Chiang Rai, Thailand's furthest northern province, is about 785 kilometres from Bangkok and 580 meters above sea level. Its area, mostly covered with mountains, is 11,678 square kilometres. The most important river is Mae Kok ; which is about 130 kilometers long. Administration is divided into 13 Amphoes and 3 King Amphoes : Muang, Chiang Kong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Sai, Mae Suai, Pa Daet, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Pa Pao, Wiang Chai, Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Kaen and King Amphoe Mae Fa Luang, Khun Tan, Mae Lao.
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 A.D. by King Mengrai, whose statue can be easily seen on the way to Mae Chan. It used to be the capital of Lanna Kingdom and later was conquered by Burma.
It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory and proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910 A.D. Nowadays Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Triangle in Amphoe Chiang Saen.
Attractions :
Momument of King Mengrai the Great This monument is situated at the starting point of the road to Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sa.
momument of king mengrai the great this monument is situated at the starting point of the road to mae chan, chiang saen and mae sai.
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.
wat phrasing where legend holds that an important the ravada image was located, has been restored for many times to allow accurate dating, but documents suggest the 15th century or earlier.
wat phra keo situated behind wat phrasing, is believed to have been the original residence of the emerald buddha which is now in bangkok at the royal temple of the same name.
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.
Mae Fa Luang Farm is a foundation located at Ban Pa Ngiu, Tambon Robwiang,about 3 - 4 kilometers from Chiang Rai township. The foundation is a temporary shelter for hilltribe children.
Handicraft Center is about 3 kilometers from town on Mae Chan Road. It offers demonstration of weaving and ceramic making, sales of goods made at the center and Burmese goods.
Rattana Garden Situated along Chiang Rai - Mae Chan Highway about 18 kms. from the city. This scenic place, under the management of the private sector, has the area of over 40 acres. It comprises of plants and flowers of different colour and species, together with accommodations provided for tourists.
Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Waing 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.
Rafting 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.
Wiang Ka Long is located along Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai Route, about 16 kms. from Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao. This is where the ancient kilns called "Ka Long Kiln" have been excavated.
Mae Chan is about 29 kms. to the north Chiang Rai. It serves as a trading post of Akha and Yao hillpeople who sell their goods and buy manufactured items. You can find some silver and other tribal handicraft at the shops in this town.
Hilltribes There are many main tribes around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along Mae Kok River such as the Yao, the Akha, the Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu Shi and Skaw and Karen. Each main group speaks its own language, follows animist customs (based on a belief in spirits) as well as adhering to other more recently adopted religious beliefs. Each of the main tribes language, custom and production attracts tourists by its own mysterious charm. There is the Hilltribe Developments and Welfare Center in Amphoe Mae Chan, along the route to Doi Mae Salong. Hand-made handicraft including woven cloth products and silverware are for sale in the centre.
