Chiang Rai
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General Information
Other Name: -, District: NA, State: North Thailand, Thailand
Area: 0 -
Languages Spoken: Thai
Long Distance Code: -
Importance: -
Best Time to Visit: November to February and May To September
International Access: -Description
Chiang Rai is the most northern province of Thailand. The mighty Mekong river creates a border in the north to both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The place where all these countries touch is the famous-infamous Golden Triangle. The terrain of Chiang Rai province is mountainous and covered in large parts with tropical rain forests. The scenery is among the most beautiful of Thailand and one of the best things about Chiang Rai province is its rich cultural diversity.The province offers opportunities for boat tours (on the river Kok and on the Mekong), elephant rides, hill trekking, and sightseeing.Location
It is 785 km. from Bangkok and 182 km. from Chiang MaiClimate
Tropical climate
On the way into the town from the north-east there is a monument to its founder Mengrai.
This Karen hill-tribe village lies along the Mae Kok River where the tribesmen raise and tame elephants for jungle work. Besides this, they farm and hunt as well. The settlement consists of bamboo houses raised on stilts with farm animals such as pigs, chickens and buffalo living below. Usually clad in sarongs, white shirts and headscarves, the women in this village are skilled in sewing and dyeing fabrics. The folks here place great emphasis on respect for their ancestors.
Wat Chet Yot is worth visiting for its beautifully proportioned wiharn and a chedi with seven little towers on a square base.
Wat Ming Muang has an elaborately carved gable and several Chiang Saen-style (11th-16th c.) Buddha figures.
It was at Chiang Rai that the famous Emerald Buddha (now in Wat Phra Kaeo in the Grand Palace in Bangkok) first came to light, having remained hidden away for many years in Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao.In 1434 lightning struck a chedi in the wat, investigation of which uncovered a small, rather undistinguished stucco figure. Concealed beneath the plaster was the 75 cm (30 in) green jade or nephrite Buddha. The discovery quickly drew the attention of the king of Lan Na, who resolved that the Emerald Buddha should grace his capital Chiang Mai.The king interpreted this as a sign and, until 1468, the Buddha remained, albeit temporarily, in Wat Phra That Lampang Luang. Eventually it was taken to Chiang Mai from where, after long and circuitous travels, it found its way to Bangkok.Wat Phra Kaeo Don Tao is of interest for its carvings and painted wooden façade.