Explore Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai : a wonderful pleasant city in the coolest area of Thailand, which has grown rapidly during the past decade but remains casual and intimate.

Known today as the Gateway to the Golden Triangle, Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. With its magnificient scenery, Chiang Rai the capital of Thailand's northern most province, is an excellent venue for hill-tribe handicrafts. The Chiang Rai Handicraft Centre highlights a variety of costumes and artifacts of the hill-tribes such as Akha coin headdresses, Lahu geometric blankets and cushion covers, wooden boxes with carvings and woven rattan, etc. Also, as the base for visiting the rest of the far north, visitors will be fascinated by the hill-tribe trekking and the boat trip down the Mae Kok River from Tha Ton to Chiang Rai.

Temples in Chiang Rai

Wat Phra Keow
Wat Phra Sing

Wat Phra That Doi Thung
This ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.

Also in Chiang Rai

Night Market
Pottery

Mae Kok River: Known in Thai as Maenam Kok, this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. The river is a major transportation artery from neighbouring Chiang Mai province, especially the town of Tha Ton (180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provincial capital), where long-tailed boats make the 3-4 hours journey every day at 12.30 p.m. (Chiang Rai-Tha Ton: 10.30 a.m.). The river passes several hill tribe settlements and elephant camps where jungle treks originate.