Chinag Rai was founded in 1262 A.D. by King Mengrai, whose statue can be easily seen on the way to Mae Chan. It used to be the capital of the Lanna Kingdom and later was conquered by Burma briefly. Nowadays Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Tringle in Amphoe Chiang Saen. It is about 9 kms. From this place, The Laotian and Myanmar border can be seen through Mae Khong and Ruak River respecitively.
Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay overnight.
Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River. It flows gently along jungle banks and towering mountain cliffs. Along its route lie several hilltribes and jungle-tribes of Chiang Rai. The people are friendly and the life aboard the raft relaxing. There are many main hilltribes around Chiang Rai, Mae Chan, Mae Sai and along Mae Kok River such as the Yao, the Akha, The Blue and White Maeo, Lisu, Lahu, Lahu Shi and Skaw and Karen.