Lanna Kingdom
Bordering Myanmar (Burma) to the north and Lao PDR to the east, Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province, and one of the nation's oldest cities. Here, the ancient Lanna Kingdom flourished in the 14th century under the reign of King Mengrai. The present-day district of Chiang Saen was the first capital, later moved to Chiang Mai. King Mengrai's ashes are entombed in Chiang Rai and a monument to the king stands at the city's main intersection.
Return to Nature
Shielded from the blight of urbanization, Chiang Rai boasts unspoiled, natural scenery with tall mountain ranges and dense forests inhabited by more than a dozen hill tribe communities. Over the years, the province has proved a haven for nature lovers who enjoy drifting down rivers and wandering the mountains to visit various ethnic hill tribes.
Ancient Thai Capital
Tours of Chiang Rai usually bring visitors through the border town of Mai Sai, stopping by the Doi Tung Hill Tribe project. A drive along the Mekong riverbank takes visitors to the Golden Triangle, a few kilometers from the town of Chiang Saen - the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom.
Doi Tung Royal Palace
Doi Tung Royal Villa, a former residence of Princess Srinagarindra, the late Princess Mother, is situated on Doi Tung, at 1,364 meters, one of Thailand's highest peaks. Built on 30 acres of land, under the supervision of the Princess Mother, construction of the royal chalet began on December 23, 1987. This two-storey mansion exhibits a blend of Swiss and Lanna-style (northern) architecture, surrounded by fantastic gardens.
The interior walls of the chalet are majestically adorned with "3-D" oil paintings (that change depending on which way you look at them) and fine hand-embroidered silk from San Pa Tong District. The ceiling of the reception hall is impressively decorated with symbols of the planets and constellations, with the center depicting the position of the planets at the time of birth of the HRH the Princess Mother, on October 21, 1900.
Crown Project
The palace became the Princess Mother's workcenter for the Doi Tung Development Project to aid the reforestation of denuded mountains, and improve living conditions. One of the main objectives was to provide vocational training and educate hill tribes in matters of public health and practical farming. Previously, hill tribes suffered criticism for deforestation of large areas with traditional slash and burn techniques, clearing the land for opium poppy cultivation.
Flower Gardens
Behind the royal chalet is one of the most beautiful gardens of the Kingdom. Occupying around ten acres within the compound, the Mae Fah Luang Gardens are resplendent with perennial flowers, plants and shrubs. The entire hillside is a psychedelic array of pink, red, purple, white and yellow flowerbeds with one section devoted to a collection of noteworthy plants and trees. This is an idyllic spot to take in mountain scenes of Chiang Rai and, on a clear day, picturesque views of the Golden Triangle.
Border Crossing
The northernmost point in Thailand, Mai Sai is located on the banks of the Mai Sai River, 60 kilometers north of Chiang Rai on the Thai-Myanmar border. A small, concrete bridge links the town to Tachilek in Myanmar. The border, which is open to visitors of all nationalities bearing a valid passport, may be subject to rapid closure during times of strained diplomatic relationships between the two countries.
Border Bargains
Brisk trading - and not all of it legitimate - takes place between the border towns of Mai Sai and Tachilek. There are bargains to be had in Burmese rubies, jade, scented wood, antiques, jungle products, clothes, traditional slippers and more. Visitors should make sure to take a trip to the Myanmar side, whenever the border is open, for good deals, including embroidery, jewelry and other consumer durable goods. (Be cautious with buying gems though - if it seems too good to be true, it isn't.)
Golden Triangle
Further north is the town of Sop Ruak, also known as the Golden Triangle. This is where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos share borders straddling the Mekong River - Southeast Asia's longest waterway. Once notorious for widespread opium production (now much in decline), the region remains a top attraction for those visiting northern Provinces.
There are many stalls neatly lined along the roadside. Local products that are sold include hill tribe clothes, hats, souvenirs, and a wide variety of Chinese mushrooms.
Chiang Saen Ancient Capital
Founded in 1325 on the Siamese calendar (782 AD), Chiang Saen was the first capital of the ancient Lanna Kingdom before King Mengrai's grandson proclaimed Chiang Mai as the permanent capital. Despite its brief stint as the capital, Chiang Saen boasts a number of magnificent temples, Buddha images and historical ruins. Many small shops and roadside stalls in Chiang Saen sell hand made, hill tribe products and other souvenirs.
Panoramic Scenery
Picturesque views of the Mekong, bordering Myanmar, Laos and Thailand, are best viewed from the steps of Wat Prathat Phu Khao, atop a small rocky hill. The triangular apex, formed by the three countries and dissected by the Mekong from which the Golden Triangle earned its name, is clearly visible from this point making it a perfect spot for photos. The area also offers spectacular sunset scenery and a visit on a refreshing, misty morning is also popular among tourists.
