About Chiang Rai

The Golden Triangle is located in Chiang Rai Province in northern Thailand. It is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar (Burma) meet at the Ruak and Mekong Rivers.

The Golden Triangle was once the world's capital of opium production and the centre of its international trade. This lucrative substance was literally worth its weight in gold, as a kilo of opium could be exchanged for a kilo of gold.

It is a magical place with verdant hills, lively rivers dotted with golden Buddhas and tribal villages, offering stunning natural beauty and a rich cultural experience.

Culture

Popualtions have dwelled in Chiang Rai since the 7th century and it became the center of the Lanna Thai Kingdom during the 13th century. The region, rich in natural resources and textiles, was occupied by the Burmese until 1786. Chiang Rai province’s Golden Triangle bordering Laos and Burma was once the hub of opium production which had much influence on cultural practices and lifestyles. Until this day, entire clans live together in bamboo houses and each village has its own individual character.

Chiang Saen, Mae Chan, and Doi Mae Salong are three substantially different places. Chiang Saen’s rich culture has been influenced by its collection of Buddhist scriptures and temples. It was once the provincial capital. Mae Chan’s name lies in its silver and tribal handicrafts. Once officially unrecognized by the Thai government, Doi Mae Salong is a Chinese KMT (Kuomintang) area renowned for its natural beauty and unique Yunnanese culture. Besides the Chinese 93rd Infantry of the Kuomintang, several other ethnic minorities have settled down in the region including the Tai Yai, Tai Lue, Tai Khoen and Tai Yuan.

People

• Khon Muang are the city folk who originally came from Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang and Phrae. Culturally, they design their houses having only one floor with wooden gable-decorations called Ka-Lae. They are known for their craftsmanship in wood carving, weaving, lacquerware and musical instruments.
• Tai Yai, Burmese in origin, harvest rice, farm, raise cattle and trade. Their craftsmanship lies in weaving, pottery, wood carving and bronzeware.
• Akha have the largest population of any hill tribe in the region. Originating from Tibet and Southern China, they dwell on high grounds around 1,200 meters above sea-level. Within their villages they build a Spirit Gateway to protect them from evil spirits.
• Lahu are also from the Yunnese area and live in high areas. They are known as hunters and planters.
• Karen live in various areas of the region which have valleys and riverbanks.
• Chin Hor, these are the former Kuomintang who took refuge in the area, mainly Doi Mae Salong
• Hmong from southern China are located on high land. They raise livestock and grow rice, corn, tobacco and cabbage. They are also known for their embroidery and silver.
• Tai Lue live in dwellings of usually only a single room wooden house built on high poles. They are skilled in weaving.
• Lisaw from southern China and Tibet are renowned for their colorful dress and also build their dwellings on high poles. They harvest rice and corn and their men are skilled in hunting.
• Yao reside along mountain sides and grow corn and other crops. They are skilled blacksmiths, silversmiths and embroiders