Located within the region of Northern Thailand can be found the city of Chiang Rai, which is the capital, main economic, administrative and cultural centre for the mainly rural Chiang Rai Province, which has international borders with Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. Standing approximately 750 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chaing Rai is a quiet provincial city, home to just over 60,000 people and a popular tourist destination. Chiang Rai is considered to be a traveler’s paradise as it is less commercialised than many other parts of Thailand and has retained a quieter, less hurried and more serene way of life. Visitors are attracted to Chiang Rai for its ancient temples and nearby ruined settlements, for its closeness to colourful hill-tribe villages, for its magnificent mountain scenery, and for its access to the ‘Golden Triangle’, the Mekong River and the gateway to Myanmar and Laos.
Chiang Rai was founded by King Mangrai in 1262 when he established the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai in 1296 and this has left Chiang Rai with less evidence of its original importance as a historic royal city. The main town is rather small and can easily be explored on foot, and enjoys the benefits of the many hill tribes in the province which add an interesting facet to the city. The local streets are sometimes awash with colour as these minority groups in their bright traditional costumes arrive in Chiang Rai to sell their handicrafts. The major attractions of Chiang Rai consist of a few picturesque temples, which are located along the northern edge of the town, several bustling markets and a couple of interesting museums.
In typical Thai tradition, the temples are brightly decorated with beautiful wood carvings, naga (dragon-like serpents) staircases, gilded facades and ornate pagodas edged with gold filigree. A quick walking tour could start at the oldest Thai temple which is located on a small hill in the north-west part of town and is called Wat Phrathat Doi Tong, and is known for its golden chedi (bell-shaped building) which dominates the skyline. Nearby are located the Wat Ngam Muang, in which the ashes of King Mangrai were enshrined, and the Wat Phra Kaeo, in which the sacred Emerald Buddha was housed. The next temple is the 14th century Wat Phra Singh a short hop from which visitors will find the central market of Chiang Rai where almost anything can be bought and provides an ideal location to ‘people watch’ and enjoy the local culture. From here and a little to the east can be found the small but rather beautiful Wat Klang Wiang. Enough of temples – other attractions include the King Mangrai statue, founder of the Lan Na Kingdom and the city of Chiang Rai – the Hill Tribe Museum which is located in the centre of town and provides an interesting insight into the local tribes – the Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Centre which is an art and cultural park displaying items from the Lan Na and early Thai (Tai) cultures – and if time permits, take the opportunity one night to visit the bustling Night Bazaar along the Pahonyothin Road. The market is rather a melting pot of entertainments, stalls, food and bars, but provides an interesting side to Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai is home to breathtaking mountains, numerous lakes, waterfalls and several hot springs, and provides easy access to Doi Hua Mae Kham which is home to a number of hill tribe villages including peoples of the Lisu, Akha and Hmong. Day trips can easily be made to additional attractions including the White Temple, the border town of Mai Sai, the Golden Triangle with its Hall of Opium, and the ancient city of Chiang Saen. Or for the more active, hiking trips, elephant rides and a plethora of alternative options. Enjoy!!
|