Old Thailand—Chiang Rai

This is what Thailand is about: Chiang Rai, north Thailand, and the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Burma, and Laos meet. Chiang Rai is one of Thailand's oldest cities. It's a city of canals and has a fantastic Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Kaew. The town is small, but it some US fast-food restaurants.

Quick Tips:

This is an excellent opportunity to walk across the bridge to Burma (if it's open), and definitely to see the hill tribes in the Mae Salong village.

Best Way To Get Around:

In the town, the best way to get around is to walk. If you want to go any distance, get a pedicab or long-distance taxi, or rent a van with a driver.

I am sure I don't know all the hotels in Chiang Rai, but the ones I did see do not come close to the Dusit. A first-class accommodation, it's located on an island overlooking the Mekong River. It's about 1 mile to the center of town. It's a nice walk, but you can take a pedicab; they are at the entrance of the hotel. There are three restaurants, all excellent. The decor of the hotel is fantastic, with a tennis court and fitness center.

Just about 10 yards from the hotel is the Hotels Thai massage building. Now, for those who have not had a Thai massage, you are in for a treat—make that an adventure. First you are asked to put on an outfit (like a Judo outfit), and then the person who is giving the massage attempts to get your right leg over your left shoulder and then it just continues. An adventure, the traditional Thai massage is a little hard. Ask before you try one.