Chiang Rai, known as the "Crown of the North" on account of its being founded by King Mengrai - a somewhat unbejeweled crown, it has to be said, compared with Chiang Mai - is another gateway to the Golden Triangle from where approximately a third of all the world's illegally traded (raw) opium originates (about 300 tons a year). Standing on the right bank of the Menam Kok, the town is well worth visiting for its extraordinarily beautiful scenery and makes a convenient center from which to explore the country close by and further afield.
Its good transport links with Chiang Mai, Chiang Saen and the rather more distant Lampang mean that a number of interesting northern Thailand towns are easily accessible. Also, the neighboring highlands are populated by hill tribes such as the Akha, Lisu and Meo, still largely untainted by civilization. Colorfully attired hill tribesmen and women are a feature of local markets where they come to sell their wares.
By car: from Lampang, Highway 1 (240 km (149 mi.)); from Chiang Mai, Highway 107 to just before Fang, then highways 109 and 1 (268 km (166 mi.)).
By bus: from Chiang Mai and Bangkok (Northern Bus Terminal), several departures daily.
By air: from Bangkok and Chiang Mai (up to six flights a day).
By rail: nearest station Chiang Mai (180 km (112 mi.)).
The town is older than Chiang Mai, having been founded by Mengrai in 1262 as the capital of his kingdom of Lan Na. Favorably sited on the Menam Kok, a tributary of the Mekong River, it had first been settled centuries before by the Lawa and the Mon. Chiang Rai was held by the Burmese for many years, coming under Siamese rule only in 1786 (four years after Bangkok became capital). Whilst little is known of its history in earlier times, Chiang Rai's fortunes have latterly been closely linked with those of Chiang Mai and Chiang Saen (60 km (37 mi.) away).
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A huge golden Buddha in Chiang Rai.
Buddhas inside a temple in Chiang Rai.
Rongkun Wat temple in Chiang Rai.
A dragon outside a temple in Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai
