Chiang Rai, 785 kilometres north of Bangkok, is situated on the Kok River basin in the heart of the Golden Triangle. Thailand's northernmost province, Chiang Rai is a major tourism gateway to Myanmar and Laos. Majestic mountains and antiquities attest to Chiang Rai's prosperous past civilisation. It is home to several hill tribes with fascinating ways of life.
Popular attractions in Chiang Rai include Chiang Saen, an ancient capital facing Laos, and the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Tung, and seven major, once-itinerant hill tribes of Tibeto- Burman origin. Visitors to Chiang Rai also have a wide range of hiking and trekking options. Two to six-day treks take visitors through forested mountains and high meadows in the lower extremities of the Himalayan foothills. The best time to visit Chiang Rai is in winter (November to February) when the air is cool and refreshing and beautiful flowers are in bloom.
The King Mengrai Festival is held annually in honour of the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai Kingdom. The Chiang Rai Songkran Festival, held in April, is a unique festival where four nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar) compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Lychee Fair is held annually in May. Exhibitions of handicrafts such as hand-woven cotton materials, dresses and hill tribe silver ornaments, as well as wood-carving products are on display, together with other popular local food and produce from various royal projects such as naem and mu yo (preserved and fermented pork sausages), lychee, pineapple, tea and others.
Chiang Rai Overview
The first thing that strikes you about Chiang Rai is its beauty. The unspoiled beauty of the Kok River; the towering beauty of Chiang Rai's mountains; and the magnificent beauty of the sites and shrines that keep the rich history of Chiang Rai alive. From Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai it's all just moments away.
A good place to begin your exploration of Chiang Rai is at Wat Phra Kaeo (The Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which is only a short walk from Dusit Island Resort. This ancient temple was struck by lightning in 1434, prompting the discovery of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most famous monument. Today it stands proud as an example of Chiang Rai's major role in Thai history, rich in both elegance and opulence. Other temples worth visiting include Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, Wat Rong Khun and Wat Phra Sing, all of which can be found a short distance from The Dusit Island Resort, Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai's unique culture also encompasses the area's hill tribes, with their fascinating rituals and ways of life. These can be uncovered by visiting the Hill Tribe Museum from Dusit Island Resort or by taking a trip along the Kok River to see the tribes themselves. The Ching Saen National Museum and Ho Watthanatham Nithat also provide an insight into Chiang Rai's culture, each containing an impressive selection of ancient antiquities and artefacts, and each not far from the Dusit Island Resort.
If you wish to travel outside Chiang Rai, a short drive from the Dusit Island Resort will take you to the famous Golden Triangle, where the borders of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet. An area known for its ruins of ancient civilisations, as well as being the meeting point of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, it is an exceptional area for sightseeing. Likewise, the 70-metre-high Khon Kon Waterfall is well worth seeing, located a short drive from The Dusit Island Resort Chiang Rai in Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park.
Chiang Rai Attractions Close to the Hotel
- Kok River
- Hill Tribe Museum
- Wat Phra Kaeo
- Wat Phra Sing
- Ho Watthanatham Nithat
- King Mengrai the Great Memorial
- Ku Phra Chao Mengrai
- Oub Kham Museum
- Wat Rong Khun
- Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
- Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
Historical Places of Interest
- Kok River
Beautiful and unspoiled, the 130-kilometre-long Kok River flows through the heart of Chiang Rai, passing several hill tribe villages and elephant camps, providing visitors with picturesque scenery and serenity. Originating in Myanmar , the Kok River flows through Tha Ton in Chiang Mai (180 kilometres north of the city) through Chiang Rai, and then joins the Mekong River. - Monument of King Mengrai the Great
The Monument of King Mengrai the Great was established in commemoration of King Mengrai, the founder of Chiang Rai and 25th King of the Lawa dynasty. - Wat Phra Kaeo
Located on Trairat Road on the north-west side of town, is the best known of the northern temples. It once housed the Emerald Buddha, Thailand's most important Buddha statue, which was discovered in 1444. The statue was moved by various state rulers to their capitals, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane, before finally being enshrined in Bangkok's royal Wat Phra Kaeo. There is now a green jade replica of the image on display. - Wat Phra Sing
Wat Phra Sing is two blocks east of Wat Phra Kaeo, situated on Singha Klai Road. The restored temple is thought to date from the 15th century. Inside is a replica of the Phra Singh Buddha, a highly revered Theravada Buddhist image, as the original was removed to Chiang Mai's Wat Phra Singh. The original buildings are fine examples of classic religious Lanna architecture, with their low, sweeping roofs. - Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun is also known as the 'White Temple'. It is the realisation of a dream for Thailand's noted artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, who designed and is supervising the construction of this beautiful white temple and its many statues of figures based on religious beliefs. The construction started in 1998 and is expected to be completed in 2008. In addition, there is a gallery nearby exhibiting his paintings. - Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Almost 800 years ago, it is here at Doi Chom Thong where King Mengrai spotted the strategic location in which to establish the city of Chiang Rai and brought the Lanna Thai Kingdom to its prominence. This historic hill is the location of an ancient chedi, the oldest religious site in the province. The chedi housing the holy relic of Lord Buddha is much revered by local people. - Ku Phra Chao Mengrai
This stupa is situated in Wat Ngam Muang on Doi Ngam Muang in the Chiang Rai township area. It is the place where the ashes and relics of King Mengrai are housed. - Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
