Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai Free Travel
For the free travel in Chiang Mai + Chiang Rai
Transportation: I rented a motorcycle in Chiang Mai, as I am a rider myself. Safety varies from person to person; if you can ride, it's fine. For those who can't ride or are just average, it's advisable to maintain balance! Some sections in Chiang Mai, like Nimman Road, are quite challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow roads.
As for the Thai JC checkpoints, I didn't encounter any during my two-day rental, but I heard that if you're caught, a fine of 500 Thai Baht is sufficient and you can continue riding.
There are plenty of car rentals on the streets of Chiang Mai, with fairly uniform prices. I rented near my hotel for convenience, at a price of 250 Thai Baht per day (24 hours means if you take it at 3 pm today, you return it at 3 pm the next day) with a deposit of 3000 Thai Baht (instant refund upon return).
For Chiang Rai, I rented a car to drive myself. It took about 3 hours to get there, and a bit longer, around 3 hours and 30 minutes, on the way back because it was dark and I drove slower. The cost was 4500 Thai Baht (also for 24 hours), with a deposit of 5000 Thai Baht. Although Thailand has right-hand drive vehicles, which I was not very familiar with, I got used to it after driving around Chiang Mai city for a while and remembering the turns. There's no expressway from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, it's like a national highway in China. Thai drivers are quite disciplined and honestly, they have better driving etiquette than in China, so it's quite safe. Just be careful when driving at night on mountain roads, as they have sharper and steeper curves than ours.
Accommodation: I recommend staying near Tha Phae Gate in Chiang Mai for convenience, as there are many 7-11s around.
Finally, I visited some classic places. I understand that Chiang Mai, like our Lhasa, has many temples and is a holy Buddhist land, so I mostly visited temples to worship. I went to the Wat Phra That Doi Suthep (which houses a relic of the Buddha),
the Great Buddha Stupa,
and in Chiang Rai, the White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House.
The temple lived up to its picturesque portrayal, though I recommend timing your visit to avoid the crowds. The site was overwhelmingly packed, detracting from its potential tranquility and giving it a heavily touristic feel. Fortunately, my photography skills—and evidently those of others sharing their experiences online—managed to capture its essence, presenting a serene facade that contrasted sharply with the bustling atmosphere I encountered.
Touristy but nice, can roaming around and take picture for free. Only pay if we want to go inside the temple. Easy to reach every hour (morning-afternoon) by public bus from Chiang rai bus terminal.
grand is the word. glares under the sun. a must go in Chiang Rai to appreciate the art work. also must visit the gallery
A beautiful temple. Most of the temples in Thai come with golden color but this one is really white and when you take a closer look it was so detailed. once it catches the sunlight it becomes more beautiful and shiny
Chiang Rai's White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, stands as an architectural marvel amidst serene landscapes. Nestled in northern Thailand, this ethereal structure captivates with its gleaming white facade and intricate design. Reflecting in a nearby pond, the temple creates a tranquil ambiance. Surrounded by lush greenery and against the backdrop of the Thai sky, the White Temple embodies both cultural richness and natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a serene escape in a breathtaking setting.
[View] The building is very local, [Fun] A family of young and old come here, can also learn some knowledge, harvest is quite good [Cost-effective] Very good, the eyes are bright, good