Explore Chiang Rai

10/31/2015

The northern-most province in Thailand is Chiang Rai Province. Some 780 kilometres from Bangkok, Chiang Rai has a cooler climate than the rest of Thailand and is noted for its scenic mountain ranges, lush green valleys and tropical fruits such as lychees and pineapples. People have lived in what is now Chiang Rai Province in Thailand for centuries. From the 7th to the 13th centuries it was ruled by King Mangrai the Great and was the centre of the Lanna Kingdom (the Kingdom of a Million Rice Fields). King Mangrai made Chiang Rai town his capital in 1262 (King Mang Rai's City). However, in 1558 the area fell under Burmese rule and remained occupied for over 200 years. It wasn't until 1932 that it was classified as a northern region, part of the country of Siam (now Thailand).

Chiang Rai's Clock Tower

Chiang Rai's Night Bazzar

Now Days the city of Chiang Rai s a thriving little city and a great place to visit in its own right making it a great place to stay while visiting the many places within the Province. There are many great places to visit while in Chiang Rai Province and I presented some of the very best below:

Wat Rong Khun - The White Temple

The White Temple or Wat Rong Khun arose from the imagination of Artist Chalermchai Kositpipat which began construction in 1997. Wat Rong Khun is truly a place to put on your “must see” list... Read More...

The Mountain that Points to the Sky - Phu Chi Fa

A place not often visited by Western tourists, Phu Chi Fa or 'the Mountain that Points to the Sky' is a wonderful place to experience the sunrise in Chiang Rai Province. To get the best from the experience, you either need to get up pretty early ... Read More...

Thailand's Golden Triangle

Historically the term 'the Golden Triangle' applies to the opium growing region covering northern Thailand, eastern Myanmar (Burma) and western Laos. However, since the production and use of opium has been illegal in Thailand since 1959... Read More...

Doi Pha Tang Viewpoint in Chiang Rai

Tucked away in Wiang Kaen sub-district, some 130 kilometers from Chiang Rai Town lies Doi Pha Tang. Doi Pha Tang is a very beautiful mountain on the border between Thailand and Laos, about 25 km to the north of the more popular tourist spot Phu Chi Fa. Read More...

Phra Tamnak Doi Tung - Princess Mother's Royal Villa

The Royal Villa at Doi Tung was the residence of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother. The villa was built in 1987 and constructed under Her Majesty's supervision to incorporate architectural elements from Switzerland. Read More...

Mae Fah Luang Garden - Heavenly Royal Mother's Garden

The Mae Fah Garden in Doi Tung is located on the hillside just below the Doi Tung Royal Villa – Royal residence to the late Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother. Read More...

Doi Tung Mountain

Doi Tung Mountain is located very near the border between Thailand and Myanmar in Chiang Rai Province. The mountain has a wonderful history of transformation. The mountain was used for the growing of poppies in the middle of this century. Read More...

Chiang Rai's Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang-Rai is historically significant for the Thai People. It was a past home to the Emerald Buddha now located in Wat Phra Kaew next to the Grand Palace in Bangkok. Within the grounds of the Temple there is a Buddhist Museum. Read More...

Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai

Most of the cities in Thailand have a 'city pillar', which is usually made of stone and situated in a spot that is considered to be the heart of the city. These religious pillars or omphalos are sometimes referred to as 'navel' pillars because they sit in the center of the city. Read More...

Farms of Northern Thailand

The mountains in northern Thailand are especially beautiful. They are also used for growing delicious crops in cooler climate. The mountains in eastern Chiang Rai are used for growing mostly cabbages, as shown in my pictures. these farms are on the side of the mountains and must be very very difficult for the farmers.Read More...

Mae Sai Border Town

Mae Sai is the northernmost district of Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand and is a major border crossing between Thailand and Myanmar. For the best views of the Border Town and parts of surrounding Mynmar you should hiking to the top of Wat Phra That Doi Wao. Read More...

Boon Rawd Farm and Singha Park in Chiang Rai

Boon Rawd Farm, an absolutely a beautiful farm and one of the largest tea producers in Thailand, is owned and operated by the Singha Corporation. The farm is reported to have 237 acres of tea which produces over 400 tons of high quality tea annually. The farm workers are local Thais. Read More...

Chiang-Rai's Night Bazaar

After a long day of touring northern Thailand, the Chiang-Rai Night Bazaar is a great place to relax to some music while you eat and drink to revitalize for the next day's Tours. Read More...

Chiang Rai's Khunkorn Waterfall

Khun Korn Waterfall, located within a lush bamboo forest, is located approximately 30 kilometres outside Chiang Rai city to the southwest. Getting there is easy, taking Route 1208 past Wat Rong Khun and follow the signs. Read More...