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Trekking in National Parks
Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s best-known park. Home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, standing 2,565 metres above sea level, this park has beautiful waterfalls,a lush evergreen forest-cover and lively wildlife.The Meo and Karen hill-tribes live within this forest.
To get there, hire a car or motorbike or take a bus to Chum Thong and then a minibus to Park Headquarters. Many tour companies also include the park in their tours.
Hot Springs
Getting to be a popular excursion in Chiang Rai province is to the natural phenomenon - hot springs. It is a thermal mineral spring containing a significant amount of dissolved minerals in a water temperature of more than 98 degrees Fahrenheit. The springs are easily access by local transport.
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The Golden Triangle, where three countries meet...
Northern Thailand is home to many hilltribes, famous for their cottage industries - silverware, wood carving, ceramics, pottery, silk, hand-made painted umbrellas and more.
Chiang Mai with its fascinating night bazaar is close to the magnificent Wat Prathat Doi Suthep, a temple perched stunningly on a mountain peak and Phuping Palace, the summer residence of the Royal Family.
Chiang Rai is an excellent base to experience trekking in the mountains, mixing with the hill tribes and catching your breath from the raw beauty that surrounds you. Also experience the Golden Triangle, a spectacular mountainous area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.
Traveller’s Secrets
What to See and Do
Trekking in National Parks
Visit Doi Inthanon National Park, Thailand’s best-known park. Home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Inthanon, standing 2,565 metres above sea level, this park has beautiful waterfalls, a lush evergreen forest-cover and lively wildlife. The Meo and Karen hill-tribes live within this forest. To get there, hire a car or motorbike or take a bus to Chum Thong and then a minibus to Park Headquarters. Many tour companies also include the park in their tours.
Hill tribes
Meo, Lisu, Yao, Akha, Lawa and Karen hilltribes live throughout northern Thailand's mountains. Each tribe has distinctive ceremonial attire, courtship rituals, games, dances, agricultural customs, puberty rites, languages or dialects and hygienic habits. Treks can be overnight or up to 7 days. Remember to show respect for the tribe at all times – wear modest clothing, respect hill-tribe beliefs and customs, ask permission before taking photographs of people.
Chiang Saen
Ancient Chiang Saen, the first town of the Lanna Kingdom, makes for an interesting excursion from Chiang Rai. One of Thailand's oldest towns, it was once a powerful fortified city where the Golden Triangle is located and much of its northern history remains intact. It is well known for its laid-back charm, a host of historic sites to see and a modern approach to trade and commerce on the waters of the broad, benevolent Mekong River.
The Golden Triangle
The Apex of the Golden Triangle is the point at which the borders of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma) and Laos meet. It is located 8 kilometres north of Chiang Saen. This riverside area provides a magnificent view of the Mekong River along with remarkable scenery of the three countries.
Wat Phra Kaew
This temple is where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. It is said to have been the original place of the Emerald Buddha (now venerated in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha).
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