Travel Guide to Chiang Rai, Thailand

This city is founded by King Mengrai in 1262. For a long time it had remained the capital of the independent kingdom of Lanna, which was later conquered by the Burmese. Today Chiang Rai (or Changwat Chiang Rai) is the administrative center of the eponymous province located in the north of the country.

This area is interesting due to the fact for a long time only impassable trails have connected it with the rest of the country. Northern Thailand is considered the cradle of the unique and amazing Thai culture. Here the traditions of this amazing country have been preserved in complete isolation from the influence of other cultures.

Chiang Rai is famous for its vats (Buddhist temples). According to a legend once the Emerald Buddha statue has stood here. Later it has appeared in Bangkok. One of the local churches (Ngam Muang Hill) keeps the tomb with the remains of King Meng Rai.

The nature of northern Thailand is also unique. Bright and rich colors of mountain sceneries surround the city and fascinate thousands of tourists who come to visit these places. We suggest making a route from Chiang Rai to the Doi Tung and Doi Mae Salonga Mountains in order to enjoy the beauty of tropical forest that hides ancient temples and panoramic landscapes from with their peaks. On your way you can visit the villages of the local tribes.