The updated and expanded Utopia Guide to Thailand offers a comprehensive glimpse at the gay and lesbian scene in 23 cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, Samui, and Pattaya. Listings include organizations, bars, discos, accommodations, spas, restaurants, and more. A special section highlights venues that are especially welcoming for women. Enjoy savvy comments and recommendations from hundreds of local Utopians and gay travelers. Click here to order the collector's First Edition

Chiang Rai -- area code (66-53)

Chiang Rai, gateway to the Golden Triangle, is a half-day’s drive (or short flight) from Chiang Mai. Along the way you’ll pass verdant mountain forests, emerald valleys, and electric green rice paddies. Several pristine National Parks are located along the way for hiking and appreciation of nature.

The city of Chiang Rai is pretty sleepy, but the night bazaar is a real slice-of-Thai-life and a good place to sample local food and entertainment. Phallic worshippers my wish to visit the rings of linga at Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong. And Wat Klang Wiang is a picture-perfect northern-style temple.

Most visitors use the city as home base for exploring nearby historic towns and natural wonders…

Drive up into the mountains to the tea plantations of Mae Salong. Here, farms perch dramatically on steep mountain faces and Hill Tribes people (Hmong, Ahka, Lisu, Mien) wander past in colorful traditional costume. Take a walk through the winding town and try some honey-flavored oolong teas at a shop. Also up in the mountains is the royal project, Doi Tung, with a museum, Botanical Garden and Hall of Opium detailing the history of poppy cultivation. At the top of the mountain is Wat Phra Tat Doi Tung, housing important Buddha relics and offering a panoramic view of the Thai/Myanmar border.

North of Chiang Rai is the border city of Mae Sai where tourists with passports can cross into Myanmar to shop in the exotic markets trading in goods from China and Burma.

Northeast is the charming town of Chiang Saen, a former 14th century capital, where boats from China dock to unload goods. This quiet little town has grown up around the ancient city walls and red brick ruins, many in excellent shape and a treat for fans of lost ancient cities.

• Chiang Rai Gay Scene Updates message board
• Men in Chiang Rai message board

Click here for Chiang Rai hotels and accommodations.

• Wat Rongkhun
  On the outskirts of Chiang Rai is one of Thailand's most extraordinary modern temples, Wat Rongkhun, an ongoing project of artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Decorated entirely in pure white with mirror accents, it is designed to be best viewed glimmering in moonlight. This is a unique chance to witness the birth of an entirely new style of Thai temple.

  

• Lobo
  Just around the corner from the Wangcome Hotel and Regency Bar. Open air beer bar.

  Comments from Utopians:

  "Went to Lobo last night. Never was very good, but now simply a horror. All I can say is to turn and run away as fast as you can. I was charged 100 baht for a glass of soda water amd it was all downhill from there." -- fwheby, Sep 10. 2009

• Regency Bar
  053-752-329. Small gay bar on the side of the Wangcome Hotel, just a couple blocks from the night market. Friendly and relaxed place to have a drink.

• Banrao Massage
  Thaivitatauthit Rd, 053-752-389, email. Gay-managed massage opposite Wangcombe Hotel, near the Night Bazaar. Regency Bar is in the same location. Friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

• Chiang Rai Long Distance Bus Station
  Next to the night bazaar. The facilities are very busy. Easy to find at the end of platform. Pay some small coin to enter.