Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHIANG RAI PROVINCE
Chiang Rai, Thailand's northernmost province, has a bit of everything: the mountains in the
far east are among the most dramatic in the country, the lowland Mekong River floodplains
to the northeast are not unlike those one would find much further south in Isan, and the
province shares borders with Myanmar and Laos. In terms of people, it's among Thailand's
most ethnically diverse provinces and home to a significant minority of hill tribes, Shan
and other Tai groups, and more recent Chinese immigrants.
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Chiang Rai
POP 68,000
Chiang Rai Province has such a diversity of attractions that its capital is often overlooked.
This small delightful city is worth getting to know, however, with its relaxed atmosphere,
good-value accommodation and great local food. It's also the logical base from which to
plan excursions to the more remote corners of the province.
Founded by Phaya Mengrai in 1262 as part of the Lao-Thai Lanna kingdom, Chiang Rai
didn't become a Siamese territory until 1786 and a province until 1910.
