Chiang Rai Thailand – Your Astonishing Guide to Adventure!

Chiang Rai Thailand is waiting for you to discover its incredible beauty, and surrounding attractions. Modern meets old in Chiang Rai for sure in the north of this amazing country. The city of Chiang Rai is surrounded by a mountain ranges to the east and a beautiful patchwork of rice farming paddies in its many districts. Rivers such as the Mae Kok and Mae Lao rivers pass through the city and region providing valuable water for rice growing and no doubt transport in years gone by.

Thailand was founded by King Mangrai back in 1262, who’s statue resides today at a major intersection on the highway through the city center. Thai’s respect the monument by beeping a horn as they past or simply “Wai”, the Thai greeting as they pass and wish for guidance and good fortune.

King Mangrai – Chiang Rai Thailand.

King Mangrai (1292–1311) was the first King of Lanna or the Northern region on Thailand. He is credited even today as the founder and guiding light to all Thai’s who live here in Chiang Rai Thailand. On his succession to the Throne from his father, the northern kingdoms were in disarray. King Mangrai wanted to bring them together so he conquered them militarily. King Mangrai commenced a military campaign that was soon to bring the Northern Thailand districts under his rule.

He conquering Muang Lai, Chiang Khum and Chiang Khong with successful mitary campaigns. Playing the diplomat he then negotiated alliances with other surrounding states of Phayao & Sukhothai. This period of Thailand’s past it was known as SIAM which only changed after World War 2. Siam in the past was many smaller kingdoms dividing the country we know today. These all had individual rulers and there was not yet a national single ruler. It was quite a feudal society as Europe and England were in their early history.

King Manrai learned of the riches contained in the Lamphun region, he decided to take control of it as well. The city was heavily fortified and his generals advised him taking the city by force would be impossible, so he needed to formulate another plan and remain patient.

King Mangrai formulated a plan to gain influence by placing a personal mole within the city. Ai Fa work very diligently on King Mangrai’s begalf receiving Mangrai’s help to gain influence. After some time he finally attain a position in the government as Chief Minister. He undermined the then King, Yi Ba forcing him to flee and Mangrai took control of the region. This shows how very patient King Mangrai was, as well as his exceptional determination to succeed.

Chiang Rai was established on the river Kok early in his reign in 1262 by King Mangrai. Itbhad been just a few years after taking the reign of the kingdom from his father. The river provided excellent transport opportunities as well as a good water supply. The surrounding fertile lands produced plentiful rice and vegetable crops to feed the growing population. Chiang Rai would only grow to become the most important northern city within northern Thailand.

Chiang Rai Thailand – Emerald Buddha.

The Emerald Buddha is currently housed in the Royal Temple in Bangkok, known as Wat Pra Kaew. It has not always resided there, as it was housed in a temple in Chiang Rai for many hundreds of years. The temple in Chiang Rai has the same name as the temple it is currently housed in, Wat Pra Keow.

The Emerald Buddha’s story seems clouded by a number of different reports on how it came to reside in Chiang Rai. The Emerald Buddha originally resided in Chiang Rai for many of years according to the monk’s at the temple.

There is conjecture on its actual past as well as how it came to be there. It is reported by some researchers that it originated in Sri Lanka then traveled to Cambodia and in time was housed in Chiang Mai being moved to Chiang Rai and finally on to Bangkok.

The Emerald Buddha is reported to have been discovered in 1434 when a bolt of lightning hit an old Chedi also knows as a Buddhist Stupa (see picture above). There is also a seperate story that it was an earthquake that unearthed it. Regardless the story the Emerald Buddha is enticing and you can view both the old Wat Pra Keow in central Ching Rai as well as the actual Emerald Buddha in Bangkok at Royal Palace. The royal palace is open most days to visitors and has much more than just the Emerald Buddha to see. The palace is very much worth a visit.

Chiang Rai Thailand Emerald Buddha.

The Temple in Chiang Rai is beautiful & quite modest in its construction. It is noticeably different from other modern temples because of its roof design. Its construction having a shallower angle at the base of the roof compared to modern temples of today (Wat).

Wat Pra Keow is located near the center of Chiang Rai City, behind the large modern Overbrook Private Hospital near the central markets. Speaking to the monks they are very proud of the fact the Emerald Buddha resided in their temple. Chiang Rai’s Wat Pra Keow is certainly worth a visit. It is open for visitors and you are welcome to look around the temple.

Note: Respect is always required in temples and important places so please remove your shoes to enter the temple as well as dress modestly. This means that you should not wear very short, shorts and revealing singlets or tee shirts. This applies to males and females alike.

Old Central Market – Discover Thailand’s Flavors.

Chiang Rai Thailand has a number of markets you can visit during your stay. Located centrally in Chiang Rai not far from the clock tower it is the towns primary food and clothing market that has been location for many many years.

This market has a myriad of narrow corridors with sellers marketing clothes as well as foodstuffs, fresh meat as well as chicken. There are strong enticing smells as well as fresh seafood and so much more to experi2nce.

Buy a traditional meal in the food area of the market. The old rickety plastic chair and tables should not put you off from stopping and trying it out. It’s a rustic food experience but you may need a guide to help you order.

The food in the markets has always been cheap and convenient and more importantly tasty! There is a coffee seller in the center of the market that sells both modern and traditional coffee. He has been in the market for more than 40 years and is a favorite stop when visiting the market for myself.

