Chiang Rai Map Hotels Travel Agents Guide

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.

Bangkok - Chiang Rai

By Air

Thai Airways has daily flights connecting Bangkok with Chiang Rai. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000, the Chiang Rai Office tel. 0 5371 1179, 0 5371 5207, or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.

One-Two-Go offers daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Call 1126 or book online at http://www.fly12go.com

SGA offers flights to Chiang Rai. Call 0 2664 6099 or visit: www.sga.co.th

By Bus

The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.

By Car

Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Rail

There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang
(9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat

The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai

By Bus

Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.

By Air

Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival

Bo Sang Umbrella Festival is held in January in Bo Sang Handicraft Centre. The festival features paper products, paper parasols in particular, cultural shows, a parade showing traditional ways of life, and several contests.

 

Doi Suthep Pilgrimage

On the night of Visakha Bucha Day, worshippers gather to light candles and make the 7-kilometre pilgrimage up to the temple on Doi Suthep.

Songkran Festival is held annually from 13 to 15 April. The 13th of April is the Great Songkran day featuring the revered Phra Phutthasihing Buddha image parade around Chiang Mai town for bathing, sand pagoda making, blessing of elders, and water splashing.

The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in the Muang District 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-states 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 atop Doi Ngam Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

The Wat Phra Sing, on Singhaklai Road 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.

Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues 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 being enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama l of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple also houses a 700 years old bronze statue, Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen-style Ubosot.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within Muang district, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.

Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artifacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung . It is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 8.00 a.m. until 3.00 p.m.

The Kok River flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed boats can be rented from town to travel along the river on both sides of which are lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hilltribe villages of the Akha or lko, Lisu, Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. Another river routed starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Rai going northward to Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights.

The Nam Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway #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, the Khun Kon is some 70 metes high. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings eminently suitable for relaxation and nature walking.

Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by remnants of the former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to Thai territory since 1961. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small town ambience on high hills, delicious native Chinese dishes and small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors. During December - February, the hills are alive with pinkish Sakuras. To reach it, take the Chiang Rai- Mae Chan route for 29 kilometres, then turn left and proceed on for another 41 kilometres (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be undertaken on routes no. 1234 and no. 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Ban Tha Ton, the starting for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometres.

Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hilltribe near the Thai Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mea Chan - Ban Thoet Thai Ban Huai ln route which winds along the steep mountain edge. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most scenic in November when the yellow Wild Sunflowers are in full bloom.

Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang district, reachable by taking Highway No. 110 for about 48 kilometres. Then turn left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery and with many interesting sites. These include the Doi Tung Palace and the Mae Fa Luang Garden, Akha and Muser tribal villages. There are also view points and the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the Doi, about 2,000 metres above sea level.

About 62 kilometres from the provincial seat on Highway No. 110 is Thailand's norther-most district. Mae Sai borders on Myanmar's Tha Khi Lek marked by the Mae Sai River with a bridge spanning both sides. Foreign visitors are allowed to cross over to the Tha Khi Lek market by presenting their passports and paying a fee at the Mae Sai immigration checkpoint. ln addition, there are tour services up to Chiang Tung in Myanmar which is some 160 kilometres north by road.

Chiang Saen was an ancient town located on the bank of Mae Khong River. The district can be reached by taking Highway no. 110 from Chiang Rai for some 30 kilometres. Then take a right turn into Highway no. 1016 and proceed on for another thirty kilometres. Originally called Wiang Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang, it 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 both within and outside the district town.

The Chiang Saen National Museum is where knowledge can be sought concerning archaeology, settlements and history of the town. There are replicas of the community and scores of ancient relics including Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and inscription stones from Phayao and Chiang Saen itself. In addition, there are exhibitions of indigenous art obects of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hilltribes. These items include musical instruments, ornaments, opium-smoking accessories, etc. Open Wednesday-Sunday from nine in the morning until four in the afternoon.

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, located in Chiang Saen old town, was built by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna Kingdom in early 13th Century. Ancient sites include the bell-shaped, Lanna-style principal Chedi which measures 88 metres high with a base 24 metres wide, the largest such structure in Chiang Saen. There are also remains of ancient Wihan and Chedi.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong is located within the city wall, built by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th ruler of Lanna, in 1489. A 1200-kilogram Buddha statue was cast. Named the Phra Chao Lan Thong, it has a lap width of 2 metres and is over three metres high. Another statue called Phra Chao Thong Thip was also cast which is made of brass and in the Sukhothai style.

Wat Pa Sak, about one kilometre to the west of Chiang Saen in Tambon Wiang, was built by King Saen Phu in 1295 and three hundred teak trees were planted, hence the name Pa Sak (Teak Woods). It was then the residence of the patriarch. The temple's chedi is of the beautiful Chiang Saen architectural style and the exteriors are elaborately decorated 12.5 meters tall with a base of 8 metres wide.

