Chiang Rai

10 11The King Mengrai StupaIn front of Wat Ngam Mueang atop Doi Ngam Mueang inMueang district the stupa was built by King Chaisongkhram tocontain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).Wat Phra SingThis temple, on Singhakhlai Road, is a fine example of Lannareligious architecture. The Phra Phuttha Sihing image, now atChiang Mai’s Wat Phra Sing, was originally enshrined here.A copy now sits in its place.Wat Phra KaeoLocated behind Wat Phra Sing, Wat Phra Kaeo is noted for itslate Lanna image hall and several fine bronze Buddha images.The temple is more famous, however, as the place where thestatue of the Emerald Buddha, now housed in Bangkok, wasoriginally discovered.Wat Phrathat Doi Chom ThongThis ancient hilltop temple predates the founding of Chiang Raiand commands fine views of the Kok River. It is believed thatfrom this vantage point King Mengrai first surveyed the site ofthe city. Situated on a small hill west of Wat Phra Kaeo, thetemple has an ancient brick chedi that is the reliquary for theremains of King Mengrai.Oub Kham MuseumIt’s located near the Den Ha market, 1 kilometre from thecentre of town. The collection showcases objects from the areasonce belonging to, or affiliated with, the Lanna kingdoms:present north Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar,southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from ritual objects thecollection mainly consists of objects used in royal courts likelacquerware, silver jewellery, and clothing. A golden bowlonce reserved for royals is a masterpiece. It is open dailyfrom 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tel: 0 5371 3349Ho Watthanatham NithatThe site is a museum exhibiting ancient artefacts and writtenrecords on history, literature and local know-how as well asexhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at DoiTung. It is open to the public Wednesday - Sunday from 8.30a.m. until 3.30 p.m.Kok RiverThis scenic river is a major transportation artery fromneighbouring Chiang Mai province, especially the town of ThaTon. The river runs some 130 kilometres through the heart ofChiang Rai passing on its way several hilltribe settlements andWat Phra Kaeoelephant camps from where jungle treks start. Long-tailed boatsare available daily for 3-4 hour tours.Namtok Khun Kon Forest ParkKhun Kon, also known as Tat Mok Waterfall, is located about30 kilometres south of Chiang Rai. The 70-metre waterfall isthe highest and most beautiful in Chiang Rai.Out-Of-City AttractionsAmphoe Mae ChanHot SpaLocated 8 kilometres from Mae Chan, along the Mae Chan -Mae Ai Road, this complex has hot mineral water and bath -house facilities. Accommodation is also available.Hilltribe Development and Welfare CentreThe centre, located some 15 kilometres along Doi Mae SalongRoad, aids and administers local hilltribe settlements. Hilltribehandicrafts, including woven cloth and silverware, are availablefor purchase.