Chiang Rai is the capital city of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand. The town has a population of around 62,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region.
The city was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mangrai dynasty. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mangrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.
Chiang Rai City is 200 kilometres northeast of Chiang Mai City, Changwat Chiang Mai; 62 kilometres south of Amphoe Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 kilometres southwest of Amphoe Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 kilometres north of Phayao City, Changwat Phayao.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
PLACE TO VISIT
Wat Phra Kaeo - this beautiful Buddhist temple on Trairat Road right in town is famous for having housed, in the 14th century, the Emerald Buddha, one of the most famous Buddha images in Thailand — now housed in Bangkok in the temple of the same name, on the grounds of the Royal Palace.
Wat Phra Sing is located near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is located at Ban Rong Khun, Tambon Pa O Don Chai, along Phahonyothin roadside at Km. 816, approximately 13 km from the city. This unique temple was designed and built by artist Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. A beautiful 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. A gable is decorated with a gable apex, a leaf-shaped gable-edging – in the shapes of Phya Naga, dragon and mythical creatures, which are entirely made of white stucco. There are viharn, small hall for recitation surrounding the ordination hall, museum and reception pavilion. The gallery exhibits paintings of Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. Posters, drawing albums and T-shirts can be purchased. The earnings will contribute to the fund for building the temple. It opens daily at 8.00 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the banks of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built. A major religious site in Chiang Rai was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town.
Munniti Chiang Rai Across from Sammakkhi Wittayakhom School on Banpaprakan is this Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist temple, a rare sight in Theraveda Buddhist Thailand. There is a Shan house nearby. And on the road to Pattaya Noi is a temple dedicated to to the Chinese Goddess of Mercy featuring a large statue. In the Ban Kheck area is another Goddess of Mercy temple.
Chiang Rai First Church, its largest, was built in 1914 at PratuSiri corner. It's Presbyterian.
Hilltribe Museum and Education Center situated in the center of town is aimed at promoting a better understanding of hill tribes and their cultures etc…. The displays include that of housing styles, tools, utensils and traditional hunting, fishing and agricultural equipment. Open 8:30 to 6 p.m. and 10 to 6 weekends and holidays, or by special request and prior arrangement, especially for group tours; it's in the center of town at 620/1 Tanalai Rd., Amphoe Muang, Chaingrai 57000.
Oub Kham Museum is located at 81/1 Na Khai Road, Tambon Rob Wiang near Den Ha market, one kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects used in the royal courts such as Lanna, Khum Chao Phare and Khum Chao Chiang Mai some parts are from northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam which are about 500-1,000 years old. Visitors can admire 120 year-old ancient fabrics, Sin Mai Kham-golden silk skirt-from the Mandalay, the golden throne, king’s golden costumes and silver ornaments. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. All of those show the glory of the kingdom in the past. It opens daily from 09.00-17.00 hrs. Admission for adults is 200 Baht and for children 100 Baht.
Cultural Hall Museum near the TAT building on Singhaklai Road is a large white building that has a huge statue of King Mongkut at the main entrance. Visitors can find prehistoric tools, two medieval cannons, costume examples, ancient pottery and examples of ancient Lanna literature in the Dhamma script. There are also videos available, a model of the city and a display of five major areas of Tai culture. The fee for adults is only B10, for children B5.
Princess Mother '90 Museum is a sizable fascinating pavilion dedicated to the life of the beloved Princess Mother (mother of the present king, King Rama IX). On display are fine collections of lacquer boxes, wood pulleys, pottery, weaving equipment and some old handwritten folded texts with drawings. Admission is free.
Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from town. After 18 kilometres, turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres. Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to proceed further another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, Khun Kon, is some 70 metres in height. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walk.
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city in the north and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Mueang atop Doi Ngam Mueang in Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
WHAT TO DO
Rent a motorbike and go to the temple on Buffalo Horn Hill to have a splendid overview over Chiang Rai by following the old road to Chiang Mai, called Thanon Ratchayotha. Just about when you'll cross the city borders you'll notice a long curve in the road to the right. From this point watch for a hill in the distance at the lefthand side. That's where you want to go! Take a left turn at the next big Soi (Nongpoung soi 3). Take the first turn right after the lake and turn left. The entrance to the small road up is here: look for temple flags. You will be treated with the most beautiful view over Chiang Rai. Especially around sunset! The restaurant at the small lake serves nice fish and gourmet frogs.
Another way to find Buffalo Horn Hill (Wat Phra That Doi Khao Khwai) is to go Thanon Sanam Bin south to the Old Airport, turn right onto Thanon Pracha Santi follow this one and you see the hill in front of you.
Take the same old road to Chiang Mai for about 15 km and turn right at the white sign 'Kun Korn Waterfall'. The pitoresque road meanders up for 11 km. Walk the last kilometer to the waterfall itself through fantastic jungle. Impressive.!! You might need a swimsuit and/or dry clothes... prepare to get wet.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is located on Phaholyotin Road 8 kilometres from downtown Chiang Rai. Car rental is available on arrival from Avis. The airport is served by Air Asia and Thai Airways to Bangkok and SGA Airlines to Chiang Mai. Despite the name, the airport has no international connections at all.
By bus - Deluxe coaches operated by Greenbus depart Chiang Mai's Arcade Bus Terminal (north of the city, opposite Carrefour and just off the super highway) on a regular basis. The journey takes three hours and costs 520 baht round-trip.
If you are arriving from Laos, buses leave Chiang Khong bus station every hour or so and have the destination clearly marked. The journey takes two and a half hours and costs 76 baht.
By train - The nearest train station is at Chiang Mai.
By car - Chiang Rai is about 820km north of Bangkok and is easily accessible from Bangkok via highways # 1 / # 32 and from Chiang Mai on highway # 118.
