chiang rai tourist attractions

Visit Chiang Rai: Top 17 Things To Do And Must See Attractions

The 17 best things to do in chiang rai (all highlights).

You’re planning to visit Chiang Rai during your next trip to Thailand ?

Great idea!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 17 best things to do in Chiang Rai and its surroundings.

You will discover the famous White and Blue Temples, the Black House Museum, the Big Buddha, Khun Korn’s waterfall and many other places to visit + my recommended itineraries to visit Chiang Rai in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days.

And as usual, I will also give you all my best tips and my list of the best places to stay in Chiang Rai, depending on your budget.

So, What are the best things to do in Chiang Rai? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The White Temple / Wat Rong Khun

2. the blue temple / wat rong suea ten, 3. wat phra kaew, 4. the night bazaar, 5. the other tourist attractions in chiang rai city, 6. singha park, 7. baan dam museum, 8. khun korn’s waterfall, 9. wat huay pla kung / big buddha, 10. mae fah luang cultural and artistic park, 11. trekking in chiang rai, 12. doi tung, 13. mae salong, 14. hot springs, 15. mae sai, 16. the golden triangle, 17. going to an elephant sanctuary, best things to do in chiang rai with your family, how many days to visit chiang rai, 1 day in chiang rai, 2 days in chiang rai, 3 days in chiang rai, 4 or 5 days in chiang rai, where to stay in chiang rai, where to eat in chiang rai, how to get around chiang rai, by airplane, how to get to chiang rai: flight prices, tourist map of chiang rai, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you, visit chiang rai: the 17 must-see attractions.

You can’t visit Chiang Rai without discovering the most famous tourist attraction of the city: the White Temple , also named Wat Rong Khun.

Located 13 km south of Chiang Rai, it’s one of the most famous place to visit in Northern Thailand. You will see it on almost all postcards!

Most people actually only travel to Chiang Rai to be able to visit it.

However, Wat Rong Khun is not an ancient religious temple, with a Buddha statue to worship. Its construction started in 1997 , and it’s still far from being finished.

This beautiful temple is the work of a Thai painter and architect, Chalermchai Kositpipat. He built the temple on his own funds and expects to complete it in about 50 years!

If you’re there on a sunny day, you will notice that the White Temple sparkles in the sun: this particularity is due to the mixture of lime and mirror shards the temple has been built with.

During your visit, you will also be able to admire impressive statues and beautiful details sculpted and covered with mirrors.

Inside the White Temple, you will find a Buddha statue, but the most impressive is the fresco mixing traditional Buddhist scenes with scenes from famous movies like Matrix or Star Wars.

This temple is really like no other!

Please note however that pictures are not allowed inside.

Personally, even after seeing many pictures online before going, I found the place really beautiful .

On site, in addition to the White Temple, you can also visit a golden monument housing a small museum featuring impressive works of art. There is also a 2nd museum with paintings and drawings made by the creator of the temple.

Of course, you will also find a souvenir shop selling magnets, tee-shirt or keychains. And to make your day really memorable, you can even take a selfie with a life-size cardboard effigy of the creator of the temple! A bit megalomaniac maybe? 😋

Allow about an hour and a half to see everything. The entrance fee is 50 Bahts .

If you want to take nice pictures, you should visit the white temple in the morning. It’s the best time to get the perfect lighting! Try to be there as early as possible to avoid the crowd.

To get to Wat Rong Khun from Chiang Rai, if you don’t have a car, you can take the bus at the bus station or a song taew (collective taxi). It takes about 30 min to get there and will cost you 20 Bahts.

After the White Temple, let’s now discover the Blue Temple , probably the 2nd most popular tourist attraction in Chiang Rai.

This temple is also located outside the city , but to the north this time, on the other side of the Mae Kok River.

Just like the White Temple, the Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten in Thai, has only recently been completed.

You have probably guessed it from its name: the Blue Temple is especially famous for… being entirely blue (even inside)!

Inside, you can find a large white sitting Buddha statue , tinted with blue reflections depending on the lighting.

Outside, you will also find many blue statues with impressive details , such as the dragons or guards located at the entrance.

After the white temple, this is really the place to see in Chiang Rai. The temple is beautiful and the entrance is free .

There is no public transportation to go to Wat Rong Suea Ten, so you will have to go there by tuk-tuk or taxi , if you find one.

Let’s continue this list of Chiang Rai’s must-see temples with Wat Phra Kaew .

Contrary to the White and Blue Temples that are more tourist attractions than religious buildings, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the local’s favourite places of worship.

