Chiang Rai is many things to many people. This is where you get away from the crowds, find adventure, hole up in a hill resort or just get up close and personal with nature. Chiang Rai is a traveller's paradise endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines, and ethnic villages. Chiang Rai tends to be more "laid back" compared to Chiang Mai and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from it all.

Spend at least a night in the Chiang Rai town and sample the local foods. Also, shop for handicrafts and sourvenirs at the Night Bazaar.

For attractions and things to do, read on for the top 10 attractions in Chiang Rai.

The Hall of Opium at the Golden Triangle Park

This should not be missed. It's situated in Chiang Saen district, opposite the Anatara Golden Triangle Resort and Spa.

Wat Prah Kaew

If you have visited the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, drop by at this shrine where the image was found in 1434. It served as a stop for the sacred image on its journey from Vientiane in Loas to Bangkok.

Border Crossing

Near Sop Ruak, a small village near the borders of Thailand, Burma and Loas meet deep in the golden triangle over the water at the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong River.

Chiang Saen

This centuries-old Lanna town is a must-see. Visit the Chiang Sean National Museum located in the old town. The museum is open on Wednesdays through Sundays from 9 am. to 4 pm., except on national holidays.

Chiang Khong

This area is thickly forested and is home to the hill tribes. Great place to go trekking. Visit the Hmong and Yao villages and it's possible to stay overnight.

Mae Sai

A bustling market town right on the border of Burma where traders from both sides trade cheap Chinese goods.

Mountain High

The highways in this province wind their way through rugged mountains, affording spectacular views of valleys and rivers. Rent a four wheel drive, get a good map and hit the road!

Mountain Biking

Moutain biking is very popular and several tour operators offer trips for the adventurous ones. Trails offer views of Myanmar and the Mekong River. Or opt for a trip down Kok River and spend three days on water till you get to Chiang Rai.

Doi Mae Salong

Also known as Santi Khiri, this village has a large Chinese population who came with the 93rd Infantry of Kuomintang led by General Tuan Si Woen in 1961. There are a number of resorts in this area.

Wat Phra Thart Doi Tung

This is a sacred hilltop shrine, rising 2000 meters above sea level. This temple complex comprises twin Lanna chedis and draw devout Buddhists from all over Thailand, Loas, and Myanmar.

Excerpt from WHERE magazine, March 2006