Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai borders Myanmar's Shan State to the north and west, Laos' Bokeo Province to the east, Phayao to the south, and Chiang Mai to the southwest, with the Mekong River forming most of its eastern border. Forest covers 39.9% of the province (4,585 km²) across eight national parks including Doi Luang. The province encompasses the highest point in Thailand, Doi Inthanon, which is actually in Chiang Mai — Chiang Rai's own heights include Doi Tung at 1,389 metres, site of the royal Mae Fah Luang hilltop gardens. Wat Rong Khun — the all-white contemporary 'White Temple' designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat — has become one of northern Thailand's most visited landmarks since construction began in 1997. The Golden Triangle area around Chiang Saen, where the Ruak River meets the Mekong, now hosts museums documenting the region's former opium trade, which has been replaced by legal agriculture including coffee, tea, and macadamia cultivation.