Northern Thailand CHIANG RAI
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 from Bangkok. Mostly mountainous, it reaches the Mae Khong River to the north and borders on both Myanmar and Laos.
The province is rich in tourism resources in term of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilisation. It is also home to several hilltribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos.
Ho Watthanatham Nithat
Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 8.30 am. until 3.30 p.m.
Kok River
The Kok River flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed boats can be rented from town to travel along the river, on both sides of which are lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hilltribal villages of the Akha or Iko, Lisu, Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. Another river routed starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward to Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights.
Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
The Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No.1211 from town. After 18 kilometres turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres. Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to proceed further another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, the Khun Kon is some 70 metes high. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings eminently suitable for relaxation and nature walk.
Oub Kham Museum
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, 1 kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects from the areas once belonging to, or affiliated with, the Lanna kingdoms: present north Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from ritual objects the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts. Originally starting with lacquerware, silver jewelry and clothing. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. It is open daily from 9 am.-6 pm. Admission fee is 100 baht per person. Call 0-5371-3349 for more information.
The King Mengrai Stupa
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang district was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296 with Chiang Mai as the capital.
The Wat Phra Sing
The Wat Phra Sing ,on Singhakhlai Road near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.
Wat Phra Kaeo
Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally begin enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple also houses 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
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area, contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.
King Mengrai Festival This festival is held from January 26 - February 1 every year. The festival features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.
Songkran Festival Traditional Thai New year celebrations are best seen
at Chiang Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attractions. The festival is annually held from April 16-18.
Lychee Fair This is held annually in May. Celebrating the province’s tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.
Distances from Chiang Rai town to other districts :
Amphoe Phan 46 kms.
Amphoe Thoeng 64 kms.
Amphoe Mae Chan 20 kms.
Amphoe Mae Sai 63 kms.
Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao 91 kms.
Amphoe Chiang Khong 141 kms.
Amphoe Mae Suai 53 kms.
Amphoe Chiang Saen 60 kms.
Amphoe Pa Daet 52 kms.
Amphoe Wiang Chai 12 kms.
Amphoe Phaya Mengrai 48 kms.
Amphoe Wiang Kaen 127 kms.
Distances from Chiang Rai to other provinces :
Chiang Mai 180 kms.
Phayao 94 kms.
Phrae 232 kms.
Nan 271 kms.
Uttaradit 305 kms.
Bus
Bangkok-Chiang Rai
The 9-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on airconditioned coaches originating from Mo Chit 2 Bus Terminal. Call 0 2936 3659 (Bor Kho Sor’s 24-seat VIP coach), 9362963 (Siam First Tour), 9362492 (Indra Tour), 0 2936 2495 (Sombat Tour) or 0 2936 3531 (Kharuhat Tour).
Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is 182 kilometres north of Chiang Mai. Airconditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen. Call Thai Phatthanakit Transport at tel: 0 5324 6503 (Chiang Mai) or 0 5371 1154 (Chiang Rai)
Air
Bangkok-Chiang Rai
Thai Airways operates 5 flights daily from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The journey takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. Call 1566 or 0 2628 2000
Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai
From October 20,2003, Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flights time are available at 07.30 and 18.00 hrs. For more information, call Bangkok Office 0 2679 8999 or Chiang Mai Office 0 5392 2118-9 or view at www.phuketairlines.com
Thai Airways has numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0 2628 2000, their Chiang Rai office at tel. 0 5371 1179 or view their website at www.thaiairways.com.
Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai
From October 20,2003, Phuket Air offers 2 daily shuttle service flights from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai with YS-11 aircraft. The journey takes only 40 minutes and the flights time are available at 09.00 and 19.30 hrs. For more information, call Bangkok Office 0 2679 8999 or Chiang Rai Office 0 5379 8255-6 or view at www.phuketairlines.com
Chiang Rai is rich in handicrafted items such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hilltribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products. Certain food items are quite popular such as Naem and Mu Yo ( preserved and fermented pork sausages). Agricultural products include lichee (April-May), pineapples and tea, as well as other cool-climate produce from various royal projects.
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