Chiang Rai has been inhabited since the 7th century, but it was not until 1262 that King Meng Rai established it as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The capital was later relocated to Chiang Mai and since that time Chiang Rai has lived in the shadow of its neighboring province, though for tourists this is a good thing.
Today, Chiang Rai is a traveler’s paradise, endowed with abundant natural attractions and antiquities. Attractions range from ruins of ancient settlements and Buddhist shrines to magnificent mountain scenery and hill tribe villages. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is a magical experience; explore the mountains of the north along various hiking trails, many of which access the villages of diverse hill tribes groups, many of whom maintain their traditional lifestyles.
Chiang Rai town, which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ than its more popular neighbor, now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to leave their troubles behind.Chiang Rai, the former capital of the great Lanna Kingdom, is a fascinating province filled with cultural and natural wonders, including the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Burma come together; an area that was once the hub of opium production, a trade that had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Chiang Rai had stayed off the tourist radar for many years, its people enjoying very leisurely development and mostly traditional, rural lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.
Recently tourism has boomed in Chiang Rai, where visitors have come to explore the pristine natural beauty of the countryside and immerse themselves in the indigenous culture, including those of a variety of different hill tribe communities. Fortunately for tourists, Chiang Rai is also a center for community development projects, helping rural villagers develop their attractions without adversely affecting their natural and cultural assets.
WHERE TO TRAVEL
Phu Chi Fa Phu Chi Fa is approximately 25 kilometers to the
south of Doi Pha Tang in Thoeng District. The cool climate produces colorful
flowering shrubs and the large meadow on the top provides breathtaking views of
Laos. In addition, spectacular scenery can be seen from the sheer cliff of Phu
Chi Fa, especially the sea of mist at sunrise. Visitors can stay overnight at
Ban Rom Fa Thong and Ban Rom Fa Thai.
Doi Mae Salong Doi Mae Salong is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by the
former Chinese 93rd Division who moved from Myanmar to reside on Thai territory
in 1961. The village became well known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil
atmosphere. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience,
delicious native Chinese dishes, small hotels and guesthouses catering to
visitors and tea, coffee and fruit tree plantations. The scenery is especially
picturesque in December and January when sakuras are in full bloom. Scattered
with many hill tribe villages, Doi Mae Salong is ideal for trekking.
Doi Tung Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang District and can be reached by taking
Highway No.110 for about 48 kilometers and turning left onto Highway No. 1149,
an asphalt road leading directly to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful
scenery with many interesting sites including the Doi Tung Palace (Pra Tamnak
Doi tung), the Mae Fa Luang Garden and Akha and Muser tribal villages. IN
addition to scenic lookouts, the most notable attraction is the Phra That Doi
Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain.
Doi Hua Mae Kham Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hill tribes near the Thai-Burmese
border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Thoet Thai-Ban Huai In
route which winds along the steep mountain edges. The inhabitants are
predominantly of the Lisu tribe, with a smattering of the Akha, Hmong and Muser
tribes. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most spectacular in November when the yellow wild
sunflowers are in full bloom.
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