CHIANGRAI - THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE, NORTHERN THAILAND
The name evokes an impression that illicit drugs are the
activity of this area. Yes, it was once a notorious place.
However, with strict enforcement by various countries
particularly the United States and Thailand playing an important
role of eradicating the drug menace by educating the many
hill-tribes to have a permanent settlement instead of the slash
and burn to grow sustainable crops and the poppy plants. Schools
were built to educate their children on the Thai curriculum and
welfare. Chiangrai is 785 km north of Bangkok and is in the
midst of mountains and hills. Across the great Mekong river is
Myanmar and Laos, thus the name "Golden Triangle". All
nationalities can cross over to these countries easily by road,
boats or air with valid passports and visa. Being the first to
establish into a city by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom, it
has many ancient ruins. There are many activities you can
indulge like visiting the only handcrafted White Temple in
Thailand; the ever changing flowers in the most beautiful
botanical garden; Hill-tribes; Opium or the National museum;
elephant riding; shopping for foodstuff; clothing; jewelries;
handicrafts or ride on a long propeller boat on the Mekong
river; explore the natural rock formation and caves with
spectacular formations e.g. Big Cave, Fish Cave. Please visit
www.homestaytravelchiangrai.com for more pictures and
information.
Of course, if you are a nature lover freak, go to the mountains.
Doi Tung - it has a sacred hilltop Buddhist shrine built in 911
AD and it is believed that the left collar bones of Lord Buddha
is enshrined in the twin pagodas. On your way up, enjoy the
panoramic view then drop in to visit the Akha and Lahu
hill-tribe village famous for their hand woven textiles and
silver jewelries. Not satisfied with one mountain? Venture to
Thailand's little Switzerland, the Doi Mae Salong, incidentally
"doi" means mountain. It sits on an elevation of 6000 feet above
sea level. The air is cool and refreshing throughout the year.
The settlers are ethnic Chinese descendants of the KMT
nationalist army who took refuge in Thailand to escape from the
Communist forces of Mainland China more than 50 years ago. The
settlement has its own Christian churches, Buddhist temples,
schools, locally produced oolong black tea, shops and
restaurants.
You are welcome to experience first hand the local foods, way of
life and customs of the Northern Thai through a village home
stay.
To quote G.K. Chesterton - "The traveler sees what he sees. The
tourist sees what he has come to see".
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