Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai (Kingdom of a Million Rice fields). The province contains Thailand’s northernmost point at Mae Sai known for its mountain scenery and hill tribes. North Chiang Rai and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, where from one vantage point, one can be in Thailand, and see Myanmar on your left, and Laos on your right. China is at a distance in front of you.

Best known for her scenic beauty with the 130-kilometre long Mae Kok or Maenam Kok River running through the heart of Chiang Rai, sites include: King Meng Rai the Great Monument, honoring the monarch who founded Chaing Rai in 1262; Ku Phra Chao Meng Rai stupa containing King Mengrai’s ashes and relics; Wat Phra That Doi Thong hilltop pagoda predates the founding of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai; Wat Phra Singha is a fine example of Lanna Thai religious architecture; and the Wat Phra Kaew temple said to be the original home of the Emerald Buddha (now in Bangkok’s Wat Phra Kaew).