EXPLORE CHIANG RAI THAILND WITH TYCOON HOLIDAYSKing Meng Rai, a friend of King Ramkhamhaeng (1279-1299) of the Sukhothai Kingdom of Thailand, established Chiang Rai in 1262 A.D. near the Kok River. Thirty-four years later, he founded Chiang Mai as a capital city and centre of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (circa 1262-1558 A.D). Thus the two towns have had brotherly relations for a long time. The Lanna Thai Kingdom covered the area of Chiang Mai, Chaing Rai, Phayao,Nan and other provinces in the North of Thailand at present. The kingdom became a Burmese colony from 1558 to 1774 A.D.
But finally, King Taksin (1767-1782 A.D.), the king of Siam of the Thonburi period, won it back from the Burmese, and the Lanna Thai Kingdom became a dependency of Siam (former name of Thailand). And Chiang Rai was ruled as a frontier town until 1933 when it became a province of Siam.
Chiang Rai is situated in the very north of Thailand (180kms north of Chiang Mai). It takes approx. 3hrs. to drive from Chiang Mai or less than an hour by plane. There are also direct flights from Bangkok. Chiang Rai is used as a base for those wishing to explore the Golden Triangle area, it is a short drive to Mae Sai, Chiang Saen or Mae Salong. The province borders with Burma and Laos, so it provides a good opportunity for those who wish to glimpse Thailand's neighbouring countries. This area can easily be accessed from Chiang Mai, but for those short of time or who have already visited Chiang Mai it can be used as a base to visit the Golden Triangle.
Chiang Rai itself is a small town and easy to get around, there are some noteworthy temples worth visiting, a small nightmarket and a folk museum.
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