Chiang Rai
Best time to be there
November to March. April is often the hottest month of the year, and also the month of the celebratory 'Songkran' festivals. May to October is the rainy season, with short bursts of rainstorms refreshing the green paddy fields once more.
Fly to
Bangkok (British Airways/Qantas/Eva Airways/Thai Airways)
flying time
11 hours 30 minutes non-stop
time difference
GMT +7 hours
Visas
Not required for UK passport holders
Health Requirements
Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from an endemic area
Itineraries
Classic Thailand
Classic Thailand highlights * Colourful Bangkok * Elephants and hilltribes * Beautiful beaches of Phuket Read more ...
Northern Thailand
Highlights Explore Bangkok, visit Emerald Buddha Temple, visit the Elephant camp Read more ...
Northern Cultures
Northern Cultures highlights * Meet Hilltribe villagers * Learn to become an elephant manhout * Enjoy spectacular surroundings Read more ...
to speak to a consultant
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand and shares borders with Myanmar and Laos. The area where these three countries meet is known as the Golden Triangle, notorious for its opium trade in the past.
Chiang Rai is well known for its stunning mountain scenery and is home to several different hill tribes. The main hill tribe groups in this region are the Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Akha and Mien. These ethnic minorities began to arrive in Thailand at the end of the 19th century and some groups may have been here much longer. Forced out of their native countries such as Myanmar, China and Tibet by civil war and political pressures, each hill tribe still has its own fascinating customs, culture, religion, clothing and language.
The area surrounding Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle evokes images of mist covered mountains and valleys that leave the first time visitor in awe.
Suggested Chiang Rai Accommodation
Anantara Golden Triangle
Perched on a ridge, amidst 160 acres of tropical jungle overlooking the winding Mekong River, Anantara is a luxury retreat surrounded by outstanding natural beauty. The resort's 58...
Four Seasons Chiang Rai
Reached by river boat through exotic bamboo jungles, the Golden Triangle Resort offers its own take on inimitable Four Seasons luxury. With just 15 luxurious tents, it is the height of intimate...
to speak to a consultant
Guest Testimonial
This is my first booking with A & K and the whole experiance was outstanding. I would say it was 110%.
- NC, Bath
World Travel Awards
World Travel Awards
World's Leading Luxury Tour Operator 2011
A&K Philanthropy
Tree Planting Initiative
At Sanctuary Olonana invites guests to plant an indigenous tree within the Olonana Tree Nursery as a way to personally aid in reforestation efforts in the Masai Mara.
Latest from @AKTravel_UK: Buzzfeed rounds up 50 of the best eclipse photos from the weekend: http://t.co/BMQ0BGvV 22 May