Chiang Rai (Thailand)

    The quieter neighbor of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai is a land of outstanding natural beauty, where visitors looking to avoid the hordes can visit remote hill tribes, spot exotic wildlife, and check out the golden triangle, the former center of the world’s opium trade.

    Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing. Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles. Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.

      Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character. Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.

Don't Miss !!!

The monument of King Mengrai

      Right at the center of Chiang Rai city finds the monument of King Mengrai, the great king who founded Lanna Thai kingdom. King Mengrai was originally the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang, an ancient town off in Chiang Saen. With a will to create a great kingdom of Lanna folks, he advanced his power to nearby kingdoms (Chiang Rai was one of them) until he successfully established the Lanna Thai kingdom in 1296 with his power centered at Chiang Mai.

Wat Phra Sing

     Not far from the Chiang Rai town hall is Wat Phra Sing, a historic temple once home to the sacred Lanna-style Buddhist statue Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now in Chiang Mai. Nevertheless, Wat Phra Sing remains a temple worth visiting for its Lanna-style ordination hall featuring finest creations of lanna craftmen.

Opening hours: Daily 8am-5pm

Contact: 0 5374 5038

The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun

       Also known as The White Temple, Wat Rong Khun is regarded as one of the most beautiful temples built in this century. A masterpiece of artist Chalarmchai Kositpipat, famed for his extravagant and unique Buddhism-related paintings, Wat Rong Khun reflects the artist’s grand visions of heaven, hell and Nirvana. The main assembly hall and adjacent area are carved in white with glass mosaics. The construction started in 1997 and even the assembly hall is not yet completed: only two walls have been painted with a depiction of heaven and hell. Look closely and you’ll see pictures of international heroes like Spiderman, Sailor Moon and even Ben 10 hidden in the murals. When it’s completed (it could take 50 years), the temple will have nine buildings. Donations are welcome but should not exceed B10,000 as Chalermchai doesn’t want to be under the influence of big donors, even though he’s spent more than B40 million of his own cash.

Opening hours: Daily 6.30 am - 6 pm

Contact: Tel. 0 5367 3579

Doi Tung

     At Doi Tung, you get to experience both the beautiful scenery of the hill and to learn about the life and social-development works of the late Princess Mother and her Doi Tung Development Project (since 1987). Located on Mae Fa Luang District, you can travel to Doi Tung through the Highway No. 110 for 48 kilometers and take a left on Highway No. 1149. While on the road you’ll be enjoy driving through beautiful surroundings as well as interesting attractions like the

Phu Chi Fa

     One of the most famous destinations uphill in Chiang Rai, especially during winter time, when visitors try to reach its cliff that offers spectacular views of the valley and sea of mist at sunrise. Phu Chi Fa is blessed with breathtaking views, abundant flowers of all colors, and cool weather most of the year. Plus, it is not far, located approximately 25 kilometers south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. Visitors are also welcomed to stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.

Opening Hours: Daily 5am-6pm