In 1434, the chedi (also called “stupa”) of the temple was struck by lightning and the building collapsed, revealing a magnificent statue of Buddha that was hidden inside.

The Emerald Buddha (actually made of jade) quickly became a national symbol and thus has been moved several times, notably to Chiang Mai and Laos . You can now admire the original at the Grand Palace, in Bangkok .

The Emerald Buddha you will see in Wat Phra Kaew is actually a copy, surrounded by frescoes representing its history.

On the site, you can also see a large sitting bronze Buddha and visit a small museum with statues.

Admission to Wat Phra Kaew is free.

You’re going to Chiang Rai?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Chiang Rai on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Chiang Rai.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Chiang Rai, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Chiang Rai!

Where to go to Chiang Rai in the evening?

If you want to buy souvenirs during your road trip in Thailand , the best place is for sure Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar.

It’s in my opinion prettier than those of Bangkok or Chiang Mai and it’s also cheaper . You will find there many stands selling clothes, jewellery or wooden objects.

Several tribes from the surrounding mountains also come there to sell their handicrafts .

In the centre of the evening market, you can eat in a very nice wooden restaurant. Just opposite, there is a stage where traditional dance shows are organized. There are also several food stalls .

The Night Bazaar is open every night and is located close to the bus terminal.

If you’re in Chiang Rai on the weekend, you should also go to “Saturday or Sunday Walking Street” . The street (a different street depending on the day) becomes pedestrian in order to accommodate many stands.

It’s really the ideal place to go to Chiang Rai on weekends: you can do a bit of shopping and try the delicious Thai street food !

During your trip to Chiang Rai, you should take a walk in the historical part of the city . There are several buildings and temples to discover.

So, what to see in Chiang Rai?

• The statue of King Mengrai, the founder of the city
• The golden clock tower , designed by the creator of the White Temple. It lights up every night in a small music and lights show.
• Wat Ming Meuang , supposed to shelter the spirit of the city. It’s quite different from other temples, with its Hindu vibe!
• Wat Phra Sing
• Wat Klang Wiang
• Wat Jet Yot
• The HillTribe Museum or museum of the mountain tribes. A great place to learn more about history, culture and the way of life of these ethnic groups in Thailand
• The park located in front of the HillTribe museum . During my stay in Chiang Rai, there was the flower festival there – It takes place every year in January. The park was full of art installations, food stands (I ate there every night!) and there were also free concerts in the evening.
• The Oub Kham Museum, with its superb collection of objects from the kingdom of Lanna. Guided tour is mandatory.

Let’s continue this guide of Chiang Rai with the Singha Park (named after one of the most famous beers in Thailand!).

It’s located about 6 km from the white temple .

You can’t miss the entrance to the park, symbolized by a large golden lion statue where everyone stops for a souvenir photo. A food court with cafes and shops is located nearby.

You should then follow the road to get inside the park. It will take you to a nice viewpoint over a lake and tea plantations . On the other side of the park, you will also find an educational farm and a mini zoo featuring exotic animals such as giraffes and zebras.

In Singha Park, you can also enjoy a zipline going above the tea plantations or rent a bike . Every year, the park also organizes a hot-air balloon festival .

If you don’t have a car, please note that the park is not served by public transport , so you will have to take a tuk-tuk or a taxi to get there.

And as Singha park is pretty big , you will then have to rent bikes or take the small tourist train .

Entrance is free, but you will have to pay for the zipline, the bikes or to take the tourist train.

Baan Dam Museum, also called “ Black House Museum” or “Black Temple” is for sure among Chiang Rai’s most famous points of interest

It’s located about 15 kilometers north of Chiang Rai.

There, you will find about forty small black houses decorated with crocodile skins, furs and bones for example.

Everything you will see on the site is the work of Thawan Duchanee , a Thai artist who can be considered as a “dark version” of  Chalermchai Kositpipat, the White Temple creator!

For sure, the place is original, but all houses are quite similar, and it overall feels a bit messy.

What I also find unfortunate is that most houses are closed and you can only get a glimpse of what’s inside by looking through the windows.

Admission costs 80 Bahts

The easiest way to get to Baan Dam Museum is by car . If you don’t have one, you can always take a song taew or a tuk-tuk .

If you are wondering about what to do in Chiang Rai to enjoy a bit of nature, you should definitely go to Khun Korn waterfall , located 15 km west of Singha Park .

To get there, you will need a car.

