Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a northernmost major city in Thailand, near the borders of Laos and Myanmar (formerly Burma), about 200 kilometres (120 mi) north-east of Chiang Mai. The lovely northern city is also home to flower gardens, tea plantations and mountains. Nature and culture are rolled into one in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai was established as a capital city in the reign of King Mangrai, in 1262 CE and became the capital of the Mangrai Dynasty. The word ‘Chiang’ means ‘city’ in Thai, so Chiang Rai would mean ‘the City of (Mang) Rai’. 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 a Chiang Mai vassal. Siam (Thailand) annexed Chiang Mai in 1899, and Chiang Rai was proclaimed a province of Thailand in 1933.

In 1432, during the reign of King Sam Fang Kaen of the Mangrai Dynasty (1402–1441), the Phra Kaeo, or Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha statue, was discovered in Chiang Rai when an earthquake split the chedi at Wat Phra Kaeo of Chiang Rai city. The jade figure was then seen concealed within. Another telling of the story has the “Emerald Buddha” hastily covered in mud just before marauders entered to pillage. Many years later, the clunky-looking mud Buddha was found to actually house a magnificent jade statue, perhaps by way of the earthquake mentioned above—which caused a piece of the clay to break off—revealing the jade beneath.

Chiang Rai lies on the flat plain of the Kok River, a tributary of the Mekong, The Kok River runs along Chiang Rai’s north side, flowing eastwards out of Burma at Tha Ton(ท่าตอม) town, bending north-eastwards and joining the Mekong River about 40 kilometres (25 mi) north-east of the city. The Lao River, a tributary of the Kok, flows south of Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai old city is very walkable, so don’t miss the opportunity to go temple hopping, admire the art and feel its genuine vibes. While Wat Ming Muang, Wat Phra Kaew and Wat Phra Singh aren’t that big, the architecture and sculpture on the temple grounds will take your breath away. You’ll also find the Clock Tower in the old city area and it wouldn’t be a stretch to call it one of the most beautiful clock towers in the world. Designed by national artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the golden Clock Tower is stunning day and night with light and sound show. Wat Phra Kaew is a royal temple that once housed the jade Emerald Buddha and now displays a replica. Nearby, the Navel City Pillar is a monument made of more than 100 Khmer-style pillars. Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park is a museum showcasing Lanna artifacts.