Chiang Rai, is a quieter, smaller and less pretty version of Chiang Mai. But a few of its sights make it worth visiting nevertheless. Being located an hour and a half north of Chiang Mai it makes for a perfect stop on the way to Laos (if you are taking the 2-day slow boat). Food and accommodation are dirt cheap, the climate a lot nicer than the Southern regions of the country and there is enough to do. So why not go?