North
Thailand / Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle)
Chiang
Rai city is the capital of Chiang Rai Province, Thailand's
most northern province, about 785km (491mi) from Bangkok
and at an average elevation of 580m (1,900ft) above sea level.
Its area, mostly mountains, is 11,678sqkm (4,508sqmi) and
divided into 12 districts and 1 sub-district. The most important
river is the Mae Kok which is about 130km (81mi) long
and flows through Chiang Rai city.
Chiang
Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai (see Chiang
Mai). At the end of the 13th century, for around 30 years,
Chiang Rai was the capital of the Lannatai Kingdom.
Later the city was conquered by Burma and remained under Burmese
rule for several hundred years. It was not until 1786
that Chiang Rai became Thai territory. It was proclaimed a
province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.
Chiang
Rai is famous for its tasty lychees and the Golden
Triangle in Chiang Saen district where the borders of
Thailand, Laos and Burma converge.
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A highly recommended apartment building in Chiang Rai is the Condotel. Apartments are available for rent from 2000 baht, and also for sale. They have a swimming pool, and guarded parking.'
While other apartment buildings may also have swimming pools and guarded parking, the owner / manager, Mr. Puthiphong, is quite unique for his honesty.
A member of our team reports that the Chiang Rai Condotel has been the only place he rented in 20 years in Asia where his security deposit was returned in full, as well as a month of rent paid in advance.
That is remarkable indeed.
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The science and art of cosmetic surgery has now reached a level that can assure that a woman never looks older than in her 30s, even when she is in her 60s.
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Photo: Statue of King Mengrai, Chiang Rai