Traveling to Chiang Rai (เมืองเชียงราย), Northern Thailand

Chiang Rai (เมืองเชียงราย) is a city in northern Thailand that I’ve always wanted to visit, and finally I had a chance to go. Keep watching this video for all the details.
From Bangkok, I first bought a plane ticket with Bangkok Airways - it was also my first time to fly with Bangkok Airways, though I had heard good things about them before. Our flight was in the morning so we took a taxi in Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi International Airport to catch our flight. After we checked it, we headed to our gate, and were greeted by a nice little display of snacks and coffee and tea - not bad for just a one hour flight that cost less than $50! After eating some banana chips and a few cheese sandwiches, our flight to Chiang Rai was ready to board. On the flight Bangkok Airways served us even more food. It was a nice flight, and it took just one hour to fly from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.
After landing in Chiang Rai, we got our bag, and then took a taxi into town. Ying and had booked a hotel called Amarin Resort, as I needed a nice place to get some work done, and we were looking for a place to get some nice relaxation as well. I immediately loved the resort we were staying at - it was nice and extremely quiet, the grounds were nice and green, and our room was quite big in size and very comfortable. After checking into our hotel and relaxing for a bit, we then headed out to eat lunch at a famous northern Thai restaurant, which was actually located just a 5 minute walk from our hotel, known as Lu Lam. We ordered a number of different Thai dishes, including one of my favorite northern Thai foods, lab khua, minced pork with lots of spices. The entire meal was quite wonderful, and it was a delicious first meal in Chiang Rai. I also loved that the restaurant was located right along the river, offering a lovely and peaceful atmosphere.
During the summer, the sun in Chiang Rai is intensely hot, especially in the middle of the day. So after lunch, we decided to head back to the hotel and I needed to get some work done. I wrote some blogs before we headed out again in the afternoon at about 4 pm when the sun was toned down quite a bit. We headed into Chiang Rai town, and our first stop was to walk around the Chiang Rai clock tower, an incredibly intricate and ornate golden clock tower, sort of the landmark of downtown Chiang Rai city. We then continued walking, and soon found ourselves in the evening central market, a vibrant display of all things northern Thai food. I wanted to actually eat everything I saw, but I was actually still quite full from the delicious lunch we had eaten not too long before. I ended up buying some avocados and some passion fruit, two of my favorite natural things.
After walking around the local food market, we then headed over to check out the Chiang Rai night bazaar. It turned out to be a little on the touristy side, not so much my style, but it could be a good place to go if you travel to Chiang Rai and are looking to buy some souvenir. There’s a food court at the Chiang Rai night bazaar, so we stopped there for a quick and light bite to eat. I ordered a dish called jim jum, which is basically the Thai street food version of a hot pot. We got a pot of soup boiling in a clay pot, accompanied by a basket of vegetables, an egg, and some chicken, and then we just boiled everything together. It wasn’t the best meal of my life, it was alright, but I just wanted to eat something for dinner that wasn’t too heavy or meaty - as I had eaten quite a huge lunch!
My first day traveling from Bangkok to Chiang Rai was a wonderful day. I immediately fell in love with Chiang Rai, how peaceful it is, and I really love the northern Thai culture and the food.
Thank you for watching this travel vlog, hope you enjoyed it!
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This video is a production of Mark Wiens and his wife Ying Wiens: migrationology.... & www.eatingthaif...
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[@MarkWiens]

Traveling from #Bangkok to Chiang Rai - first thoughts, explorations, and delicious meals! #food #ThailandOnly #travel

[@fulltimervlifepanamalady1068]

I like watch this chanel:)

[@Madcook01Blogspot]

Thanks to your videos, I am actually learning another language and how to pronounce it.

[@mickrome309]

Mark Wiens Awesome, a lot of great info in this one. Thanks for including transportation prices.

[@summerghost2321]

Mark If you are still in Chiang Rai don't forget to try Ka Mhoo Koh Loi (ขาหมูเกาะลอย) or Ka Mhoo Yunan (ขาหมูยูนาน) located in koh Loi (เกาะลอย) Chiang Rai city.

