 Chiang
Rai Attractions - Top Sightseeing and things to see
Wat Phra Thart Doi Thong is a sacred hilltop shrine
and the location of the Queen Mother's Royal Chalet.
Rising 2,000 meters above sea level, it is regarded
as the holiest sanctuary by the residents of Chiang
Rai and nearby provinces. The people of the Shan state
in Burma, and Buddhists as far away as Vientiane, Laos
revere this temple. Built by King Achutaraat of the
Yonog Kingdom in 911 AD. It is believed that the left
collarbone of Lord Buddha is enshrined in the twin pagodas.
Enroute, the scenery reminds one of Switzerland and
travellers can stop at Akha and Lahu villages which
are famous for weaving.
Originally
called Wat Paa Yai this is Chiang Rai's most revered
temples. Legend says that in 1434 lightening struck
the temple's octagonal chedi, which was destroyed revealing
an emerald (actually jade) Buddha which was later transported
to Bangkok, where it can be found today. In 1990 a Chinese
artist was commissioned to make a replica of the image
which now stands in the temple instead.
is probably a good place to visit before venturing out
to the actual hilltribe areas themselves as the centre
provides some excellent information on what to expect
and of course some insight into the culture of these
people.
has to be the
most popular pass-time in Chiang Rai and there are many
trekking companies scattered throughout the area. Remember
to cover up as there are mosquitoes and leeches in the
jungles.
is a feature of Chiang Rai worth seeing. It runs from
Thatorn in northern Chiang Mai Province to Chiang Rai
City and then on to meet with the Maekhong River at
Chiang Khong. From Baan Thatorn boats, rafts and treks
leave daily to venture into the mountains of the surrounding
area where the jungle dips into the river's cool waters.
tends to be well known and forms the border between
Chiang Rai Province on the west bank and Laos on its
eastern bank. Interesting sites along its length in
Chiang Rai province include Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen,
and the Golden Triangle itself.
Tachilek (Ta Khee Lehg) This city opposite Mae Sai
is where visitors flock to explore the villages and
towns of Myanmar (Burma). A foreigner needs a valid
passport, a copy of the passport, 3 photos and US$5
for the border fee. Travel is restricted within the
immediate vicinity of Ta Khee Lehg only. The time difference
in Myanmar is 1/2 hour slower than Thailand. Once inside
Myanmar all persons must obey that country's laws. Regulations
on visit to Burma change often, please chick with the
Chiang Rai TAT office, Singkhaklai Rd., Tel. 717433,
before going off to Mae Sai.
Most
provincial attractions lie north of the provincial capital.
Road travellers can visit major destinations within
the space of one day. At Mae Chan some 29 km north of
the provincial capital, Highway 110 continues northwards
to Mae Sai, the northernmost point of Thailand, 63 km
north of the provincial capital; Route 1010 veers eastwards
towards Chiang Saen, 60 km from the provincial capital,
which occupies the Mekong riverbank facing Laos. Here
resort hotels and complexes, guest houses and inns offer
comfortable accommodation.
12 kilometres north of Chiang Saen, a riverside area
has been officially designated as the Golden Triangle.
The spot, known locally as Sop Ruak, precisely marks
the convergence of the Mae Sai and Mekong rivers which
form the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand.
Chiang Saen was an ancient capital of Lan Na Thai (Kingdom
of One Million Rice Fields) which dominated northern
Thailand from the late 1200s. It was founded by King
Mengrai before Chiang Rai and is historically important
because a distinctive style of Buddhist sculpture evolved
there during the late thirteenth century.
Chiang Saen, today only a small village set amongst
ruins, was once home to King Mengrai, founder of the
Kingdom of Lanna. The remaining earthen ramparts are
a mere fraction of the city's original walls. Chiang
Saen was burnt to the ground in the 1700's when Thai
forces finally drove out the Burmese, who had ruled
there since 1558. It was then deserted until 1861, when
King Rama IV (King Mongkhut) ordered a Lumpoon prince
to repopulate the site with people from nearby towns.
Today, Chiang Saen offers swimming, boating, and fishing
at Chiang Saen Lake and houses a branch of the National
Museum.
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