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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 travelers 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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