An introduction to Chiang Rai
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Chiang Rai
A scenic home of the Hill Tribes
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ACCESSIBILITY:
By road, 785 km. from
Bangkok,
182 km. from Chiang Mai; by air, 1˝ hr. from Bangkok. |
Chiang
Rai: located at the northern tip of Thailand, bordering Myanmar
(Burma) on the north and Laos on the east. Of its 11,678 km˛ area,
more than three quarters is mountainous.
Chiang Rai, was built
in 1262 by King Mengrai, founder of the kingdom of Lanna. It was
twice occupied by Burma after 1648 and became part of Thailand again
in 1786. |
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ATTRACTIONS:
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King
Mangrai Statue and Temples:
A
bronze statue of the founder of Lanna Kingdom is situated at the
starting point of Highway 110. There are several Buddhist temples
in town, notably Wat Phra Sing, where Phra Phuttha Sihing, an important
Theravada image , was originally housed, and Wat Phra Kaeo, where
the Emerald Buddha, now enshrined in the Royal Temple of the Grand
Palace in Bangkok, was first found. |
Phra That Doi Tung:
A temple containing the left collar bone of the Buddha on top of
the 1364 m. Doi Tung (highest mountain in Chiang Rai), is a most
important place of worship for Buddhists in the North. About
7 km. from the temple is a beautiful royal residence named Phra
Tamnak Doi Tung built for the late Princess Mother in celebration
of her 90 th. birthday in 1990. |
Golden Triangle:
The world-famous place where the borders of Thailand, Burma and
Laos meet and where you can enjoy the natural beauty. Both hotel
rooms and huts are available, and so are trekking and boat ride
arrangements. |
Hill tribes:
Several hill tribes live in the mountainous areas around Chiang
Rai, Mae Chan, Mai Sai and along the Kok River. |
Doi Mae Salong:
A settlement of remnants of the Nationalist Chinese army, Mae Salong
is well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere.
Accommodation is available there.
Mae Sai on Burmese Border:
Mae Sai the northernmost town of Thailand is now an important jewellery
centre, especially jade ornaments. |
Pu Kaeng and other Waterfalls:
Pu Kaeng, the largest waterfall of Chiang Rai is in Doi Luang National
Park about 58 km. from Chiang Rai and has a total of 17 leaps. Another
beautiful waterfall is called Mae Kon, the lowest level of which
is 70m. high It is only 30km. from the provincial town. The one
nearest the main highway No.1 (only 240m. away) is Sai Khao Waterfall.
there are hot springs nearby. |
Rafting down the Mae Kok:
The 130 km. long Mae Kok is among the most scenic and unspoiled
rivers still existing in the world today. |
Chiang Saen Museum:
The museum is famous for its invaluable Buddha images and antiques
of the Chiang Saen Kingdom which flourished in the 11th and 12th
centuries. It is open to the public every day except Mondays and
Tuesdays.
Accommodation: Chiang Rai
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