Chiang Rai, Thailand's furthest northern province, is about 785 kms. from Bangkok and 580 meters above sea level. Its area, which mostly covered with mountains, is 11,678 square kilometers. Administration is divided into 13 Amphoes and 1 King-Amphoe: Muang, Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Sai, Mae Suai, Pa Daet, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Pa Pao, Wiang Chai, Phaya Mengrai and King Amphoe Wiang Kaen. The most important river is Mae Kok; which is about 130 kilometers long.

ATTRACTIONS

Momument of King Mengrai the Great
This monument is situated at the starting point of the road to Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai.

Wat Phrasing
Where legend holds that an important The ravada image was located, has been restored for many times to allow accurate dating, but documents suggest the 15th century or earlier.

Wat Phra Keo
Situated behind Wat Phrasing, is believed to have been the original residence of the Emerald Buddha which is now in Bangkok at the Royal Temple of the same name.

Phrathat Doi Chom Thong
This pagoda is located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of Mae Kok River near the city of Chiang Rai.

Mae Fa Luang Farm is a foundation located at Ban Pa Ngiu, Tambon Robwiang, about 3 - 4 kilometers from Chiang Rai township. The foundation is a temporary shelter for hilltribe children.

Ku Phra Chao Mengrai
This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai Township area. It is the place where ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

Handicraft Center is about 3 kilometers from town on Mae Chan Road. It offers demonstration of weaving and ceramic making, sales of goods made at the center and Burmese goods.

Rattana Garden
Situated along Chiang Rai - Mae Chan Highway about 18 kms. from the city. This scenic place, under the management of the private sector, has the area of over 40 acres. It comprises of plants and flowers of different colour and species, together with accommodations provided for tourists.

Doi Luang National Park covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Waing Pa Pao of Chiang Rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao. To get to the park is by taking Chiang Rai - Phayao Highway for 58 kms. to Ban Pu Kaeng, turn right at km. 773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Chiang Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

Mae Kok River, 130 km long, running through the heart of Chiang Rai, is said to be one of the most beautiful and unspoil rivers of the world. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle - tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. There are regular well - organized rafting trips to and from Chiang Rai to many interesting destinations : A popular tours rafting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, or vice versa.

Wiang Ka Long is located along Chiang Rai - Chiang Mai Route, about 16 kms. from Amphoe Wiang Pa Pao. This is where the ancient kilns called "Ka Long Kiln" have been excavated.

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