Thailand - Chiang Rai

Photo Gallery of Chiang Rai.

Views from the beautiful royal residence " Phra Tamnak Doi Tung " (Doi Tung Palace).

Chiang Rai is about 820 Km north of Bangkok (about one and twenty minutes by air) and it's the northernmost province of Thailand. (About 40 minute flight or 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai.)

Chiang Rai was founded by King Meng Rai as the first capital of Lannathai kingdom (Kingdom of a million rice fields) in 1262. Afterwards, capital was moved to Chiang Mai in 1296. Chiang Rai was conquered by Burma and declined but became a territory of Thailand in 1786 and was proclaimed a provinces in Thailand in 1910 during the reign of King Rama VI.

It has Chiang Saen which is a gateway for the " Golden Triangle " where the borders of three countries, Laos, Burma (Myanmar) and Thailand, cross on the river.
It seems that Chiang Rai is called " Switzerland in Thailand " and is famous for the beautiful royal residence " Phra Tamnak Doi Tung " (Doi Tung Palace).
I didn't visit but there is " Wat Phra Kaeo ", best known of the northern temples and once enshrined the Emerald Buddha, the most important Buddha statue of Thailand, now in the royal Wat Phra Kaeo in Bangkok.

About Chiang Saen (Golden Triangle), see the " Photo Gallery of Chiang Saen".

Around the airport
Wat Phra That Doi Tung
Wat Rong Khun
Akha Village
Mae Fah Luang Garden
From Maesai to Myanmar
- Myanmar - Tachileik

[ChiangRai] Around the airport
About one and twenty minutes will fly you to Chiangrai. Chiangrai is the northernmost province in Thailand. Chiangrai has a long history as Chiangmai. The weather is cool in winter and I like this place very much. he view of Chiangrai airport. Tranquil atmosphere. (Picture above: The view of Chiangrai airport. Tranquil atmosphere.) Chiang Rai international airport is located about 8 km from the city. More than 500 million people use it every year not only for trips but for business. It's managed by AOT (Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited) since 1998.
From BKK (This is the airport in Bangkok (Domestic flight). You must get something to eat, anyway.)	Aboard (Get it the airplane and let's fly to Chiangrai.)	View of the city (The city of Chiangrai from the sky. It has a lot of green.)	Got to Chiangrai (A cozy plane will take you there like this.)
From BKK (This is the airport in Bangkok (Domestic flight). You must get something to eat, anyway.)	Aboard (Get it the airplane and let's fly to Chiangrai.)	View of the city (The city of Chiangrai from the sky. It has a lot of green.)	Got to Chiangrai (A cozy plane will take you there like this.)
Portrait of the King (You'll see a big portrait of the King of Thailand.)	Seats for monks (There are seats only for Buddhist monks and novices. People in Thailand are very religious.)	Water here (You can get water.A little interesting shape to me.)	Let's go into the city (Now, let's go to the city from the airport. Calm atmosphere will welcome you.)
Portrait of the King (You'll see a big portrait of the King of Thailand.)	Seats for monks (There are seats only for Buddhist monks and novices. People in Thailand are very religious.)	Water here (You can get water. A little interesting shape to me.)	Let's go into the city (Now, let's go to the city from the airport. Calm atmosphere will welcome you.)
Around (Scenery around the airport. Peaceful country view goes on.)	Face (Human face shaped mountain. Looks like it's the mountain of Doi Tung below.)	Street (Some people ride on a bike with a parasol.)	Shop along the street (There are some fruit shops along the street. They have fruit, fruit juice, wine and so on.)
Around (Scenery around the airport. Peaceful country view goes on.)	Face (Human face shaped mountain. Looks like it's the mountain of Doi Tung below.)	Street (Some people ride on a bike with a parasol.)	Shop along the street (There are some fruit shops along the street. They have fruit, fruit juice, wine and so on.)