Park your car at Khun Korn waterfall’s car park, then walk up the river along the road until you reach a small toilets building. The path leading to the waterfall starts from there.

This short and easy walk (just remember to wear good shoes, it’s quite slippery) will take you through the bamboo forest up to the waterfall in about 30 minutes.

Khun Korn’s waterfall is pretty nice and even in January, the water flow is quite intense: it’s not just a trickle like some other Thai waterfalls at that time of the year. With its 70 meters high, it’s actually the highest waterfall in Chiang Rai province.

Plan to spend about 2 hours there, the time to make the round trip, to take pictures in the forest and to stop a bit to enjoy the freshness of the waterfall . Swimming is allowed, but the water is pretty cold!

Be careful, the site closes at 4:30 pm, so you should go there early. Free entrance and parking.

As you can see, one of the main thing to do in Chiang Rai is to discover its beautiful and original temples .

And Wat Huay Pla Kung is no exception to the rule.

Just like the white or blue temples, Wat Huay Pla Kung is very recent. The temple is actually a huge statue representing Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion and not the Buddha. The statue is however often referred to as “the Big Buddha”!

It’s super impressive to see, especially since it was built on the top of a hill and looks really huge. Take the “dragon staircase” to reach the base of the temple and then take an elevator up to the head of the statue (40 Bahts).

In addition to Wat Huay Pla Kung, the site also features 2 other monuments : a beautiful white temple and a large pagoda with 9 floors .

Don’t hesitate to climb to the top to admire the view!

The place is really worth a look, and considering the number of visitors and the full parking lot, it seems it’s quickly becoming one of Chiang Rai’s must see attractions.

The Wat is a 15-minute drive from the center of Chiang Rai . Free entrance and parking + 40 Bahts if you wish to go to the top of the statue.

During your trip to Chiang Rai, you can visit Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park , located 4 km west of Chiang Rai city center.

Quick note: don’t confuse it with the gardens of Mae Fah Luang, located in Doi Tung. I will tell you more about them below, at #12

Built around a large lake , the park is well laid out and houses several wooden buildings and pavilions in the Lanna style

You will be able to discover:

• The Haw Kham, a tower built from the remains of 32 wooden houses. There is a Buddha inside.
• The Haw Kham Noi and its 19th century murals
• The Haw Kaew, a museum gathering several objects of Lanna civilization.

The place is quiet and relaxing . You can go there if you have some free time or if you’re tired of the crowd.

Entrance fee is 200 Bahts, which is a bit expensive compared to other sites of Thailand. That’s probably why there aren’t many visitors.

Chiang Rai is also known as an ideal destination for trekking.

Most of the hotels and guesthouses in the city offer 2 or 3 days trekking tours that will allow you to meet ethnic groups living in the surrounding mountains.

Mostly populated by refugees from Burma or Laos, you will be able to discover the way of life of the Akha, Hmong, or Karen people .

The latter is known for its women with long necks , often nicknamed “giraffe women”.

Prices start around 3,000 Bahts per person for a 3-day trek and always include accommodation and food.

The 6 best things to do around Chiang Rai

Now that you know everything about the main tourist sites of the city, you’re now ready to explore the surroundings of Chiang Rai.

There are several amazing places to discover during day trips. You will however need to rent a car or hire a driver for the day.

Doi Tung is located 45 km from Chiang Rai, close to the Burmese border. It’s one of the best places to visit around the city

At the top of Doi Tung Mountain, you can discover several tourist attractions :

• Mae Fah Luang Garden, a very large, beautifully landscaped, well-kept and flowery garden
• The Doi Tung Royal Villa , the former residence of the Princess Mother of Thailand. The building, really atypical for Thailand, looks like a Swiss chalet (the Princess Mother actually lived in Switzerland for a long time). You will be able to visit the interior and discover the royal apartments. An Audio guide in English is available and photos are prohibited.
• The Hall of Inspiration, where a film about the history of the place is shown

On the site, it’s also possible to enjoy a small zip-line.

The place is super touristy, with lots of food stalls and souvenirs .

You will have the choice between several entrance tickets , depending on whether you want to visit everything or only a part of the site. The full pass costs 220 Bahts, zip line not included.

The entrance ticket also includes access to an arboretum, located 9 km away from Mae Fah Garden. To get there, you can take your car or a small free bus.

You will not be able to reach the top of Doi Tung by car . The traffic is regulated so you will have to leave your car parked on the side of the road, about 2 km from the entrance.

In the surroundings of Chiang Rai, you should also visit Mae Salong .

