Chiang Rai

Founded by Phaya Mengrai in 1262 as part of the Lao–Thai Lanna kingdom, Chiang Rai didn’t become a Siamese territory until 1786 and a province until 1910. Chiang Rai is one of the oldest cities in Thailand. It is 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.

The metro area has a population of 200,000 and is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos. It is an excellent base for exploring the region. Chiang Rai is essentially a service city for the surrounding province. Despite its relatively small population, Chiang Rai has respected universities and other civic facilities.

The character is distinctly Northern and is distinct to Chiang Mai to the south in various ways. The food is definitely spicier and the ethnic composition includes a good percentage of hill tribes and Myanmar exiles such as various varieties of Karen tribespeople.