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Chiang Rai

Introduction

Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometres with a population of 1.23 million at an average elevation of 580 metres above sea level, is bordered by Myanmar to the north, and Laos to the north and northeast. The provincial capital is 785 kilometres north of Bangkok .

Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a Million Ricefields). The province contains Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai, is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hilltribes, and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.

How to get there
By Bus
The 11-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on airconditioned coaches and non-airconditioned buses originating from the Northern Bus Terminal on Bangkok's Kamphaeng Phet 2 (Tel: 936-3660 (or) 9378065 for further details).

By Air
Thai Airways (Tel : Bangkok / Lan Luang 280-0100-110, Silom 234-3100-19, Asia Hotel 215-2020) operates daily flights from Bangkok and other northern Thai cities.

Attractions: City attraction

City attraction
Out of city attraction
City Map

King Meng Rai the Great Monument
This is located on the city outskirts, beside the northern road to Mae Chan, and honours the monarch who founded Chaing Rai in 1262.

Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai
Situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains King Mengrai's ashes and relics.

Wat Phra That Doi Thong
This ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.

Wat Phra Singha
This temple, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. The Phra Buddha Singh image now hourse in Chaing Mai's Wat Phra Singh was formerly enshrined here.

Wat Phra Kaeo
Located behind Wat Phra Singha, this temple is said to have been the original place where the Emerald Buddha. Now enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo (Chapel of the Emerald Buddha) was enshrined.

Haad Chiang Rai
Located 5 kilometres from the city, this scenic riverside area and promenade is a recreatioin area for local inhabitants.

Mae Kok River
Known in Thai as Maenam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation artery from neighbouring Chaing Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton (180 kilometres north of Chaing Mai provincial capital), from whence tong-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12.30 PM (Chaing Rai-Tha Ton: 10.30 AM). The river passes several hilltribe settlements and elephant camps from where jungle treks originate.

Khun Kon Forest Park Waterfall
Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70 metre high Khun Kon Waterfall is the highest in the province.

Chiang Rai Accommodation Guide		Hotels Restaurants Souvenir shops
A comprehensive list of airconditioned and.non-airconditioned accommodation, and restaurants, in chaing Rai can be obtained from the local Tourism Authority of Thailand office.on Singhakhlai Road. The office is open seven days a week, throughout the year from 8.30 AM until 4.30 PM