Chiang Rai travel essentials
Posted by paul on July 6th, 2008 filed in Attractions, Day trips, tourist tipsInhabited by 1.23 million people, Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of the kingdom and covers an area of about 11,678 square km. The country of Laos borders the province on the northeast and north and Burma on the north. The city of Chiang Rai is located 180 km from Chiang Mai and about 830km from Bangkok.
King Meng Rai founded Chiang Rai in 1262 and it was the first capital of the Lanna kindom. The province boasts the mysterious Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Burma and Thailand meet.
Chiang Rai and the surrounding region offer a wide range of attractions to travellers. The city boasts numerous lively markets, selling a comprehensive selection of products ranging from fresh flowers to clothes, souvenirs and fruits. The atmospheric night bazaar, conveniently located in the downtown area between the bus terminal and Pahonyothin road is a pulsating melting pot of hill tribe products, cabaret shows, live music, open-air food court, bars and numerous stalls selling art, jewellery and cheap local handicrafts.
The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a great place to shop and eat
The notorious Golden Triangle is the province’s most popular travel destination attracting thousands of travellers annually. This infamous area, positioned approximately nine kilometres from the historical village of Chiang Saen, is bolstered by its fascinating history and the picturesque surrounding small towns.
Another popular attraction is the market town of Maesai, which is Thailand’s northernmost point and located on the Burmese border. Mae Sai is a popular destination for travellers who need a new visa stamp in their passports.
The city of Chiang Rai can be reached via daily domestic flight services from Bangkok or by bus in about 11 hours, or via daily flights from Bangkok.
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