Houei Xay
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The town of Chiang Rai has about 40 thousand inhabitants and was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai, the same soverign that unified the Reing of Lanna. This town was its capital for a certain period, then surrendered to the Burmese invaders and came back to Siam in 1786. The main river of the province is the Mae Kok river, that can be run by boat or raft, with an excursion across the jungle. Out of the urban areas, all the province, whose surface is about 11 thousand square kilometers, is scattered of countless tribe villages. The average height is around 580 m., but there are also peaks of about 2000 meters. The main attraction is the "Golden Triangle", where Laos, Burma and Thailand meet. The town is provided with an airport and is located one hour flight from Bangkok. It can also be reached by bus with a 10-hour-trip. During these last years, Chiang Rai underwent a quick development especially thanks to tourism: until 25 years ago there were only two guest houses, but nowadays the visitors can choose among 5000 bed places. From here it is possible to reach the Laos border: the small town of Chiang Khong is only 110 Km. far away from Chiang Rai. It is possible to use a private car which costs between 1500/1800 Baht and it will take one and half hour, or the local bus which costs only 54 Baht and will take two hours. At the arrival it is possible to meet the typical tuk-tuk: 20 Baht to go to a guest house or hotel. Daily from 08.00 a.m. till 4.00 p.m. you can take a boat (20 Baht p.p.) to cross the border in Chiang Khong, i.e. the Mekong River, and to arrive in the small town Houey Xay. Down there the immigration control will take plac eand it is also possible to buy the VISA: 30 USD or 1500 Baht. In Houey Xay there are also some hotels, but above all guest houses.
Krabi is located in the south-west of Phangha, and is one of the most important provinces in Thailand. The territory is rich in forests and tourist attractions. The chief town has about 20 thousand inhabitants and about one hundred small islands in the open sea. Furthermore, the province is famous for the surprising limestone rock formations which do of this place a mecca for the rock-climbers. The most famous beach is Ao Nang, that during the last years underwent a strong tourist development, with new hotels, travel agencies and restaurants. Every day the fast boats that lead to the facing islands as Poda, Tup, Pakbia, Lading, Hong, Chicken, Phi Phi...leave. A full day excursion (it leaves from the beach at 9a.m.>4 p.m.), lunch included to the four islands Tup, Chicken, Poda and Phranang Cave costs 350 Baht p.p. This tour allows to admire the wonderful beaches of white sand and the fantastic natural landscape with the thick vegetation and the rocky limestone formations. It is possible to rent scooters for 200 Baht/day. The exchange offices are everywhere and are open till 9 p.m. The airport is 30 Km/30' far away and the taxi from the airport costs 600 Baht, whereas from Ao Nang can be found also for 400 Baht. Many internet points in town.
Thailand currency: Baht
Exchange rate on 12th of February 2006:
1 € = 46,16 Baht - 1 USD = 38,85 Baht
