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Chiang Rai– Chiang Mai: A Great Low-budgeted Trip
A trip of five days with a budget of 4,000 baht is difficult. However, the one-way trip between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai does not require much money. With a good plan, you can still make the most out of the minimal budget.
Day 1: Budget 500 baht
Starting from Chiang Rai, there is a famous attraction you can visit for free: Singha Park. The landscaped Farm and Garden now becoming a sustainable tourism project, scattered with fruit orchards, tea plantations as well as some of the original barley fields. Save your budget on activities such as zip lining (800 baht per person) or Cycling (150 baht per hour).
A short drive away is Wat Rong Khun, better known as “The White Temple.” The temple is filled with a magnificent and ornate decoration with Buddhist symbolism, from the design, the architectural design, sculptures, reliefs to the mirror decoration.
Day 2: Budget 400 baht
Exploring Chiang Rai town does not cost a lot of money if you manage to rent a scooter, which is usually around 300 baht a day. Baan Dam or the “Black House” (admission fee 80 baht) is a unique creation of the late national artist Thawan Dutchanee. The studio and museum are located in the northern Thai buildings and rich in creative art. Then, spend the afternoon exploring the traditional Buddhist art at Wat Phra Kaew, one of the oldest Temples in the city, once home to Emerald Buddha. You will be amazed by the striking architecture and the ornate relief decoration at Wat Klang Wieng, where Chiang Rai’s city pillar is located.
Day 3: Budget 400 baht
Take the Green Bus to Chiang Mai (3 hours, 258 baht per person). After refreshment, you can easily explore the bustling city of Chiang Mai. Rent a bike (50 baht per day) and quickly make your way to witness the mural and beautiful Buddha image at Wat Phra Sing, the wonderfully carved gable of Wat Pun Tao and the gigantic remain of a massive pagoda at Wat Chedi Luang.
Day 4: Budget 200 baht
Take a van to Mae Kampong (150 baht) and spend a relaxing day admid the greenery of a peaceful Village. Mae Kampong is famous for its pleasant weather admidst the embrace of lush mountains. Learn about the Culture of pickled tea leaves that feeds the entire village for decades.
Day 5: Budget 200 baht
Experience life in harmony with the nature in Mae Kampong Village, and dip in the waterfall. On the way back to Chiang Mai, you can stop by the hot spring of San Kamphaeng or visit Bor Sang which is packed with millions of Chiang Mai’s handicrafts.
Visiting these attractions does not require much money. If you set a budget for accommodation at around 500 baht per night, the target of a 4,000 baht trip to Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai can be achieved.