Chiang Rai became a province in 1910, after being part of the kingdom of Lannathai for centuries.
After Lannathai was incorporated into Thailand, it stayed an autonomous region and thus the Chiang Rai area
was administered from Chiang Mai.
The province is rich in tourism resources in terms of natural attractions and antiquities, evidence of its past civilization. It is also home to various hill tribes who follow fascinating ways of life. Chiang Rai is also a tourism gateway into Myanmar and Laos.