Chiang Rai Province

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Chiang Rai Province is a region in Northern Thailand.

Muslim Friendly Cities in Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Khong - gateway to Laos Chiang Rai - the provincial capital Chiang Saen - historic city just south of the Golden Triangle

Other destinations

• Doi Tung — royal villas and a mountaintop temple with stunning views and (so they say) the Buddha's collarbone
• Golden Triangle — a bit of a tourist trap, but the opium museums are worth a visit
• Mae Sai — Thailand's northernmost town, day trips to Myanmar
• Mae Salong — founded by Chinese Nationalists fleeing after their defeat in the war
• Phu Chi Fa — one of the highest peaks of Northern Thailand, offering outstanding views

An introduction to Chiang Rai Province

Populations have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the centre of the Lanna (Thai) Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786.

Chiang Rai Province’s Golden Triangle bordering Laos and Myanmar was once the hub of opium production which had much influence on cultural trainings and lifestyles. To this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.

The province is rich in natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisations. It is also home to various hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway to Myanmar and Laos.

Geography

Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province and a beauty it is. It occupies the Kok River basin well above sea level with an area of some 11,678 square kilometres. It is about 785 kilometers from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mekong River to the north and borders both Myanmar and Laos.

Culture

Popualtions have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the centre of the Lanna (Thai) Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786.

Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, and Doi Mae Salong are three substantially different places. Chiang Saen’s rich culture has been influenced by its collection of Buddhist scriptures and temples. It was once the provincial capital. Mae Chan’s reputation stems from its silver and tribal handicrafts. Once officially unrecognized by the (Thai) government, Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese KMT (Kuomintang) area renowned for its natural beauty and unique Yunnanese culture. Besides the Chinese 93rd Infantry Division of the Kuomintang Army, several other ethnic minorities have settled down in the region including the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khoen and Tai Yuan.

People

• Akha have the largest population of any hill tribe in the region. Originating in Tibet and Southern China and they dwell on high ground, about 1,200 m above sea level. In their villages they build spirit gateways to protect themselves from evil spirits.
• Chin Hor, former Kuomintang who took refuge in the area, mainly Doi Mae Salong.
• Hmong from southern China, prefer high ground. They raise livestock and grow Rice, corn, tobacco, and cabbage. They are known for their embroidery and silver.
• Karen live in the valleys and riverbanks of the region.
• Khon Muang are city folk who originally came from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, and Phrae. Culturally and they design their houses having only one floor with wooden gable-decorations called ka-lae. They are known for their craftsmanship in wood carving, weaving, lacquer ware, and musical instruments.
• Lahu are from Yunnan originally and live in high areas. They are known as hunters and planters.
• Lisaw from southern China and Tibet are renowned for their colourful dress and for building their dwellings on stilts. They harvest Rice and corn and are skilled hunters.
• Tai Lue live in single room wooden dwellings built on tall piers. They are skilled weavers.
• Tai Yai Burmese in origin, harvest Rice, farm, raise cattle and trade. Their skills lie in weaving, pottery, wood carving, and bronze ware.
• Yao reside on mountainsides and grow corn and other crops. They are skilled blacksmiths, silversmiths, and embroiderers.

Get in

Fly to Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai (IATA Flight Code: CEI) has Flights to Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Kunming.

By train

The nearest train station is in Chiang Mai.

Take a bus to Chiang Rai Province

The 12 hour journey from Bangkok can be made on air-conditioned coaches originating from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) daily. Call +66 2 9362852-66, +66 2 5765599, or The Transport Company, Ltd. Chok Rung Tawee Tour, call +66 2 9364275-6, +66 53 714045. Siam First Tour, call +66 2 9543601-4, +66 53 719064, +66 53 714386. Sombat Tour, +66 2 9362495, +66 53 714971, +66 53 715884

There are services from Chiang Rai's bus hub to various neighborhoods in Chiang Rai. For local buses to nearby provinces, call Chiang Rai bus terminal +66 53 711224, +66 53 711154 for details.

Rent a Car or Limousine in Chiang Rai Province

Highway 1 (Phaholyothin Rd) is the primary street in Chiang Rai Province. It passes through the areas of Phan Mae Lao, Muang, Mae Chan and Mae Sai neighborhoods. Along the highway and there are links to other neighborhoods in the province, such as Route 108 to Mae Suai, Route 1126 to Pa Daed, Route 1233 to Wang Whai and Route 1016 to Chaing Saen.

