At the crossroad of Burma, Laos and China, Chiang Rai enjoys a privileged position on the ancient Silk Road, the crossroad of all exchanges. It was built in the 7th century and was chosen in 1262 by the King Meng Rai as the first capital of the Lanna kingdom. It remained the main city in the north until the 15th century when Chiang Mai was chosen as the new capital. Since that time Chiang Rai lives in the shadow of its imposing neighbor; quieter it is also more typical.

Land of exchange it is now strongly influenced by the presence of ethnic minorities at the door of the city. By leaving Chiang Rai you go quickly into the jungle and the mountain. The area along the beautiful Mae Nam Kok River, that connects Tha Ton located on the Burmese border, to Chiang Rai has many traditional villages, jungles and tribal trails.

Chiang Rai is also the gate of the Golden Triangle. Going up directly north the border between the 3 countries, Thailand, Laos and Burma, is only a few kilometers away. This region once known as the main center of opium production in the world is still wild. Agriculture (at least in Thailand) replaced the opium trade but there are still typical individual and cultural ways of life. With the development of China and the opening of Burma, this area might know a real development in the coming years.

Second largest city in the North Chiang Rai is now appreciated for its most typical quiet city and its proximity to the mountains and the Golden triangle. It is home to more and more tourists looking for both cultural and natural authenticity.