The area is well known for its beautiful scenery and numerous tea plantations . On the road leading to Mae Salong, you will pass through a few small traditional villages and enjoy great  views over the rice fields and the forest .

In Mae Salong , you will find a large market and a monument with the statue of a general. The area is known to offer a nice view over the surrounding area, but I must confess that in my opinion it wasn’t really amazing.

What I enjoyed the most was actually to drive around Mae Salong by car . There are numerous beautiful places and viewpoints along the road (much better than the touristy Mae Salong place itself).

A road trip is clearly best way to discover the beautiful natural landscapes of northern Thailand.

Around Chiang Rai, you will find several hot springs where you can relax . They are very popular among Thai people who love to come there with their family on weekends.

And contrary to what you might think, their favorite activity is not necessarily swimming, but cooking eggs in hot water! Small baskets of 3 eggs are sold at all hot springs, if you want to try it.

Here are the most famous hot springs near Chiang Rai:

• The Pha Soet springs , 20 km from Chiang Rai, towards Ban Ruam Mit
• The spring of Ban Huay Zai Kao , in the village of Mae Lao
• Huay Mak Lium spring in Lam Nam Kok National Park
• The one of Wieng Pa Pao , on the road linking Chiang Rai to Chiang Mai
• Pong Phrabat Hot Spring, 11 km North of the city.

Mae Sai is located 60 km north of Chiang Rai , on the border with Myanmar .

The city is especially popular among backpackers for a good reason: it’s the ideal place to extend your visa by leaving and re-entering Thailand!

All you have to do is cross the bridge that connects the city to Burma and make the trip in the opposite direction for your visa to be renewed.

Mae Sai is also known for its huge border market with the city of Tachileik where you can buy typical products of the region or very cheap cigarettes and alcohol.

Close to Chiang Rai, you can also go to the famous Golden Triangle

The golden triangle represents the junction between 3 countries: Thailand, Laos and Myanmar . The place is known to have been the centre of the opium trade for many years.

If you want to get a nice view over the 3 countries of the Golden Triangle and the Mekong River, you should go to  Chiang Sen . You can’t really miss the place, all tourist buses go there!

In the surroundings of Chiang Sen, you can also visit the opium museum to discover the interesting history of the Golden Triangle.

There, you can also opt for a cruise on the Mekong River.

If you want to see elephants during your trip to Thailand, there is a sanctuary located close to Chiang Rai.

The Elephant Valley is home to several elephants living in semi-freedom , in conditions as close as possible to their natural environment.

During your visit, you can help to feed them and learn more about their lifestyle.

You will find all the information about the Elephant Valley of Chiang Rai on their official website

What are the best things to do in Chiang Rai with kids?

To help you organize your family trip to Chiang Rai , here is a summary of the best places to visit in the area with your children :

• The White Temple , as they will be inevitably intrigued by all its sculptures!
• The Night Bazaar, where they can choose a few souvenirs to bring back home
• A day at the valley of the elephants
• Rent a bike to ride through Singha Park and see the animals there
• Going to bathe (and cook eggs!) in the hot springs.

To visit Chiang Rai and its surroundings, you should spend at least 3 days in the city.

Apart from the walk in the historical center of Chiang Rai that you can do on foot, all the other points of interest are quite scattered, so you will have to spread out the visits over several days .

In my opinion, renting a car is clearly the best way to make the most of your stay! That’s what I did, and it was very convenient.

I will now give you itineraries to visit Chiang Rai in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, based on the assumption that you have also rented a car.

If you plan to travel by tuk-tuk or song taew, you may have to adapt the itinerary a little bit.

If you have a day to visit Chiang Rai , here are the best places to visit:

• Visit the White Temple, the city’s must-see monument
• Enjoy a short hike to Khun Korn Waterfall
• Go to Singha Park for a photo with the golden lion
• Discover Mae Fah Cultural and Artistic Park (if you have time, if not go straight to the next one)
• Stop at Wat Huay Pla Kang to contemplate the Giant Buddha
• Visit the Blue Temple
• Spend your evening at the Night Bazaar.

If you spend 2 days in Chiang Rai , in addition to the 1st day above, you can add:

• Visit Baan Dam Museum
• Discover the tourist attractions of Doi Tung
• A road trip on the road between Doi Tung and Mae Salong to contemplate the landscapes
• Mae Salong’s Market
• Back to Chiang Rai

In 3 days in Chiang Rai, in addition to the 2 previous days mentioned above, you have different options :

1. Take a stroll in Chiang Rai in the morning to discover the temples of the city including Wat Phra Kaew and the museum of mountain tribes . In the afternoon, go to the hot springs to relax.