From Bangkok drive on Highway 32 to Singburi and then take Highway 11 to Phare, and Highway 1103 to Chiang Rai. The route is 829 km.

Get around

Take a bus to Chiang Rai Province

There is a nice enough bus service in the province, but in more remote areas, songthaews (public passenger pick-up vehicles) are the norm.

What to see in Chiang Rai Province

Golden Triangle 1 - The Golden Triangle, where three countries meet.

Visitors to Chiang Rai can expect to see some splendid mountain and valley views, while being blessed with excellent weather which is much cooler than in the central plains.

Many visitors choose to spend some of their time in Chiang Rai visiting fascinating hill tribes such as the Akha, Lisaw, Hmong, Lahu, Karen, Mien, and Yao. Many visitors go with a certified guide, but other simply go on their own. It is feasible to stay overnight with the villagers. Solo travellers not going with a guide are advised to stay with the village headmen; a small donation is welcome.

Sadly, some opportunists exploit hill tribe people to extract money from tourists. A village just near the road between Mae Sai and Chiang Rai (it is frequented by tourist shuttle vanes returning from the Golden Triangle) is actually privately-owned, and, while entrance to the village is free, visiting long-necked Karen people there costs 200 Baht. Most tourists (and backpackers) have already paid this price in their tour package, thinking that 1,000 Baht or more for a day trip is "cheap". Needless to say and the poor Burmese Karens working there for tourists, get only a tiny fraction of the money. Their home, Myanmar (Myanmar), is one of the poorest countries of the world. Be aware that thit is just a tourist trap. It's better to visit a remote, but genuine, Karen village, than to help rich people make money from the poor.

When trekking off the beaten track and away from hill tribes, it is feasible to sleep at any temple, but again a little donation is appreciated.

• Doi Chaang Coffee | Great Coffee grown and roasted in the mountains. It is organic and the farmers own 50 percent of the company. They also make the Wild (Thai) Civet Coffee. Next to the Coffee company there is a cafe where you can order a cup of Coffee and also buy a bag of Coffee beans. Also try their honey.

• Doi Nang Non - Sleeping Woman Mountain | The silhouette of the mountain range takes the shape of a reclining woman with long hair when seen from certain angles. There is a viewpoint at Mae Chan from where the "sleeping lady" can be observed best in good weather. There are a number of caves and water courses in these karstic hills. Tum Luang and Khun Naam Nang Non, have been developed as tourism attractions.

• Doi Wawi | Chinese community in the northern part of Thailand. Wawi is one of the biggest tea-producing areas in Thailand. You can visit the village, taste the Tea and buy some tea. It is also feasible to visit the Tea plantation.

• Golden Triangle - Samliam Thongkum or สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ | The point where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. It used to be notorious for its drug trafficking until the Royal (Thai) government cleaned up the area and turned into a tourist destination.

• World's Tallest Flagpole - The Chiang Saen District is to have the world's tallest flagpole sometime in 2017. The pole will be 189 m tall and the equivalent of a 63-storey building. Its purpose is to promote Thainess and (Thai) identity. The flagpole will be in a park complete with a museum and a learning centre.

Halal Tours and Excursions in Chiang Rai Province

• Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai in 3 days a 3-day tour starting from Chiang Mai and going through Doi Ang Khang, Fang, Thaton, Doi Mae Salong, Mae Sai, Golden Triangle, and finishing in Chiang Mai.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Chiang Rai Province

• Volunteer - Free rooms at Akha Hill House and lunch provided Monday to Friday at school. You pay for your breakfast, dinner, soft drinks. Teaching English to Akha hill tribe (probably the poorest hill tribe in Thailand) children or help with their website.

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Chiang Rai Province we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Chiang Rai Province or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Chiang Rai Province, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Chiang Rai Province

eHalal Group is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Chiang Rai Province. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Chiang Rai Province ensures that clients have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000 and these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Chiang Rai Province. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million and these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at info@ehalal.io

Ramadan 2025 in Chiang Rai Province

Ramadan 2025 in Chiang Rai Province

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels in Chiang Rai Province

• Suanthip Vana Resort - Very isolated retreat. Beautiful buildings in Lanna style, especially the Pkakeryor villas.

Where to go next after Chiang Rai Province

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