Chiang Rai

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.

Attraction


Wat Rong Khun is also known as the White Temple. Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailands noted artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. To get there from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway.

Trip Guide

Visit Phra That Doi Tung, the twin pagodas where it is believed the collarbone of the Lord Buddha is contained, and the Doi Tung Royal Villa, The Mae Fah Luang Garden. Continue to Mae sai, Thailand’s northernmost point, and tour a bustling market-place full of goods from Myanmar and China. Then tour the ancient city of Chiang Saen including ruins of numerous temples, stupas, Buddha images, Lanna Thai artifacts are still to be seen. Archeological objects are exhibited at the museum. Alternative:-Visit Doi Mae Salong Village the Chinese refugees. “Santi Khiri” is home to descendants of Chinese Nationalist soliders who fled to Thailand in 1940. Mountainside tea plantations and fruit orchards provide good scenery. Along the way make a stop at the Akha-Yao villages and Hilltribe Development Centre.
(data fromTourism Authority of Thailand)

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