[ChiangRai] Wat Phra That Doi Tung
" Wat Phra That Doi Tung " is about 60 km to the north from Chiang Rai, situated on top of Doi Tung Mountain at a height of 2,000 meters, the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province. They say this temple houses bones of Buddha. It was build in 1493 and has two gender Chedis like twins and the most famous temple in Chiang Rai, like, " you can say you come to Chiang Rai if you don't visit this temple". (Actually, it's far away from the town and on top of the mountain. I guess it's kind of difficult to go there even if you want to. When I visited there, there was no one except for us. It was early in the morning, though. :D ) Copper bells are along the mountain path and people go up to the temple while ringing the bells.
From the Top (Not a good angle but the scenery from the top.)	Twin Chedis (Small Chedis (Buddhist stupa) are next to each other in harmony.)	Buddha statue 1 (Buddha statue in front of the Chedi.)	Buddha statue 2 (Buddha statue with a round face.)
From the Top (Not a good angle but the scenery from the top.)	Twin Chedis (Small Chedis (Buddhist stupa) are next to each other in harmony.)	Buddha statue 1 (Buddha statue in front of the Chedi.)	Buddha statue 2 (Buddha statue with a round face.)
Main shrine (Main shrine, close to the Chedis.)	Roof of the main shrine (Decorated with Dragons.)	Tung ("Tung" is a "flag", art in Lannathai era, and also means " Victory " or " Gift for Buddha".)	Temple grounds (It's a pretty wide space.)
Main shrine (Main shrine, close to the Chedis.)	Roof of the main shrine (Decorated with Dragons.)	Tung ("Tung" is a "flag", art in Lannathai era, and also means " Victory " or " Gift for Buddha".)	Temple grounds (It's a pretty wide space.)
Small temple 1 (Small temple inside the site.)	Small temple 2 (Decoration of the small temple. I think normally it should be dragons but this looks fish or something like that.)	Path to the top 1 (A lot of copper bells lead you to the top. People ring the bells while going up.)	Path to the top 2 (We went to the temple by car. It tool kind of a long time. Must be a little difficult on foot. :D )
Small temple 1 (Small temple inside the site.)	Small temple 2 (Decoration of the small temple. I think normally it should be dragons but this looks fish or something like that.)	Path to the top 1 (A lot of copper bells lead you to the top. People ring the bells while going up.)	Path to the top 2 (We went to the temple by car. It tool kind of a long time. Must be a little difficult on foot. :D )

