Chiang Rai, Thailand Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

The long arm of the package-tour industry has finally reached CHIANG RAI , now a predominantly upmarket resort town of well over two thousand hotel rooms, but also known for its trekking. A walk up to Doi Tong , the hummock to the northwest of the centre, offers a fine view up the Kok River. On the highest part of the hill stands a kind of phallic Stonehenge centred on the town's new lak muang , representing the Buddhist layout of the universe. The old wooden lak muang can be seen in the viharn of Wat Phra That Doi Tong , the city's first temple, which sprawls shambolically over the eastern side of the hill. Carved in … more »