Chiang Rai City Guide

Thailand > Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square kilometers, is bordered by Myanmar to the north, and Laos to the north and northeast. The provincial capital is 785 kilometers north of Bangkok and is 580 meters above sea level.

A worthwhile trip to the northernmost province in Thailand includes a beautiful scenic spot such as Doi Tung Royal Villa, The Mae Fah Luang botanical garden and the mountaintop Wat Phrathat Doi Tung built in 1943.

The most important attractions of Chiangrai province are the Phra That Doi Tung, Chiang Saen National Museum, The Golden Triangle, Doi Mae Salong, the border town Maesai, Pu Kaeng Waterfall, Hill Tribes, Elephant Riding, and much more. You'll find it most exhilarating to travel here.

When you are in Thailand, never forget to visit its temples as Buddhism is Thailand's national religion, thus there are many beautiful Buddhist temples such as the 15th Century Wat Phra Singh, where legend holds that an important Theravada image was located. The temple of Wat Phra Kaeo is believed to have been the original home of Thailand's most revered Buddhist image.

To have a glance at the special landmark building here, a must visit destination is the monument of King Mengrai, he was the founder of Chiang Rai. His monument, the monument of King Mengrai the Great, is located at the beginning of the road to Mae Chan, Mae Sai and Chiang Saen (Golden Triangle).

Getting There and Moving Around

By air

Thai Airways International (TG) and Bangkok Airways (PG) run services to all major towns and also serves international flights as well. Getting there by airplane from Bangkok will take approximately 1 hr. 10 min.

By rail

The railway network extends over 4600km, linking all major towns with the exception of Phuket. It has recently been extended to serve centers on the east coast. There are four main trunk routes to the northern, eastern, southern and northeastern regions, and also a line serving Thon Buri, River Kwai Bridge and Nam Tok.

By road

There are inter-urban bus routes to all provinces where there are buses from Bangkok to Chiangmai then to Chiang Rai, for sight journey.

Motorcycle taxis are now available as they can manoeuvre between the cars to reach their destination. Car hire services are also available for you to move around this fascinating town.

Moving Around

There are several different types of road transportation to move around the city, thus it is a convenience to visit this fascinating city.