12 March,2010 (Fri)  


 

 
Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai province covers some 11678 square kilometers is bordered by Myanmar to the north and northest. The provincial capital is 785 kilometres north of Bangkok and is 580 metres above sea level. 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.

  • 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 Chiang Rai in 1262 Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai. Situated in Wat NgamMuang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains King Meng Rai's ashes and relics.

  • Wat Phra Sing

    • This temple, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture. The Phra Buddha Sihing image now housed in Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Sing was formerly enshrined here.

  • Wat Phra Kaeo

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

  • Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

    • This ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.

  • Hat Chiang Rai

    • Located 5 kilometres from the city, this scenic riverside area and promenade is a recreation area for local inhabitants.

  • Mae Kok River

    • Known in Thai as Maenam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometr long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation artery from neighbouring Chiang Mai province, especially the town of Tha Thon (180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial capital), from whence long-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12:30pm (Chiang Rai-Tha Thon: 10:30 am). The river passes several hilltribe settlements and elephant camps from where jungle treks originate.

  • Khun Kon Waterfall Forest Park

    • Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provincial capital, along Routes 121 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Kon Waterfall is the highest in the province.

  • Doi Tung

    • Once the historical site of opium production, the late Royal Grandmother transformed Doi Tung into her summer residence and started rural development projects to discourage nearby hilltribe villages from producing opium. Nowadays, the scheme has been very successful and the villa flaunts a very attractive flower garden.

  • Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

    • It is a 10th century temple situated on the hilltop south of Chiang Saen, offering exhilarating views of the Mekong River, Laos and surrounding countryside. It is well known for its distinctive bas relief works and the shiny white marbled chedi.

  • Mae Sai

    • The northernmost town of Mae Sai is separated from Myanmar by a bridge, offering a good view and a chance for a brief crossing into the neighboring country. The town is bustling with traders from both countries daily, though mostly selling Myanmar goods like gems and handicrafts.

  • The Golden Triangle

    • The northernmost region of Thailand is synonymous with the infamous Golden Triangle, the mystical, meeting point of 3 national borders (Thailand, Laos and Myanmar) historically connected to opium and heroin trade.

  • Chiang Sean & Chiang Khong

    • The historical towns of Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong dates back to 1300's and are beautifully set on the banks of the Mekong River across from Laos. They both boast impressive ruin temples and teak tress. A large Thai Lue community, an ethnic minority from China, sells their distinctive, multi-colored textiles and souvenirs in both towns.

  • Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

    • Ii is a 10th century temple situated on the hilltop south of Chiang Saen, offering exhilarating views of the Mekong River, Laos and surrounding countryside. It is well known for its distinctive bas relief works and the shiny white marbled chedi.

  • Doi Mae Salong (Santi Khiri)

    • It is famous for having one of the most scenic panoramas, with rolling hills dotted with hilltribe villages, rightfully earning its nickname Little Switzerland. Established in 1962, it was a center for exiled Chinese soldiers and a base for incursions into China. The area around there was lawless and dangerous until the 1980s. With the military's presence, the town is relatively peaceful, with Akha and Mien villagers strolling the streets that has an overall impression of being Chinese more than Thai. Try the Yunnan-style food and Oolong tea while there.