PRINCESS MOTHER'S FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER THE PROVINCE

Getting around Chiang Rai town, you can rest assured you won't come across anything that would make your heart beat faster. The province has somehow managed to retain its tranquility, which in fact is its genuine charm.

"People here still lead an easy-going lifestyle. They don't go shopping on weekends but rather go or eat out with their family," said Nareerat Wisespoka, the sales and public relations manager of Dusit Island Resort, a native of the province.

Tourism development has been pretty slow. There was a time when Chiang Rai received plenty of attention, with a large number of Thais travelling there to visit royally-sponsored development projects on Doi Tung. That was when Princess Mother lived there. She had made Chiang Rai her home.

"During that time, Chiang Rai was very busy. A lot of famous personalities came here to work for the Princess Mother's projects," recalled Nareerat.

After the Princess Mother passed away, Chiang Rai hasn't seen any major tourist developments, although the projects initiated by her _ and run by the Mae Fah Luang Foundation _ are still going strong.

One of them is the Hall of Opium (www.goldentrianglepark.com), a museum in Chiang Saen District. It takes visitors into the history of opium, its influence on mankind and society, the Opium Wars and other events using state-of-the-art multimedia technology. The tour lasts an hour and a half.

Another interesting but not so well-known attraction is Rai Mae Fah Luang in Muang District. The 150-rai facility also run by the foundation aspires to be the art and cultural centre of Chiang Rai. It showcases the cultures of northern Thailand , Lanna in particular.

Points of interest at Rai Mae Fah Luang include Haw Kham Luang, Haw Kham Noi, and Haw Kaew which features Lanna architecture. The Haw Kam Luang exhibits Lanna cultural heritage such as ancient Buddha images and carvings, while Haw Kaew features a collection of teakwood carvings.

When in Chiang Rai make it a point to visit the Wat Rong Khun temple, a creation of national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple is an architectural wonder. Also visit the Mae Sai Thai-Burmese border market.

Previously it used to be a small market but these days it's much bigger as a result of the influx of cheap Chinese goods from the Burmese side of the border.

Visitors can cross the Thai border to Thachilek on the Burmese side where they can hunt for cheap pirated VCDs and copycats of brandname products.

Doi Tung Royal Project is still a major attraction. It has a state-of-the-art museum which highlights the life and works of HRH the Princess Mother in an entertaining manner.

After visiting these attractions you will understand better why Chiang Rai is unique.
Bangkok Post August 2005 www.bangkokpost.com