[@Mosurabee]

ur wife is soo beautiful and sweet

[@VelvetGal5]

Mark, it's truly a joy to watch your videos. I love how enthusiastic, energetic, positive, excited, happy you are when you try new Thai foods & visit different areas & regions in Thailand. :-) I'm so glad that you & your lovely wife had the chance to visit Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai is a place close to my heart since some of my relatives live there - my Grandma, some aunts & uncles, etc. And my Mom was raised in Chiang Rai. I was so happy when I watched Sean Lowe's season of "The Bachelor" & Ashley Hebert's season of "The Bachelorette" because they visited parts of Thailand & Sean Lowe proposed to Catherine Giudici in Chiang Rai. Yes, I have a big smile on my face anytime I see a travel, cooking, or reality show featuring Thailand & when I see your videos highlighting Thailand & Thai food. I like the t-shirts you printed in some past videos & will most likely buy one in the future. If I was in Chiang Rai during the time you visited Chiang Rai (I live in the Midwest U.S.), I would've introduced you to some of my Thai relatives & had you stay as guests in their homes & they would've taken you to even more places in Northern Thailand. More than 94 percent of my relatives live in Thailand - Bangkok, Chiang Rai, etc., & I can just imagine all of my Thai relatives having a nice time conversing with you & your wife & sharing Thai food & visiting Thai spots with you. I also think it's cool that you have visited other countries outside of Thailand as well. I still remember you eating Zanzibar pizza in one video. How lucky & blessed you are to have traveled to so many places. :-) It makes me very happy to see how openminded & adventurous you are & how you truly love Thai culture, food, etc. It puts a smile on my face that you're married to a Thai gal as well. :-) I'm also happy for all your upcoming projects & for all your success. Keep up with the hard & good work!. It's a pleasure to see all the positivity you radiate & share in your videos. It's like you're one of unofficial ambassadors of Thailand. I like it, & through many of your videos, I can tell what a good spirit you have. Thanks for sharing all of your awesome videos. It's always an enlightening, positive, good experience to watch your videos. I wish you & your wife a nice day & week. :-)

[@MarkWiens]

VelvetGal5 Great to hear from you, thank you very much for watching my videos. Nice to hear that your family is from Chiang Rai, it's such a beautiful place - that would have been great to connect with your family - thank you for the invitation. Thank you very much for your kind words, really appreciate it. How long have you lived in the US?

[@VelvetGal5]

Hi, Mark. :-) Thank you for your nice reply. :-) You're welcome, & it's a pleasure to watch your videos. :-) You asked how long I have lived in the U.S.? I was born & raised in the Midwest U.S. I have lived in three different U.S. states in the Midwest region. My parents & my sister live in the U.S. as well. My parents were born & raised in Thailand. Then they arrived in different years to practice medicine - my Dad's a medical doctor. My Mom used to work as an R.N. The only relatives I have that live in the U.S. besides my parents & my sister in the Midwest are some relatives living in California. The rest of my relatives live outside the U.S. - some in Hong Kong, Japan - but the rest in Thailand. The majority of my relatives live in Bangkok. My parents rent out their condo in Bangkok since they live in the U.S. And my parents did help pay for my Grandma's recently new home in Chiang Rai because she has lived in my Mom's childhood home since my Mom was born & the house was getting so old & had damage because it was made of wood & was aging, etc.. For my Grandma's wellbeing & safety, they had the old home demolished & rebuilt a home for my Grandma. She has Alzheimer's & it makes it easier for her to live in the more updated home she now lives in with the caretakers who live with her as well. Besides the relatives who live in Bangkok & Chiang Rai, I also have some relatives who live in Chonburi region. And some relatives scattered here & there in different parts of Thailand. Anyways, thanks again for your reply. Your post made my day. I wish you & your wife a great weekend & many continued blessings & success! :-) I'm truly happy for you for all the projects you are working on & producing! :-)

[@ThePrincesines]

Hi Mark, just watched this video and the one about Bangkok.Watching these makes me incredibly happy! Im a 28 yr old Dutchie, and Ive been lucky enough to have been in Thailand 4 times: at every one of these trips I had the time of my life! So enjoy your wonderful country and the amazing food!

