About Chiang Rai - Travel to Chiang Rai

Overview

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand and former Lanna capital, with a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 and became capital of the Mangrai Dynasty. Chiang Rai was conquered by the Burmese and remained under their rule for several hundred years and it wasn’t until 1786 that Chiang Rai became part of Thailand (Siam at that time). It was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.

Geography of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai lies on the flat alluvial plain of the Kok river, which is a tributary of the Mekong river. The mountains of the Daen Lao range runs along the north and the Phi Pan range of mountains run to the south of the plain with the Kok river running east and into Myanmar. Chiang Rai is 860km (530miles) north of Bangkok and 200km (120 miles) north easy of Chiang Mai.

Climate of Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has a tropical wet and dry climate. Winters are warm with temperatures rising in March – April with an average of 34.9 °C (94.8 °F). The monsoon season runs from late April to October with heavy sporadic rain and slightly cooler temperatures. Downpours are often short and localized and often in the evening.

Why Visit Chiang Rai?

Wat Rong Khun, designed and built by Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat, stands out as a must see attraction with exquisite white architecture, as well as Mingmuang Temple which is the oldest temple in Chiang Rai; Wat Rong Suea Ten Huay Pla Kang Temple and Baan Dam museum, which is a place for collecting art works by Ajarn Thawan Thanchanee.

For those who like nature, you can go up to see the sunrise over the Mekong and the sea of mist in the morning at Doi Pha Tang. Feel the cold and see the 360 degree sea view mist at Phu Chi Dao. See winter Flowers at Mae Fah Luang Gardens around Doi Tung Palace. Tracing the “13 Wild Boar Caves” EVENT at Tham Luang-Khun Nam Nang Non Forest Park. In addition, because Chiang Rai is a province that is at the junction between Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, tourists can view both sides of the Mekong at Golden triangle And visit Mae Sai market – Tha Khi Lek Along the Thai-Burma border as well.