Chiang Rai, Thailand
Chiang Rai is in the far northern end of Thailand - 829 kilometers north of Bangkok. It was the home of the original kingdom of Lanna, the foundation of the Kingdom
of Thailand and was founded by King Meng Rai. The city maintains an honorary park and monument dedicated to the memory of King Meng Rai. There is a short
video of the park and monument below.
The Kingdoms most holy Buddha image was also found here in 1434 when lightning struck a cheddi and exposed the carving underneath - it's called the Emerald
Buddha even though it's made of Jade.
It is also the birthplace of my lovely wife Chatrapee.
Chiang Rai has much milder weather because it's in the north, so it's a lot easier to spend more time outside enjoying the local flavor. During the day there is a huge
market in downtown. You can walk along and munch on fresh fruit, or freshly grilled chicken (gai in Thai) and just enjoy the day.
click here and Google Earth to King Meng Rai plaza
of Thailand and was founded by King Meng Rai. The city maintains an honorary park and monument dedicated to the memory of King Meng Rai. There is a short
video of the park and monument below.
The Kingdoms most holy Buddha image was also found here in 1434 when lightning struck a cheddi and exposed the carving underneath - it's called the Emerald
Buddha even though it's made of Jade.
It is also the birthplace of my lovely wife Chatrapee.
Chiang Rai has much milder weather because it's in the north, so it's a lot easier to spend more time outside enjoying the local flavor. During the day there is a huge
market in downtown. You can walk along and munch on fresh fruit, or freshly grilled chicken (gai in Thai) and just enjoy the day.
click here and Google Earth to King Meng Rai plaza
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This is the life size statue of King Meng
Rai. The Square is about the half the
size of an American city block,
centrally located in downtown Chiang
Rai. The gold standards behind the
statue are about 60 feet tall, are hand
made and covered with beautifully
detailed images.
Rai. The Square is about the half the
size of an American city block,
centrally located in downtown Chiang
Rai. The gold standards behind the
statue are about 60 feet tall, are hand
made and covered with beautifully
detailed images.
