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 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 traveler’s
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.
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