King Mengrai Monument

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About King Mengrai Monument

The monument, a prominent landmark in the city, is a popular spot for a quick visit. It's a great place to snap a few photos and observe the bustling activities around. However, it's not a place where one would spend a lot of time, as a visit typically lasts no more than 10 minutes.

The structure of the monument is quite unique, standing right in the middle of an intersection. It holds historical significance, although it might be a bit challenging to comprehend its full meaning without some background knowledge.

One of the highlights of the city is the free city tour that starts behind the monument. The tour is conducted in Thai, which might pose a challenge for overseas tourists who do not understand the language. However, local tourists often step in to provide translations, making the experience more enjoyable. The tour guide focuses on explaining the attractions in Thai, and brochures with limited English explanations are available at the tourist information counter. Despite the language barrier, the tour offers a unique opportunity to learn more about the city.

The monument is dedicated to King Mengrai the Great, the founder of the kingdom of Lanna. It is considered the spiritual heart of Chiang Rai. The life-size monument is the first thing you'll see when you enter the city from the airport via the highway. It's about a 40-minute walk from the downtown clock tower.

The free city tour tram ride is a must-do for those spending more than a day in Chiang Rai. The tram leaves from the tourist information center behind the King's monument at 9:30 and 1:30 PM every day, provided there are at least six people. The tour guide is very informative and personable, although they only speak Thai. An English brochure is available for those who cannot read Thai. The tour covers nine sites, and it's recommended to grab a beverage and watch the 5-minute light show at the clock tower at 7, 8, and 9 PM.

The monument, located in the middle of a busy intersection, is a stop on the city tour. It's a beautiful tribute to the one-time King, but it's not a place to go out of your way to see. The best view of it is from a distance. Locals often come here to pay their respects to their Monarch.

The city hall office behind King Mengrai Monument offers a free tour for tourists. The tour, which takes about three hours, covers nine temples and provides a glimpse into the lives and businesses of Chiang Rai people. The buses park near the tour office for easy boarding. The guides are very friendly, and the locals often wave at the tourists, making the experience even more enjoyable. It's recommended to bring water and be prepared to move from one temple to another.