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 Introduction |
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| Chiang Rai province covers some 11,678 square
kilometers with a population of 1.23 million. The average elevation is 580 meters above sea level, Myanmar borders
on the north, and Laos on the north and northeast. The provincial capital is 829 kilometers north of Bangkok .
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai and was the first capital of Lanna Thai (Kingdom of
a Million Rice fields). The province contains Thailand's northernmost point at Mae Sai which is well known for its crisp
mountain scenery, and hilltribes. North Chiang Rai and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area
where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge. |
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| How
to get there |
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By Bus
The 11-hour journey from Bangkok can be made on air conditioned coaches and non-air conditioned buses originating from the
Northern Bus Terminal on Bangkok's Kamphaeng Phet 2
Time Tables
By Air
Thai Airways Internationals (Tel : Bangkok / Lan Luang 280-0100-110, Silom 234-3100-19, Asia Hotel 215-2020) Angle
Airlines (Tel : Bangkok 953-1304) operates daily flights from Bangkok and other northern Thai cities.
Time Tables |
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| Festivals
& Events |
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King Meng Rai Festival
January 26-February 1
This features parades, cultural performances and competitions celebrating the founder of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Thai
Kingkom.
Songkran Festival
April 16-18
Traditional Thai New Year celebrations are best seen at Chiang Saen where 4 nations (Thailand, Laos, China and Myanmar)
compete in boat races on the Mekong River. Beauty contests and cultural shows are added attraction.
Lychee Fair
May 19-28
Celebrating the province 's tastiest fruit, this fair features agricultural displays and exhibitions, local handicrafts,
folk entertainment and beauty contests. |
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Provided by
Tourism Authority of Thailand |
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