[ChiangRai] Wat Rong Khun
Wat Rong Khun Also known as "White Temple" and you'll see it very different from other temples in Thailand, designed all in white. 　Wat Rong Khun is located about 10 kilometers to the south from Chiang Rai city. This temple is also known as "White Temple" and you'll see it very different from other temples in Thailand, designed all in white. 　Built by Mr.Chalermchai Kositpirat, one of the most renowned artists in Thailand, but not finished yet. 　If you go to Chiang Rai and have time to see around, drop by this stunning and fantastic temple like a castle. (Feb. 2011)
Appearance 1 All in white. Like a castle.		Appearance 2 Around the entrance.
Appearance 1 All in white. Like a castle.		Appearance 2 Around the entrance.
Appearance 3 A lot of hands to cry for help around the entrance.		Entrance A long path to the gate. Two guardians wait for you glaring..
Appearance 3 A lot of hands to cry for help around the entrance.		Entrance A long path to the gate. Two guardian deities wait for you glaring..
Guardian deity 1 The guardian deity on the left hand holding a club.		Guardian deity 2 The guardian deity on the right wielding a sword.
Guardian deity 1 The guardian deity on the right hand holding a club.		Guardian deity 2 The guardian deity on the right wielding a sword.
A lot of hands Many hands crying for help.	Decoration 1 Decoration of A white dragon and so along the path to the gate.	The main hall The main hall is decorated with dragons and Buddha images.	Beside the hall A Buddha image and big decoration around it.
A lot of hands Many hands crying for help.	Decoration 1 Decoration of A white dragon and so along the path to the gate.	The main hall The main hall is decorated with dragons and Buddha images.	Beside the hall A Buddha image and big decoration around it.
Side view A side view of the main hall. All in white.		Behind Other white buildings behind the main hall.
Side view A side view of the main hall. All in white.		Behind Other white buildings behind the main hall.
From the back Backside of the main hall.	Roof 1 The roof is decorated with dragons and something like elephants.	Roof 2 Decorated with Buddha images also.	The site The site is spacious. Neat and tidy.
From the back Backside of the main hall.	Roof The roof is decorated with dragons and something like elephants.	Roof 2 Decorated with Buddha images also.	The site The site is spacious. Neat and tidy.
World's best rest room ? 1 This building is for rest room. Unbelievably luxurious. Number one in the world ? :D	World's best rest room ? 2 This building is for rest room. Unbelievably luxurious. Number one in the world ? :D	Mr. Chalermchai Kositpirat In the site, real-sized pictures of the artist, Mr. Chalermchai Kositpirat are put here and there.	Scary art A lot of scary art works (?) like in the picture in the site.
World's best rest room ? This building is for rest room. Unbelievably luxurious. Number one in the world ? :D They have a second floor. I'm wondering for what.		Mr. Chalermchai Kositpirat In the site, real-sized pictures of the artist, Mr. Chalermchai Kositpirat are put here and there.	Scary art A lot of scary art works (?) like in the picture in the site.
Around the pond Around the pond in front of the main hall has many beautiful art works also.	Decoration 3 A skull art with a bottle of whisky on it.	Decoration 4 The fence is also all in white in the site.	Decoration 5 Pylons for cars are also decorated with skulls. ...
Around the pond Around the pond in front of the main hall has many beautiful art works also.	Decoration A skull art with a bottle of whisky on it.	Decoration 4 The fence is also all in white in the site.	Decoration 5 Pylons for cars are also decorated with skulls. ...

[ChiangRai] Mae Fah Luang Garden
On top of Doi Tung Mountain in the suburb of Chiang Rai, northern Thailand, they have " Wat Phra That Doi Tung " (posted up of this article), " Doi Tung Palace " (Phra Tamnak Doi Tung - royal villa where King's Mother formerly resided) and " Mae Fah Luang Garden " that you'll see what it looks like here. " Mae Fah Luang Garden " King's Mother is called Mae Fah Luang by people in Thailand. This is why the garden is called "Mae Fah Luang Garden". I heard that King's Mother is called Mae Fah Luang by people in Thailand. This is why the garden is called "Mae Fah Luang Garden". You'll feel really relaxed here with very wide space, a lot of kinds of flowers and plants, wonderful scenery of the mountain, and fresh air.
scenery of the garden 1 (very beautiful with a lot of flowers here and there in the garden)	scenery of the garden 1 (very beautiful with a lot of flowers here and there in the garden)	scenery of the garden 1 (very beautiful with a lot of flowers here and there in the garden)	scenery of the garden 1 (very beautiful with a lot of flowers here and there in the garden)
scenery of the garden 1 (very beautiful with a lot of flowers here and there in the garden)
scenery of the garden 2 (This is a scenery of the garden as well. There is a small pond.)	scenery of the garden 2 (This is a scenery of the garden as well. There is a small pond.)	in front of the garden (It's on the mountain with a spacious atmosphere.)	if you are thirsty (I didn't try but they have water to drink here and there.)
scenery of the garden 2 (This is a scenery of the garden as well. There is a small pond.)		in front of the garden (It's on the mountain with a spacious atmosphere.)	if you are thirsty (I didn't try but they have water to drink here and there.)
the garden (After a walk, you'll see a wide space with a lot of flowers.)	the garden (After a walk, you'll see a wide space with a lot of flowers.)	statue (Statue in the center of the garden.)	around the garden (The garden is surrounded by trees with purple blossoms.)
the garden (After a walk, you'll see a wide space with a lot of flowers.)		statue (Statue in the center of the garden.)	around the garden (The garden is surrounded by trees with purple blossoms.)
cactus (Not only flowers but plants of cactus are growing up in a small house.)	orchid (Various orchids can be seen all over the place.)	nepenthes ? (This seems a kind of Tropical Pitcher Plant. Written "Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum" on a plate. They may have been improved.	nepenthes ? (This seems a kind of Tropical Pitcher Plant. Written "Paphiopedilum callosum" on a plate. They may have been improved.
cactus (Not only flowers but plants of cactus are growing up in a small house.)	orchid (Various orchids can be seen all over the place.)	nepenthes ? (This seems a kind of Tropical Pitcher Plant. Written "Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum"(left) and "Paphiopedilum callosum"(right) on a plate. They may have been improved.
facility for research (There is a facility in the garden and you can see what they are working for. A lot of pictures of improved flowers on the wall.)	facility for research (There is a facility in the garden and you can see what they are working for. A lot of pictures of improved flowers on the wall.)	facility for research (There is a facility in the garden and you can see what they are working for. A lot of pictures of improved flowers on the wall.)	facility for research (There is a facility in the garden and you can see what they are working for. A lot of pictures of improved flowers on the wall.)
facility for research (There is a facility in the garden and you can see what they are working for. A lot of pictures of improved flowers on the wall.)

