Destinations July 17, 2020
Once the winter, many of you would think of traveling to Chiang Mai and feel a chill of the northern winter. However, Chiang Rai is another destination that you could feel the chill and you could see an abundance of nature with a localism vibe.
Keep yourself out of the concrete forest for a while and head to the greenery forest in Chiangrai. You may choose available transportation either bus, train, or plane to get here.
Anyway, if you do not have a traveling plan yet, we would like to introduce a popular place in Chiangrai to spend valuable time with your friends.
1. Doi Tung Royal Villa.
The landmark of Chiang Rai. Anyone who had visited Chiang Rai must come and visit this place. Doi Tung is the royal project of Princess Srinagarindra, mother of King Rama 9. This project has a propose for ‘improve an abundant of the mountain’ and ‘local people better living’. Even she was passed away. She has been in remembrances of her good deeds. You may visit the museum to learn about her story and her local improvement projects in the museum here.
You would be surprised by the change in the arid mountain and the poor people living here. The beautiful garden and forest were the fruits of her royal princess project and became the model improvement planning for other areas.
This place has gathered many places for your visit, not just a museum and the flowers garden but the hotel ‘Doi Tung lodge’ on the treetop walkway and the factory of the local products ‘Doi Tung brand’ also the souvenir shop that sells the local products and restaurant for you to try out Thai traditional foods that made from all the organic ingredients fresh from the royal garden.
Fascinating of the mountain top view from the former palace that belonged to ‘Royal Grandmother’ and buy the organic products here to support the better local living.
We had gather all the information for you as below.
Mae Fah Luang Park.
Visit the large garden at the backyard.
The large garden that was in a remember of many Thais. This place has the beautiful scenery that has been the landmark to take a photo and you can also climb to the mountain top with the new treetop walkway. You may see the group of people chatting and chilling in the garden on the top of the mountain.
You would find an amazing view along the way to the top. ‘This abundance forest used to be an arid area that was dried and not a single tree was here’ the officer said while taking care of us until we reach the top. Down below you can see the coffee bean farm and an artificial freshwater pond. The officer had pointed us the little garden that was risen by the local people.
This place was not just for a picture you may learn the history of Doi Tung people and see how they are living too.
Doi Tung Royal Palance.
Visit and learn a humble life of the royal princess of Thailand.
The palace that surrounds the beautiful flower garden could tell the personality of her majesty. Along the way, in the palace, you could hear the voices from the sound boxes that would tell the story and history of the room also the style and the decorations. Some of them were her majesty’s handcrafted works.
In her free time, she would like to read a book (her favorite is mystery genre) and planting so you could see many trees around the palace. Her humble and easy lifestyle has been a modest lifestyle for Thai people and the highlight of this palace is the galaxy ceiling paint with the arts of each zodiac sign. The soundbox in this room told us about another hobby of the princess was stargazing. Many hobbies of the princess made us understand the reason for her intelligence and skillfulness. Also, the reason that many Thais have been respected and love her. Not just because she was the mother of the king but she was a grandmother of Thai people.
Inspiration Hall.
‘Giving’ is the heart of Mahidol house.
‘Every big project always starts with my little dedication just like a long river came from a little fountain’.
Near Mae Fah Luang park there is a hall of Mahidal’s works that would give you an inspiration. ‘Giving’ is the heart of their works since princess Srinakarindra was a child. She had worked for giving many opportunities to a local community and Thai.
This hall would tell you a story of Mahidol’s generation to generation, from the princes to the kings of Thailand. You would surprise a normal and humble lifestyle of Mahidol house.
In the last exhibition room is The royal projects of King Rama 9. Over 4,000 improvement projects that were from the king’s dedication that made a better living of Thai people just like the words in the first room ‘Every big project always start with my little dedication’. He has been an inspiration and model living for us.
We hope you could get an inspiration of this dedication as well. Just like us and Thai people who have been inspired and live up his projects for life.
Economic farm at Nawut farm.
Strolling in the farm of macadamia and coffee. You may have seen the coffee tree but the macadamia tree is hard to find in Thailand. Other than coffee and macadamia there were also other kinds of trees for you to check them out.
You can pick up a macadamia nut that fell from the tree with the provided bag made from a recycle bag of manure. Actually, this farm is one of the localism improvement projects to change the opium farm that against the law to the coffee and macadamia farm. The coffee bean from this farm has been sell in Doi Tung coffee shop, one of the royal project.
You may visit this wonderful farm by contact Nawut farm beforehand so you could have a farm guild service for free. Let’s visit the farm that was crossed the local people and nature together.
Hand craft factory and shop.
Have you ever got an idea of IKEA and Muji product factory?
They were all made from here in Chiang Rai!
We have seen the beautiful handwoven fabrics and art that were sold in IKEA and also a handicraft ceramic tableware that was shown in the Muji shop. We all know that IKEA and Muji are good quality and housewares brands from Sweden and Japan but we did not expect the products were from our country!
