History of Chiang Rai
Burma and Laos some
5,000 years ago, and the first organised city state in this region was
founded at modern-day Chiang Saen along the Mekong River. These nomadic
people brought with them the traditions and beliefs of China, Burma and
Laos, ultimately wedding them into the distinct culture that thrives in
Chiang Rai today.
In those days, Chiang Rai belonged to the Lanna Kingdom, an autonomous and prosperous kingdom that enjoyed good political ties with the southern Thai kingdoms. Lanna means 'land of a million rice fields', a title fitting this rich and rural agricultural region.
The Lanna Kingdom's founding father was King Meng Rai, a powerful ruler who laid the foundations of his kingdom in the 13th century. Legend has it that he followed his elephant as it wandered off the path, ultimately leading him to the place where he founded his capital city, Chiang Rai.
While Chiang Rai's capital status was fleeting (King Mengrai later founded Chiang Mai, which assumed capital status soon after), Chiang Rai remained the king's favourite city. Today a monument to him stands in central Chiang Rai.
Mengrai
entered into a blood pact with King Rama Kampeng of Sukothai and King
Ngarm Muang of Phayao, and this trio of rulers enjoyed peaceful
relations throughout their lives. Today, the Three Kings Monument stands
in Chiang Mai as a tribute to the cooperation of these rulers.The Lanna Kingdom eventually suffered under repeated Burmese and Lao attacks. The art, architecture and overall culture of Chiang Rai was infused with elements from these invading kingdoms. In the 1700s, the kingdom of Siam invaded from the south and reclaimed Lanna from the Burmese. Further advances were made by Siam, and after a long and unsuccessful siege on Chiang Saen, Rama I of Siam ordered its destruction.
Loyalties in Chiang Rai and throughout the Lanna Kingdom were
scattered between Burma, Siam and Laos. It wasn't until 1939 when a
governor from Bangkok was sent to rule Chiang Mai that the Lanna Kingdom
was officially brought under the umbrella of the Kingdom of Siam.Today, Chiang Rai is a somewhat sleepy, provincial capital that sits at the heart of a region rich in history and culture. The countries of Myanmar (Burma), Laos and Thailand converge nearby at the Golden Triangle, with China lying just over the horizon. Visitors come to explore the dense, mountainous jungle; taste the unique cuisine of northern Thailand; and interact with ethnic hill tribe minorities that continue to maintain their distinct traditions and cultures.
Chiang Rai Hotels in Thailand
Bangkok Hotels | Chiangmai Hotels | Hua Hin Hotels | Chiang Rai Hotels | Pai Hotels| Pattaya Hotels | Phuket Hotels | Hat Yai Hotels | Samui Hotels | Krabi Hotels | Udonthani Hotels | Khao Lak Hotels | Khao Yai Hotels | Koh Phangan Hotels | Koh Tao Hotels | Koh Samet Hotels | Koh Lanta Hotels | Koh Chang Hotels | Koh Phi Phi Hotels | Koh Lipe Hotels
From : http://www.hoteltravel.com/thailand/chiang_rai/history-of-chiang-rai.htm
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