The province shares the might Mekong River as a common border with Laos to the east and Myanmar (Burma) to the west and is part of the once notorious Golden Triangle where the drug trade flourished until 20 years ago. Through strict control and law enforcement the opium trade has been pushed back into Laos and Myanmar. These days the only evidence of this drug era you’ll see is in the museums.

The tree lined Mae Nam Kok river flows through Chiang Rai city which is a smaller version of its bigger sister Chiang Mai. With just 40,000 people you’ll find it to be cleaner, quieter and mellower. The main part of town is just a few blocks of shops, restaurants and quiet bars, travel agencies, a subdued night market selling plenty of hilltribe clothing and crafts. Chiang Rai isn’t the place to come for night life but is the place to go as a base for treks to hilltribe villages, day trips to the Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen and Myanmar plus it’s also a good stocking up point before crossing the border into Laos.

June to September
The Rainy Season. Take an umbrella!

October to February
The Cool Season. A bit cooler during the day but still warm compared to NZ. Night temperatures can drop to about 13’C so take warm clothes for nighttime. Very little rain.