Chiang Rai

12 13Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In route which winds along a steepprecipice. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe,with a smattering of Akha, Hmong and Muser. Doi Hua MaeKham is most scenic in November when the yellow WildSunflowers are in full bloom.Amphoe Mae SaiMae SaiThis border town is the northernmost point of Thailand, facingMyanmar across the Mae Sai River, and is located 61 kilometresnorth of Chiang Rai on Highway 110. The town presents greatshopping opportunities for buying popular Thai, Burmese andChinese goods.Doi Mae SalongAmphoe Mae Fa LuangDoi Mae SalongLocated some 40 kilometres beyond Mae Chan, the ruggedmountain of Doi Mae Salong is topped by a settlement knownas Santi Khiri, home to descendants of Chinese Nationalistsoldiers who settled in the area in the 1940s. The mountainsideplantations of coffee and fruit orchards provide scenic variety,especially picturesque in December and January when Thaicherry trees are in blossom. Hotels, restaurants, horse-riding andtrekking are among the major attractions.Doi TungThis northernmost mountain offers several attractions, includingDoi Tung Royal Villa, built for the late Princess Mother anddesigned in an architectural combination of Lanna and Swisschalet styles; the Mae Fa Luang Botanical Garden, withcolourful plants and trees of many different species within rock,aqua, palm and flower gardens, and various hilltribe villages.The mountain is topped by the revered temple of Wat PhrathatDoi Tung, which contains Buddha relics and also commands aspectacular panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.Khun Nam Nang NonThe name translates as “ lagoon of the sleeping lady” and isderived from a natural rock formation that resembles a recliningwoman. It is located 12 kilometres before reaching the town ofMae Sai along a 2-kilometre spur road.Tham Pum-Tham Pla (Reed & Fish Caverns)Located 1 kilometre north of Khun Nam Nang Non, these cavesare known for their spectacular interiors.Tham Pha ChomThis cave, 2.5 kilometres west of Mae Sai, is noted for itsbeautiful stalactites and as a place for meditation.Amphoe Chiang SaenChiang SaenThe town of Chiang Saen, delightfully situated on the banks ofthe Mekong River, is the site of an ancient settlement thatpredates Chiang Rai and survives in the ruins of city walls,moats, gateways and temples.Doi Hua Mae KhamPha Mi Akha VillageThis picturesque hilltribe village is one of the most accessibleAkha settlements in Chiang Rai province, located on the way tothe summit of Doi Tung.Doi Hua Mae KhamThe site is the domicile of the hilltribe near the Thai-Burmeseborder, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban