Chaigrai is the northernmost province of Thailand. Myanmar is to the north. Laos is to the east. It was discovered in 1269, only five years after Sukothai was founded as the capital. Burma ruled Chiangrai for 35 years and it gained independence and became part of Thailand four years after Bangkok was established as the capital of the country.
Since Chiangrai is located in the north, most of the area is mountainous. King Mengrai Statute, Pra That Doi Tung, Chiang Saen Museum, Golden Triangle, Hiitribes, Doi Mae Salong, Mae Sai border and some beautiful waterfalls.
King Mengrai Staute is the bronze statue. He was the founder of Lanna Kingdom. Many tourists visit this monument to pay respect to the ancient king and to have pictures taken as souvenirs.
There are several Buddhist temples in town. Wat Phra Sing is famous among local tourists. It is the place where the Emerald Buddha image was first found, but now it is in the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Phra Thai Doi Tung is another famous temple. It contained the left collar bone of the Lord Buddha. It is located on the top of the mountain, so we can have a breathtaking panorama of the border areas.
About 7 kilometers from the temple is a beautiful royal palace residence built for the Princess Mother in celebration of her 90th birthday. Because of its scenic beauty, it is another place that draws a lot of tourists each year. The garden is beautifully decorated.
Doi Mae Salong is another popular tourist spot of the province. It is located on the mountain. A lot of hilltribe people live there peacefully. Tourists can enjoy the way of life of each hilltribe in both culture and costume. Up there tourists can appreciate the natural beauty as well as the unique way of life of the Chinese and hilltribe people.
This place has a fascinating history. After the Communists took over the mainland of China in 1949, a division of the Nationalist Chinese army fled to the Thai-Burmese border areas. Some of them were allowed to settle down on a border mountain called Mae Salong in 1961. Tourists can enjoy the lifestyle of the Chinese up there. The village now becomes well-known for its enchanting scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Besides a lot of large tea plantations and tea production can be seen on the hill. There are guest house to accommodate tourists and the typical Chinese food is very delicious.
How to go
- You can go by bus. Both air-conditioned and ordinary buses are available at the northern bus terminal or Morchit near the Sunday Weekend Market. (Jatuchack Park) It normally takes about 9 hours.
- You can go there by train. It leaves from Hualampong Railway Staion. You can take a sleeper and arrive in Chiangmai in the morning and then take either a bus or a plane to Chiangrai.
- Another more comfortable and time-saving is to take a plane. It normally takes about one and a half hour from Suwanaphumi Airport.
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