The 70-metre-high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is the highest and most beautiful in the province. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings, which are good for relaxing and hiking. - Doi Tung
Doi Tung is one of the major tourist attractions in the north, offering beautiful scenery with several interesting sites, established under the Doi Tung Development Project. Doi Tung was previously a treeless mountain until Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, the Princess Mother, vowed to replant trees on it. The Doi Tung Development Project, under the royal initiative, was set up in 1988 to undertake re-forestation and improvement of the lives of people, ending their dependence on opium-growing. - Chiang Saen
Chiang Saen is located on the bank of the Mekong River. This ancient city served as the main town of the Lanna Kingdom before King Mengrai established Chiang Rai. Old double city walls and many other antiquities both inside and outside the district town still bear witness to the city's glorious past. - Phu Chi Fa
South of Doi Pha Tang is Phu Chi Fa, another spectacular viewpoint, overlooking Laos. Situated at 1628 metres above sea level, the sheer cliff oversees Chiang Tong village in Laos, providing a spectacular view. On winter mornings, Phu Chi Fa shows the spectacle of the sun rising above a sea of mist. On the hilltop is a vast field, dotted with various species of colourful flowers. - The Golden Triangle
Converging point for Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, the Golden Triangle was formerly notorious for opium cultivation and narcotics production. Today, you can visit the Opium Exhibition Hall. The Golden Triangle is where the Mekong River meets the Ruak River. The Golden Triangle is also where various legends about the Lanna ancestors originated. There are remains of many ancient places and structures bearing witness to its past. - Chiang Khong
On the opposite side of Huaixai in Laos is Chiang Khong, a small district on the bank of the Mekong. The area is the natural habitat of 'Pla Buk', or the giant catfish, which is regarded as the world's largest freshwater fish. Sightseeing boat trips are also available for tourists who want to explore the lovely scenery along the Mekong River. - The Khun Chae National Park
Established in 1995, the national park encompasses virgin jungle, hilltops, lovely waterfalls and flowing streams, suitable for jungle trekking. The route passes through steep terrain and several cliffs, quite adventurous but truly worth an effort with fascinating views. The park also offers ample opportunity for animal and bird watching as its verdant forest is home to several species of wildlife such as wild boar, civet cat, barking deer, blue-winged leafbird, ashy drongo and crested serpent-eagle.
Cultural Attractions
- Hill Tribe Museum
The Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is a non-government organisation responsible for some of the most effective tribal development projects in the region by preserving and displaying the ways of life of the six tribes: Akha (l-ko), Lahu (Musor), Mien (Yao), Karen, Lisu (Lisor) and Hmong (Maeo). - Ho Watthanatham Nithat
Ho Watthanatham Nithat is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and written records of history, literature and indigenous knowledge as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. - Oub Kham Museum
Located near Den Ha Market, one kilometre from the town centre. The collection includes objects from the areas once belonging to or affiliated with the Lanna kingdoms encompassing northern Thailand and some parts of north-east Myanmar, south-west China and Vietnam. Apart from objects used in rituals the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts including lacquer ware, silver jewellery and clothing. Most notable is a golden bowl, a masterpiece, used by royals. - Rai Mae Fah Luang
Rai Mae Fah Luang is a cultural centre and centre of Lanna studies dedicated to the conservation and promotion of Lanna heritage. There are five exhibit areas: the Botanical Gardens and Nature Park, the Haw Khumm (Golden Pavilion), the Haw Khum Noi (Small Golden Pavilion), Sala Kaew, a ceremonial space for rituals, and the Haw Kaew Gallery of Lanna Cultural Arts. - Hall of Opium, Golden Triangle Park
Built on over 40 acres of land at a site near the Golden Triangle in Chiang Rai province, the site incorporates an exhibition area and information centre of the Hall of Opium within the landscape of the Golden Triangle Park. The Hall of Opium combines a museum on the history of opium and the impact of illegal drugs with an information centre for research and extended education on opium, opiates and other narcotics. - Chiang Saen National Museum
The Chiang Saen National Museum displays artefacts and archaeological objects found at the ancient town of Chiang Saen and its neighbourhood. Chiang Saen was one of the major cities in the Lanna Kingdom. The Chiang Saen National Museum was established in 1957 to showcase the archaeology and history of this ancient city. The museum exhibits the location, history and settlements of Chiang Saen.
Shopping
- Tha Khi Lek Market
Mae Sai River marks the border between Thailand and Myanmar, with a bridge spanning across both sides. Located on the opposite side, on Myanmar's border, is Tha Khi Lek Market, a favourite tourist shopping spot. Popular products include baskets, brass ware, lacquer ware, gems, jade, Burmese soap and herbs.
Sports
The mountainous scenery of Chiang Rai offers a beautiful setting for several delightful golf courses:
- Santiburi Golf & Country Club
12 Moo 3, Huadoi-Sobpao Road, Tumbon Wiang-Chai, Wiang-Chai District, Chiang Rai 57210
Tel: +66 53 662 821 to 8 | Fax: +66 53 717 377
The 18-hole Santiburi Golf & Country Club is a delightful northern golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. Aside from a particularly pleasant clubhouse, the course itself is set on low hilly land and features a wide range of natural hazards and sloping lies. At holes 2, 3 and 4 players have to play alongside a large lake. There are several very good dog-leg holes, particularly the par 5 18th, where players have to negotiate water on the right side of the fairway on the approach shot to the green. Most greens are well protected by bunkers. - Waterford Valley Chiang Rai
333 Moo 5, Wiang-Chai District, Chiang Rai 57210
Tel: +66 53 953 340 / 953 432
The 18-hole, par 72 golf course is located in one of the most attractive areas in Chiang Rai. The beautiful mountains provide an exquisite setting for the golf course. The fairways not only meet international standards but also have quite pleasing scenery.