[@JusticeForPinoys]

It must be a total pleasure to be able to visit places like that in Thailand, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

[@greg4402]

Such a nice place to visit and make memories in!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@cadle11]

Best place in Thailand for me.. I Love Chiang Rai...

[@bloggeries]

This is great man, your channel keeps getting better and I loved it before! Looking forward to more!

[@lalaland932]

I just want to say that you are a huge inspiration for me! Your videos keep me motivated which is something I really need at the moment. Whenever I have a bad day I always go to your channel. Amazing work.

[@8milesfromhome]

OUR HOME! We really love Chiang Rai and plan to create a beautiful cinematic video for this area soon. It deserves it don't you think ;-)

[@sensetion5841]

Hope you and your family will come back to Chiang Rai again. Love from Thailand.

[@JP-wx6uh]

I love Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai. ... So much more relaxing than living in Bkk.... I lived there nearly 8 years and will never forget battling the traffic every morning.

[@quedewit1481]

I've been from Thailand for 5 months. I really miss my hometown ChiangRai its the most absolutely amazing city in Thailand. Thanks for making this video mate :) you are awesome.

[@Sweetysalado]

Breakfast on an hour flight? That's unheard of here in the US! Another thing we don't have here? Those cool water machines which would be awesome if we had them.

[@MarkWiens]

***** Yes, even on most budget airlines in Thailand it's rare, so this it's really nice to have an airline that really takes care of you, and still has good fares. Hope you're having a nice day Diana.

[@8milesfromhome]

Mark Wiens Love the BKK Airways lounge. Those Banana chips were delicious

[@inaddess]

Can't wait til my son is older because we are going to travel Thailand for summer holiday. I am from Tennessee in the US but I love cooking Thai food and love the beauty if its culture. Your facial expressions are great and makes the food viewing experience more exciting. Thank you for sharing these beautiful sites with the world!

[@MarkWiens]

inaddess Great to hear that, glad that you love Thai food and culture as well. Thank you for watching!

[@kamianseniorgluten-freefoody]

Love Chiangrai visited February 2018 drove to Chiang Kong on the Mekong river worth a visit

[@FlyingBrezzely]

Cool I also was 2018 in Chiang rai

[@adamax08]

I backpacked Thailand for 4 weeks and I must say, I`ve fallen in love with that country! So beautiful. Especially the north!

[@MarkWiens]

adamax08 Great to hear that!

[@Tsisokay]

It's nice to see more of your wife. She is very beautiful. Thanks for showing us around Chiang Rai. I felt like I was actually touring with you guys. It looked quit nice there. 😊

[@MarkWiens]

Tsisokay Cool, thanks for the feedback, I appreciate you watching.

[@NorthernThaiGardenGuy]

Chiang Rai is my home. You went right by where I live! :D

[@yengsabio5315]

Sawat dii khrap! How far is Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai? Khop khun khrap! Lots'a love, cheers, & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@NorthernThaiGardenGuy]

@@yengsabio5315 About 3 hours by car or bus.

[@DailyBread2007]

Loved it! You should do a question and answer video n include your wife in it. Im just curious how did you guys meet and where are you guys currently living? Thailand or the US? It's nice to see her in the videos. I hope you'll continue to include her more in the future. Again another great video!

[@brb086]

I'm actually Chiang Rai so THANK YOU!!! I actually appriciated your love to my town :)

[@michelangelobuonarroti3752]

Such A Lovely Place.

[@siriexploretheworld]

I love the idea that you refilled water instead of getting new plastic bottles every time! So nice of you!

[@margaretcooper797]

Avocados,passion fruits,aubergine and Brussels sprouts are my favourite foods.

[@MyPenRye]

Le Meridien Chiang Rai is an absolute excellent choice in 4-5* hotel accommodation. The staff, both food and hotel is exceptional. Also, the view is stunningly amazing and filled with local culture. A photographers dream....