[ChiangRai] Akha Village
This is a village of Akha tribe, one of hill tribes in Thailand. It's located near Doi Tung Mountain, 2,000 meters high and the highest mountain in Chiang Rai Province. I dropped by here on the way to the Golden Triangle.
The village (The atmosphere of the village.)	Gift shop 1 (Gift shops are along the main street of the village.)	Gift shop 2 (This is a gift shop also.)	Gift shop 3 (View from the back of the shop.)
The village (The atmosphere of the village.)	Gift shop 1 (Gift shops are along the main street of the village.)	Gift shop 2 (This is a gift shop also.)	Gift shop 3 (View from the back of the shop.)
Gift shop 4 (These products are sold.)	People of Akha 1 (Kids of Akha tribe.)	People of Akha 2 (Mom ? and the kid. They are cheerful and the kid is very cute. :D )	People of Akha 3 (Close-up of their native ornament. Beautiful. :) )
Gift shop 4 (These products are sold.)	People of Akha 1 (Kids of Akha tribe.)	People of Akha 2 (Mom ? and the kid. They are cheerful and the kid is very cute. :D )	People of Akha 3 (Close-up of their native ornament. Beautiful. :) )
House 1 (Bamboo fence. What is this for ? )	House 2 (In front of the front door. Chicken is over there. :) )	House 3 (Inside the house. Right after the front door.)	House 4 (Back of the house. Bedroom ..? )
House 1 (Bamboo fence. What is this for ? )	House 2 (In front of the front door. Chicken is over there. :) )	House 3 (Inside the house. Right after the front door.)	House 4 (Back of the house. Bedroom ..? )

