Chiang Rai Local Customs

Chiang Rai is the northern-most province in Thailand, and it is the closest to Yunnan province of China. A boat trip up to China take about 2 days on the Mekong River.

You will likely encounter people who can speak Chinese (Mandarin) in Chiang Rai province. Not only in the former KMT soldier villages (eg. Mae Salong), but also in Chiang Rai city and the border town of Mae Sai. Most shop owners there can speak Chinese.

The street signs in Chinag Rai city are triligual: Thai, English and Chinese.

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I love walking around local markets and this one is located to the north of the clock tower and worthy of a visit to see everyday Thai life. It was one of the best I saw in Thailand.

Between Th Utarakit & Th Thanalai along Th Suksathit.

All over the Chiang rai area, and especially in the border areas with Burma and Laos, opium seems to be widely grown and sold. Many hilltribe people - elderly in particular, make regular use of it, and will possibly try to sell you some. In case you're thinking about it, please reconsider? The police regularily pulls out buses and checks people and their belongings - and I don't think you'd like to spend some time in a Thai jail. Our bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Sean was stopped twice on our way there, and three times on the way back. Everyone on the bus, including monks, were checked - my friend and I, never. Still wondering why...

With such demand to see the hill tribes, visits to hill tribe villages and hill tribe treks have become a money making business giving rise to many ethical questions over how this is being carried out. There are concerns about the impact of tourism to villages, erosion of local culture and the environment and whether the villagers are getting a fair deal from tourism.

Almost all tour agencies in Northern Thailand advertise tours to hill tribe villages, unfortunately most of these are to villages which have been modified for the tourist, so the experience is not in its natural setting. These villages typically charge an entrance fee and stands are set up inside where villagers sell souvenirs and handicrafts. Even the souvenirs and handicrafts are not handmade by themselves but sourced from town. Some also argue that the hill tribes are being exploited by the company that manages the entrance fees, and do not receive a fair pay.
With a little bit of research it is possible to find tour agencies that offer an authentic and ethical experience of the hill tribes.

So when inside a village what are the “do’s and don’ts” and how do you make sure you a responsible tourist? Here are some tips:
• Always ask for permission before taking photos. Communicate this through body language or ask your guide to help
• If you want to make a donation the proper channels should be used, so talk to your guide as they will know best how to do this.
• Avoid creating a culture of begging by not handing gifts or money out individually
• Show respect for religious symbols or spirit catchers which are often at the front of the village or house
• Support their livelihoods through buying handicrafts they make. This is a great way to help and a more sustainable option than donations
• Dress politely and modestly
• Common sense and courtesy should prevail. Remember a smile goes a long way!
• If you minimise your cultural and environmental impact you can’t go far wrong.

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At temples you may see vendors who sell bowl full of coins.

"There are 108 bowls at temple. You throw one coin in each bowel. The action would bring you good luck. The rest you can keep them with you for luck as well".