Getaway Chiang Rai

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, as 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.

Doi Luang National Park
This fascinating national park should not be missed! One of the main attractions is the beautiful cascading Nam Tok Pu Kaeng Waterfall which is also the largest waterfall in the province. Other waterfalls within the park are the Nam Tok Wang Kaeo and Nam Tok Champa Thong. There are also various caves scattered throughout the park, such as Nang Phaya Pang Ding Cave. Much of the park is still covered in dense, mixed forest and is home to over eighty-nine confirmed species of bird as well as twelve different types of mammal, including wild pig, slow loris and barking deer.

Golden Triangle
A trip to Chiang Rai province would not be complete without seeing the notorious Golden Triangle first hand! This famed border location where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River was once supposed to be the center of all the opium poppy growing in Thailand.

Chiang Saen National Museum
This interesting museum is situated in the historical town of Chiang Saen and features some fine displays of local artifacts, as well as various handicrafts from the surrounding area. It is best known for its exquisite collection of bronze Buddha images in typical Chiang Saen style (featuring oval faces and slender bodies), as well as other Lanna art objects. Many art historians believe that these particular collections are perhaps the first true 'Thai' works-of-art. There are some fine displays of folk art, handicrafts and musical instruments produced by the hill tribes indigenous to the area.