The opening of Thailand’s Chiang Rai to Cambodian travellers could spur tourism and trade between both countries.

Over 800,000 Cambodians travel to neighbouring Thailand for vacation every year and close to 300,000 Thai visitors visit the Kingdom.

Thailand is reinventing its tourism sector. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has selected four new emerging cities across the Kingdom to position them as “Family Friendly Destinations” – part of their strategy to hit the 41 million tourist arrival target this year.

The four emerging cities earmarked are Chiang Rai, Phitsanulok-sukhothai, Trat-Chanthaburi, Hat Yai-Satun – which are being promoted as family tourism destinations.

“People only know about Chiang Mai and the white temple [Wat Rong Khun] in Chiang Rai, but now we want tourists to explore more friendly community-based places.

“The two countries (Cambodia and Thailand) share the same border and it is easy to travel. Cambodian visitors are important to Thailand and their numbers are increasing every year as more Cambodians can now afford to travel abroad.

The delicious northern Thai cuisine.

“We want Cambodians to explore Chiang Rai and other emerging destinations,” Chattan Kunjara Na Ayudhaya, TAT’s deputy governor for International Marketing, Asia and South Pacific told The Post.

He was speaking to some 60 international journalists and travel agents who attended a special familiarisation trip organised by TAT from 4 to 7 April, which took participants from Bangkok to the four destinations to promote the new family holiday spots.

Cambodia and Thailand enjoy close bilateral relations and two-way trade reached $8.4 billion last year compared to $6.1 billion in 2017.

Bilateral trade has expanded at an annual average rate of 15 per cent over the past five years and expected to hit $15 billion in 2020.

The scenic Mae Fah Luang flower garden.

Chiang Rai’s hidden treasures

The northern province of Chiang Rai, located about 785 kilometres from Bangkok, is now being touted as major tourist attraction due to its rich tourism resources such as natural attractions and antiquities, and it’s also home to several hill tribes.

The province, with about 1.2 million people, borders Shan State in Myanmar to the north, Bokeo Province of Laos to the east, Phayao to the south, Lampang to the southwest, and Chiang Mai to the west.

Last year, about 170,000 foreign tourists visited Chiang Rai.

A traditional musical performance in progress.

Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden

Royal Villa was originally built as a summer residence of Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, and to display her works to improve the quality of life of local tribal people. The Mae Fah Luang Gardens is a botanical park located on the slopes below the Royal Villa. The garden of Doi Tung is adorned with hundreds of species of beautiful temperate plants and flowers

The golden face mask made of silk worms.

Wat Rong Khun

Better known as the White Temple, it is embedded with mirror glass mosaic which reflects the purity of Lord Buddha, and designed to be viewed during moonlight. It was constructed in 1997 and located at Ban Rong Khun, Tambong Pa O Don Chai, along Phahonyothin roadside, approximately 12 km from the city. The temple was designed and built by Achan Chaloemchai Khositphiphat, a Thai architect.

Golden Triangle

Golden Triangle, once known for narcotics trade, is now being developed as an attractive tourist destination. It borders Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. Visitors can get a glimpse of the village life along the riverside settlements while cruising long the Mekong River. The area is being developed as a tourist site and to enshrine Buddha’s image named Phra Bhutha Nawa Lan Tuer.

Quality coffee beans from Chiang Rai.

Historic Chiang Saen City

Chiang Saen City is situated on the western bank of the Mekong River in Chiang Saen district of Chiang Rai province. The ancient Chiang Saen is known for stone architecture, pagodas and its green environment.

Singha Park

Singha Park Chiang Rai is an agro-tourism park that spans over 3,400 acres and surrounded by tea plantation. The park is most popular place for tourists visiting Chiang Rai.

Tourists can also visit Baan Pha Hi and Pang Ha communities. Baan Pha Hi is known for its organic coffee beans while Pang Ha is famous for golden silk facial mask made from silk worms.