ONE of my favorite places in Thailand has got to be Chiang Rai. It is in the northernmost part of Thailand and is said to be the place where the country was born. It is in the middle of what they call the Golden Triangle-it being in the border of Myanmar and Laos.

From Chiang Rai, one has the opportunity to go to Myanmar and Laos by boat-crossing its borders. In Myanmar- have the cobra or scorpion drink- an alcohol drink with a real animal inside which is said to be good for one’s stamina and immunity. I drank a shot and it tasted like normal alcohol. In Laos, you can buy a weaved souvenir like a bag, hat.

There are many things to see in Chaing Rai and I suggest going to the Emerald Buddha which is one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand. The temple is surrounded by lush plants and also has a museum to walk you through the history of the discovery of the Emerald Buddha. The White temple is another must visit. It is a privately built temple by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat which is decorated with shiny mosaic mirrors. There is a gallery that exhibits paintings by the artist and the earnings go the building of the temple. Inside the temple, there are beautiful mural paintings of the Buddha.

There is also the Hilltribe museum and Education centre which was built for better appreciation of the indigenous inhabitants and its cultures. A unique restaurant has gained worldwide recognition is the Bangkok’s Cabbages and Condoms restaurant which has a branch in the museum and whose profits go to support family planning and sex education in Thailand. I was lucky enough to be brought here by the Thailand Tourism Authority so I got to see firsthand what the fuss about the restaurant was all about.

To truly enjoy your stay in Chiang Rai, book in Le Meridien Chaing Rai- a very modern hotel with touches of Lanna culture. The room has a plush queen size bed and a balcony overlooking the gardens. My room’s wallpaper was designed with umbrellas- a product of the region. As i explored outside my room, I got to see the two majestic raintrees of the property. I also went to the cafe by the river where the swimming pool meet. There you can feed huge Mekong fish which the hotel has taken cared of. From the river, one can take a cruise of the Kok river and discover its idyllic surroundings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I will never forget breakfast at the Latest Recipe because waiters were going around offering ‘wake me up’ drinks- the hotel’s concoction of vegetable or fruit drink designed to give you that energy boost for the day. Also, the hotel had a selection of Thai traditional drinks which I loved- from pea berry, to butterfly iced tea.

I suggest flying to Thailand on the next long weekend. Thai Airways would be the most convenient airline to fly because they fly direct from bangkok to Chiang Rai. And Thai Airways has the most extensive routes in Thailand. The Royal Silk business class service is also legendary.

 

 

Le meridien Chiang Rai

221 / 2 Moo 20 Kwaewai Road, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
053-603333

Thai Airways
G/f country space building, Sen Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City

Tel 580-8424, 580-8484

Tourism Authority Of Thailand. c/o Royal Thai Embassy, 370 Orchard Road, Singapore 238870, Singapore. Tel: (65) 235 7694, 235 7901, 735 0637 Fax: (65) 733 5653 Email: tatsin@mbox5.singnet.com.sg Countries of Responsibility: Singapore, Indonesia and The Philippines.

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