Chiang Rai

This is one of the oldest cities in Thailand, established in 1262 by King Mengrai as the centrepiece of the first independent kingdom in the country, and heart of the Lanna Kingdom. Yet, after just 34 years of glory, Mengrai moved his capital south to Lamphun and then finally to Chiang Mai. Chiang Rai largely fell into disuse and was fought over by Siamese and Burmese until 1786, when it was finally incorporated into the Siamese Kingdom.

The northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai is situated on the Kok River basin 416 metres above sea level. With an area of some 11,678 square kilometres, it is about 785 kilometres form Bangkok. Mostly mountains, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos. The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life and a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos. Chiang Rai is unlike other towns. It is small enough to make visitors feel welcome but large enough to accommodate all these people in comfortable accommodation.