Chiang Rai Overview Chiang Rai is often considered Thailands most northern city (Mae Sai being a large town). It may be in Chiang Mai's shadow as far as numbers and tourism is concerned but it is very much a city all on its own when it comes to other Thai locations. It has an impressive city wall and the Chinese influence is markedly more noticeable.acertainly the inhabitants of this city are by intently different to the Bangkokians further south, even more so than Chiang Mai. Indeed traditional practices and ritual still hold sway here more than southern Thailand. The local language and dialect differs even down to the tempo of the speech (Northern Thai is at a slower pace). The air is cleaner but can suffer a bit from the 'slash and burn' effects by Thai farmers further afield. This normally becomes noticeable in the summer months (May - August). This is not severe for, unlike Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is not built against high mountains therefore the 'smog' doesn't become 'trapped' and lingering about.
Often mis-spelt 'Chang Rai' the city now has a sizable expat population. Advantages over Chiang Rai include; cheaper, quieter, cleaner air quality and cooler. The downside to Chiang Rai is that it may become a very boring place to live in if you're single. Chang Rai Facts Founded: A.D Population: 170,000 (Metropolitan) Size (Municiple): 20 Sq. Miles Distance from Capital by Air: 430 miles Distance from Capital by Road: 480 miles Typical Visa Run Destination: Mae Sai Seasons and Weather. Despite Chiang Rai being one of the most northerly of the Thai cities the heat can still get to you in the month of April. The wettest is normally September and the coldest is usually December and January. Cool Season - October to February. Avg Temp - 20 C Hot Season - March to May. Avg Temp - 29 C Wet Season - June to September. Avg Temp - 26 C. Provincial Map of Chiang Mai |
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