Carnival time in Chiang Rai

The northern province celebates its culture with a festival that runs through the end of April

With political unrest again bringing chaos to the capital, those with time to spare may want to head for the hills and seek tranquillity in the northern province of Chiang Rai, home to some of the Kingdom's highest mountains.

It's a great time to visit too, as the city is getting ready to host the "Seven Amazing Chiang Rai Carnivals", a grand event that will run from October 21 though April 30 and which aims to promote seven historical sites and graceful old temples around town.

Our preview tour begins right in the heart of the city, as we peer into the past at the monument to King Mengrai, the Lanna monarch who established the cities of Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai.

We shoot back to the present at our next stop, the Mengrai Military Camp on Nakhai Road, where we admire the footprint of His Majesty the King Bhumibol Adulyadej, laid in cement in 1982 to commemorate the bravery of Thai soldiers.

Later that day, we take in Wat Phra Kaew on Trairat Road, once the repository of the sacred Emerald Buddha that's now kept in Bangkok, and Phra That Pha Ngao, on the west bank of the Mekong River bordering Burma and Laos, which is home to Luang Por Pha Ngao, a 700-year-old Lanna-style Buddha image, and many fascinating artefacts.

The following day begins with a trip to Mae Sai district to call in at Wat Phra That Doi Wao, the highest temple in Chiang Rai. The yellow gold Lanna-style pagoda built in AD979 by Prince Wao is one of the province's oldest and most revered. It's home to holy relics of the Buddha, and studded with many beautiful Buddha images.

Another highlight is the even older Wat Phra That Doi Tung,

with its golden pagodas and Lanna-style chapel. Nearby is the former residence of HRH the late Princess Mother, Doi Tung royal villa - an enchanting mix of traditional Northern home and Swiss chalet.

Our day ends at the modern Wat Rong Khun designed by celebrated artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The first thing you notice is the ubosot, painted a dazzling white to represent the purity of Buddhism. Inside, there are two principal Buddha images and a massive mural by Chalermchai depicting the path to nirvana.

from dailyxpress.net