Chiang Rai (July 27-29, 2025):
United Arab Emirates:
Abu Dhabi
Singapore:
Singapore
Malaysia:
Langkawi
Kuala Lumpur
Thailand:
Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai
Sukhothai
Bangkok
Vietnam:
Hanoi
Halong Bay
Phú Quoc
Chiang Rai history in a few lines:
Foundation:
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom in northern Thailand.
Cultural center:
For centuries it was an important center of Lanna art and culture, with its own temples and traditions.
Regional influence:
It was part of trade routes between Burma, Laos and China, which gave it a unique cultural mix.
19th Century:
It became part of the Kingdom of Siam (present-day Thailand), while maintaining its northern identity.
Present:
Today it is known for its iconic temples such as Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), the Blue Temple, and for being the gateway to the Golden Triangle, a historic opium trading area
We took a full-day tour (around €40 per person) which was highly recommended. Besides that, Chiang Rai has tons of temples of all types and sizes, so it's worth exploring on foot since the town isn't very big. You absolutely need to have cash.
Chiang Rai was the only day the rain paid us a heavy visit, but that didn't ruin our trip; we loved everything.
The rainy season is July and August, so bring a raincoat. It's not cold. People wear flip-flops, and I recommend doing the same.
The people are very kind, patient, calm, and helpful with everything.
Where to eat lunch/dinner:
Barrab restaurant: only accepts cash payments
Sooknirund Hotel: You can pay by card.
Highlights of the excursion we took:
The White Temple: It's really beautiful.
The Blue Temple: Much smaller. Free admission.
The Black House: It surprised us in a good way and amused us.
Local restaurant: An all-you-can-eat buffet, good. It's right outside The Black House.
Village of the giraffe women: It's interesting to see them, but it's just one street market made for tourists and there's nothing else to it.
Tea Plantation: They offer tastings of the different types of tea they make. The area is beautiful. Buying tea is worthwhile.
Golden Triangle: It's great to see that spot from the viewpoint or from the lower area. We took a walk around on our own and enjoyed it.
Opium Museum: Perhaps that's what we liked least, it's very small.
In Chiang Rai, as in Chiang Mai, I take my hat off to the electricians… 🤣
And with the well-behaved birds too… we didn't receive a single little gift…:
Chiang Rai goes very well with Bangkok because it forms a natural part of a route that connects the capital → cultural north → iconic temples, and with Chiang Mai because they are closely linked by road and allow a balanced journey between nature, mountains and religious heritage.
Flight: In this case we took a bus in Chiang Mai for €10 through the company 12GO.asia which was amazing.
Hotel: Mercy Hostel €40 for two people, two days. Breakfast is included, but it's not the best thing about it. The pool table, the peace and quiet, and the atmosphere make up for it. We booked a room just for ourselves, but you can also share with other backpackers. It's close to everything.
Travel insurance: Heymondo (Tranquility trip, for 22 days): €80/person.Flight: In this case we took a bus in Chiang Mai for €10 through the company 12GO.asia which was amazing.
Information obtained from the web https://www.exteriores.gob.es
Passport: required with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Visa: No visa is required, but from May 1, 2025, the following document must be completed 3 days before arrival in Thailand: Thailand Digital Arrival Card – TDAC.
Travel insurance: It is recommended to have road insuranceHeh. The best known and most complete ones are Iati y Heymondo, if we don't need insuranceWe'll grab him with... oh fat Globalfine which is much cheaper.
Vaccines:
Mandatory: Yellow fever for those coming from areas affected by this disease. Check here. linkthe list of countries to which this requirement applies.
Recommended: Hepatitis A and B, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, tetanus and BCG (tuberculosis).
We didn't wear any, but that's the recommendation.
Badge: Baht (BAHT).
Payment card/currency exchange: we always go with Revolut y N26.
Roaming: NO Yes, so if you have data enabled, you might get a nice little gift in return. We recommend it. Airalo in Asia better than Holafly.
GPS: Maps.me Download the maps for Spain and they work great offline, whether you're on foot, by car, or on public transport.
Translator: It's gotten us out of a few tight spots; it's a translator that doesn't require an internet connection, just download the language before you leave and you're good to go. Offline translator.
International driving permit: It is necessary because it does not belong to the EU. It order through the website DGT. We remind you that they drive on the left because it was a British colony. The app GRAB It works very well and is very cheap.
The card costs €10.51. The good thing is you can order it online and pick it up without an appointment. It took a couple of days for ours, then you go to pick it up and it's a cardboard card like the ones they had 20 years ago.
Other destinations in Thailand: 
