Chiang Rai, gateway to the Golden Triangle. Not a gay scene destination, but one of the most beautiful and interesting provinces in Thailand to explore.
Chiang Rai is a town in Northern Thailand and commercial centre of the Golden Triangle, border of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
The town and the surrounding Chiang Rai province is a great ‘off the beaten track’ destination for travelers (gay or straight) who want to explore the beautiful mountainous north of Thailand and its many attractions including the ruins of ancient Lanna Kingdom, Buddhist shrines and experience the unique local culture.
Getting to Chiang Rai
Thai Airways fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai International Airport. The flight time is about one hour. Chiang Rai Airport is located 8 km from the town centre. Alternatively, there is a bus service from and to Bangkok. The journey time is 12 hours.
Travellers in Chiang Mai can take a bus to Chiang Rai. The journey time is just over 3 hours.
Getting around Chiang Rai
Many of the best sights and attractions are outside of the town. Virtually all hotels will offer ‘all private’ or shared tours or the area. Alternatively, consider renting a car (with or without your own driver).
Motorcycles are available to rent but we suggest that this option is only suitable for the most experienced riders due to the risk of accident or injury.
Things to See & Do
Golden Triangle
The former center of the world’s opium trade, intersection of three countries and two rivers. It is the meeting point for Laos, Myanmar and Thailand and where the Mekong meets the Ruak River.  The Hall of Opium is worth visiting.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Extraordinary temple decorated in pure white and mirror accents, designed by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Located about 13km from Chiang Rai. (Part of the temple has been damaged by the earthquake in 2014).
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Temple housing what is  believed to be one of the oldest Holy Relics in Thailand. The temple is believed to have been built before Chiang Rai.
Doi Tung & Mae Fah Luang Garden
Beautiful Royal Villa that features a unique combination of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles located on a mountain overlooking surrounding hills and valleys. The Villa was home to the mother of King Bhumibol and is now open to the public. The equally stunning Mae Fah Luang Garden is one of the most impressive in Thailand. Highly Recommended.
Night Bazaar
A place for souvenirs and local food and products, with free cultural performances.
Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park
Beautiful park with two lakes and halls containing a royal collection of Lanna craftsmanship.
Mae Sai
Border city, 61km north of Chiang Rai where tourists with passports can cross into Myanmar to shop in the exotic markets for goods from China and Burma.
Chiang Saen
Once a major city of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Sean is now a historical town with rich culture of fascinating temples, stupas and Buddha images. The town’s museum is home to Lanna Thai artefacts and relics of the past. Located 30 km from Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai · Hotels
Due to its geographic location, Chiang Rai provides a laid-back atmosphere. Many beautiful resorts are set on the mountain or by the river. We list those that have proven popular with gay guests.
Why this hotel?: Riverside location. Great views. Close to Night Market.
The very stylish riverside Le Meridien Chiang Rai offers spacious, luxurious rooms with fantastic views. It has a great location, within a 20 minutes’ walk to the Night Market and Wat Phra Kaew temple.
Le Meridien features an outdoor pool, a restaurant, free WiFi and other excellent facilities. The friendly staff at the concierge are happy to organise day trips by boat or car to all the important sights.
Features
bar, cafe, restaurant, shop, swimming pool, steam room, sauna, sun terrace, gym, spa, free wi-fi
Why this hotel?: Beautiful location. Excellent pool & dining. Luxury choice.
Located directly on Mae Kok River, The beautiful Legend Chiang Rai features Thai Lanna-styled architecture and spacious, modern rooms and villas – some with private jacuzzi.
Hotel guests have the choice of  3 restaurants, the use of an infinity pool, gym and spa with open-air treatment rooms. Free WiFi in all areas.
Tours of nearby attractions can be arranged and bike rental is available. The Legend also offers shuttle services to/from Chiang Rai airport (a 20-minute drive).
Gay golfers will enjoy a round at the excellent Mae Kok Golf Club – less than 2km from the resort.
Features
bar, restaurant, free wi-fi, swimming pool, massage
Why this hotel?: Quiet location. Fantastic views. Great value.
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa sits on top of a hill, so you are surrounded by nature and can enjoy many popular activities including trekking, elephant riding and mountain biking.
Amenities include LCD TV’s with satellite channels, DVD/CD players, minibars, safes, free WiFi.
Guest rooms feature balconies with lake, mountain or garden views and have separate living rooms with fridge, coffee & tea maker and free bottled water.
Features
bar, cafe, restaurant, shop, swimming pool, massage, gym, spa, free wi-fi
Why this hotel?: Near the Golden Triangle. Quiet, riverfront location.
An ideal choice if you wish to stay away from the city noise, Serene at Chiang Rai is a small boutique hotel on the riverside near the Golden Triangle, about 60 km from Chiang Rai.
All 42 rooms feature balconies with either river or city views. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant and free WiFi.
Features
cafe, restaurant, swimming pool, massage, free wi-fi
Why this hotel?: Amazing views. Large pool villas. Out-of-town option.
The A-Star Phulare Valley is a quiet, out-of-town resort in beautiful setting with amazing views of the surrounding valley and mountains in Ta-Sud area, about 20 km from the city centre.
The resort’s very spacious villas feature all the modern comforts – flat screen cable TV, electric kettle, refrigerator and minibar. Free WiFi in all areas.
The outdoor pool has sun loungers where you can relax and enjoy the view. The Ping Doi restaurant serves Thai and Western food. Drinks and cocktails can be enjoyed at the Ping Dao bar.
Why this hotel?: Riverfront location. Near The Golden Triangle. Great value.
Located 15 minutes from the Golden Triangle, and a 5-minute walk to the historical city ruins of Chiang Saen, the Siam Triangle offers fantastic riverside views and cosy accommodation.
Facilities include an outdoor pool, a health club, a spa tub, a restaurant and free WiFi. Great value for money and ideal location.
Features
bar, restaurant, swimming pool, massage, gym, spa, free wi-fi
Why this hotel?: Private villas. Quiet location. Beautiful views.
Set in the beautiful landscapes of Mae Salong Valley, and within easy drive to major tourist sights of Chiang Rai including Doi Mae Salong, Doi Tung, Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.
Manee Dheva features 9 spacious villas surrounded by spectacular views of surrounding rice fields and mountains.
Each villa comes with an outside terrace, flat screen TV and separate shower and bathtub. There is free WiFi, a swimming pool and an open-view restaurant.
Features
bar, cafe, restaurant, swimming pool, massage, spa, free wi-fi
Why this hotel?: Budget option. Central location. Excellent value.
Simple, Lanna-styled guesthouse that gets the basics right. The tidy bedrooms have private bathrooms, air conditioning (fan in some units), free WiFi.
There’s a decent restaurant and a pool. Ben Guesthouse is a 15-minute walk from Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, and less than 20 minutes’ drive to the airport.
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