2. A day in the valley of the elephants

3. Go to the Golden Triangle and to Mae Sai (if you have the time).

If you spend 4 or 5 days in Chiang Rai , you also have the option to go for a 2 or 3 days trek in the mountains of Northern Thailand.

You can of course also spread all the activities I talk about in this guide over several days.

• Connect Hostel: Youth hostel located 10 minutes from the night market and the bus station. Modern dormitory bed with curtain from 10€. Strong points: cleanliness, modern and really nice common areas, comfortable beds, very friendly staff. This is the best hostel in Chiang Rai. Ideal for backpackers, if you are looking for a cheap hotel.
• Na-Rak-O Resort: Located 600 meters from the Clock Tower and the temples to see in Chiang Rai. Double room with a colorful decoration and a very comfortable bed starting from 21€. Strong points: the availability of the staff, a kitchen for breakfast, the calm. An excellent choice if you’re traveling to Chiang Rai on a budget!
• Nak Nakara Hotel: Located at 2 minutes walk from the HillTribe Museum and the park. Tastefully decorated double room in traditional lanna style starting from €60, breakfast included. Strong points: large swimming pool, free shuttle to the Night Bazaar, comfortable rooms, convenient location. A great choice for its exceptional value for money!
• The Riverie by Katathani: 5 stars hotel located 800 meters from Wat Phra Sing and 1 km from the night market, on the riverside. Modern, luxurious and spacious double room from 100€, breakfast included. Strong points: the huge swimming pool, children’s playground, the view on the river, the jacuzzi, the tennis court. A great choice for a romantic stay in Chiang Rai!
• The Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand: 5 stars hotel complex located 3 km from the night market. Elegant, design and spacious double room from 105€, breakfast at 14€. Strong points: really beautiful outdoor spaces, swimming pool, Spa, riverside location, quietness, free shuttle to the city centre. Simply the best hotel for a luxury stay in Chiang Rai!

I don’t have any specific recommendations for a particular restaurant in Chiang Rai.

As I told you in this article, we ate every night in the park where the flower festival was held. There were a lot of food stands and everything was delicious, from meat skewers to pad thai!

If you visit Chiang Rai at another time of the year, you should eat at the Night Bazaar . You’ll find excellent Thai food at all the food stands.

It’s very convenient, everyone can choose what they want to eat and there’s no need to argue about which restaurant to go to! 😋

The most convenient way to get around Chiang Rai is really to rent a car . There is no subway and very few taxis.

You can easily visit the city center and its few temples on foot.

However, to get to the main tourist attractions of Chiang Rai such as the famous White Temple, you will need to have a car.

To rent a car in Chiang Rai , you can compare prices directly here:

If you don’t want to rent a car, there are still other options for getting around Chiang Rai , they are however less convenient.

• The Song Taew are collective taxis and the most economical way to go from one place to another. They go everywhere. You just wave to them, you tell them where you want to go and they will tell you if they are going in that direction.
• Tuk-tuks are faster than Song Taews because they are private and go directly where you want. However, they are more expensive and drivers have an unfortunate tendency to rip you off. Always try to negotiate to get a fair price.
• By scooter , one of Thai people’s favorite way to get around. But since tourist attractions are quite distant from one another in Chiang Rai, you will be a lot better with a car. This is especially true if you are not used to driving a scooter.
• Hire a driver for the day if you really don’t want to drive. Always agree on the price for the day beforehand. It is best to speak directly with your hotel or guesthouse, they always have someone to recommend you.

How to get to Chiang Rai

To get to Chiang Rai, you have a few possibilities:

Chiang Rai has an international airport , located 10 km north of the city .

Taking a flight is therefore the fastest way to get to Chiang Rai!

From Bangkok, the flight takes about 1h30. Alternatively, you can also depart from other Thai cities such as Phuket or Krabi . The fares are usually pretty cheap and you will save a lot of time.

You can check flights prices to Chiang Rai using our flight comparator a bit below.

There’s no train station in Chiang Rai.

You will have to take a train to Chiang Mai (the nearest station) and from there take the bus to Chiang Rai.

There are 2 bus stations in Chiang Rai : the old one is in the city center and the new one 7 km further south. Both are in operation and are linked by a Song Taew (collective taxi) service that will cost you around 15 Bahts.

