Chiang Rai
— The northern frontier.
"Mist-covered mountains and ancient Lanna culture mark the beginning of the journey. A region defined by striking contemporary temples and deep mountain traditions."
- The surreal White Temple
- Lanna heritage and art
- Mist-covered tea plantations
- Hill-tribe communities
Chiang Rai marks the northern frontier of the Mekong experience. Nestled in the mist-covered mountains of northern Thailand, it is a region defined by its striking contemporary art, ancient Lanna culture, and the dramatic approach to the river.
The Mekong here is a boundary, a remote ribbon of water winding through steep valleys and dense jungle. The atmosphere is crisp, cool, and deeply atmospheric. Chiang Rai is famous for its surreal White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a dazzling piece of contemporary architecture that contrasts sharply with the deep, ancient traditions of the surrounding hill tribes.
The journey to the river is a descent from the misty highlands into the profound valleys that shape the upper reaches of the Mekong. It is a place of anticipation, where the traveler feels the quiet, brooding power of the river before it begins its long journey south.
Journeys featuring Chiang Rai
The Hidden Tributaries
5 Days / 4 Nights
The Full Mekong Story
10 Days / 9 Nights
Rivers of Indochina
15 Days / 14 Nights
Our travel artisans can tailor any itinerary to spend more time discovering the secrets of Chiang Rai.
Ships Sailing Chiang Rai
Discover the exquisite vessels that navigate these waters, offering unparalleled luxury and intimate access to the region's hidden wonders.
Anouvong
Named after the last king of Vientiane, the Anouvong carries a quiet nobility through the upper Mekong. The slow bends of the Laotian river suit her temperament — unhurried, golden, and impossibly serene.
Bohème
The Bohème attracts a certain kind of traveller — curious, unhurried, with a sketchpad or a camera never far from hand. She moves through Laos's most painterly stretches of river with the spirit of an artist and the comfort of a luxury vessel.
Mekong Pearl
The Mekong Pearl navigates the upper river with elegance — 18 well-appointed cabins, a generous sundeck, and guides who have been walking these villages for years. Laos's ancient rhythm becomes your own.
Laos Pandaw
A classic Pandaw vessel built to the original 1947 blueprint — all teak and brass, with the open veranda decks that let the Laotian breeze in at all hours. Her itineraries reach the remote northern stretches most ships never attempt.
