Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost significant city, and a place filled with many spectacular attractions. The city itself was founded sometime in the 1200s and became the capital during the Mangrai Dynasty. The city is also the site of the famous Jade Buddha, which was uncovered during the 1400s when either an earthquake or a bolt of lightning split a stupa containing the statue, there are several accounts however on how the statue was discovered. If you’re visiting this renowned city there is many a hotel Chiang Rai has to offer such as the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort.
In Chiang Rai there exists a somewhat hidden place that is famous for its beauty and breath-taking sights. It is a renowned hill-top that offers unforgettable views of the Thai countryside as well as Laos. With sprawling green hills and misty mountains, people who have visited this place will claim their troubles simply evaporated once they arrived in what is known as Doi Pha Tang.
It will take you approximately two hours to reach Doi Pha Tang from Chiang Rai, since it is around a hundred-and-thirty kilometres away.
In addition to magnificent sights, you will also be able to experience some equally amazing cultures as well. Doi Pha Tang is home to the Yao, Hmong, and Chinese Haw minorities of Thailand. The Hmong people immigrated to Thailand seeking asylum after they were recruited by the CIA to battle in the Vietnam War as well as the first and second Indochina wars. The Yao people were rebels against the Ming Dynasty, and also have their own unique culture.
If you ever find yourself in Northern Thailand this is definitely one of the most essential places to visit since you will get to experience a whole range of things, from awe-inspiring sights to a exotic cultures. Doi Pha Tang is definitely a retreat like no other.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
