King Mengrai the Great Monument (Anusawari Pho Khun Mengrai Maharat)

History & Significance

King Mangrai (commonly referred to as King Mengrai) was the 25th monarch of the Lua Changkarat dynasty and the first king of the Lanna Kingdom. Born on Sunday, October 10, 1781 BE (or 1782 BE in some records), he was the son of Phraya Lao Meng, the 24th ruler of Ngoen Yang, and Queen Thep Kham Khai. After ascending the throne in 1802 BE, he sought to unify independent northern principalities. In 1805 BE, he founded the city of Chiang Rai on Doi Thong as a new power center, eventually expanding his rule to establish the prosperous Lanna Kingdom. He passed away in Chiang Mai in 1854 BE.

The title 'Pho Khun' was later popularized in 1938 by Luang Wichitwathakan, drawing from Sukhothai royal titles, though historically Lanna rulers used the title 'Phraya'. The monument was established to commemorate his immense contributions to the region.

Highlights & What to See

The centerpiece of the site is the majestic statue of King Mengrai, cast in bronze. The statue depicts the king standing on a pedestal approximately 3 meters high, dressed in ancient Lanna royal attire. In his left hand, he holds a sword close to his side, and he is adorned with a wrist garland and a ring. Visitors often bring flowers, incense, and candles to pay homage to the great founder.

Visitor Information

The monument is open daily to the public from 06:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Admission is free of charge. Visitors are advised to dress respectfully as it is a highly revered historical and spiritual site. Parking facilities are available nearby for convenience.

How to Get There

The monument is located at the Pho Khun Five-Way Intersection (Ha Yaek Pho Khun) in the city of Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai Province. It is easily accessible by local transport, tuk-tuks, or private vehicles due to its central location in the city.