Very quiet town located almost N end of Thailand, good base explore around the area where many hill tribe villages, water falls, caves, hot springs, beautiful mountains and rivers can be visited, as well as Mae Sai, Mae Salong, Golden triangle, etc.
When you arrived at bus station, many people comes from GH to get you their places. They all have nice leaflets which contains good maps. Get some of them even you don't stay theirs.
Please find a street, called Paholyotin Rd where Pizza Company(former Pizza Hat) is located. The street is running N to S through Chiang Rai town and just W from the bus station. We call this street Pizza Co. street If you go N on the Pizza Co. street from the bus station and turn left at the first traffic light, you will see a clock tower. This is another landmark we mention. Non of the GHs are close to the bus station. Most of them are about 1-1.5km away from the bus station, no more than 20B for tuk-tuk. You can even walk to them.

Photo: Traditional Dance at the night bazaar.

Access and arriving:
From BKK by plane: Air Asia is flying from BKK to Chiang Rai with affordable fare. The airport is a bit far and no public transport. Also it's far, more than 3km, from the main highway. You have to rely on taxi/tuktuk to the town, 100-200B. If you book a hotel at the travel agent in the airport, you can get town with free or 50B.
By bus: From most major cities, many buses are running to Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai for 3hrs, from Mae Sai for 1,5 hrs, from Chiang Khong 2hrs and from BKK 12 hrs. All buses are arriving at the bus station in the middle of town. To most GHs, you can go on foot or by tuk-tuk