[@Puccy75]

You two are so nice couple together. Thanks so much for sharing. Maybe someday I would like to go back to my roots. So keep going the good work.

[@MarkWiens]

***** Thank you very much Jasmijn, are you originally from the north of Thailand?

[@Puccy75]

Mark Wiens no, I m not from there. I was born in Bangkok till 6 six I moved to Holland Amsterdam. But If I see the food, I miss it sometime, I've never live there but been there but that was way to long ago.

[@bigbearjohn]

You do EXCELLENT videos. I look forward to seeing more. Keep up the good work.

[@sudeshsaroop6144]

Hi Mark. My wife and I have been visiting Thailand since 2001 and I started looking at your cooking videos about two years ago which appeared very authentic to me. I've since been following your channel and your many travel videos. Even though we've been to Chiang Rai several times we wanted to try something new and decided to check out the two restaurants in your video. Unfortunately, Laab Sanaam Keela was closed but we did try out Lu Lum and fell in love with it! We ended up eating there three days in a row. The fried red snapper is so good and I love their Tom Yam soup. So glad we watched your video! I have to say that I trust your recommendations. Thank you for making these.

[@EBL456]

Nice travel blog with pictures.

[@rayasou]

Thank you Mark for making this video available on youtube.

[@jayaluxmeecurpen5979]

Watched all your videos, been looking for more and I fell on your ancient videos... 7 years back... So much difference. Bzw come to Mauritius...

[@ainasyafira]

I've always wanted to visit Thailand.

[@MauMadRooCon]

It's my first time fully seeing your wife in a video. Great video as always.

[@MarkWiens]

MauMadRooCon Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@diwendtorf]

You have great videos. I recall your video on Penang and was inspired by your tour. Heading to Chiang Rai next week.

[@aradhyaastro]

so nice video made me mouth water superb bro

[@TheBobFinnegan]

Another great video.Many thanks

[@tai_han]

another good and interesting movie... thumps up and more of those kind of movies

[@wabisabi5392]

I Love Thailand ❤

[@hans-juergenschott9516]

Deine Videos sind für mich wie Reisen ohne mich zu Bewegen,und trotzdem da zu sein.

[@annecorey607]

Is awesome the food look very good clean place fresh food very nice place for eating love any of this stalls so many to choose from thank you.

[@perdomot]

Love it when you travel dude. Always fun to see new places. The food court at the night bazaar looked decent but you didn't sound impressed.

[@MarkWiens]

Perdomot Thanks for watching. Yah, it was a nice atmosphere, but food wasn't such great quality - but not bad!

[@tosht2515]

Terrific video Mark. Interesting that your past video comments are always 1) what's with the facial expressions, 2) how do you stay so thin and 3) do you ever not like something, yet this video it's all 1) Ying, 2) Ying and 3) Ying. I think you know the key to getting to 200K!

[@MarkWiens]

Tosh T Hah, cool, thanks Tosh

[@eileendewell9416]

+Mark Wiens your little boy is gorgeious

[@eileendewell9416]

+Mark Wiens your little boy is beutiful

[@thierryb7106]

I can't travel to this wonderful country yet but u make me travel, thanks mark for your video

[@MarkWiens]

Thierry B Thank you Thierry, and I hope you can come and visit soon.

[@HeyMelani]

YES! A new video :D Thanks Mark!!!!

[@MarkWiens]

***** Thank you for watching Melani

[@barnaliskitchen]

Northern Thailand is very beautiful place...love the place...and also your wife is so cute !! Why she never comes in front of camera ??

[@MarkWiens]

Barnali's Kitchen Thank you Barnali. She's still a little shy in front of the camera, but I'm working on her to be in more videos!

[@barnaliskitchen]

Mark Wiens That's great Mark !!

[@rotitelor]

Another fantastic video, Mark.

[@urbanexplorer9003]

We've enjoyed Chiang Rai a lot! Great to see the street food and markets again..Makes me wanna go back!

[@firemedic58]

Always enjoy your videos! We went to The Feel restaurant in Myanmar because of your video. I really enjoy Thailand but have not been to Chiang Rai yet, but it is on my list!

