History
Date: Sunday 5th February 2012 |
The city was founded by King Mengrai in 1262 and became the capital of the Mengrai dynasty. However, it lost this status soon after to a new city built by Mengrai at Chiang Mai. Subsequently, Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became Chiang Mai vassal. After Siam or Thailand annexed Chiang Mai in 1899, Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.
In 1432 during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of Mengrai dynasty (1402-1441) the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha figure, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the Chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo. In 1992 (B.E. 2535) the City Pillar (known as Sadu Meuang, the Navel or Omphalos of the City) was moved from Wat Klang Wiang to Doi Chom Thong. |
*Source – Wikipedia
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. 
