Chiang Rai is the most northern province of Thailand. It covers 11,678 square kilometers with a population of 1.23 million. The town is the main commercial centre serving the Golden Triangle border region of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos.
It is an excellent base for exploring the region. The northernmost point of Thailand, at Mae Sai, is frequented mostly by tourists, shoppers and those engaged in servicing them.
Tourists come to see the famous Golden Triangle, its drug museums, and the mighty Mekong, but also for visa extension purposes. Chiang Rai which tends to be a little more ‘laid back’ now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages as the province is also home to several hill tribes who maintain fascinating lifestyles. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along various trails.
Festivals and things to see:
Hilltribe Museum and Education Center
Mae Sai Town
Doi Mae Salong
Golden Triangle
Chiang Rai Food Fair is on Dec 16-17
The new Orchard Festival On December soon after Chiang Rai food fair
Heh Tian – the candle festival, mid August.
Loi Kratong in the 1st full moon on November
Lychee Fair on 14 – 19 May
