Just because you didn’t steal Sean Lowe’s heart on this season of The Bachelor doesn’t mean you can’t plan an adventurous and refreshing Thai vacation!
Whether you’re a fan of ABC’s The Bachelor or just a fan of Thailand, Tourism Authority of Thailand’s Travel Guide Northern Edition makes it easy for you to plan the vacation of a lifetime.
This season on The Bachelor, Sean Lowe took the final-three ladies to Thailand’s Trang province, then made his final decision in picturesque Chiang Rai. While looking for love, the women and Sean experienced many facets of Thai culture and enjoyed Thailand’s beautiful scenery. Our first travel guide for southern Thailand takes you through the Trang province and nearby areas, ensuring you have enough recommendations for a fun-filled vacation.
In the second guide of the two-part series, our northern Thailand journey recommendations take you through Chiang Rai, the first capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom, highlighting must-see activities, as well as some exciting hidden treasures not featured on The Bachelor.
Sean’s first date of the episode with Lindsay started with a relaxing ride down the sacred Mekong River, bubbly in hand. But, a river float isn’t the only way to explore the Golden Triangle, kayaking and mountain biking tours will help you explore the beautiful terrain as well.
Nestled throughout the region you’ll find settlements of Thailand’s ancient hill tribes living much the way they have for hundreds of years.
- If you want to learn more about Chiang Rai’s fascinating hill tribes, the best way to do it is to immerse yourself in their culture.
- These Thai hill tribes migrated to the thick forests and mountains of Chiang Rai centuries ago. Typical trek itineraries visit Akha, Karen, Lisu and Lahu tribe villages. The Akha Hill House is a particular favorite trekking group, beloved for its affordability and friendly staff.
As their date drew to a close, Sean and Lindsay released paper lanterns into the sky with wishes for “love, happiness and family” written on them. Casting off paper lanterns is a famous Thai tradition, meant to bring good luck.
- If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys planning visits around festivals and events, Thailand’s Loi Krathong festival should be on your bucket list! Known by many as the festival of lights, this festival symbolizes good fortune for the year to come. In 2013, it’s scheduled for early November.
On the season’s final date, Sean and Catherine enjoyed an Elephant trek at Anantara’s Elephant Camp.
- The Anantara Golden Triangle offers many options for those looking to learn more about these majestic animals, while supporting the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation’s mission to create an abuse free world for all elephants.
- If you prefer the view from the ground, the Anantara Golden Triangle elephant camp has other activities for you, including a ‘forest living skills’ trek that teaches participants about edible plants and natural remedies.
As the final episode of The Bachelor drew to a close, Sean had an important decision to make. He couldn’t have picked a better place to propose to his future wife than picturesque Pa Sak Tong. This lush, tropical hotel defines Thai luxury.
- Leading up to the big night, The Bachelor’s finalists stayed at the Anantara Golden Triangle’s lavish suites. If you want to recreate their experience for yourself, check out the travel packages on Book Thailand Now.
Sean, Catherine and Lindsay saw many of Chiang Rai’s beautiful sights, but missed the chance to visit the city’s gorgeous temples. If you can’t get enough of ancient Thai history and appreciate amazing architecture, these locations are a must-visit:
- While most Chiang Rai temples are rich in history, the stunning and popular Wat Rong Khun was recently built in 2008. This temple’s gleaming white architecture earned it the nickname, The White Temple.
- Find your center at Chiang Rai’s most revered Buddhist temple, Wat Phra Kaew, originally called Wat Pa Yia. Legend is that lighting struck this temple’s octagonal chedi in 1434, causing it to split open and reveal the Emerald Buddha. Now this religious artifact is housed in a Bangkok temple bearing the same name.
- Many people journey to Chiang Rai to visit the White Temple, but they forget to visit its brother, the Black Temple. Created by Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee this temple is quite an architectural feat. The temple is made of 40 small black houses constructed from different materials, from concrete to glass.
Looking for a more adventurous Chiang Rai trip than The Bachelor finalists had? Head to Boomerang National Park where couples and friends can rock climb, zip line and explore caves together.
- On the hunt for a more scenic view? Phu Chi Fa is known for its cool climate, sea of fog and variety of wildlife species. The Bachelor’s Sean even photographed this breathtaking view for his blog. It’s the perfect place to take in a sunrise with your love.
After an event-filled day of trekking in Chiang Rai’s jungle or mountains, relax at one of the “best spas in the world.” We recommend indulging in one of the great natural treatments offered.
And, if you’re more of a beach bum than an adventurer, don’t worry. Chiang Rai isn’t known for its beaches, but the park bordering the Mekong River comes close. Bring a picnic, kick back and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Whether you spend the day trekking through the jungle, relaxing in a park or floating down the Mekong, Chiang Rai’s night bazaar, located off of Phaholyothin Road, is the perfect place to take an evening stroll. Shop for souvenirs while feasting on Thai delicacies or take in one of their notorious free dance shows.
If our travel recommendations have you inspired to visit Thailand and you need help planning your trip, tourismthailand.org/na has all the information you need to plan a dream vacation, and our southern Thailand travel guide makes it easy to pinpoint activities to make your vacation throughout Thailand worth remembering.
On a budget? Don’t worry, our partner deals on Book Thailand Now can get you to Thailand without breaking the bank.
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