Most of the workers are the local people around. You would impress from their friendly smiles and could learn many of tableware’s art techniques from them. Moreover, there is a mulberry paper factory here. You would wonder from the beauty of the worker’s arm muscle! They had to shake the paper mulberry to make a paper.
Their smiles are from their better living. The factory is also in the local improvement projects to make a better living of the people in this area.
2. Chui Fong tea Farm.
Famous tea farm on the mountain of Chiang Rai.
Many Thais and foreign visitors have been guaranteed the beauty of this green mountain and the good quality taste of green tea here also this farm has gained one of the top quality tea farms in the world!
The scenery of 1,000 rai greenery hills means over thousands or millions! You could have a cup of tea with a piece of cake while looking at the beauty of the hills outside the café.
This tea farm is open at 8.30 – 17.30 every day. You can take a minibus or drive here from the town by 30 kilometers. We suggest you come to the magic hour in the evening. Drink a hot tea while looking at the beautiful sunset would make your day! You can look up for more information at :
053-771-563
http://www.chouifongtea.com/
3. Mae Salong trail.
China town on the mountain trail!
We were surprised by the china vibe. It was like we were in China town! The pattern of the building and the foods are Chinese styles. This neighborhood got an influence from their Chinese clan. They came from mainland China to live here. Later, the Thai government gave them nationality as Thai and names this village ‘Santikeeree’ for their rightful living.
If you are looking for a tribal and ethic kind of accessories you could get them here! Also the goods Chinese food around town with organic vegetables from the farm. Moreover, the 101 tea farm is like a landmark that you should not miss to visit and have a good organic hot tea and look at the greenery mountain views around you.
‘Gastronomy destination’ for you who interest in history while having good food to fulfill your taste bud. If you could not finish your visit in one day, you could make a reservation for a hotel resort or homestay here.
Let’s visit this 1,200 feet mountain top!
*101 tea farm open at 7.00 am – 5.00 pm everyday.
Recommend for your visit in December – February to see the beauty of the Sakura tree flower.
4. Baan Doi Din Daeng.
Factory and shop for ceramic tableware lovers!
You would fascinate from the beautiful arts on the ceramic tableware that was shown around the exhibition room. These were made by Somlak Pantiboon, Thai artist, and also the owner of this place. He had created and separated the area from the art exhibition, Shop, Café, and a factory for more convenient visiting.
The highlight of the ceramic product is the laterite soil which was selected from certain places and the color painting from the natural extract.
You would be surprised by the tons of ‘reservation labels’ line up on the ceramic products! Many famous hotels and hostels have been got eyes on this ceramic tableware. If you also one of the ceramic tableware lovers, you should not miss buying them in the shop at the front.
Visit every house of Baan Doi Din Daeng to see the beauty of the ceramic and how to make them. If you tire from walking around sit and chill at the homemade bakery and coffee at the café. This house open at 8.30 am – 4.00 pm every day. You could travel from Chiangrai airport for 6 kilometers. Take a route to Mae Sai. You could see the destination on the right located in a long neck tribe village.
5. Baan Dam (Black houses).
The villa of 36 black houses from the famous artist Thawan Dutchanee.
Another art pieces of the famous artist except ‘Wat Rong Khun’ or ‘White temple’.
These houses have been storing up his artworks and these houses were designed in many shapes such as underwater ships, pencils, or even Stonehenge park. You could stroll around and take a photo of these beautiful artworks.
The local neighbor said these blackhouses were built to made a contrast to Wat Rong Khun or White temple so you should visit both of them to see the difference from the same artist.
Let’s visit black villa on the green area of Baan Dam.
Open at 8.00 am – 5.00 pm. No entrance fee!
6. Chee Vit Thammada café (Ordinary life)
Ordinary but not simply coffee shop.
Chee Vit Thammada but not Thammada to us! The famous coffee shop that many coffee hoppers have to come! This English style coffee shop building by the river. Inside this white house has been a design that reflects the taste of the owner; the vintage furniture set matched with the decoration and outside the house had good gardening also the decoration of the bench and sofa that you could sit and have a good coffee by the river. If you are looking for a place for a photo, this should do!
Coffee was brewed from the local coffee beans, Doi Chang that have a good taste and aroma. Moreover the organic vegetable, the fruit is from the tribal village around. Not just good for us customer but also support the local product.
Let’s visit the coffee shop that looks like a fairy tale. Do not believe it, prove it with yourself we know you will love this place.
Chee Vit Thammada located in Amphoe Mueng, Chiang Rai
Open at 8.00 am – 8.00 pm everyday. For more information :
http://www.chivitthammada.com
7. Mae Fah Luang Garden.
This garden is one of the improvement projects of Srinagarindra princesses with the local community. This plan has begun since the success of the Doi Tung project and had made another success of ‘cultural tourism destination’ here in Mae Fah Luang.
We had a real good time here! From the fresh breeze of the big trees and the northern arts to visit around. Each temple or building has a different name such as Sala Kaew, Hor Kam Noi, and the most beautiful temple has the wood Buddha statue inside. All these temples had built-in Indian art style just like we were in Chompoo Taweep or India in the old India.
