Located 785 kilometres north of Bangkok, Chiang Rai is the capital of Thailand’s northern most province. At an average elevation of nearly 600 metres above sea level and covering an area of approximately 11,700 square kilometres, the province borders Myanmar to the north and Lao PDR to the north and northeast. The area is largely mountainous, with peaks rising to 1,500 metres above sea level. Flowing through the hill ranges are several rivers with the most important being the Kok River, near which the city of Chiang Rai is situated. In the far north of the province is the area known as the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong and Ruak Rivers meet to form the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Lao PDR. Inhabiting the highlands are ethnic hill-tribes like the Akha, Lahu, Karen, and Hmong. The region boasts a long history with small kingdoms dating back to the pre-Thai period, while the city of Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. It was temporarily the capital of Mengrai’s Lanna Kingdom until being superseded by Chiang Mai. Today, Chiang Rai is a charming city that provides the perfect base for exploring the scenic and cultural attractions of Thailand’s far north.
