The capital city of Chiang Rai Province is Chiang Rai City. With an estimated population of 37,600, Chiang Rai is famous for its tasty lychees. It is also well known as "the gateway" to the Golden Triangle located in Chiang Saen district. This is where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge.

Chiang Rai is Thailand's most northern province. The city is located about 785 kilometers (491 miles) from Bangkok with an average elevation of 580 meters (1900 feet) above sea level. It is mostly mountainous with an area of 11,678 sq. kilometers (4508 sq. miles). The province is divided into 12 districts and 1 sub-district. The most important element in Chiang Rai is the Mae Kok River. The river is about 130 kilometers (81 miles) long and flows through Chiang Rai city.

King Mengrai was the founder of Chiang Rai in the year of 1262. History recorded that this city was the capital city of the Lannatai Kingdom towards the end of the 13th century. It was so for about 30 years. Later, Burma conquered it (now Myanmar). It remained under the Burmese rule for several hundred years. Chiang Rai became the territory of Thailand in the year 1786 and was proclaimed a province during the reign of King Rama VI in 1910.