The history of Chiang Rai dates back to 1262, when King Mengrai chose a new capital to consolidate his conquests in the Lanna kingdom. He chose the present day site of Chiang Rai. However he wasn't to remain here for long and as his sights turned southwards, he moved his capital to Chiang Mai. The Burmese occupied Chiang Rai during the 16th to the 18th century and like Chiang Mai it wasn't until the 20th century that it became part of Thailand