Introduction to Chiang Rai

Greetings everyone.This Blog serves to be an informative article to anyone who has an interest in travelling to the exciting,adventurous and beautiful country of Thailand.I am currently living in Chiang Rai,a northern province of Thailand.I will be providing first hand account experiences and traveller tips that can help and assist those seeking to explore this region.First a little F.Y.I. about Chiang Rai.Chaing Rai is a more conservative and traditional region than its counterparts.The greeting customs are taken more seriously here,(Sa-wa-dee-krab, if you are male..Sa-wa-dee-ka,if you are female) and greeting a Thai with said phrases,followed by a "praying,head bowing gesture"( know as the "wai") is welcomed by all Thai's and a win-win situation for any tourist looking to gain a friendly smile or apreciation of bridging this cultural gap.This region even has its own dialect,known as "native dialect" or "northern thai dialect" which is more formal and title adressing than the middle and southern parts of Thailand. Chiang Rai,like most parts of Thailand,is a self-made land with small businesses on almost every street corner,ranging from coffee shops to boutiques,and the ever present mini food stalls and stands that serve staples such as noodles,rice,and assorted chicken,fish,pork and vegetable dishes.There are no big,global franchises to be seen here,with the exception of 7-11 convenience stores, which preserves the character of Chiang Rai.The culture is a very self-explorative culture,with fashion,coffee shop hopping and technological trends picked up by western influences,but not governed by them like the first world.There are many coffee shops trending in Chiang Rai with each shop putting its own unique spin on the global trend,with all the usual favourites,mocha's,cappuccino's,latte's either hot,iced or frappe style and all exceptionally great tasting and at a third of the price that one would pay in First world countries.The coffees range from 45bhat to 90bhat which is $1.5 to $3 in American currency.Great deal for the budget coffee enthusiast.Chiang Rai is a much more quiter,less frenetic experience than either Bangkok,or Chiang Mai.It has a much larger natural,untouched landscape for those seeking to explore the countryside and squeeze in some backpacking or to take a break from city life and just sit and enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of Chiang Rai.And for the occasional tourist who misses their favourite food,there is a top notch Italian restaurant serving some of the finest european beers and best tasting pizza available.Another restaurant can provide those looking for wings,pasta's,burgers etc..at a more expensive price than traditional thai cuisine orientated restaurants,but not so much to hurt the traveller's pocket..no more than what one would pay in their home country.Accomodation is another less stressful concern when in travelling Chiang Rai.If like most tourists,you have a two month stay issued on your international passport.Hotels are cheap,but can be costly in the long run.I am staying in a room which has great working air conditioning,free fast speed internet,a mini bar fridge,a flat screen tv with dvd player,a king size bed, decor hinting on contemporary feng shui,a hot shower,running electricity,tiled flooring and a well mantained contemporary exterior of the building.One can rent a room for 300bhat a day($10) or 4,500 bhat a month($146) For one who does not spend much time in my room and dont like to be pampered with room service etc,this is perfect for me as a geteway.This is a backpackers sanctuary!!!Well that was the grouding basics,I will now proceed further into the traveller destinations of the Majestic Chiang Rai.