Provincial Market (New)

The new Provincial Market is located just out of the city on the highway on the road to Chiang Kong going past the famous Pu Si Fa hilltop lookout. The market is enormous with a large areas devoted to bulk sales. If your looking for a trip out and something to eat locally it’s recommended venturing to the provincial market from about 2pm. The front section of the market has food sellers with some amazingly good snacks.

Not interest in a bite then anytime is good to drop in to pick up some super fresh seafood for a BBQ. Having a car is handy to get through the three large buildings. The initial market area is park and walk but the rear area plus other sheds are large enough to drive through and have a look at what’s on offer.

Night Bazaar.

Night bazaar or market is another fun place to visit in the evenings. Complete with entertainment as well as food and drink, the night bazaar has lots of trinkets and souvenirs available. It’s a relaxing and fun evening for families as well.

The food and entertainment is generally of a good standard with metal chairs and tables for you to relax. You don’t need to book as it’s pretty much all outside. Simply find a free table and sit right down.

There can be people serving beer walking around you can ask for a jug. With today’s covid-19 restrictions being relaxed its hard to know the current state of play. Its recommended you check with your hotel or other accommodation on what’s currently occurring.

Pu Chi Fa Lookout.

Pu See Fa lookout is located about 100K in the mountains east from Chiang Rai Thailand. This lookout takes you to incredible views overlooking Laos. If you get there early in the winter morning often you are met by a blanket of clouds below the level of the lookout.

Thai’s make the trip to Pu Chi Fa from all around the country. It is popular for visitors to stay overnight in a tent to enjoy the cool mountain air. There is a second option, to stay at nearby home stays. The home stay industry has grown a lot of variety from very budget to lush quality options.

The drive to Pu Chi Fa takes you from Chiang Rai out of town past the Provincial Market toward Chiang Kong. The initial trip is duel highway turning off and climbing a windy and reasonably steep road leading to Pu Chi Fa.

On most days you will find the local hilltribe people selling items at a market in a large parking area. The best view point is several hundred meter walk up a somewhat steep hill path. The best view is from the outcrop in the picture above.

Just a note on safety at tourist locations like this lookout. Generally speaking there are very few safety barriers at locations like this so if you have children be careful!

Hill Tribe Visits.

Chiang Rai has quite a few indigenous hill tribe communities around the town. They have crossed the borders many years ago and settled inn the mountain ranges. They are often of Chinese decent and speak Chinese. It is possible to visit many of these tribes safely and see their lifestyle. Just a tour bus trip away you can visit or stay in the home stay options also generally available. Experience their quite different customs and lifestyle first hand. An experience you will love telling your friends about.

The hill tribe people are also often seen in town around the central market selling vegetables. The local tribes include:

• Karen (Long Kneck)
• Akha
• Lahu
• Hmong
• Karen
• Lisu

In the past many groups grew opium for survival but in a Royal program by King Rama IV, King Boomipul he guided all the hilltribes to move from opium to other crops such as coffee and fruits such as strawberries.

Golden Triangle – A Dark Secret.

The Golden Triangle is an infamous place in history where gangs and warlords marketed Cocaine for the world drugs market. It was truly a dangerous place to visit but tourists in the past paid tour guides to take them to these dangerous places.

Adventure like this certainly a meal not served cold and over the years it cost some tour guides and possibly tourists their lives. The drug lords were serious people and being found wandering around their crops certainly took a person without fear.

The Triangle Today.

However today you can travel to the Golden Triangle on the Thai side of the Thai, Lao and Myanmar ( Burma ) borders. The actual golden triangle is a point from where you can literally throw a stone and hit Myanmar and across the Mekok River lies Laos. Just a short dragon boat ride you can cross the boarder for a visit.

The Golden Triangle Museum worth a Visit.

The Opium Museum is located near the very popular Golden Triangle temple where you can see the three countries as in the picture above. The Opium museum covers the growing, marketing and transport of opium all around the world. The cost is minimal and I can recommend the experience personally. It’s a walk through time to experience lots of audio visual aids explaining what your seeing around you.

The Kings Mothers Residence Mae Far Luang. (Rama IV)

Mae Far Luang is King Rama IV’ Mothers retreat in the mountains north of Chiang Rai Thailand. It is a beautifully serene location with the home itself made of wood that you can visit. The royal family have always spent time in Switzerland and this home looks based on a country cabin. You may walk through the home guided by staff. Note you must be respectful and quiet as you walk through, dress respectfully and take off your shoes.

Mae Far Luang is located north of Chiang Rai about 50 minutes. There are tours organized by tour operators and hotels that can get you there or if you don’t wish to drive yourself you can. The arrival area has plenty of parking generally as well as people selling food and souvenirs.

Chiang Rai Thailand Stat’s.

Chiang Rai has a population of 200,000, covering an area of 60,000 sq. kilometers. The city sits at an altitude of 390 m or 1280 ft above sea level giving it a more moderate climate.

Chiang Rai is popular with tourists from Bangkok and hotter areas of Thailand because of its mild winters. Thai and foreign tourists love it in Chiang Rai during the period of November to February when it’s at its mildest. Thailand has only three real seasons which are Hot summer, Hot Rainy Season and Winter.

Author.

Brendon McAliece is an expatriate Australian who has traveled to and lived in Chiang Rai Thailand for 40 years. He lives with his Thai/ Australian wife of 37 years in a small village out of Chiang Rai. He speaks fluent Thai and loves to share his life experiences with readers.

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