Introducing Chiang Rai Province
Chiang Rai, the northernmost province in Thailand, is one of the country’s most rural areas. Half of its northern border, separating the province and nation from Laos, is formed by the Mekong River. Mountains form the other half, cleaving Myanmar from Thailand, with the junction of Nam Ruak (Ruak River) and Mekong River at Thailand’s peak. The fertile Mekong floodplains to the east support most of the agriculture in the province; to the west the land is too mountainous for most crops. One crop that thrives on steep mountain slopes is opium and until recently Chiang Rai was the centre for most of the opium in Thailand.
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Crop substitution and other development projects sponsored by the late Princess Mother (the king’s mother), along with accelerated law enforcement, have pushed much of the opium trade over the border into Myanmar and Laos. While there are undoubtedly still pockets of the trade here and there (even a few poppy patches), Chiang Rai’s Golden Triangle fame is now mostly relegated to history books and museums.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Chiang Rai to Huay Xai
by wanderingstraycat 12 September 2011
ordinary red bus from CR old bus station (next to night bazaar) to Chiang Khong via either Phaya Mengrai or Wiang Chai (do not take the…
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RE: 4 days in Chiang Mai, 3 in Chiang Rai
by Captain_Bob 08 September 2011
>running out of things to pack into 3 days in Chiang Rai That's maybe cuz it's a boring town. Better to spend time based out of Chiang…
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RE: how long to stay in chiang mai, and where to visit in surrounding areas
by cameronpsych 08 September 2011
I agree with Captain..around 5-7 nights. I live in CM and find that people can see the sights easily in this time. Do Doi Suthep, Old…
See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Chiang Rai Province
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