Chiang Rai Province

One of the most fascinating areas of Thailand - and one most frequently missed by our visitors - is Chiang Rai, our northernmost province. For many, its main claim to fame is that it is the southern tip of the area known as "The Golden Triangle."

However, Chiang Rai province offers so much more! Sharing common borders with Burma and Laos, the architecture, festivals, food and culture of Chiang Rai reflect so much of the Burmese and Loatian influence. This would, alone, make this a worth-while place to visit.

Outstanding scenery, good roads and a great variety of hilltribe villages are further resons to include Chiang Rai as more than just a stop-over in your itinerary

Don't expect to see vast fields of the opium poppies which used to be the source of income for most of the hilltribes. Today, most of the villagers are involved in farming other crops, mainly through the efforts of His Majesty, King Rama IX. His personally sponsored crop substituion program has had a profound effect on the hilltribes, together with additional government assistance and a program of integrated schooling. As a ressult, more and more of the people of the various tribes are becoming respected, contributing members of the Thai community.

Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometres with a population of 1.23 million.The average elevation is 580 metres above sea level, Myanmar borders on the north, and Laos on the north and northeast. The provincial capital is 829 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 which is well known for its crisp mountain scenery, and hilltribes. North Chiang Rai 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. 02 936-3660 (or) 02 937-8065 for further details).

By Air
Thai Airways International (Tel. Bangkok / Lan Luang 02 280-0100 to 0110, Silom 02 234-3100 to 3119, Asia Hotel 02 215-2020 operates daily flights from Bangkok and other northern Thai cities.

ATTRACTIONS

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

Haad Chiang Rai
Located 4 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), 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 Korn Forest Park Waterfall
Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest in the province.

FESTIVALS AND MAJOR EVENTS

King Meng Rai Festival
January 26-February 1
This features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chaing Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.

Songkran Festival
April 16-18
Traditional Thai New Year celebrations are best seen at Chaing Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attraction.

Lychee Fair
May 19-28
Celebrating the province 's tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.