Chiang Rai Province

Welcome to Chiang Rai ::
Chiang Rai is the northern most province of Thailand. It is located 829 km. from Bangkok. It consists of valleys, which are punctuated by hills and has a total area of 11,678 square kilometers. Many important rivers start flowing from here such as Mae Kok River, Mae Lao River, Mae Kham River, Mae Sai River, and Ing River. Moreover, the Golden Triangle of Chiangrai is the first entering point of Mekhong River to Thailand before making an exit point to Lao PDR.at Wiang Kaen District of Chiangrai.
Chiang Rai? Population consists of many groups of racial such as Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khern, Tai Yuan. In the early of 2000 A.D. many hill tribes moved from China and settled their village in many places of Chiangrai. The last group of racial that moved in Chiangrai is the 93rd Chinese Nationalist Battalion

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.