[@WillBidewell]

Great video Mark, Love the way you're incorporating how your working day fits in with visiting places and eating etc. Seems like an amazing way to live.

[@oaklandtobangkok]

Thanks again for another great and informative video Mark.

[@MarkWiens]

Johno F You're welcome Johno

[@viviansimes8625]

Emotions are a element of your productions, bea-wondrous forever-forever-forever!!!

[@KENNETHedwardMitchell]

Loved the different approach to this vid!

[@pphetsada]

We went there 3 years ago. Great place-delicious food.

[@qataristyle]

mark wonderful tourist guide wish you all the best

[@SNSDlSeoHyun]

Ying is so lucky to have you. And also, you are lucky to have ying. She's really pretty.

[@jellyart89]

I want to cry after watching your videos because I'm tooooo hungry.

[@ANTHZEIT]

Admirable, instructive, high quality video, as usual, Mark. Thank you so much for sharing it

[@TwinJalanugraha]

Thank you.

[@Puccy75]

Hope to meet you someday when I whenever go back on vacation. There is so much to see and for me it is to long ago... thankgos that my mom can cook!!

[@JackieM]

Love your work, Mark. I'm in northern Malaysia for tourism promotion mid-Nov onwards - if I make it to Thailand after that and you're around, we'll have to catch up!

[@MarkWiens]

Jackie M Hey Jackie, thank you so much, yah let me know if you come to Thailand, would be great to meet you.

[@VivadivaSarinya]

When you said .. "Nice bathroom NOH!" that made me laugh because I use that word a lot with my hubby :D I've been to Chiang Mai but never been to Chiang Rai at all, next time we plan to go to CM and hopefully we can manage to go to CR as well. :)

[@MarkWiens]

Vivadiva Sarinya Haha, cool to hear that, I say that quite a bit too. Are you normally living in Thailand? Yah, next time you've got to check out Chiang Rai, it's a great place.

[@VivadivaSarinya]

Nope, we're in Rome :) Chiang Rai suppose to be very easy going city where I'd love to go and for what I've seen in your video, it looks very nice place for relaxing.

[@ponnapananwong4122]

เชียงรายบ้านเราสุดยอด

[@pereformacio]

Thank very much for you video

[@toastybeer]

AWESOME Scenic view...

[@MarkWiens]

toastybeer Thanks for watching!

[@anitaswimmer]

absolutely love your travel and food videos!!

[@MarkWiens]

anitaswimmer Thank you

[@ozza26]

Great tip about the water vending machines. Thanks Mark

[@jalan2yuuk689]

Great Video, thanks

[@leeneeloo3739]

Always wondered what Ying looks like...your 'long suffering' videographer wife. So happy to see her in this video. She's stunning! you lucky man. As per previous comments, more Ying please. Make it a couple thing. Choop. Choop. Oh, and of course...brilliant food video. *sob*. Wanna go to North Thailand now.

[@MarkWiens]

leenee loo Thank you Leenee, I definitely consider myself lucky to have Ying. I'll try to include her in more videos. Hope you can visit the north of Thailand!

[@franklemmer4306]

You are very lucky makes me hungry

[@bhaskarpawar3032]

I daily check for your new videos.

[@MarkWiens]

Bhaskar Pawar Thank you!

[@sebastianlhm72]

Hi Mark, another Great video!!! 👍👍👍

[@MarkWiens]

Sebastian Lim Thank you!

[@joyjoyoo]

Binge watching time!!

[@whiterpark4935]

Everwhere in chaing rai beautiful locations and food no matter how many everything what you like in northern thailand

[@dentistdentist123]

Hey mark ,:) Really enjoy these travel vlogs and it's nice to see Ying too ! Keep up the great work .

[@MarkWiens]

y r Thank you!

[@naconsyng6609]

Wel come to chiang rai.

[@evilkittiekat]

You and Ying are such a cute couple. You also seem to balance each other when traveling. :)

[@MarkWiens]

evilkittie2103 Thank you for your kinds words!

