Flood Fishing by the Roadside in Chiang Rai

Flood Fishing by the Roadside in Chiang Rai: A “flood fishing” experience you must try at least once

When talking about Chiang Rai, many might think of the famous Wat Rong Khun or the walking street full of food and local products. But for mr.hotsia, experiencing the simple rural lifestyle during the flood season by the roadside in Chiang Rai is a unique memory. This is the story I want to share from firsthand experience with the activity called “flood fishing” or fishing during roadside floods in Chiang Rai.

When I traveled to Chiang Rai, it was the rainy season. Water from rivers and canals overflowed into rice fields and lowlands, including some roadside areas, causing large pools of floodwater along secondary roads connecting villages. I saw locals wearing rubber boots or walking barefoot, holding small nets or catching fish by hand in the floodwater by the roadside. This atmosphere was something I had never seen anywhere else before.

I remember driving from downtown Chiang Rai along small roads connecting communities and seeing many locals stopping to fish by the roadside. When I asked, I learned that the fish feeding in these floodwaters were mostly snakehead fish, striped snakehead, climbing perch, and several medium-sized fish species. I walked closer to the clear, cool water and saw fish swimming near the road edges. This is the charm of deep travel that mr.hotsia loves the most.

Flooded Roadside Lifestyle with Chiang Rai Locals

More impressive than the fishing was talking with the locals here. Everyone shared their connection with the water and fish during the rainy season. They said flooding is a natural event that happens once or twice a year. The floodwaters bring various fish species to feed in the fields and by the roadsides, providing a good opportunity for locals to catch fish for food and extra income.

I tried fresh fish caught by the locals, grilled and cooked simply. The aroma of grilled fish with spicy jaew dipping sauce combined with the natural surroundings was unforgettable. This is the charm of traveling with mr.hotsia—not just passing through but truly experiencing the local way of life.

Travel and Accommodation in Chiang Rai for the Flood Fishing Experience

For those who want to visit Chiang Rai during the rainy season and experience flood fishing like me, I recommend staying in downtown Chiang Rai first. It’s convenient and offers a variety of accommodation options. I once stayed atSuknirand Hotelwhich is located near the Chiang Rai Clock Tower. This hotel is affordable, only 350 baht for a fan room and 500-600 baht for an air-conditioned room, with a central location that makes traveling very convenient.

From downtown Chiang Rai, I rented a car and drove along small roads connecting villages on the outskirts. It took about 30-45 minutes to reach flooded roadside areas where locals were fishing here and there. Visiting during the rainy season lets you see the beauty and simplicity of rural community life.

The Relationship Between Flooding and Chiang Rai’s Way of Life

Flooding in Chiang Rai is not just a problem but an opportunity that locals wisely use to their advantage. I often think about this connection when walking around downtown Chiang Rai or even when visitingChiang Rai Walking Streetwhich is lively and full of energy.

Flooding by the roadside showed me another side of Chiang Rai, different from the images of Wat Rong Khun or Doi Chang that I have shared inWat Rong Khun ArticleandDriving Tour of Doi ChangFlooding temporarily changes the locals’ way of life but also creates warmth in the community and fun in simple fishing that anyone can do.

Thoughts from mr.hotsia

For me, flood fishing by the roadside in Chiang Rai is a lesson in living harmoniously with nature. I saw locals who do not give up on challenges but turn them into opportunities to earn income and find small daily happiness.

If you visit Chiang Rai during the rainy season, don’t miss the chance to see roadside flooding and try fishing like the locals. I believe you will see a deeper side of Chiang Rai beyond typical tourist spots and learn about a charming and impressive way of life.

For more information and detailed travel stories about Chiang Rai by mr.hotsia, don’t forget to check outAffordable and Good Hotels in Chiang RaiandStrolling Around Downtown Chiang Raiwhich will help make your trip more complete.