The northern most province of Thailand, covers of 11,879 sq.km. and it is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) and Laos. The distance from Bangkok to Chiang Rai via the Phaholyothin Road is approximately 830 km. It is approximately 180 km. from Chiang Mai along road No.1019. Historically, King Mengrai the Great whose statue can be seen easily on the way to Mae Chan founded Chiang Rai in 1262. It used to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom until it was conquered by the Burmese. It was not until 1876 that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VII in 1910.