Chiang Rai (Thai: เชียงราย) is the northernmost province (changwat) of Thailand. Neighbouring provinces are (from east clockwise) Phayao, Lampang and Chiang Mai. In the north it borders Shan State of Myanmar and Bokeo and Oudomxai of Laos.
Understand
Populations have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786. Chiang Rai province’s Golden Triangle bordering Laos and Burma was once the hub of opium production which had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.
The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to various hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Burma and Laos.
Phu Chi Fa (ภูชี้ฟ้า): There is a trail which leads up to the viewing point on the top, a distance of 1.8 kilometres. From the sheer cliff of Phu Chi Fa, views, especially the sea of mist at sunrise can be seen. The cool climate produces flowering shrubs of various species.
Chiang Saen (เชียงแสน) an ancient town once served as the main town before King Mengrai established Chiang Rai as the capital in 1262. Traces of old double city walls and many other antiquities still remain in and outside the district town. The attractions include Chiang Saen National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติเชียงแสน), Wat Phra That Chedi Luang (วัดพระธาตุเจดีย์หลวง) and Wat Pa Sak (วัดป่าสัก).
Doi Pha Tang (ดอยผาตั้ง) about 160 kilometres from the provincial town, is a viewing point on top of a high cliff over the Thai-Laotian border. It affords a delightful scene of the river and a sea of mist throughout the year. During December-January, blooming Sakuras provide picturesque scenery. It is home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. There are a lots of bungalows & tents serve tourists.
Wat Phra Kaeo (วัดพระแก้ว) once housed Thailand’s most revered Buddha image, the Emerald Buddha. It was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin period.
Doi Mae Salong (ดอยแม่สลอง) is home to a community settled by remnants of the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Burma to Thai territory during the Communist Revolution. Today it is a tourist attraction with its small-town ambience on high hills.
Golden Triangle (สามเหลี่ยมทองคำ) locally called "Sop Ruak" is where the Mae Khong meets the Ruak River and also where the borders of three countries, Laos, Burma and Thailand, meet together. There are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the area having been settled by people in the past.
Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น) This temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. A white ordination hall – Phra Ubosot - is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures.
Doi Tung (ดอยตุง) is a revered mountain which includes the Doi Tung Palace and the Mae Fa Luang Flower Garden. The Wat Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site on top of the mountain, is about 2,000 metres above sea level.
Doi Hua Mae Kham (ดอยหัวแม่คำ) is the domicile of the hilltribe near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoed Thai-Ban Huai on routes which wind along the steep mountain edge. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a scattering of Akha, Hmong and Lahu. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most scenic in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
Wat Rong Khun (วัดร่องขุ่น) This temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. A white ordination hall – Phra Ubosot - is decorated with silver glittering pieces of mirrors. There are large mural paintings of the Lord Buddha in different gestures.
Doi Tung (ดอยตุง) is a revered mountain which includes the Doi Tung Palace and the Mae Fa Luang Flower Garden. The Wat Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site on top of the mountain, is about 2,000 metres above sea level.
Doi Hua Mae Kham (ดอยหัวแม่คำ) is the domicile of the hilltribe near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoed Thai-Ban Huai on routes which wind along the steep mountain edge. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a scattering of Akha, Hmong and Lahu. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most scenic in November when the yellow wild sunflowers are in full bloom.
