CHIANG RAI & Beyond

The founder of Chiang Rai 700 years ago. King Mengrai was the 25th Monarch of the Lawa Dynasty and the first of Mengrai. For me, there are two great leaders who really stand out in Thai history, Rama V and King Mengrai the Great. King Mengrai merged small states together to form a great nation, the territory now known as "Lanna" (million rice fields) His memorial, highly revered by the locals, stands at the centre of the town, surrounded by a floral garden ideal for recreation and photo shoots.

Remember playing "dress-up" as a kid? Why not do it again? Professional photography studio, Lanna Thai costume and make-up. Dress up as prince and princess. Photos printed and on CD.

The Late Princess Mother's summerhouse is a lovely cross between Lanna art and Swiss chalet. Teak flooring, "Ga Lae" (the pointy bits at the peaks of the roof) and carved wood are the general features of this royal house. Found on the wooden walls are carved Thai alphabets with illustrations.

This is one of the most beautiful floral gardens in Thailand. Located in the front of the palace. It is decorated by colourful seasonal plants. In the midst of cool mist, situated at the centre of the garden is the famous sculpture "Continuity" by Thailand's foremost sculptor Mrs. Misiam Yipinsoy.

Mae sai. This border town faces Myanmar across the Mai Sai River, and is located 62 kilometres north of Chiang Rai. Numerous shopping opportunities exist for popular Thai, Burmese and Chinese goods. This is the ideal market for gem lovers, with numerous kinds of precious stones form Myanmar, such rubies, emeralds, jade and others, are for sale at amazing prices! Also, almost anything else you can name!

8 kilometres north of Chaing Saen, this riverside area marks the spot where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Loas converge. This is the cross-road of the tree-land borders. "The Ruak River " bordering Thailand and Myanmar runs into the" Makong River" from Laos creating the well known "Golden Triangle". In the past drug traffickers secretly met here to barter opium for gold nuggests. Today it is a bustling tourist destination where visitors come to enjoy the rising sun emerging from the misty seas of fog.

Wat Rong Khun is also known as the "White Temple". Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was only begun recently and is still under construction. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand's noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and it's many statues of figures based on religious beliefs.The temples exterior is decorated with mirror fragments. The gables are ornamented with Naga, elephant, and "Chatra" or tiered umbrella shapes.

3 days / 2 nights

B25500