The ancient city of Chiang Rai in the northest province of the same name was established in 1262 by King Mengrai , founder of Lanna Kingdom .The Mae Sai River further north of Chiang Rai and at the border town of Mae Sai,serves as a natural boundary between Myanmar and Thailand . Although Chiang Rai has a history dating back to more than 750 years , extensive structural and cultural changes has left it nearly bereft of ancient ruins.

The Mae Kok River is a feature of Chiang Rai that must be experienced . It runs from Thaton in northern Chiang- Mai to Chiang Rai city and then on to meet with The Mekong River at Chiang Khong. The Mae Kok runs through the valley south of Doi Mae Salong , to the Myanmar border on the far north , sprawling mountains cover the land and there are many smaller roads leading into less settled areas between Mae Chan and Mae Sai.

THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE .
During the 19th. century , hilltribe groups from China moved to this area , selling opium and later on , heroin IN its heyday , the Golden Triangle was the largest drug market in the world .

The Golden Triangle has an enermous area of 76,000 h.u. highland unit , roughly covers 5 northern provinces in northern Thailand , west of Myanmar and east of Laos . Chiang Rai province is in the very heart of opium producing areas , the spot actually designated the Golden Triangle is the place near Chiang Saen where three countries meet.

The Golden Triangle used to produce three-quarter of the world opium supplies.
The name was called by the press and repeated usage in the mass media .
The sensational fiction has given it a popularity.