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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".
If you have enjoyed reading this article,
please forward it to a friend.
About the Author
Eric is the homestay host at
www.homestaytravelchiangrai.com Email: boshem28@hotmailcom
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