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When arriving
in Thailand ask for free copies of Thaiways magazine and Thaiways
maps from the information counter at airports or hotels.
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Chiang Rai Town
| King Mengrai
Statue |
| Situated at the starting point of Highway
10 in the heart of the town. |
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A bronze statue of the founder of the Lanna Kingdom is situated at
the starting point of Highway 110, which leads to Mae Chan, Chiang
Saen and Mae Sai. Many tourists visit this monument to pay their respects
to the ancient king and to have photos taken as souvenirs. |
| Wat Klang
Wiang |
| Located on Uttarakit Road |
(Photo by courtesy of TAT)
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| Wat Klang Wiang, an ancient temple built in 1432, features
contemporary Lanna’s art and has its interesting history back
to over 500 years. In the past, the temple was also known as Wat Chan
Lok because a big “Chan” tree (Red Sandal Wood) was located
in there. And after a geological survey, it was found that the temple
was situated right at the centre point of the city. Therefore, a city
pillar was erected inside. In 1903, a heavy storm caused the tree
to crash down on the convocation hall, which led to the renovation
but this time a stupa was built where the tree used to be. |
| Wat Ngammuang
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| Located on Doi Ngammuang |
(Photo by courtesy of TAT)
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Wat Ngammuang is an important ancient temple in
Chiang Rai Province as it houses King Meng Rai’s ashes. After
being constructed in 1489, the temple was once renovated in 1677
before it had been abandoned for many years. The latest restoration
was done in 1952 and the temple has become lively again.
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| Wat Phra Sing |
| Located on Singhakhlai Road |
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This temple is a fine example of Lanna Thai architecture. The famous
Phra Phuttha (Buddha) Sing image housed here is believed to be built
in 157 A.D. in Sri Lanka or Ceylon and was brought to Thailand in
the Sukhothai period (1238-1438) |
| Wat Phra Kaeo |
| Located on Trairat Road |
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This temple is the original place where the Emerald Buddha (now housed
in the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok) was found in 1354.
Now the temple houses a jade Buddha image which was made to commemorate
the 90th birthday of the late Princess Mother. |
| Wat
Phra That Doi Chom Thong |
| Located on the hilltop overlooking the Kok River |
| This temple features an ancient pagoda which predates the founding
of Chiang Rai as the capital of Lanna Thai. |
| Wat
Rong Khun |
| Located in Pa Or Donchai District, Muang County, Chiang
Rai Province |
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| Wat Rong Khun is situated at the entrance to Khun
Kon waterfall, 12 km to Muang County of Chiang Rai Province. The
temple has been designed and constructed by a famous Thai artist
named Chaloemchai Khositphiphat. The construction of this contemporary
temple is the artist’s lifework. Even though the temple has
not been finished, its striking architecture has attracted many
tourists who would like to see the great Buddhist arts. The ubosot
of this temple is in pure white and adorned with exquisite traditional
Thai style stuccowork, aiming to represent heaven.
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| Khun
Kon Waterfall Forest Park |
| 30 km south of Chiang Rai town along
route 1211 |
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The 70-metre high Khun Kon or Tat Mok Waterfall is
the highest and most beautiful in the province. Surrounded with dense
wood, the area is also good for hiking. |
| Kok River |
| Running through the heart of Chiang Rai, this 130-km-long charming
river is reputed as among the most scenic and unspoiled rivers still
existing in Thailand. Along the banks there are thick jungles, mountain
cliffs and many hilltribe villages, some of which are highlighted
in tour programs. Elephant riding and trekking are also offered at
some villages. |
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| The stream flows gently most of the way except a series of rapids
near the lower reaches of the river, making the trip more exciting.
It takes 3 days and 2 nights to cover the 80-km distance by raft from
Tha Ton of Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai town. River trips to and from
Chiang Rai by long-tail boats are also organized regularly. The trip
takes about 4-5 hrs. |
| Somdet
Phra Si Nakarin Park |
| Situated on Chiang Rai - Mae Chan route 8 kilometres
from town and behind Ratchaphat Institute |
| This large 620-rai scenic park includes botanical gardens, palm
and bamboo gardens and a big lotus pond covering an area of 223 rai
and is ideal for a relaxing stroll or a holiday picnic. (1rai = 1,600
sq m or 0.395 acre) |
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