Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for people to visit and move to in the world today. It offers fantastic value for money, utterly irresistible food, and some of the friendliest and most welcoming people that you will find anywhere.
Located in the north of Thailand, Chiang Rai is the northernmost main city in the country and is quite unlike anywhere else. If you are looking for somewhere that is affordable, welcoming and rich in both history and day-to-day activities, Chiang Rai could well be the perfect location for you. Here we will take a look at Chiang Rai and some of the more popular spots for property to help you decide where you should buy or rent in this region.
Chiang Rai
If you are thinking of heading up to Chiang Rai, expect it to take around three hours from Chiang Mai, and quite a bit longer from Bangkok. It lies close to the border with Laos and Myanmar, and this ‘golden triangle’ is a must-visit for those who make the move to Chiang Rai.
While all of Thailand is stunningly beautiful in its own way, Chiang Rai lies on a flat plain between two mountain ranges, and has some of the best views that you can find. Other major attractions nearby are the National Park and a number of waterfalls including the majestic Khun Korn Waterfall.
There are many wonders to behold outside of the city, and many more to be enjoyed inside. Take a wander through the streets and stop at the famous market to collect your fresh ingredients for your dinner, check out one of the museums bristling with local history, or spend time in some of the unforgettable temples that you can find nearby.
The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, is one of the most impressive of these, an intricate and breathtaking structure that you don’t want to miss. Along with the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and the Blue Temple, these temples are one of the main reasons that people are drawn to Chiang Rai. They come for history, but they stay because it is a truly wonderful place to live for a short or long time.
Chiang Rai City
As the centre of the city, many visitors opt to stay in or near this area when they go to Chiang Rai. From here it is extremely easy to walk around many of the top attractions, though there is just as much to see outside of the city so there are other areas that work just as well.
You can head to the night bazaar, visit the majestic golden clock tower in the heart of the city and enjoy any of the hundreds of things for you to see and do while in the centre of Chiang Rai. Any property here would allow for the highest levels of access to activities, and also to the people that live in, work in, or are visiting the area.
Chiang Rai City is home to many of the bars and restaurants that you will find in the area, so if you value nightlife highly, this is perhaps the best place to invest in property to either stay in or rent out for you.
Chiang Saen
The Chiang Saen district is north of the city and reaches up to the Mekong River. This is where you would head to see the golden triangle, and is home to a growing number of luxury condos and places to stay in comfort and with all the amenities that you could wish for.
If you are looking to mix fascinating history, the beauty of the old city walls, and the modern conveniences of an up-and-coming area, Chiang Saen certainly looks to be a wise investment in the future.
Mae Chan
One of the less populated yet utterly beautiful places in the area, Mae Chan is home to ‘the mountain of the sleeping lady’, or Doi Nang Non. If you are interested in hiking, climbing, and enjoying the peace of nature, then this area will certainly provide all that you need.
Mae Fah Luang
Meaning ‘royal mother from the sky’, Mae Fah Luang is another area in the north that contains gorgeous scenery and excellent opportunities to find the perfect property for you. Home to Doi Tung Royal Villa, a great deal of the properties and their gardens do indeed look fit for a king and could offer an ideal home for you or others as they visit this lovely region.
Final thoughts
Though it is Thailand’s northernmost region, Chiang Rai is definitely not an area to be missed out on, and the friendliness and low cost of living make it an ideal place to buy or rent a property in. Whether you prefer the hustle and bustle of Chiang Rai City and its night markets and shops, or the nature and beauty of districts a little further afield, there is sure to be something for everyone in this magical place.
