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Chiang Rai makes up the most northern province in Thailand. It lies about 785 kilometres from Bangkok on the Kok River basin. Covering a square area of approximately 11,678 metres, this area comes famously known as the gateway into the Myanmar (the State of Shan), Laos (provinces Oudomxai and Bokeo), and Southern China. Its neighbouring Thailand provinces include Phayao, Lampang, and Chiang Mai. [more]
King Meng Rai founded Chiang Rai in 1262 as the capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom - or the Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields. This area had been conquered by the Burmese and it didn't become part of Thailand until 1786. It took until 1910 for King Rama VI to finally declare the area a province.
Chiang Rai these days exists primarily as the destination of choice for travellers looking for the untouched area of Thailand. The north has considerably less influence from the West - so get in there fast before it changes too much. The area won't remain untouched for long, with the rapidity of change in Thailand. Get to Chiang Rai today to experience its abundance of natural attractions, the range of ancient relics, the fabulous mountain views, the myriad of ruins, awe inspiring jungle treks, and to experience the authenticity of the hill tribe lifestyle.
The eastern side of Chiang Rai consists primarily of flat river plains. The western side consists of mountains and higher plains. Around 12.5% of the population in the area belong to a hill tribe. The provincial slogan of this area can best be translated as: "Northernmost in Siam, beautiful Doi Tung, keeping of moral principles, best rice, sweet and fragrant litchi, beautiful women, the finest flavored tea, pineapple from Nang-Lae, source of the Giant Catfish." Attractive women, delicious pineapple, and morality… what more reasons could you want for visiting an area?
Chiang Rai becomes a melting pot of different cultures - primarily Thai, Burmese, Chinese and Laos people. The architecture, food, and culture in the area has touches of all of these influences - particular the Lanna style of architecture with its Burmese tweaks.
Chiang Rai lies at the heart of the Tourist Authority of Thailand's efforts to promote eco-tourism. There now exist luxury eco-hotels where backpackers trek, and hopefully these will help to preserve and conserve this beautiful area.
Chiang Rai can be viewed as the more chilled out sister to Chiang Mai. To leave the hustle and bustle, and experience some amazing cultural differences, Chiang Rai must be your choice. With so many interesting destinations in the surrounding areas, Chiang Rai sits perfectly placed as your base camp.
From Chiang Rai, its only a short trip to see The Golden Triangle, the famous meeting place of the borders of Thailand, Laos, Myanmar with the Mekong River. This area supposedly once located as the centre of all poppy cultivation in Thailand and used to be quite a dangerous area with the drug smuggling that took place.
Other areas that make perfect exploring companions to Chiang Rai: Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Doi Mae Salong, Doi Pha Tang, and Mae Sai.
Chiang Khon lies on the bank of the Mekong River and exists famously as the place where Pla Buk (also known as giant catfish) come from. The fishery station breeds the Pla Buk and some fingerlings get released into several rivers. Visit in the prime fishing season of mid January to May.
Chiang Saen, originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang, exists on the bank of the Mekong River. An ancient town that served as the capital of Lanna Thai until 1262 when Chiang Rai became the capital. Ruins abound in this glorious ancient town.
Mae Chan lies 29 kilometres north from the Chiang Rai city. The town for silver and tribal handicrafts as the local Akha and Yao hill tribes people sell their wares and buy other items here.
Doi Mae Salong, known as Thailand's little Switzerland, encompasses the Santi Khiri village. This village comes known for its settlement by the former Kuomintong Chinese 93rd Division of nationalist soldiers in the 1950s, who had moved in from Myanmar. The population has been added to with Bai-Yi, a Thai speaking minority from South China, and also people from the Akha, Lisu, and Lahu hill tribes. The best time to visit this area lies in December and January when the sakura flowers fully bloom, and the trekking makes for a fantastic experience with the location being at 1800 metres elevation and above. The major reasons to visit Santi Khiri village lie in its old world charm, tasty Chinese influenced food, and the coffee or fruit plantations.
Doi Pha Tang houses the Chinese Haw - those of the Hmong and Yao minorities. The Haws, also known as the former 93rd Chinese Division, moved from Myanmar to settle in Thailand. This picturesque mountain gives amazing views of Thailand and Laos, and visit during the winter for fully flowering cherry blossoms.
Mae Sai borders onto Myanmar with the Mae Sai River running between them. A bridge spans the river to provide crossing between the countries. Tourists can cross over to Tha Khi Lek market in Myanmar by showing their passport and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint.
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