Previously known for its reputation as a leading opium trade area, Chiang Rai is emerging as a leisure destination due to its unspoiled natural beauty and five-star properties with well-run elephant sanctuaries. Often overlooked for the nearby Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai feels vastly different, attracting visitors with its distinct, laid-back personality and diverse opportunities for exploration.
Work with Indagare to design the perfect itinerary for an immersive journey. Our travel experts know the destination inside and out, and they can make recommendations based on your travel needs and preferences.
A Chiang Rai trip must visits with elephants and visiting the Golden Triangle, where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand converge. Here is just one example of what our destination experts can create for you.
Take an Indagare-arranged tour of the Golden Triangle in a long tail boat, which is the best and most authentic way to experience the Mekong River. The area surrounding the Golden Triangle also boasts a number of temples and markets, and interested travelers can even stop in Laos for an afternoon (visa required).
Indagare’s preferred hotels offer guests the opportunity to learn about and interact intimately with Thailand’s majestic elephants, including river bathing sessions and long treks through the bamboo bush. We carefully vet the elephant programs and only work with companies that are sanctuaries and humane to the animals.
Tour Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), one of the most remarkable Buddhist temples in Thailand, and marvel at its striking structure built with pieces of plaster-covered glass that sparkle in the sun. Then head to the Baan Dam (Black House Museum), built by the internationally renowned artist Thawan Duchanee, to explore the site’s 15 temples and captivating exhibits, including intricate displays of animal remains.
We only feature hotels that we can vouch for first-hand. At many of them, Indagare members receive special perks, including upgrades, early check-in, spa credits, and more. Look for the Indagare Plus logo in the reviews.
There are only 15 tents and one explorer's lodge at this luxury camp, situated where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar along the Mekong Delta, and staying here is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Guests arriving by longtail boat get a full view...
Located next door to the Four Seasons Tented Camp, Anantara is a family-friendly resort with an affordable price tag and fantastic elephant experiences.
Otherwise known as the White Temple, Wat Rong Khun was designed by acclaimed Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and opened to visitors in 1997. As one of the most remarkable Buddhist temples in Thailand, this striking white structure is built with...
Built by the internationally renowned artist Thawan Duchanee, Baan Dam is one of the most significant draws to Chiang Rai. The property, which is comprised of 15 temples, was designed as both the artists’ residence and a museum to host...
Visit the Golden Triangle—the area where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet—by long tail boat, which is known as the best (and most authentic) way to experience the Mekong River. If desired, you can even stop in Laos for the day.
With an undisputed reputation for serving the highest quality tea in Thailand, this café gives guests a glimpse into the history of Chiang Rai and how the land was transformed from opium fields to tea plantations in the 1980s. Visitors...
Founded as part of the royal family’s national drug awareness program in the early 2000’s, this museum provides visitors with an overview of Chiang Rai’s history of opium trade. The space itself is over 60,00 sq. ft. and has a...
Everything we recommend is sourced first-hand by our well-traveled team and incredible network of insiders and resources around the world. Here are some the latest articles, interviews, and book and film recommendations not to be missed.
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There are select hotels that are so spectacular that they have become destinations in and of themselves. These are the properties that we dream of on rainy days and flag for future celebrations. They are coveted for their exceptional level...
Indagare’s Caroline Hansen recently traveled to Thailand and visited Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Ko Kut, and Bangkok. Here are some of her photographs. For help planning your trip, contact our Bookings Team.
In 2011, we began compiling our annual list of Indagare Adored properties. These memorable hotels are treasured by our staff and members alike for consistently providing for their visitors with truly spectacular stays. Here is the gold list of Indagare Adored properties.
Few journeys come with greater expectations than a honeymoon. It marks the official start of your married life and so seems to carry with it signs of what your future will hold. Every couple is unique and honeymoons should be...
A trip here can easily be combined with these amazing destinations and more. Contact our team to craft the perfect itinerary.
Bangkok is chaotic and complex, but if you become acquainted with it, this capital is also one of the most rewarding in Asia, with incredible historic sights, a diverse food scene, great shopping and heartfelt hospitality.
Thailand’s lush Chiang Mai, with its green mountains, rice paddies and colorful Buddhist temples, is the country’s northernmost province, encompassing northern Thailand's largest city, Chiang Mai, and near to Chiang Rai, Myanmar and Laos, which form the Golden Triangle. Home...
Floating in the Andaman Sea off the southwest coast of Thailand, Phuket is known as the country’s swankiest island, with sparkling, swimmable seas and romantic waterfront walks. Those seeking instant access to outside dining, shopping and nightlife will want to...
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