Chiang Rai also retains some of the small-town charm now relatively lacking in places like Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Chiang Rai has a charm which has disappeared from many of Thailands cities, such as Chiang Mai and most certainly, Bangkok.Chiangrai is the city is small enough to meander around, be it down by the river and Chiang Rai Beach or in the nearby hills and forest parks. There are very few inclines so cycling is an easy and pleasant way to see the city. The main roads have some fairly heavy traffic, but the back routes and sois interconnect.