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Chiang Rai Travel Information Guide |
Introduction
Chiang rai province covers some 11,678
square kilometres and has a population of 1.2 mkllion. The average elevation
is 580 metres above sea level. Myanmar borders on the north, and Laos
on the A north and northeast. The provincial capital is 829 kilometres
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 Ricefields). The province contains
Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai which is well known for its crisp
mountain scenery, and hilltribes. North Chiang Rai 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 airconditioned coaches
and non-airconditioned buses originating from the Northern Bus Terminal
on Bangkok's Kamphaeng Phet 2 (Tel: 02 936-3660 (or) 02 9378065 for further
details).
By Air
Thai Airways Internationals
(Tel : Bangkok / Lan Luang 02 280-0100-110, Silom 02 234-3100-19, Angle
Airlines (Tel : Bangkok 02 953-1304) operates daily flights from Bangkok
and other northern Thai cities.
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City
Attractions
King Meng Rai the Great Monument
This is located on the city outskirts, beside the northrn road to Mae
Chan, and honours the monarch who founded Chiang Rai in 1262
Ku phra Chao Meng Rai
Situated in Wat Ngam Muang, on Ngam Muang Hillock, this stupa contains
King Mengrai's ashes andrelics.
Wat Phra That Doi Thong
This ancient hilltop pagoda overlooks the Mae Kok River and predates
the founding of Chiag Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai.
Wat Phra Singha
This temple, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious
architecture. The Phra Buddha Singha image now housed in Chiang Mai's
Wat Phra Singha was formerly enshrined here.
Wat phra Kaew
Located behind Wat Phra Singha, this temple is said to have been the
original site of the Emerald Buddha.(now venerated in Bangkok's Wat phra
Kaew Chapel of the Emerald Buddha)
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Haad
Chiang Rai
Located 4 kilometres from the city, this scenic riverside area and promenade
is a recreation area for local inhabitants.
Mae kok River
Known in Thai as Maenam Kok,this scenic 130-kilometre long waterway
runs through the heart of Chiang Rai. the river is a major transportation
artery from neighbouring Chiang Mai province, especially the town of
Tha Thon (180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai provinceal capital), when
long-tailed boats make the 3-4 hour journey every day at 12.30 PM
(chiang Rai-Tha Thon : 10.30 AM). The river passes several hilltribe
settlements and elephant cams from where jungle treks originate.
Khun
Korn Waterfall
Located 30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai provinceal capital, along
Routes 1211 & 1208, the 70-metre high Khun Korn Waterfall is the highest
in the province.
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