Thursday, April 12, 2007

Chiang Rai - the Northern Most of Siam

Less than two hundred kilometres away from the northern capital of Chiang Mai lies the sister Lanna province of Chiang Rai -- the northern most of Thailand with borders to both the Union of Myanmar and Lao People's Democratic Republic. Though it is not considered a main-streamed touristic destination like its larger sister, Chiang Rai is very well worth a visit. With the age of older than 800 years, it hosts a lot of historical evidence and cultural heritage in the ancient Lanna days, not to mention a countless number of genuine Buddhist temples or Wat. Apart from that, the country side landscape is ideal for doing outdoor sports -- no matter your tests are, there is something for you. Mountain biking, hiking, white-water rafting and elephant riding are amongst the most popular activities here. Thanks to its relatively high altitude and latitude, the climate is unbeatable countrywide. You can smell the fresh mountainous air, soothing from outside in, while doing such open-air activities. If not for these moderate and comfortable weather conditions, Somdej Phra Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani or the Princess Mother of Thailand would not have chosen Chiang Rai as her seasonal palace at old age. The inhabitants, in particular those in hill tribes, are all grateful for her kindness to have helped gradually transform the planting and cultivation of illegal opium into all those valuable flowering plants. Chiang Rai is now renowned for its hospitable environments for growing many of Western cold flowers. The tribe population also await visits from the rest of the world to share their unique cultures. To say the last, spend a day or two to Chiang Rai whenever you plan a trip to the North, and you will see a contrast similarity to Chiang Mai that you couldn't otherwise see.

Sincerely,
Boone (http://smilingland.blogspot.com)

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