Culture
Combining his international training in Japan, Laos and Cambodia with a feel for his homeland, Somluk Pantiboon creates pottery in his studio and gallery on the outskirts of Chiang Rai.
The indigenous populations of Northern Thailand have been part of the region for centuries, but exploitation for the tourist dollar means that it can be hard to know if your visit is ethical.
Established in 1977 by HRH the Princess Mother, Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park originally opened as a camp to provide young leaders of hill tribes with the necessary skills to run development projects sponsored by the royal family.
A favorite with local residents, this waterfall and hot springs is located 14 kilometers outside Chiang Rai and has a rustic atmosphere which is a big part of its charm.
Wat Ming Mueang. In the past, Wat Ming Mueang was Tai Yai people's temple, called Wat Ngiao or Wat Chang Mup (Chang Mup) by Chiang Rai people.
Located outside the city walls, approximately one kilometer to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang is Wat Pa Sak, which used to be the resedence of the patriarch.
Wat Chet Yot is an ancient temple in Mueang Chiang Rai sub-district. There is still no clear evidence on when the temple was built.
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is an ancient, and sacred temple. The legend has it that if anyone become sick, and come to worship Phra That (or the Buddha relics) here at this temple, the illness will soon fade away.
Wat Mung Muang This temple is really worth visiting due to its fantastic miracle.
Just two kilometers away from Chiang Saen Lake is Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in the middle of the 8th century.
Wat Phra Kaeo on Trairat Road is one of the most renowned temples of Chiang Rai
Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai Chiang Rai is another province that important to Thai history.
If you are short on time but would like to get an over-arching introduction to Chiang Rai’s past and immediate history as well as its cultural heritage, then head over to Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park (about 5km west of the city centre).