Attractions
Ho Watthanatham Nithat
Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat
is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and written
records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence
as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late
Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is open to the public
Wednesday-Sunday from 8.30 am. until 3.30 p.m.
Kok River
The Kok River flows through the town of Chiang Rai
and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed boats can
be rented from town to travel along the river, on
both sides of which are lovely sceneries. Stops can
be made at hilltribal villages of the Akha or Iko,
Lisu, Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available
to see the surrounding area. Another river routed
starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward
to Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about four hours.
Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights.
Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park
The Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by
taking Highway No.1211 from town. After 18 kilometres
turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres.
Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for
about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to
proceed further another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute
walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic
waterfall in Chiang Rai, the Khun Kon is some 70 metes
high. Along the route to the site are cool, shady
natural surroundings eminently suitable for relaxation
and nature walk.
Oub Kham Museum
Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, 1 kilometre
from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects
from the areas once belonging to, or affiliated with,
the Lanna kingdoms: present north Thailand and some
parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam.
Apart from ritual objects the collection mainly consists
of objects used at the royal courts. Originally starting
with lacquerware, silver jewelry and clothing. A golden
bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. It is open
daily from 9 am.-6 pm. Admission fee is 100 baht per
person. Call 0-5371-3349 for more information.
The King Mengrai Stupa
The King Mengrai Stupa in front of Wat Ngam Muang
atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang district was built by
King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father
(King Mengrai).
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial
The King Mengrai the Great Memorial is located in
the town on the intersection leading to Mae Chan.
Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran
Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae
Khong around Chiang Saen) before Chiang Rai was established
as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated
his power by merging the different city-states in
the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296
with Chiang Mai as the capital.
The Wat Phra Sing
The Wat Phra Sing ,on Singhakhlai Road near the townhall
used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha
Sihing which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special
feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door
panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.
Wat Phra Kaeo
Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra
Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha
statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been
moved by various state rulers to be placed in their
respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including
Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane before finally begin
enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign
of King Rama I of the Rattanakosin Period. The temple
also houses a 700 years old bronze statue, Phra Chao
Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen-style
Ubosot.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom
Thong on the bank of the Kok River within town area,
contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic
even before King Mengrai built Chiang Rai. A major
religious site in Chiang Rai, it was from here that
King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which
to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy
Relic was probably renovated at the same time the
town was being built.
