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North
Thailand / Chiang Rai (Golden Triangle)
Photo: Statue of King Mengrai, Chiang Rai
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.
Additional
information on Chiang Rai:
Recommended
Hotels
Attractions
Authors note:
Tourism for idiots
I can understand some forms of tourism: for example, if people from cold countries want to go to a beach place in a warm country for two weeks. I can also understand those who go to a fun place to party. I can even understand parents who bring their children to Disneyland (though I personally regard this as a waste of money).
But the tourism you have in Northern Thailand and in Laos is for idiots.
Remote hill tribes! Wow. The Golden Triangle, the world's traditional opium-growing region. And you were there! Elephant trekking through the jungle. Real adventure!
The fact is that all of this is so totally commercialized, that it is no different from a theme park. Only less convenient.
But at least a theme park is honest in that it admits that it's all just show. On the other hand, North Thailand and Laos tourism promotion pretends that all of this is authentic. But it's a lie. It's all only about making stupid tourists spend money. Preferably a lot. For nothing of genuine value.
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