Chiang Rai is situated within the boundaries of the famous Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Sop Suak Rivers. Founded in 1262 AD by King Mengrai, Founder of the Kingdom of Lanna, Chiang Mai is 785 km from Bangkok. Burma occupied Chiang Rai between 1648 AD and 1786 AD. In the month of February every year, Chiang Rai sponsors a weeklong traditional Northern culture during the colorful Wat Samae Fah Luang Festival. Chiang Rai is also the ideal retreat for exploring the Golden Triangle and taking the river trips down the Kok River, which joins the Mekong River. Chiang Rai is divided into following districts - Muang, Phan, Thoeng, Mae Chan, Mae Sai, Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Khong, Mae Suai, Chiang Saen, Pa Daet, Wiang Chai, Phata Mengrai, Wiang Kaen, Mae Fa Luang, Khun Tan, Mae Lao, Wiang Chiang Rung and Doi Luang.

The important tourist places in Chiang Rai are:

Wat Phra Kaeo

Situated on Trairat Road in heart of the city, Wat Phra Kaeo is the site where one of the most venerated statues of Buddha was discovered in 1444 AD. Many state rulers including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane had moved the statue to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance before it was finally enshrined at Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Period. The other attraction of the temple is 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, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic in Thailand. It is dated even prior to the period when the King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. Now a highly sacred temple in Chiang Rai, it was the very site from where the King Mengrai decided to establish the town. The chedi of the temple containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.

Ho Watthanatham Nithat

Located at the former town hall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum with splendid display of ancient antiquities and written texts on history, literature and indigenous intelligence. On display are also the royal activities of the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. The museum is open to the public from Wednesday to Sunday from 8 in the morning until 3 in the evening.

Chiang Saen National Museum

Chiang Saen National Museum exhibits vast artifacts about archaeology, settlements and history of the town. On display are the replicas of the community and several ancient relics including Lanna-style sculptures, Buddha statues and inscription stones found from Phayao and Chiang Saen. Also on demonstration are the indigenous art objects including musical instruments, ornaments, opium-smoking accessories of the Thai Yai, Thai Lu and other hill tribes.

Wat Phra That Chedi Luang

Located in Chiang Saen old town is the Wat Phra That Chedi Luang built by King Saen Phu, the 3rd ruler of the Lanna Kingdom in early 13th century AD. The most significant element in the temple is the bell-shaped chedi built in Lanna-style measuring 88 m in height and 24 m in width at the base. It is the largest such structure in Chiang Saen. You may also see the remains of ancient wihan and chedi.

Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong

Located within the city wall, Wat Phra Chao Lan Thong was built in 1489 AD by Prince Thong Ngua, a son of King Tilokkarat, the 12th ruler of Lanna Kingdom. The temple has a 1200-kilogram statue of Buddha statue, Phra Chao Lan Thong, which has a lap width of 2 m and is more than 3 m high. There is another equally remarkable statue, Phra Chao Thong Thip, cast brass in the Sukhothai style.

The Golden Triangle

About 9 km from the Chiang Saen old town to the north along the corresponding road to the Mae Khong River is the Golden Triangle. The area where the Mae Khong meets the Ruak River is locally referred to as Sop Rukae and it is here that the borders of three countries, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, meet. The remains of many ancient places and structures are worth having a look. The various legends on the origin of the ancestors of Lanna are traced to this place.

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