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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.