The Kok River flows through the town of Chiang Rai and is 130 kilometres long. Long-tailed boats can be rented from town to travel along the river, on both sides of which are lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at the hilltribe villages of the Akha or Iko, Lisu, Karen, etc. Elephant rides are also available to see the surrounding area. Another river route starts from Tha Ton in Chiang Mai going northward to Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about four hours. Trips by bamboo raft takes 3 days and 2 nights.

The King Mengrai the Great Memorial, is located in the town at the intersection leading to Mae Chan. Originally, King Mengrai was the ruler of Nakhon Hiran Ngoen Yang (an ancient town on the bank of the Mae Khong around Chiang Saen), before Chiang Rai was established as the administrative centre in 1262. He consolidated his power by merging the different city-states in the North and founded the Lanna Thai Kingdom in 1296, with Chiang Mai as the capital.

The King Mengrai Stupa, in front of Wat Ngam Muang atop Doi Ngam Muang in Muang district, was built by King Chaisongkram to contain the remains of his father (King Mengrai).

The Wat Phra Sing , on Singhak h lai Road near the townhall used to house a major Buddha statue, the Phra Buddha Sihing, which is now enshrined in Chiang Mai. A special feature is the Lanna-style Ubosot and the wooden door panels carved by Chiang Rai contemporary craftsmen.

Situated on Trairat Road in town centre, Wat Phra Kaeo was where one of Thailand's most important Buddha statues was discovered in 1444. The statue had been moved by various state rulers to be placed in their respective capitals as a symbol of dominance, including Lampang, Chiang Rai and Vientiane, before finally begin enshrined in Bangkok's Wat Phra Kaeo during the reign of King Rama I in the Rattanakosin Period. The temple also houses a 700 years old bronze statue, Phra Chao Lan Thong, which is housed in the Chiang Saen-style Ubosot.

Oub Kham Museum is located near Den Ha market, 1 kilometre from the centre of town. The collection embraces objects from the areas once belonging to, or affiliated with, theLanna kingdoms, present north Thailand and some parts of northeast Myanmar, southwest China and Vietnam. Apart from ritual objects the collection mainly consists of objects used at the royal courts, originally starting with lacquerware, silver jewelry and clothing. A golden bowl used by royals, is a masterpiece. It is open daily from 9 am-6 pm. Admission fee is 100 baht per person. Call 0-5371-3349 for more information.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong, located on Doi Chom Thong on the bank of the Kok River within the town area, it contains what is believed to be the oldest Holy Relic even before King Mengrai b uilt Chiang Rai. A major religious site in Chiang Rai, i t was from here that King Mengrai spotted the strategic location on which to establish the town. The Chedi containing the Holy Relic was probably renovated at the same time the town was being built.

Located at the former townhall, Ho Watthanatham Nithat  is a museum exhibiting ancient art e facts and written records on history, literature and indigenous intelligence as well as exhibits on royal activities by the late Princess Mother at Doi Tung. It is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday from 8. 30 am. u ntil 3. 3 0 p.m.

The Nam Tok Khun Kon Forest Park can be reached by taking Highway No. 1211 from town. After 18 kilometres turn right and proceed on for another 12 kilometres. Or go along Highway No. 1 (Chiang Rai-Phayao) for about 15 kilometres where there is a right turn to proceed further for another 17 kilometres, then a 30-minute walk to the waterfall. The highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai, the Khun Kon is some 70 metes high. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings eminently suitable for relaxation and nature walks.

Doi Mae Salong  is the site of Santi Khiri village, a community settled by remnants of the former Chinese 93 rd Division who moved from Myanmar to Thai territory in 1961. Today it is a major tourist attraction with its small-town ambience on high hills, delicious native Chinese dishes and small hotels and guesthouses catering to visitors. During December-February, the hills are alive with pinkish Sakuras. To reach it, take the Chiang Rai-Mae Chan route for 29 kilometres, then turn left and proceed on for another 41 kilometres (passing a hot spring). The return trip can be undertaken on routes no. 1234 and no. 1130 which wind through Yao and Akha hilltribe villages. From Doi Mae Salong a road leads to Ban T h a Ton, the starting point for the Kok River cruise, a distance of 45 kilometres.

Doi Hua Mae Kham is the domicile of the hilltribes near the Thai-Burmese border, about three hours by road along the Mae Chan-Ban Th oet Thai-Ban Hua i In route, which winds along the steep mountain edge. The inhabitants are predominantly of the Lis u tribe, with a smattering of Akha, Hmong and Muser. Doi Hua Mae Kham is most scenic in November when the yellow Wild Sunflowers are in full bloom.

Doi Tung is located in Mae Fa Luang district, reached by taking Highway No. 110 for about 48 kilometres. Then turn left onto Highway No. 1149, an asphalt road leading to Doi Tung. The route winds through beautiful scenery with many interesting sites. These include the Doi Tung Palace and the Mae Fa Luang Garden, Akha and Muser tribal villages. There are also viewing points and the Phra That Doi Tung Holy Relic, an old religious site atop the mountain, about 2,000 met res above sea level.