Chiag Rai

CHIANG RAI
Chiangrai is the most northern province of Thailand. Chiangrai is about 839 km from Bangkok and 200 km from Chiangmai.
Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometers with a population of 1.23 million. The average elevation is 580 meters above sea level, Myanmar borders on the north, and Laos on the north and northeast.
Geography
Geographical location 19°56′N, 99°51′E. Muang Chiang Rai is 200 km northeast of Chiang Mai Province; 62 km south of Mae Sai and the Myanmar border; 60 km southwest of Chiang Saen on the Mae Khong across from the People's Democratic Republic of Laos; and 90 km north of Nakhon Phayao, Phayao Province.
The Mae Kok River runs along its north side, flowing from west to east and eventually merging with the Mekong River.
Demographics
Population1.23 million
12.5% of the population belong to the hill tribes, a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in the North of Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Meo and Muser. Many Chinese, particularly from Yunnan Province, have migrated to the area and assimilated with the Thai population to such extent that well over half of the large businesses in northern Thailand are owned by people of Chinese heritage.
Government
Amphur Muang Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai Province.(Changwat Chiangrai)
The Salaklang Changwat holds the Provincial Offices.
History
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the first capital of the Lannathai kingdom. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai 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 Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
In 1432 the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. The beautiful jade figure was then seen concealed within.
In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong, where it is known as Sadu Meuang the Navel or Omphalos of the City.

How to get there

Bangkok-Chiang Rai

By Air
There are a number of domestic airlines operating daily flights from Bangkok to Chiang Rai.

By Car
Take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road), turn to route No. 32 passing Ayutthaya, Angthong and Singburi Provinces and change to route No. 11 passing Phitsanulok, Uttaradit and Phrae Provinces then turn left to Highway No. 103, drive through to Ngao District and turn right onto Highway No. 1 which takes you to Phayao and Chiang Rai Provinces. The total distance is 785 km.

By Bus
The coach ride from Bangkok to Chiang Rai is probably best made overnight since passengers can avail themselves of sleep prior to an early morning arrival. There are both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned bus services from Bangkok's Northern Bus Terminal (Mochit 2 Bus Terminal) on Kamphaengphet 2 Road. The journey may take approximately 9-11 hours.


By Rail
There is no direct train to Chiang Rai. You have to take a train to Lampang

(9 hrs. from Bangkok) or Chiang Mai (11 hrs.) and then take a bus to Chiang Rai. (2 hrs. from Lampang and 1.30 hrs. from Chiang Mai) For more details, call the State Railway of Thailand, 1690 (hotline), or 0 2223 7010 or 0 2223 7020.

By Boat
The capital may also be reached from Tha Thon in Chiang Mai province by a scenic 4-6 hour (depending on climatic conditions, such as rain, and other factors such as high waters and fast currents) long-tail boat ride along the Mae Kok River.

Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai
By Air
Airlines have numerous daily flights servicing the Bangkok-Chiang Mai route and the Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai route.

By Bus
Chiang Rai is 182 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Air conditioned buses leave 12 times daily from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal to Chiang Rai. Some buses continue to Mae Sai and Chiang Saen.



Tourist attractions

• 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.
• Doi Tung Zoo
• Phucheefah
• 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 Kuo Min Tang and their plight after exiled from China by Mao Tse Tung, and subsequently forced to leave Burma from where they entered Thailand, helping at times to fight the Communists.
The Gate of Siam is a location on the border with Laos where one can stand high up on a mountain with Laos directly in front and the mighty Mekong River flowing beneath.

Buddhist temples


• Wat Rong Khun a modern temple built since 1998 by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat
• Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
• Wat Phra Sing, Chiang Rai
• Wat Doi Khao Khwai




Festivals
King Mengrai Festival
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
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
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.

Convenient
Big C, the big department srote on the super-highway
ATM's, banks, exchange booths, travel and tour agencies, camera shops, book shops, copy shops, drug stores, tire repair, e-mail shops, appliance repair shops, dentists, gift shops and video-rental stores are abundant and accessible. There are few taxis, per se, but inexpensive, shared song taew (double bench people carriers) are common, as are song-lors (bicycle taxis) and tuk-tuks.


Important Telephone Number
police 191
medical emergency. 1669
Tourist Police 1155.
Directory Assistance 13.