[@KissTheR1an]

The hotel is so clean! :) the night market too! I would love to visit

[@MailaRivers]

it was good to finally see your wife. you guys are awesome!

[@MarkWiens]

MailaRivers Thank you Maila

[@nijokongapally4791]

good video. and food very nice👍💯😍💖

[@kkz201]

did that chicken just cross the road? it must of escaped from a vendor! that soup looked delicious. the moment you mentioned smoked fish, i could just imagine the savory flavor, yum!

[@MarkWiens]

kkz201 Haha, that's probably right!

[@HmongKnight4ever]

Hey, Mark, always a pleasure to watch your videos. Thank you. Oh, yes, Ying is a beautiful lady and married to a handsome husband. You two will have beautiful children. Keep up the good work. I watch your videos daily.

[@MarkWiens]

darkangel damn Thank you very much, we appreciate it!

[@agusrici6212]

Hi Mark!! It's the first time i see your wife in your video. I think she should appear more.:D BTW very nice flight you had. And lovely food as usual.. Love Your video.

[@Lakapretty]

Fancy more vlog which including your wife. She s cute. Ths for vloging us so much fresh things of Thai.

[@MarkWiens]

C Celeste Thanks for the feedback, more vlogs coming soon.

[@Kristoferday]

Hey Mark, Been following your Vlogs for a while now. If your ever in Scotland there are various different restaurants you should try that are extraordinary. Great channel. Kind Regards Kris

[@ketangajjar03]

U are doing great job mark ...cheers ,loved to watch your videos..

[@Amvpro127]

Mark Wiens, always positive, stay that way...good vibes

[@yeastori]

That chicken knows you run a food blog so its running for its life.

[@saijaicheunarom5388]

Chiang RAI Very Nice people eat kleefrijst en food Diliguis lekker

[@bubbiboo9603]

Thanks for sharing your trip with us, Mark :-) Hope you and your wife had a great time in Chiang Rai! All the foods look mouthwatering! I remembered eating a lot of JimJum in my home city last summer. Delish! Keep up the good work as always! ^_^

[@MarkWiens]

SuriTui BeTheOneAllForOne Hi thank you for watching. Are you originally from Chiang Rai?

[@bubbiboo9603]

Unfortunately, no. My family live in Buriram ^^ Take a trip over there soon, 'kay? :)

[@Nyang677]

Love the videos mark. Keep it up.

[@MarkWiens]

***** Thanks Nou

[@IIISIONIII]

Another great video!

[@MarkWiens]

IIISIONIII Thank you!

[@Dr4ke1]

Thanks this video was very helpful in planing a trip.

[@NidhiSingh-pt7jq]

Love your expression while you taste your food .loads of love and hugs from India Mark 😄

[@MRACPDCarReviews]

That chicken made me crack up so much!!!

[@MarkWiens]

MRACPD Alpha Haha, good to hear that!

[@blackdevil8284]

Oh my god!Your wife is beautiful!!!

[@MarkWiens]

BlaCK DeViL Thank you!

[@YOUSOFization]

Ur the best man really like ur vlogs do more of them

[@MarkWiens]

Jerry CHEN Thank you Jerry

[@bijeeshnair723]

Your tips helped me a lot in Nepal, thanks!!!!

[@khooboohock2791]

tqwm for shearing .xie xie

[@topixfromthetropix1674]

Hi Mark. I live in Chiang Mai and do a lot of motorcycling & photography between Doi Inthanon, Fang, Mae Hong Son, Pai, and Chiang Rai. I also see quite a few videos about Thailand. I really like the way you explained where you were, what you were showing the viewer, the Thai words for food (so the viewer could ask for the dishes later), and real life dining and shopping. Too many people just run the camera and say little or nothing,...nice job! Jai yen.

[@amristar736]

Very good. I ways love your videos, Mark.

[@MarkWiens]

Amristar Thank you

[@freddylon5215]

Nice to see ur wife in the video, she awesome

[@themaster4353]

Nice video Mark :) Very interesting :)

[@MarkWiens]

AUTAssassinAUT Thank you for watching.