Chiang 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 Lanna Kingdom and later was conquered by Myanmar. Nowadays Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden Triangle in Amphoe Chiang Saen. It is about 9 kilometers north of Chiang Saen. From this place, Laotian and Myanmar border can be seen through Mae Khong and Ruak River respectively.
Accommodations are available for tourists who want to stay over night.
Boats can be rented for trips along the Khong River. Doi Tung is the holy relic that draws devout Buddhists from as far as Laos and Myanmar for annual worshipping. The reliquary is atop the highest Chiang Rai mountain at Doi Tung, elevation 2,000 meters above sea-level. The unmatched panoramic view reaches out to Myanmar and Laos on the horizon. Doi Luang National Park Doi Luang National Park covers ares in Amphoe Phan, Amphoe Waing Pa Pao of Chiang rai, and some part of Lampang and Phayao.