|
 |  | |
|
|
about Asia Buzz
Culture on Demand: Chiang Rai
This northern Thailand city is enjoying a renaissance
By STAN STALNAKER
December 15, 2000
Web posted at 7:05 p.m. Hong Kong time, 6:05 a.m. EDT
Being in Chiang Rai, Thailand, for too long is truly frightening. The neon
lights, the late nights, the bus fumes, not to mention the fatal attraction to
branded goods...they all take their toll.
| |
ASIA BUZZ |
|
Asia Buzz: Legal Eagle
How many lawyers does it take to oust a President?
-
Monday, December 11, 2000
Asia Buzz: Behind the Times
Asia doesn't innovate too well
-
Thursday, December 7, 2000
Asia Buzz: Passing Trends
How the Net changed my life
-
Tuseday, December 5, 2000
Culture on Demand: Black is Beautiful
The American Express black card is the ultimate status symbol
-
Friday, December 1, 2000
Asia Buzz: Should the Net Be Free?
Web heads want it all -- for nothing
-
Thursday, November 30, 2000
Asia Buzz: Those Were the Days
Hype doesn't sell. Results do
-
Tuesday, November 28, 2000
|
|
ASIAWEEK |
Intelligence
The story behind today's news from the editors of Asiaweek
|
|
The city, though, is countered by the lovely countryside and it is this
combination that makes Chiang Rai one of the current "in-the-know" weekend spots
in Asia. The small city located in the northern hub of the country is enjoying a
renaissance as a favorite destination for Thai's in search of a short weekend
break from Bangkok -- the metropolis of grand and slightly overwhelming
proportion.
Tucked between the borders of Laos and Burma, Chiang Rai is just a mountain
range away from the trials and tribulations that beset both neighboring
countries. A frontier spirit prevails, but a certain sense of smugness is worn
on the faces of visitors, who have discovered that a misty cool morning can
offer greater relaxation than another morning baking on the chaise lounge in
Phuket.
Little of the drama traditionally associated with this part of the world
infiltrates the visitor. Between the neighbors over the hill and the fact that
this is the heart of the Golden Triangle, one might expect the area to offer
rather shady sorts of entertainment or perhaps a tinge of danger. The reality is
beautiful countryside, with the accompanying slow rhythms and big bright stars.
So don't worry, the machine-gun toting guards at the airport must be there only
for dramatic affect.
North of Chiang Rai is where this ideal locale is at its sweetest -- the town
itself is not a place to rest for long, but just outside, the visitor will find
pursuits of pleasure: from jungle trekking and tourist-oriented elephant rides
to golf on perfectly manicured fairways and greens. The golf here is good --
challenging, not too hot, not raining (this time of year), and the caddies would
swing for you if they could. The Waterford Valley Country Club, which opened in
1996, is the only place to play, with its wide, undulating fairways and nice
panoramas of the mountains and valley.
Other things worth noting: Bring mosquito spray and long sleeves for the
evening, drink the bottled water, and spend at least one night out under the
stars. Some Thai's like to just grab a knapsack and head out for the weekend,
communing with nature to remember what makes life worth living -- and the city
worth escaping.
Who knows, you may even see a python that's not a handbag. Imagine that.
Write
to TIME at mail@web.timeasia.com
TIME Asia home
|
|
LATEST HEADLINES:
|
Click Here for the latest regional analysis from TIME Asia
|
|
|
