The region boasts a long history with small kingdoms dating
back to the pre-Thai period, while the city of Chiang Rai was
founded in 1262 by King Mengrai. It was temporarily the
capital of Mengrai’s Lanna Kingdom until being superseded by
Chiang Mai. Today, Chiang Rai is a small, charming city that
provides the perfect base for exploring the scenic and cultural
attractions of Thailand’s far north.