Chiang Rai is the northern most province of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from east clockwise) Phayao, Lampang and Chiang Mai. In the north it borders Shan State of Myanmar and Bokeaw of Laos....

Chiang Rai is 200 kilometres northeast of Chiang Mai City, Changwat Chiang Mai; 62 kilometers south of Amphoe Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 kilometers southwest of Amphoe Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 kilometres north of Phayao City, Changwat Phayao.The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.

History

The city was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mangrai dynasty. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mangrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899 Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.

In 1432 during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of Mangrai dynasty (1402-1441) the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha statue, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo of Chiang Rai City. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.

In 1992, the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadue Mueang, the Navel or Omphalos of the City.

 
Attactions

• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, Smaller and less crowded than its Night Bazaar cousin in Chiang mai, the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar makes for a very relaxing evening stroll and shopping experience.
• Wat Phra Kaew, Once housing the Famous Emerald Buddha which now sits in the temple of the same name in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew is one of Chiang Rai's most revered Buddhist temples. Wat Prah Keaw now houses its own emerald buddha (actually made from Jade) wich was commissioned in the 1990's as a close replical to that of the original Emeral Buddha.
• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong , Even if you are not a temple buff then this Temple may still be worthy of a visit due its hill top location and the views it affords of the surrounding landscapes and towards the Kok River.
• Princess Mother Hall and Doi Mae Salong Located about 70 km northwest of Chiang Rai accessed by a scenic, and sometimes quite steep, road from Mae Chan. In Mae Salong there is a museum of the Kuomintang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Zedong, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
• Doi Tung Royal Villa is the final residence of the mother of the King of Thailand, known as the Princess Mother. It is located at kilometre 12 on highway 1149, to the west of highway 1. This magnificent villa was built on the mountain overlooking the surrounding hills and valleys in a unique mix of Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. Adjacent to the villa is a large flower-filled garden, and a memorial hall commemorating the Princess Mother.
• Golden Triangle is one of Asia's two main illicit opium-producing areas. It is an area of around 950,000 square kilometres that overlaps the mountains of four countries of Southeast Asia: Myanmar (Burma), Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. (Other interpretations of the Golden Triangle also include a section of Yunnan Province, China.) Along with Afghanistan in the Golden Crescent and Pakistan, it has been one of the most extensive opium-producing areas of Asia and of the world since the 1920s. The Golden Triangle also designates the confluence of the Ruak River and the Mekong river, since the term has been appropriated by the Thai tourist industry to describe the nearby junction of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar.
• White temple still a work in progress. The unique nitricacy and stunning whiteness of wat Rong Khunshould not be missed on any visit to Chiang Rai.
• Mae Sai Border is the northernmost point in Thailand, Mae sai is a good place from which to explore the Golden Triangle, Doi Tung and Mae Slong. It’s also a spot to observe border life, as Mae Sai is one of only to official land crossings open between Burma and Thailand(the other three pagodas pass). Only Thai and Burmese nationals are allowed to cross the bridge which spans the Sai river border, now they also allowed the foreigners cross the border for the day.
• Doi Mae Slong is located in Chiang Rai province, the northernmost province of Thailand. At an elevation close to 1,800 meters, it is one of the highest peaks in the province and commands some breathtaking and far-reaching panoramic views. When the mist comes, the views change dramatically, especially at sunrise or sunset. The air is crisp, cool and refreshing all year round.
• Opium Hall Chiang Rai , this large exhibition is a result of the initiatives of the Mae Fah Luang foundation and details the history of opium cultivation in the Golden triangle area of Thailand Laos and Burma.
• Chiang Saen, situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong River Chiang Saen was once the site of an imprtant Thai Kingdom. Around town you can still see plenty of the remnatnts and ruins of this kingdom including chedi, Buddha images and earthen city