Information
Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
- Chiang Rai province covers 11,678 square kilometers
- Population is approx 1.23 million.
- Chiang Rai is Thailand’s northernmost province.
- Chiang Rai is situated in the Kok River basin
- Average elevation is 580 meters above sea level
- Chiang Rai is approx 78o kilometres from Bangkok
- Myanmar is to the north & west
- Laos is to the north-east
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a Million Rice fields). The province includes the border town of Mae Sai ,Thailand’s northernmost point .
The province is renowned for its its crisp mountain scenery and colourful hill-tribes. The north-eastern boundary is the Mekong River, and the area latterly known as “The Golden Triangle” – the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.
Previously, the term “Golden Triangle” referred to the area to the west – around Doi Mae Salong / Thoed Thai. There, a mere 20+ year ago, opium warlord Khun Sa‘s 15,000 strong militia army supervised production of most of the world’s illicit narcotics…
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Located 10 kms south of Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun - the White Temple, by renowned Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat - is a visual symphony in white, a striking architectural masterpiece in a land of beautiful temples! Prints of Chalermchai's paintings are available at a shop within the temple grounds. 
The Karen elephant camp at Baan Ruammit on the bank of the Mae Nam Kok (Kok River) is located 19 kilometres from Chiang Rai. Well worth a visit, its easily reached by either long-tail boat (recommended), car or motorcycle. There are a few souvenir shops, hot coffee, and its a nice trip, however you get there.