Chiang Rai, Thailand’s furthest northern province, is about 787 kms. From Bangkok and 580 meters above sea level. Its area, mostly covered with mountains, is 11,678 square kilometers. The most important river is Mae Kok; which is about 130.kilometers long. Administration is divided into 13 Amphoes and 3 King Amphoes:Muang, Chiang Kong, Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, Mae Sai,Pa Daet, Pa Daet, Phan, Thoeng, Wiang Pa Pao, Wiang Chai, Phaya Mengrai, Wiang Kaen and King Amphoe Mae Ja Luang, Khun Tan, Mae Lao. 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 Burma. It was not until 1786 that Ching Rai became Thai territory and proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910 A.D. Nowadays Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Tringle in Amphoe Chiang Saen.

          This monument is situated at the starting point of the road to Mae Chan, Chiang Saen and Mae Sai. And Ku Phra Chao Mengrai this stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in Chiang Rai Township area. It is the pkace where adhes and relics of King Mengrai are housed.

           Located about 45 kms. To the morth of Amphoe Mae Chan, is one of the places allowed by Thai Government for some of the Chinese refugees from Myanmar to settle in. The village founded is called Santi Khiri. It has become well-known among tourists both Thais and foreigners for its enchanting beautiful scenery, calm and pkacid nature. There are guest houses and tourist houses with recreation activities provided such as house riding and elephant riding.

Doi Luang National Park           Covers areas in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Wiang 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 kms. 773 for another 9 kms. Main attraction is Namtok Pu Kaeng It is the largest waterfall in Ching Rai, having strong current cascading all year round.

hai Airways has 2T and on some days 3 direct flights daily from Bangkok to Chiang Rai. The first departure is usually near noon, the second in the mid-afternoon. If there is a third flight it’s likely to depart from Bangkok in the morning. While departure times might change every 6 months, the changes are likely to be minimal while the frequency is basically maintained. Flight time is 1:25hr. There are more daily connections if one doesn’t mind to go via Chiang Mai (see below). The price of a one-way ticket is 1855 Baht.

Buses from Bangkok’s Northern Bus Terminal on Phahonyothin Road; 844km, non-aircon 150 Baht, 6:20, 8:30, 9:30, 15:30, 16:25, 17:15, 19:00, 20:30, 21:00, 21:30; aircon 283 Baht, 19:30, 19:45, 20:00; VIP 420 Baht, 19:00, 19:30

Several private bus companies operate coaches between Bangkok and Chiang Rai. Among them are:

Thai Airways has two to three direct flights daily from Chiang Rai to Bangkok. Departures are around noon and in the late afternoon. There are additional possibilities for those who don’t mind changing planes in Chiang Mai (see below). Flight time is around 1:20hr. The price of a one-way ticket is 1855 Baht.

A combined bus and boat trip to Chiang Rai can be made by taking a local bus from Chiang Mai to Tha Ton which takes approximately 3 hours, and continuing on a long-tail boat along Mae Kok River (4-6 hours). Boat fare is 160 Baht per person or 1,600 per boat.

Provincial Flights

Thai Airways has one to three direct flights daily from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. The first departure is in the morning, the second and third usually in the early afternoon. Flight time is around 40min.

Thai Airways has two to three direct flights daily from Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai. Departures are in the mid-morning and mid-afternoon. Flight time is around 40min.