There are also several ancient sites outside the city wall including Wat Phra That Chom Kitti, about 1.7 kilometres from town, and Wat Sangkha Kaeo Don Han where sketches on brick slabs tell stories about the various lives of the Lord Buddha.

The Chiang Saen Lake is a large natural reservoir with scenic surroundings. Large flocks of waterfowls immigrate to the site during winter. About five kilometres from the distract town on the Chiang Saen-mae Chan route is a left turn. Proceed on for another 2 kilometres to reach the site.

The Golden Triangle is about 9 kilometres from the Chiang Saen old town to the north along the road parallel to the Mae Khong River. The area is locally referred to as cSop Rukae, Where the Mae Khong meets the Ruak River. This is where the borders of three countries, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, come together. There are remains of many ancient places and structures attesting to the area having been settled by people in the past. It is also where various legends on the Lanna ancestors originate.

Around Sop Ruak are boat rental service to view the scenery around the Golden Triangle. In addition, boats can be hired to cruise from Sop Ruak along the Mae Khong River to chiang Saen and Chiang Khong which takes around 40 minutes and 1 1/2 hours respectively.

Phra That Doi Pu Khao is located on the hill just before the Golden Triangle and is believed to have been built by a king of Wiang Hirannakhon Ngoen Yang in mid-8th century. Remains of antiquities still visible today are only the Wihan and crumbled Chedis.

About 4 kilometres from Chiang Saen on the road to Chiang Khong is Phra That Pha Ngao. There is a bell shaped Chedi standing on large boulders. Nearby is a Wihan where several old Chiang Saen-style Buddha statues are enshrined. There is also a viewing point to enjoy scenery of the Mae Khong and of Chiang Saen itself.

Chiang Khong is a small, peaceful district on the bank of the Mae Khong opposite Muang Huai of Laos. lt is about 115 kilometres from the provincial seat, or some 55 kilometres from Chiang Saen on Highway No. 1129 to the east. Chiang Khong is noted as the place where Pla Buk, the giant catfish, are caught. The fishing season is from mid-January to May. The Chiang Khong Fishery Station is able to inseminate and breed this largest fresh-water fish in the world. Fingerlings bred here have been released in several rivers. Sight-seeing trips by boat are available to view the scenery and life along the Mae Khong. A stop can be made at Ban Hat Bai, a Thai lu community noted for making beautiful local material. To crossover the Muang Huai Sai in Laos, contact the immigration office at Chiang Khong.

Doi Pha Tang, located in Wiang Kaen district some 160 kilometres from the provincial town, is a viewing point on top of a high cliff over the Thai-Laotian border affording a delightful scene of the river and the sea of mist throughout the year. During December-January, blooming Sakuras provide a picturesque scenery. It is home to the Chinese Haw, the Hmong and Yao minorities. The Haws are the remnants of the 93rd Chinese Division who moved in to settle on Doi Pha Tang.

Another viewing point is Phu Chi Fa which is some 25 kilometres south of Doi Pha Tang in Toeng district. Visitors can stay overnight at Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai. From here a trail leads up to the viewing point on top of the hill, a distance of 1.8 kilometres. From the sheer cliff of Phu Chi Fa can be seen spectacular scenes, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. The cool climate produces colourful flowering shrubs of various species.

Pu Kaeng Waterfall is the site of Doi Luang National Park's headquarters located in Phan district. To reach it, go on the Chiang Rai-Phayao route for 58 kilometres to arrive at Bang Pu Kaeng. At Km. 77, take amid virgin jungle with water cascading down limestone brooks. There are camping area and jungle trekking services.

Wiang Ka Long is a community about 16 kilometres from the district office of Wiang Pa Pao. Here have been found remains of ancient furnaces used to make terra cotta utensils. The furnaces are shaped like turtleshell of various sizes with a width of 2 to 5 metres.

Bo Nam Ron or hot spring, located at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai on the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai road at Kms. 64-65, is found next to a stream. Villagers sell eggs to tourists to boil in the hot spring.

The Khun Chae National Park at Tambon Mae Chedi Mai of Wiang Pa Pao district can be reached by taking the Chiang Mai - Chiang Rai route ( Highway No. 1188). The park headquarters is right next to the highway at Kms. 55-56. Visitors wishing to undertake a jungle trek and camp within the park need to have the services of a guide and prepare their own camping equipment. The trek through the Khun Chae jungle is for adventure travel enthusiasts as the route passes through steep terrain and several hilltops and cliffs over 1,400 metres height. There are good viewing points and trekkers can enjoy waterfalls, flowing streams and virgin jungle areas lush with plant life