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Introduction
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. The provincial capital
is 829 kilometers north of Bangkok .
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by
King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of a
Million Rice fields). The province contains Thailand's northernmost
point at Mae Sai which is well known for its crisp mountain scenery,
and hilltribes. North Chiang Rai and falls within the region known
as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand,
Myanmar and Laos converge.
How To Get There
By Bus
The 11-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on air conditioned
coaches and non-air conditioned buses originating from the Northern
Bus Terminal on Bangkok's Kamphaeng Phet 2 (Tel: 936-3660 (or)
9378065 for further details).
By Air
Thai Airways Internationals (Tel : Bangkok / Lan Luang 280-0100-110,
Silom 234-3100-19, Asia Hotel 215-2020) Angle Airlines (Tel :
Bangkok 953-1304) operates daily flights from Bangkok and other
northern Thai cities.
Festivals & Events
King Meng Rai Festival
January 26-February 1
This features parades, cultural performances
and competitions celebrating the
 founder
of Chaing Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingkom.
Songkran Festival
April 16-18
Traditional Thai New Year celebrations are
best seen at Chaing Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and
Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests
and cultural shows are added attraction.
Lychee Fair
May 19-28
Celebrating the province 's tastiest fruit,
this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local
handicrafts, folk entertainment and beauty contests.
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