Chiang Rai Information guide
General Information
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.
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