Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 A.D. by King Mengrai, whose statue can be easily seen on the way to Mae Chan. It used to be the capital of Lanna Kingdom and later was conquered by Myanmar. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai has become Thai territory and proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910 AD. Nowadays Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Triangle in Amphoe Chiang Saen.