow down and connect with the region’s roots.
Longtail Tour on the Mekong
When in Northern Thailand, longtail tours are one of the most essential things to do in Chiang Rai. It’s the perfect introduction to Chiang Rai’s authentic charm. As you glide past the banks and riverside villages, you’ll witness daily life unfolding — fishermen casting their nets, farmers tending to their crops, and children playing along the water’s edge.
Doi Mae Salong
Situated on one of the tallest peaks in Chiang Rai, Doi Mae Salong is home to Chinese Yunnanese communities who settled here decades ago. Here, this idyllic rural landscape offers stunning mountain views, and a chance to savour traditional Yunnan cuisine, oolong tea, and local markets.
Mae Sai
Caught between the colours of Thailand and Myanmar, Mae Sai is a bustling border town and a window into the region’s cultural diversity. Its markets and shops are packed with vibrant souvenirs, making it the perfect stop on your city tour with Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Rolling green hills dotted with tea bushes define Choui Fong Tea Plantation. At this working estate, visitors can tour the cascading rows of crops, sip freshly brewed teas, and enjoy sweeping panoramas. At Choui Fong, it’s an experience that blends nature, flavour, and Chiang Rai’s agricultural heritage.