If you would like to stroll around the temples like the old India era with the breeze of big trees around you. You would not miss this place. Another cultural tourism destination for you who like to see the beauty of the ancient arts, just like us!
Mae Fah Luang Garden
Robviang, Amphoe Mueang, Chiang Rai
Open Tuesday – Sunday at 8.30 am – 5.00 pm
Entrance fee: 100 Baht
For more information : www.maefahluang.org
Tel: 0-5371-1968, 053-716605-7, 053-601013
8. Singha Park
This huge park is the brand new landmark of Chiangrai. Over 8,000 Rai parks that you could take a tour around. Strolling around and take a photo of the big lion on the hill or sitting on the minibus for the farm tour. There are big pumpkin, vegetable, melon, and tea farm even the giraffe and zebra farms along the way, you could stop and feed them too! Minibus tours would take around 40 minutes for each round. You could make them more of a style with the cycling tour by yourself! You could ask for the bicycle rental at the counter service and fill up your empty stomach at Phu Pi Rom restaurant on top of the hill.
There are café for you to stop by to chill out with your friend at the minibus stop. If you do not want to take a tour, you could stroll around the café and take a photo of the big lion and the greenery hill scenery around.
If you were traveling by car, you have to park your car in the provided area and take a tour by the minibus.
Entrance fee: 50 Baht/Person
Open 09.00 am – 04.00 pm every day.
1 hour to 1.5 hours per round.
For more information or inquiry : www.boonrawdfarm.com
Tel: 053-172-870
9. Wat Rong Khun (White temple)
The landmark of Chiangrai that you could see many visitors from all around the world. This white temple is the artworks of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the local artist who has a strong passion for Buddhist belief and had inspired him to build this temple.
The main temple is like a heaven that we have to cross the bridge of lust and gluttony. The chill and calm inside the temple atmosphere are like you are standing inside the heaven ground. Chalermchai had built this temple for celebrated King Rama 9 reign. Not just the main temple but there are the halls around that store up all his artworks. Every hall had the artworks that had lined up from the ‘timeline’ of his life as the artist. You could visit all the artwork of his here.
The beauty and wonderful style of his artworks would have inspired many of us. We could notice the detail of his artworks that could answer us why are many visitors all around the world here.
Wat Ron Khun
Pa Aor Donchai, Amphoe Mueng, Chiang Rai.
Open 06.30 am – 06.00 pm
Exhibition hall open every Monday-Friday at 08.00 am – 05.00 pm.
Saturday – Sunday or annual holiday open at 08.00 am – 06.00 pm.
Tel: 0 5367 3579
10. Bamboo Nest De Chiangrai
Have you ever dreamt of sleeping in the bamboo house in the heart of the mountains just like you stayed in the jungle? It is possible in here Bamboo Nest De Chiangrai!
Detoxified your mind with organic air from nature. Sleep on the bed and feel the winds from the mountains. Out of worries because this place has no phone or wifi signals! We were met many visitors who seek a calm place to stay on the mountain. They had a good time at the fire camp with their good friends. As for us who do not like the chill of the winter. We decided to stay at the house and sink in the blanket. We also picked up the snacks with us just in case. If you like to have a snack here we highly recommend you take them with you.
Up in the day if you have nothing to do we suggest you walk into the forest around the hotel. In this hotel with the poppies to guide you!
Bamboo Nest De Chiang Rai.
This hotel up in the hill from Amphoe Mueng Chiang Rai by 23 kilometers.
Open every day.
Tel: 095-6864-755 , 089-953-2330
ID LINE: 0956864755
E-mail: [email protected]
http://bamboonest-chiangrai.com/
11. Phu Shee Fah.
One of the famous landmarks of Chiangrai that could guarantee that you have been here! How is it so important? Because this mountain has the most beautiful cloud views in Thailand.
We have to wake up at 4 in the morning to take an early morning bus to the mountain then clamp to the top to see the beautiful scenery in the morning and we could guarantee that this view was worth our dedication! While we were clamp, we had to take out the lighter for a clearer path. The chill came up to our spine. It was cold! But when the sun came up. The warm light in the morning was to cover our cold body and the beauty of the fog in the morning was what we want to tell you how beautiful it was.
You could take an early morning bus to see the view like us. We had to stay in a hotel near the mountain or take your own tent here. Just 700 meters away from the resort hotel and also have a local guide service to take you up to the top. If you are not the (early) morning person, you can visit in the evening to see the sunset scenery. Wonderful high view from the dawn to dusk!
Phu Shee Fah is the borderline mountain between Thailand and Laos. The top of the mountain is pointing to Laos and you could see the beautiful scenery of the forest below that has been reserve in many years.
Phu Shee Fah national park has located out of Amphoe Mueng Chiangrai by 111 kilometers away and takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes to travel. We suggest visiting from November – January.
Every place has a story of its own that waited for you to discover. What you will get from this place is not just a beautiful photo on your Instagram but a beautiful memory with your friends and also could give you positive energy.
If you do not check out from these places yet? We highly recommend you come and would guarantee the best experiences just like us!
