Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is the northern-most province in Thailand and is one of the most rural areas in the country. The province covers some 11,678 square kilometres and is bordered by Myanmar (Burma) to the north, and Laos to the north and north east, separated from Laos by the Mekong River.

The province contains Thailand’s northern-most point at Mae Sai, is well known for its crisp mountain scenery and hilltribes, and falls within the region known as the Golden Triangle, the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos converge.

Fact File

CapitalBangkok

LanguageThai (English widely spoken)

ClimateThailand’s climate is tropical, high both in temperature and humidity. April and May are the hottest months of the year. June sees the beginning of the South West Monsoon, and brings with it the rainy season, which continues intermittently until the end of October. From November to the end of February the climate is much less trying with a cooling north east breeze and a reduction in the humidity level. The north and north east are generally cooler than Bangkok in winter, and hotter in summer. In the far north, temperatures can occasionally drop as low as 2°C

CurrencyThai Baht (THB)

VisaRequired for stays exceeding 30 days

HealthAdvised immunisation against malaria, hepatitis, polio, typhoid, tetanus and cholera

PassportsMust be valid for more than six months after proposed date of departure from Thailand

Time ZoneGMT + 7 hours