[ChiangRai] From Maesai to Myanmar
The northern most province " Chiang Rai", the northern most city is " Maesai ". You can enter Myanmar, the neighboring country of Thailand, from this city. The northern most province " Chiang Rai", the northern most city is " Maesai ". You can enter Myanmar, the neighboring country of Thailand, from this city. At first, Go through a huge gate and walk across a bridge, then you can reach Tachileik (or Tachilek) city of Myanmar. Now, let's go and check around ! :D (Picture: Town of Maesai 1- Before the gate.)
Town of Maesai 2 (In front of the gate. They are policemen,.. right ? :) )	For Thai people (Looks like if you are a Thai, you can get an entry permit at an office around the gate.)	Huge gate 1 (Very big gate ! People go through the embarkation procedure here.)	Huge gate 2 (You can tell how big it is compared to the people around.)
Town of Maesai 2 (In front of the gate. They are policemen,.. right ? :) )	For Thai people (Looks like if you are a Thai, you can get an entry permit at an office around the gate.)	Huge gate 1 (Very big gate ! People go through the embarkation procedure here.)	Huge gate 2 (You can tell how big it is compared to the people around.)
Walking across the bridge 1 (Showing your passport at the gate, walk across the bridge. This feels like a walk in a town. :) )	Walking across the bridge 2 (On the bridge. After passing the bridge, you will get to Myanmar, Tachileik city.)	To Myanmar 1 (The board showing Myanmar is getting visible.)	To Myanmar 2 (The gate for Myanmar. Now, you can enter Myanmar, checking your passport here.)
Walking across the bridge 1 (Showing your passport at the gate, walk across the bridge. This feels like a walk in a town. :) )	Walking across the bridge 2 (On the bridge. After passing the bridge, you will get to Myanmar, Tachileik city.)	To Myanmar 1 (The board showing Myanmar is getting visible.)	To Myanmar 2 (The gate for Myanmar. Now, you can enter Myanmar, checking your passport here.)

Myanmar - Tachileik
Now, we enter Tachileik city in Myanmar. Let's go around and see what the city looks like. :)
City (Looking down from the gate. A lot of shops along the street.)	Street 1 (Entering the city, a lot of shops are along the street.)	Street 2 (Not so a wide street but a lot of shops.)	Street 3 (It is very warm. Bags or something else are on sale under the strong sunshine.)
City (Looking down from the gate. A lot of shops along the street.)	Street 1 (Entering the city, a lot of shops are along the street.)	Street 2 (Not so a wide street but a lot of shops.)	Street 3 (It is very warm. Bags or something else are on sale under the strong sunshine.)
Street 4 (Is this a main street ?)	sellers 1 (Sellers are selling around with a lot of bottles of juice on a cart.)	sellers 2 (This seller is carrying bottles of juice in a basket on his shoulder.)	sellers 3 (This seller is also selling around with a lot of bottles of juice on a cart.)
Street 4 (Is this a main street ?)	sellers 1 (Sellers are selling around with a lot of bottles of juice on a cart.)	sellers 2 (This seller is carrying bottles of juice in a basket on his shoulder.)	sellers 3 (This seller is also selling around with a lot of bottles of juice on a cart.)
Shops 1 (Various products are on sale. They are calculators, flashlights, telescopes and so on.)	Shops 2 (This shop sells CDs and DVDs. Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon, is there...)	Shops 3 (This shop sells table clocks, musical instruments (guitars) and so on.)	Shops 4 (This shop sells toys and musical instruments (keyboards).)
Shops 1 (Various products are on sale. They are calculators, flashlights, telescopes and so on.)	Shops 2 (This shop sells CDs and DVDs. Doraemon, a Japanese cartoon, is there...)	Shops 3 (This shop sells table clocks, musical instruments (guitars) and so on.)	Shops 4 (This shop sells toys and musical instruments (keyboards).)
Square 1 (After the shopping street, you will see a square. The board says " CITY OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE ".)	Square 2 (After the shopping street, bicycle taxies wait for customers in a line.)	Back to Thailand 1 (It was only for a short time stay in Myanmar, now, go back to Thailand. The gate on Myanmar side.)	Back to Thailand 2 (Going through the gate on Myanmar side. The Myanmar letters are round and cute. :) )
Square 1 (After the shopping street, you will see a square. The board says " CITY OF THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE ". (About Golden Triangle in Thailand is here)	Square 2 (After the shopping street, bicycle taxies wait for customers in a line.)	Back to Thailand 1 (It was only for a short time stay in Myanmar, now, go back to Thailand. The gate on Myanmar side.)	Back to Thailand 2 (Going through the gate on Myanmar side. The Myanmar letters are round and cute. :) )