Chiang Rai, the northern most province of Thailand, is about 785 kilometers north of Bangkok. Situated on the Kok River basin, Chiang Rai covers an area of approximately 11,678 square meters with an average elevation of 580 meters above sea level. Famous for its broad mountain ranges and its native hill tribe people, it is a largely undeveloped area of the country with a lot of history and clean fresh air.

The province is located within the renowned Golden Triangle area where the 3 countries of Myanmar, Laos and Thailand converge. This point is also known as the gateway to Myanmar, Laos and Southern China. From one vantage point along the river on the Thai side, the tips of Laos, China and Myanmar can all be seen.

Chiang Rai, which was founded in 1262 by King Meng Rai, was the first capital of the Lanna Thai Kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields), which was later conquered by the Burmese. It was not until 1786 that Chiang Rai became a Thai territory and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.

Today, Chiang Rai is a travelers paradise endowed with abundant natural tourist attractions and antiquities; the province itself is evidence of past civilization. Attractions range from magnificent mountain scenery, ruins of ancient settlements, historic sites, Buddhist shrines and ethnic villages. The province is also home to several different hill tribes with fascinating cultures. For those interested in the natural side of Chiang Rai, jungle trekking is recommended along its many trails.

Chiang Rai, which tends to be more 'laid back', now competes with Chiang Mai as a tourist attraction and is fast becoming a popular escape for tourists wanting to get away from the troubles they left behind.