Chiang Rai Attractions

Wat Phra Thart Doi Thong is a sacred hilltop shrine and the location of the Queen Mother's Royal Chalet. Rising 2,000 meters above sea level, it is regarded as the holiest sanctuary by the residents of Chiang Rai and nearby provinces. The people of the Shan state in Burma, and Buddhists as far away as Vientiane, Laos revere this temple. Built by King Achutaraat of the Yonog Kingdom in 911 AD. It is believed that the left collarbone of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas. Enroute, the scenery reminds one of Switzerland and travellers can stop at Akha and Lahu villages which are famous for weaving.

Wat Phra Kaew Originally called Wat Paa Yai this is Chiang Rai's most revered temples. Legend says that in 1434 lightening struck the temple's octagonal chedi, which was destroyed revealing an emerald (actually jade) Buddha which was later transported to Bangkok, where it can be found today. In 1990 a Chinese artist was commissioned to make a replica of the image which now stands in the temple instead.

Hilltribe Education Centre is probably a good place to visit before venturing out to the actual hilltribe areas themselves as the centre provides some excellent information on what to expect and of course some insight into the culture of these people.

Trekking has to be the most popular pass-time in Chiang Rai and there are many trekking companies scattered throughout the area. Remember to cover up as there are mosquitoes and leeches in the jungles.

Mae Kok River - is a feature of Chiang Rai worth seeing. It runs from Thatorn in northern Chiang Mai Province to Chiang Rai City and then on to meet with the Maekhong River at Chiang Khong. From Baan Thatorn boats, rafts and treks leave daily to venture into the mountains of the surrounding area where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters.

Maekhong River tends to be well known and forms the border between Chiang Rai Province on the west bank and Laos on its eastern bank. Interesting sites along its length in Chiang Rai province include Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, and the Golden Triangle itself.

Tachilek (Ta Khee Lehg) This city opposite Mae Sai is where visitors flock to explore the villages and towns of Myanmar (Burma). A foreigner needs a valid passport, a copy of the passport, 3 photos and US$5 for the border fee. Travel is restricted within the immediate vicinity of Ta Khee Lehg only. The time difference in Myanmar is 1/2 hour slower than Thailand. Once inside Myanmar all persons must obey that country's laws. Regulations on visit to Burma change often, please chick with the Chiang Rai TAT office, Singkhaklai Rd., Tel. 717433, before going off to Mae Sai.

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle 12 kilometres north of Chiang Saen, a riverside area has been officially designated as the Golden Triangle. The spot, known locally as Sop Ruak, precisely marks the convergence of the Mae Sai and Mekong rivers which form the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.

Ancient Chiang Sean Chiang Saen was an ancient capital of Lan Na Thai (Kingdom of One Million Rice Fields) which dominated northern Thailand from the late 1200s. It was founded by King Mengrai before Chiang Rai and is historically important because a distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture evolved there during the late thirteenth century.

Chiang Saen, today only a small village set amongst ruins, was once home to King Mengrai, founder of the Kingdom of Lanna. The remaining earthen ramparts are a mere fraction of the city's original walls. Chiang Saen was burnt to the ground in the 1700's when Thai forces finally drove out the Burmese, who had ruled there since 1558. It was then deserted until 1861, when King Rama IV (King Mongkhut) ordered a Lumpoon prince to repopulate the site with people from nearby towns. Today, Chiang Saen offers swimming, boating, and fishing at Chiang Saen Lake and houses a branch of the National Museum.