Where is it? Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province, 785km from Bangkok.
It covers 11,680 sq km of mountainous terrain in the infamous Golden Triangle.
Why go there? Incentive activities include mountain treks, visits to hill tribes and Mekong River cruises. Top attractions focus on ancient ruins and Buddhist shrines.
How do I get there? Up to nine flights depart Bangkok daily on three domestic carriers and
code-sharing international airlines.
BEST FOR… WELLNESS WORSHIPPERS
Legend Chiang Rai
Set in a tranquil location on the Mae Kok River, this boutique resort and spa could be used as a base for other activities. Alternatively, planners could make the most of this superb spa, including pool villa accommodation for groups of up to 70 delegates.
The Legend’s Chiang Saen Spa bases its treatment menu on a combination of fresh Using the Four Seasons as a base, groups can take wildlife photo hikes, elephant treks, experience traditional fishing, cruise the Mekong River and share in hill tribe handicraft classes.
www.fourseasons.com/goldentriangle
BEST FOR… LUXURY CAMPERS
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
This five-star tent resort on the shared border of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar offers an
original experience for business groups. Reached by a river boat that cruises upriver
through the jungle, it has 15 distinct tents with design touches that hark back to
19th-century expeditions, including: copper bathtubs, ornate door handles, hardwood
desks with leather bush chairs, paddle fans and decks with a river view. However the
facilities are anything but old-fashioned with air-conditioned tents, a spa, swimming pool
and wireless internet service.
BEST FOR… RETREAT SEMINARS
Best Western Premier Golden Pine Resort & Spa
The resort’s 80 northern Thai Lanna and Balinese-style cottages occupy the old town of Nanglae. They are laid out around a lagoon-like swimming pool and on garden walkways to retain the atmosphere of a traditional village.
This rural resort offers business event planners a retreat for seminars, conferences, meetings and incentive groups. Up to 80 participants can be catered for in Menglay Hall, which recently hosted Malaysian and Australian consular events. Incentive ideas include Golden Triangle
tours, cruising the Mekong and the night market at Chiang Rai.
www.bestwestern.co.th
BEST FOR… THEME EVENTS
Dusit Island Resort, Chiang Rai
Meeting planners can give delegates a feeling for northern Thailand’s heritage with four
theme parties: ‘Lanna Night’, ‘Jungle Night’, ‘Hill Tribe Village’ and ‘Thai Market’.
Meetings and functions for up to 800 people can be held in the 650 sqm Doi Tung hall, or up to 250 in the 350 sqm Doi Tong.
Groups of up to 650 people can use the Doi Come rooms. The 271-room resort recently welcomed Japan’s Prince Akishino and his delegation, as well as groups from Nike, Toyota and Leo Pharma. For golfers, there is the option of playing at the Santiburi Country Club.
chiangrai.dusit.com
BEST FOR… CULTURAL EXPERIENCES
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park
The 26-hectare Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park was established to preserve northern Thailand’s Lanna heritage. Visitors can explore the restored Ho Kham Golden Pavilion and Lanna houses displaying art and artefacts. The park can be hired by corporate groups and for theme dinners and parties.
The open-air lobby and lawn can handle receptions and banquets for as many as 50 people. Cultural shows and cooking classes are also on offer.
www.doitung.org
BEST FOR… LOCAL FLAVOUR
The Hall of Opium
The Hall of Opium draws visitors into the mysterious world of opium, taking them on a 15-stage journey through 5,000 years of the drug’s use and abuse. The US$10 million, 5,600 sqm exhibition presents information via multimedia presentations and interactive displays.
At the nearby Greater Mekong Lodge, there is accommodation in 26 airconditioned
twin rooms and 13 two-bedroom bungalows, with balconies offering views of the Mekong River. Breakfast and buffet lunch are served in an open-air restaurant.
Conference facilities include a 380 sqm meeting room.
www.goldentrianglepark.org
BEST FOR… CORPORATE WORKSHOPS
Smiling Albino
Smiling Albino hosts corporate adventures for groups of all sizes. Participants are immersed in entertaining, educational events while facilitating teambuilding and workshops. Adventures range from customised multi-day excursions to high-end corporate retreats.
Excursions include cycling, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, elephant trekking,
high-speed river boat tours and motorcycling. In October, American VIPs are jetting in for a management programme.
www.smilingalbino.com
