Thailand is a country known not only for its exciting nightlife but also for its cities with remnants of ancient culture. The town of Chiang Rai; once the capital of the Mengrai dynasty, is no exception to this. It is home to a number of hill tribes including Akhas, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, Lisu, Mien and Long Neck Karen (Padong) communities.
Capturing a Long Forgotten Past; Chiang Rai Hill Tribe Museum and Education Center
The Hill Tribe Museum and Education Center is a perfect place to visit to experience and understand the age old cultures of these tribes. Run by a public benefit organization, the museum focuses on preserving the tribal way of life as well as creating awareness about it.
With displays of intricately handcrafted tools, utensils, brightly coloured costumes and artifacts, the museum definitely takes you back in time. The demonstration by tribal villagers gives a firsthand experience of their day to day life. The tribe’s welcome dance is a breathtaking sight, with members wearing traditional headdresses and customary attires in vibrant hues. The Museum’s bamboo room also hosts traditional hunting, agricultural and fishing equipment used by these communities.
Because of its location in the Golden Triangle; a place where Laos, Burma and Thailand come together, Chiang Rai was once the center of opium activity. A key attraction of The Hill Tribe Museum and Education Centre is its display of the city’s opium history, which spans almost 5,500 years. From quaint opium pillows to elaborate opium pipes, antique weighing scales to legendary opium stories, each exhibit paints a vivid picture of the glorious past of opium trade.
Apart from the Hill Tribe and Museum Center, the city also has a number of Buddhist shrines including the Emerald Buddha, art galleries, cultural parks, trekking tours and night markets. The Kok River bank, popularly called Chiang Rai beach and known amongst locals as Little Pattaya, is another picturesque location for tourists to unwind.
There is no shortage for accommodation in this charming town. There are many a hotel in Chiang Rai that cater to the needs of the different travellers. For those who want to experience a bit of luxury, the Anantara Golden Triangle Thailand resort and spa offers perfectly indulgent hospitality. With enchanting views of lush bamboo jungles and glorious sunsets revealed by the shying away mist, it is one of the finest among Chiang Rai Hotels. Centrally located in the Golden Triangle, the hotel offers a unique experience of gazing at views of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand from one place.
