Karen Ruammit Village
Date: Sunday 5th February 2012The Karen village of Ruammit, on the banks of Nam Mae Kok (Mae Kok River) is promoted as a Karen community, but nearby are Lahu, Lisu and Akha villages clustered on it’s outskirts. Despite its equally mountainous location, it is quite different to adjacent towns of Baan Thaton and Doi Mae Salong.
An old village, Ruammit is famous for its elephants, with a long tradition of elephant training and logging and it remains distinctly Karen. It retains its traditional culture and traditions, and has become one of the major tourist attractions both on the Nam Mae Kok and within the Chiang Rai Province.
Ruammit is a 1-hour boat ride from the provincial capital of Chiang Rai province and boats depart at regular intervals from the Chiang Rai pier. Ruammit is a favoured stop for an elephant ride on the boat trip to Thaton, or as a destination in its own right. Mini-buses and songthiews ply the route from town at equally regular intervals.
Located 10 kms south of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple, by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat - is a visual symphony in white, a striking architectural masterpiece in a land of beautiful temples! Prints of Chalermchai's paintings are available at a shop within the temple grounds. 
The Karen elephant camp at Baan Ruammit on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) is located 19 kilometres from Chiang Rai. Well worth a visit, its easily reached by either long-tail boat (recommended), car or motorcycle. There are a few souvenir shops, hot coffee, and its a nice trip, however you get there. 
