Thailand > CHIANGRAI

General Information
Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. The province, which is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge, is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by Burma. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.

Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more 'laid back' now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.

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 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 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 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 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.

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

FestivalsKing 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.

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.

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.

Doi Luang National Park	Tham Pum-Tham Pla	Tham Pum-Tham Pla	Tham Phayanak	Mae Kok River
Doi Mae Salong	Doi Pa Tang	Phu Chi Fa Forest Park	Namtok Khun Kon Forest Park	King Meng Rai the Great Monument
Wat Phra Singha	Wat Phra Kaew	Wat Phra That Doi Thong	Wat Phra That Chedi Luang	Wat Pa Sak
Wat Phra That Doi Pu Khao	Khun Nam-Nang Non	Chiang Saen National Museum	Chiang Saen	Baan Haad Bai
Namtok Tat Khwan Forest Park	Namtok Tat Khwan Forest Park	Namtok Hua Mae Kham Foerst Park	Pong Phra Bat Forest Park	Khun Chae National Park
Lam Nam Kok National Park

Hotel Name	Class	Location	Price
YMCA International Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	530 THB
Khum Chao Resort Chiang Rai		Mae Sai	885 THB
Rimkok Resort Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,035 THB
Mae Salong Villa Chiang Rai		Doi Mae Salong	1,050 THB
Laluna Hotel & Resort Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,050 THB
Saenphu Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,150 THB
Inn Come Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,150 THB
Greater Mekong Lodge Chiang Rai		Chiang Saen	1,200 THB
Little Duck Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,265 THB
Teak Garden Spa Resort Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,380 THB
Wangcome Hotel Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,380 THB
Golden Triangle Paradise Resort Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	1,955 THB
The Imperial Golden Triangle Resort Chiang Rai		Kok River	2,070 THB
Du Doi Suay Resort Chiang Rai		Mae Sai	2,070 THB
The Mantrini City Hotel & Art Gallery Chaing Rai		Chiang Rai City	2,185 THB
Doi Hom Fha Resort Chiang Rai		Mae Chan	2,510 THB
Golden Pine Resort Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	2,510 THB
Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai		Kok River	2,761 THB
Phu Chaisai Resort & Spa Chiang Rai		Doi Mae Salong	2,875 THB
The Legend Chiang Rai		Kok River	3,105 THB
Suanthip Vana Resort Chiang Rai		Mae Sai	3,450 THB
The River House Resort & Spa Chiang Rai		Chiang Rai City	3,450 THB