Chiang Rai is about 795 kilometers north of Bangkok situated on the Kok River basin. The province covers an area of approximately 11,678 square kilometers with an average elevation of 570 meters above sea level. Chiang Rai province is located in the renowned Golden Triangle area. Chiang Rai is 180 kilometers north of Chiang Mai.

King Mengrai in 1262 chose Chiang Rai as his new capital to consolidate his conquests in the Lanna kingdom. However he was not to remain there for long, he turned his sights southwards and moved his capital to Chiang Mai.

The Burmese occupied Chiang Rai from the 16th to the 18th century and like Chiang Mai it was not until the 20th century that it became part of Thailand.

Chiang Rai a travelers paradise, offering a broad range of activities among stunning mountain scenery, historic Buddhist shrines and hill tribes. River adventures and elephant treks number among the major attractions. Wat Doi Tong is on a hilltop to the northwest of the city and provides panoramic views of the valley.

Many hilltribes live around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along the Kok River including Yao, Akha, the Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu Shi, Skaw and Karen. Each group speaks their own language.

They also follow animist customs based on a belief in spirits as well as more recently adopted religious beliefs. The Mae Kok River is a 130 kilometers long and runs through the heart of Chiang Rai Province.

The Mae Kok River is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoiled rivers of the world. It flows gently along the jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs, on its route lie several hilltribe settlements.

There are many organized kayaking and rafting trips from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations along the river. A popular tour is rafting from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai or vice versa.

Chiang Saen, approximately 60 kilometers from Chiang Rai is a small town situated on the banks of the Mekhong River. A short distance upstream is the town of Sop Ruak, where the three countries Thailand, Burma and Laos meet. At this point is what most people call the Golden Triangle.

The Golden Triangle covers a large area of all three countries, Chiang Saen has an interesting museum and some ancient temples. The museum has exhibits from the Lanna and Sukothai periods as well as hilltribe artifacts and is well worth a visit.

Mae Sai is 60 kilometers north of Chiang Rai. Its a border town on the Thai side of the Thai-Burmese border. The corresponding town on the Burmese side is called Tachilek.

The main reason for visiting Mae Sai is for shopping and to glimpse Burmese life by crossing over to Tachilek. You will find mostly gems, jade, textiles, Burmese tapestries, laquerware as well as other handicrafts and Chinese products.

Mae Salong is situated to the north west of Chiang Rai and is a very unique place in Thailand. The original population were remnants of the Chinese Kuomintang, who originally fled to Burma but were pushed out of Burma in 1960. The Thais allowed them to settle in Mae Salong which has evolved into a distinctive Chinese settlement in Thailand.

Famous for its traditional Chinese style houses, Chinese Cuisine and some of the best Chinese tea available plus a range of Chinese herbs. The bustling morning market is where the hilltribes and Chinese cultures entwine. Mae Salong is a convenient location to tour some of the surrounding hilltribe villages and it makes an interesting overnight stop.

Doi Luang National Park The area consists of high mountain range lying to the north and south. Doi Luang Mountain in the northern part is the highest area, mixed forests, many kinds of birds and animals.

Khun Chae National Park is located one hour northeast of Chiang Mai. It was declared a national park in 1995 due to its important water resources. Extensive forests, wildlife, beautiful waterfalls and scenic views.

Lam Nam Kok National Park has mixed forests high sloped and mountainous main mountain ridges are Doi Yao, Doi Bo, Doi Chang and Doi Pha Mup. Maenam Kok the main river of the north its upper part flows through the middle of the bottom land in the area.

National Parks Thailand

Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) lies just 8 kilometers from the centre of Chiang Rai. It acommodates over 500,000 passengers each year, daily flights are  available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket.

The nearest railway station to Chiang Rai is Chiang Mai, you will therefore need to find onwards transport from Chiang Mai station, via plane or bus. Alternatively, you could take the train to Lampang (about nine hours from Bangkok) and then a bus to Chiang Rai.

Buses depart from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal Bangkok at regular intervals. You can choose between VIP, Regular air conditioned buses or non air conditioned. The joruney takes between nine and eleven hours.

Long Tail Boats are available from Chiang Mai (Tha Thon) along the Mae Kok River to Chiang Rai. The picturesque river cruise takes between four and six hours depending on conditions.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

The city's main market sells everything from fruits and vegetables to jeans and housewares, be sure to visit the night bazaar close to the bus terminal. In addition you will find hundreds of shops and stalls at Mae Sai. They are situated densely together and extend right to the Thai Myanmar border. Popular items are silk, local clothes, silverware, jade and gems.

The Night Bazaar, besides the stalls you will find many restaurants, also a big stage with live music and occasional traditional Thai Dancing, you can listen and watch while eating in open air restaurants.

Chiang Rai has a lot of mountains and hilltribe villages of all major groups, there are many areas good for trekking, other activities include Golf. Rafting along the Mae Kok River, Mountain Biking, Elephant Trekking and Jungle Tours.

Chiang Rai has a large choice of accommodation, from international standard hotels to more modest guesthouses and village houses.