Chiang Rai / Basic Information
Chiang Rai city is the capital of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand’s most northern province, about 785km (491mi) from Bangkok and at an average elevation of 580m (1,900ft) above sea level. Its area, mostly mountains, is 11,678sqkm (4,508sqmi) and divided into 12 districts and 1 sub-district. The most important river is the Mae Kok which is about 130km (81mi) long and flows through Chiang Rai city.
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai (see Chiang Mai). At the end of the 13th century, for around 30 years, Chiang Rai was the capital of the Lannatai Kingdom. Later the city was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Burma converge.
Accommodation
Aree Pracharat
541 Phahonyothin Rd, Tel 71-1166
15 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Boon Young Guest House
1054 Sanambin Rd
Tel 71-3752; 30-150 rooms
Chiang Rai
519 Suksathit Rd
Tel 71-1266, 71-2118
71 rooms, sgl/dbl 100-150 (f)
Chiang Rai Island Resort
1129 Singhakhlai, Tel 71-1865, 71-1951
Bkk Resv Tel 233-1130
Krung Thong
412 Sanambin Rd
Tel 71-1033, 71-1212, 71-184, 120-240 (f, ac)
Mae Kok Villa
445 Singhakhlai Rd, Tel 71-1786
44 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-160 (f)
Pao Wattana
150 Tanalai Rd, Tel 71-1722
50 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120
Ruang Nakhon
25 Ruang Nakhon Rd
Tel 71-1566 to 7; 61 rooms, sgl/dbl 180-300 (ac)
Rama
331/4 Trairat Rd, Tel 71-1344, 71-1739
43 rooms, sgl/dbl 180-400 (f, ac)
Siam
531/6-8 Bunpaprakarn Rd, Tel 71-1077
52 rooms, sgl/dbl 110-160 (f, ac)
Siri Wattana
485 Uttarakit Rd
Tel 71-1466, 71-2906
36 rooms, sgl/dbl 80-120 (f)
Suknirun
424/1 Bunpaprakarn Rd, Tel 71-1055
105 rooms, sgl/dbl 200-360 (f, ac)
Wang Come
869/90 Pemawiphak Rd
Tel 71-1800, 71-1811
221 rooms, sgl/dbl 637-3,630 (ac)
Tlx WANGCOM TH 41-307
Bkk Resv Tel 252-7760, 250-0325 to 6
Wiang Inn
893 Phahonyothin Rd
260 rooms, sgl/dbl 968-1,089
Tel 71-1533, 71-1543, 71-1877
Tlx 41-308 WIANGIN TH
Bkk Resv Tel 235-6488, 235-7399
Places of Interest
Monument of King Mengrai
This monument is on the road to Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai, just outside the city of Chiang Rai.
King Mengrai’s Ku
Ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed in this Stupa (Chedi) within Wat Ngam Muang on Ngam Muang Hill in Chiang Rai city.
Wat Phrasingh
Legend holds that an important Theravada image was once located here. The Wat has been restored too many times to allow accurate dating; documents suggest that it was built in the 15th century or earlier.
Wat Phra Kaeo
Wat Phra Kaeo behind Wat Phrasingh is believed to have been the original site of the Emerald Buddha which is now in Bangkok at the Royal temple of the same name.
Phrathat Doi Tung
The structure atop Doi Tung, with an elevation of 2,000m (6,562ft) the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province, is a reliquary that draws devout Buddhists from Thailand, Laos and Burma. One gets to the shrine by a tortuous mountain road, which winds its way up and down mountain sides for 40km (25mi). A beautiful Royal residence has been being built there for the Princess Mother.
Phrathat Doi Chom Thong
This pagoda is on Chom Thong Hill on the bank of the Mae Kok River near the city of Chiang Rai.
Pu Kaeng Waterfall
This waterfall, 9km (6mi) west of Pu Kaeng village near Phau, is the largest in Chiang Rai Province. It has a strong cascade all year round.
Suan Doi Oop
Various plants and flowers of many different species make this a scenic place. The private resort, along Chiang Rai - Mae Chan Highway around 18km (11mi) from the city, has an area of over 16 hectares (40 acres). Reservations for accommodations under Bkk Tel 252-3618, 252-8523.
Hill tribes
Many tribes live around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along the Kok River including Yao, Akha, the Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu Shi, Skaw and Karen. Each group speaks its own language, follows animist customs based on a belief in spirits as well as more recently adopted religious beliefs.
Rafting
The Mae Kok River, 130km (81mi) long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai Province, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. On its route lie several hill tribe settlements. There are regular well-organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations along the river. A popular tour is rafting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or vice versa.
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