Continuing its years’ of effort in promoting the country’s secondary cities as MICE destinations, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau’s (TCEB) introduced the media and MICE organizers to Chiang Rai in 2016. There has been some hits and misses in TCEB’s effort, partly due to infrastructure, overall packaging, or integration of venues and attractions of the secondary cities. Chiang Rai seems promising as a destination as it has much to offer in terms of culture, nature and adventure.

Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northern-most province and the cradle of this region’s unique culture and traditions. Chiang Rai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and was founded 50 years earlier than its more famous neighbor, Chiang Mai. Hence it has a wealth of history, culture and arts to offer for tourists. For MICE delegates, these arts and culture can be seen in museums and parks such as the Mae Fah Luang Arts & Cultural Park.

MICE groups looking for some adventure would enjoy the vast greenery at the Singha Park. This leading agro-tourism destination provides activities such as rock-climbing, ziplining, cycling and even hot air ballooning for teambuilding activities.

Chiang Rai is also home to many of the Royal Projects initiated by His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand and other members of the Royal Family. These projects are launched with the aim of improving the lives of local hill tribes. Therefore, a variety of meaningful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes can be arranged for MICE groups.

Infrastructure-wise, Chiang Rai’s road networks are fairly well developed. Hotels such as the Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort and the Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort provide not just excellent accommodation and meeting facilities, but also nature, flora and fauna for delegates to enjoy. Other attractions in Chiang Rai include the Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Baan Dam (Black House), and the Golden Triangle, previously infamous for opium drug trade, where the rivers Mekong and Ruak converge and where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet.

To date, Chiang Rai has already hosted several international conferences related to tourism, digital media and technology and tea. Hence, MICE organizers can consider Chiang Rai as a destination not only for corporate incentive tour, but also for business meetings and conferences.