The spiritual heart of Chiang Rai, this life-size monument is dedicated to King Mengrai the Great (r. 1262 - 1311), founder of the Lanna Kingdom. He established the first capital in Chiang Saen (1262), before relocating it to the west bank of the Ping River in Chiang Mai (1296).
Backed by three giant golden tungs (Lanna flags), the King’s monument is the first thing you see when approaching the city from the Highway 1 (Paholyothin Road). Locals usually stop here to pay respect to the city’s founding father before continuing on with their journey. Here is a good place to take a rest or buy some souvenirs from the nearby crafts centre.
Pho Khun Mang Rai the Great, yhe Lanna Kingdom's Prime King who founded Chiang Rai, his monument of which is placed in the city of Chiang Rai. A son of Phrachao Lao Meng and Phranang Kham Khayai, Pho Khun Mang Rai was the 25th King of Lawa Dynasty. One year after his accession to the throne, he had Chiang Rai built as the capital in replacement of Hiran Nakhon Ngoen Yang. Pho Khun Mang born in 1238, passed away in 1317