Travelers to Thailand can be generally sorted into two groups: beach-goers and trekkers. The former usually head south to Phuket and the islands; the latter head north, to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is in Thailand's northernmost province, only a couple of hours from the borders of both Burma (Myanmar) and Laos. Most hotels in the city are centralized along Phahonyothin and Banphaprakan Streets, though some are further from downtown.
Located in the center of Chiang Rai, the Golden Triangle Inn embraces a relaxed lifestyle and is a true retreat from city life. The rooms don't have TV, but the hotel is situated in a well-manicured garden. There is a restaurant on site and hotel services include a travel agency and a car-rental office. The rooms are air-conditioned or fan-cooled. Both single and double rooms are available.
Also located in the center of Chiang Rai, the Wangcome Hotel is one of the larger hotels in the city. It has a small pool and two restaurants, a coffee shop and a bar. The Wangcome has six different types of rooms, from the superior room to the royal suite. Standard rooms have televisions with satellite TV, mini-bars and controllable air conditioning. Paying in U.S. dollars is cheaper, as of January, 2011 rates, than paying in Thai Bhat.
One of the city's most opulent hotels lies a couple of miles from the city center. Rooms are sorted into villas and studios and are luxuriously furnished. The bathrooms are huge and meant to look like outdoor areas, with bare stone walls and trees growing inside. One villa has a private pool, though the hotel has a communal pool as well. Additionally, the Legend has three restaurants and a spa. Multi-night packages are available for big savings, so if you're planning on staying in the north of Thailand for a while, book early.
Those who come to Chiang Rai for trekking may wish to consider staying outside the city, high in the mountains at a traditional Akha guest house like the Akha Hill House. Run by a group of Akha tribespeople, this guest house is the starting point for treks in the area and is located a few miles outside of Chiang Rai. The guest house is simple but comfortable and quite off-the-grid. The group also runs the Akha River House in Chiang Rai. It has bungalows and guesthouses and a new two-story hotel with standard rooms. The River House features in-room spa treatments and an on-site restaurant serving a combination of Thai classics and Western dishes. All proceeds at both hotels are put towards community projects.
