Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ’laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

Some attractions in Chang Rai

Golden Triangle means that the boundaries between three countries, including Thailand, Chiang Rai, Road, Bo Kaeo Province, Lao PDR and Tachilek in Myanmar look like a triangle area meet. The Mekong River cuts through the border of Thailand and Laos. This is an important economic area in the region.

In 1970s this place was the general headquarters of Khun Sa who was boss notorious opium, but now no longer grow opium which became the ideal eco-tourism, according to which, the former poppy fields been replaced by fields of crops, green fruit trees.

Golden triangle landscape

Monument of King Mengrai the Great : It is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai: This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai Township area. It is the place where ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Stupa of Mengrai

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong: This pagoda is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of Mae Kok River near the city of Chiang Rai.

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong

Wat Phrathat Doi Chom Thong

The Mae Kok River:  130 kms long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoil rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle - tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. There are regular well - organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations: A popular tours rafting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or vice versa.

Rafting Along the Mae Kok River

Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao of Chiang Rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao. To get to the park is by taking Chiang Rai - Phayao Highway for 58 kms. to Ban Pu Kaeng, turn right at km. 773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

Namtok Pu Kaeng waterfall

Mae Sai is Thailand's northern most border district to Chiang Saen A small town about 30 kms. further from Mae Chan. Its lovely setting on the Mae Khong River strongly enchants the charm of its old temples ; Wat Pa Sak , Wat Phrathat Chom Kitti ...

Mae Sa pass gate

Doi Mae Salong located about 45 kms. to the north of Amphoe Mae Chan, is one of the places allowed by Thai Government for some of the Chinese refugees from Myanmar to settle in. The village founded is called Santi Khiri. It has become well-known among tourists both Thais and foreigners for its enchanting beautiful scenery, calm and placid nature. There are guest houses and tourist houses with recreation activities provided such as house riding and elephant riding.

Doi Mae Salong

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung: is the holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters above sea-level. The shrine is reached by a torturous mountain road, winding its way up and down mountain sides for 17 kms. off Highway No. 110, 48 kms. from Chiang Rai township. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon.

Wat Phrathat Doi Tung

Phra Tamnak Doi Tung is a beautiful royal residence is built for the Princess Mother on the way to Phrathat Doi Tung. The main attraction is Suan Mae Fa Luang , a very beautiful garden decorated with different kinds of plants and flowers. The garden is open to visitors daily from 06.00-18.00 hrs.

Mae Fa Luang garden