Chiang Rai

There are many other temples in the town that are worth exploring in Chiang Rai, which is also a popular starting point for expeditions into the Golden Triangle. Chiang Rai is situated 180 kilometres north of Chiang Mai and is known as the gateway to the Golden Triangle.

The city was founded in the 1200s when King Mangrai, ruler of Chiang Saen, went searching for his favourite elephant that had run away to the south. On this journey he discovered the Kok River and decided to establish the walled city of Chiang Rai on its banks. At this time it was part of the Lanna kingdom, and it suffered for many years from wars with the Burmese. It became a Thai territory in 1786 and a province in 1910.

Exploring Chiang Rai and around

Famous for being the original home of the emerald Buddha (now found in Bangkok), Wat Phra Kaew is the city’s most revered temple.

There are many other temples in the town that are worth exploring. Chiang Rai is also a popular starting point for expeditions into the Golden Triangle. Activities include trekking, rafting and elephant riding.