Amphoe Muang
Hilltribe Museum
The Population and Community Development Association (PDA)
is a non-government organization responsible for some of the most
effective tribal development projects in the region. The popular
"Cabbages & Condoms" restaurants, with branches here
and in Bangkok (and now a resort in Pattaya), carry their important
message of safe sex and family planning. On the top floor of this
office is a small Hilltribe Museum that's heavy on "shop"
and light on "museum," but the admission goes to a good
cause. Open daily 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; admission fee is 50B ($1.20)/person.
Address: 620/25 Thanalai Rd., east of Wisetwang Road (tel. 0 5371-9167)
Ho Watthanatham Nithat
Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts
and written records on history, literature and indigenous knowledge
as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother
at Doi Tung. Located at the former town hall, it is open to the
public on Wednesdays through Sundays from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.
King Mengrai Stupa
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi
Ngam Muang in Muang District was built by King Chaisongkram to contain
the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
King Mengrai the Great Memorial
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in Muang
District at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. King Mengrai was
the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (now commonly known as Chiang
Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre
in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states
in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang
Mai as the capital.
Kok River
 The
Kok River is one of the most scenic attractions in Chiang Rai. It
runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City and
then flows on to meet the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan
Thathon boats, rafts and treks leave daily venturing into the surrounding
mountains where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters. A
long-tailed boat can be hired to ferry visitors up and down the
river. Stops can be made at Akha or Iko, Lisu and Karen hill tribe
villages. Alternatively stops can be made at the Buddha cave, a
temple within a cavern; an elephant camp, for trekking; a hot spring;
and a riverside Lahu village. Trips range from 300 bahts to 700
bahts ($7-$16), depending on the number of stops made. The ferry
pier is beyond the bridge across from the Dusit Island Resort.
Ku Phra Chao Mengrai
Ku Phra Chao Mengrai This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam
Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in the Chiang Rai township area. It is the
place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.
Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway
No.1211 from Chiangrai’s town. After traveling 18 kilometers
turn right and proceed for another 12 kilometers. Alternatively,
you can drive along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about
15 kilometers, turn right and proceed for another 17 kilometers,
then take a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The 70-metre high Khun
Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is the highest and most beautiful in the
province. Surrounded with dense woods, the area is also good for
hiking.
Oub Kham Museum
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, one kilometer
from the town center. The collection includes objects from the areas
once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing
northern Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest
China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection
mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer
ware, silver jewelry and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl,
a masterpiece, used by royals. It is open daily from 9 am. to 6
pm. Admission fee is 100 bahts per person. For more information
call 0-5371-3349.
Rai Mae Fah Luang
Rai Mae Fah Luang is a cultural centre and centre of Lanna
Studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage.There
are 5 exhibit areas namely
a. The Botanical Gardens and Nature Park
b. The Haw Khumm(Golden Pavilion)
c. The Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion)
d. Sala Kaew-A ceremonial space for riturals
e. Haw Kaew-Gallery of Lanna Cultureal Arts.
Rai Mae Fah Luang opens daily from 10.00-18.00 hrs. except Monday.
Entrance fee: Baht 200
Wat Doi Thong
Wat Doi Thong (Phra That Chomthong) sits atop a hill above
the northwest side of town, up a steep staircase off Kaisornrasit
Road. This location where King Mengrai is believed to have chosen
the site for his new Lanna Capital offers an overview of the town
and a panorama of the Mae Kok Valley. The chedi of Wat Doi Tong
containing what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic was probably
renovated at the same time that the town as being built. The circle
of columns at the top of the hill surrounds the city's new lak muang
(city pillar), built to commemorate the 725th anniversary of the
city and King Bhumibhol's 60th birthday.
Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong
Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong is located within the city walls.
This temple was built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat,
the 12th Lanna ruler in 1489. A 1,200-kilogram Buddha statue with
a lap width of 2 meters and height of over three meters was cast
and named Phra Chao Lan Thong. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong
Thip which is made of brass in the Sukhothai style was also cast.
Wat Phra Kaeo
 Wat
Phra Kaeo, which is located on Trairat Road on the northwest side
of town, is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed
the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most important Buddha statue
which was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various
state rulers to be placed in their capitals including Lampang, Chiang
Rai and Vientiane before finally being enshrined in Bangkok's royal
Wat Phra Kaeo. There is now a green jade replica of the image on
display. The temple also houses a 700-year bronze statue of Phra
Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen style ubosot.
Wat Phra Sing
Wat Phra Sing is 2 blocks east of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated
on Singha Klai Road. The restored temple is thought to date from
the 15th century. Inside is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha,
a highly revered Theravada Buddhist image, as the original was removed
to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh. The original buildings are fine
examples of classic religious Lanna architecture, with their low
sweeping roofs.
Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the “White Temple”.
Whereas most temples visited by tourists have a history going back
many centuries, this magnificent place of worship was built only
recently. It is the realization of a dream for Thailand’s noted
artist, Mr Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising
the construction of this beautiful white temple and it’s many
statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction
started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition,
there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. To get there
from the city of Chiang Rai, drive north along Asia Highway.
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