Chiang Rai is an oasis of green forests and fresh mountain air. Here you will discover a diverse mix of local peoples holding firm to their ancient traditions in harmony with each other, preserving a unique cultural and architectural legacy that has endured many centuries in this remote corner of the world.
Mae Salong is a popular Oolong Tea growing region
The most northerly province of Thailand, Chiang Rai borders Myanmar and Laos within the infamous Golden Triangle and lies a few hundred kilometers from China. The region is home to distinctly different food, music, arts, way of life and even language. Chiang Rai’s lush landscapes, mix of cultures, peoples, and cuisines creates a dream like quality that is found nowhere else.
Chiang Rai rewards visitors with its distinct “sense of place” and, although rich in tourist attractions of all description, it still remains relatively untouched by tourism. Visitors often remark they come away with a sense of discovery and the feeling of “having been somewhere” rather than just having been on holiday.
Chiang Rai’s climate may be divided into three seasons
The Green Season
(June through October)
Afternoon rains and evening thundershowers are frequent, but usually short in duration. The air is humid and the forests are lush and green; there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. The average daily high temperature is 30 C with cool evenings, about 20 C. Many guests consider this the best time to visit Chiang Rai.
The Winter Season
(November through February)
Days are still warm, about 27 C but evenings can become “extra blanket” cold, as low as 10 C. The air is noticeably crisp and dry. This is the popular holiday season and there are more tourists traveling at this time of year.
The Hot Season
(March through May)
Days can seem sizzling, as hot as 34 C. Relief comes in the evenings with temperatures dropping to 22 C. Rain is infrequent. This is the preferred time for those who enjoy a sunny, dry climate.