• The old bus station is reserved for journeys in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai province .
• The new one links Chiang Rai to most big Thai cities.

Travel time to Chiang Rai:

• From Chiang Mai, it takes about 3 hours by bus to reach Chiang Rai.
• From Bangkok it takes about 11 hours . In this case, the best option is to take a night bus to save time.
• From Sukhothai , it will take about 7 hours .

Of course you can also drive to Chiang Rai . This is the option I have chosen for my itinerary in Thailand.

I did the following road trip: Bangkok – Ayutthaya – Sukhothai – Chiang Mai – Chiang Rai.

And frankly I didn’t regret this choice: the roads are large (3-4 lanes), straight, well maintained and Thai people drive very safely.

I was able to visit what I wanted, stop whenever I wanted: it was great!

And as I told you earlier, the places to visit in Chiang Rai are quite scattered, so the car is really the best way to visit the city and its surroundings.

You can compare car rental prices in Thailand by clicking on the button below:

You can check the rates and schedules with our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s a great way to get the best flight prices!

I have created for you a  tourist map of Chiang Rai, listing all the best places to visit and points of interest I have talked about in this article. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

And you, what are you planning to visit in Chiang Rai?

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 2 comments.

Amazing review. Thank you so much. I’m Thai. I’ve been to Chiang-Rai once and I want to return next summer 2023. Thank you so much for all the information I really appreciated.

Thanks Komsak! I’m glad that you enjoy my article about the best things to do in Chiang Rai.

Enjoy your trip!

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12 Best Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 6, 2024

Located in the far north of Thailand, Chiang Rai is more laidback than other more famous destinations in the country and is well worth visiting for its amazing historical attractions, delicious local cuisine, and beautiful scenery. Once a hub for the opium trade, the city is not far from the Golden Triangle; wonderful countryside borders Chiang Rai, with beautiful mountains and waterfalls nearby.

Stunning temples abound in its streets and exploring the city is a lovely experience – there is so much to do in Chiang Rai. In recent years, the city has become an increasingly popular tourist destination, and with good reason, so head there now and see what all the fuss is about!

12. Khun Korn Waterfall

Hidden away amongst the mountains and hills of Northern Thailand are several beautiful waterfalls, with those of Khun Korn being easily the most spectacular and indeed popular of them all.

Located within Nam Tok Khun Korn National Forest Park, the falls plunge down dramatically from up high and are the tallest in the region. Delightful to behold, the falls are wonderful to visit and the trek through the lush forest to reach them is an experience in itself.

11. Wat Huai Pla Kung

Lying about half an hour from the center of the city, Wat Huai Pla Kung is well worth visiting for the humongous white Buddha that sits benevolently atop of the hill, smiling down upon the world.

There is a nine-tiered Chinese pagoda on site in addition to the beautiful statue. The temple is wonderfully serene to visit, although it may be less stunning visually than other temples around town. Together, however, they definitely make Wat Huat Pla Kung a place that you don’t want to miss out on.

10. Hill Tribe Museum

The north of Thailand and the area surrounding Chiang Rai, in particular, is home to numerous hill tribes, each with their own unique history, culture, and traditions. This wonderful museum highlights six of the tribes’ clothing, folklore and harvest equipment, among other things, and also offers a look at any ongoing community projects.

A living institution in many respects, the Hill Tribe Museum will definitely give you a better understanding of the rich and diverse cultural heritage that abounds in Thailand .

9. Sop Ruak

Sop Ruak is the point at which the borders of Myanmar, Thailand , and Laos meet. As such, it is at the center of the Golden Triangle, which is so named because it lies at the heart at what was once a huge opium-growing area. While the fields surrounding the area are now filled with coffee, rice, and other crops, Sop Ruak has a couple of interesting museums concerning the opium trade for you to check out.

As the Ruak and Mekong Rivers converge in the town, you can also take a delightful cruise upon their waters or simply take a picture with one of the ‘Golden Triangle’ signs, which are everywhere you look. While the town does lie around 70 kilometers from Chiang Rai, the history and scenery on hand makes for a great day.

8. Clock Tower

Located in the heart of the city, this golden Clock Tower is simply spectacular and is probably the most majestic roundabout you’ll see in Thailand. While traffic does shoot around it at all hours of the day, the clock is a splendid work of art and is rightfully one of the main tourist attractions in Chiang Rai.

Designed by the same artist who created the incredible White Temple, the Clock Tower is even more incredible in the evening, when a light and sound show makes it stand out even more against the night sky.

7. Blue Temple

Mesmerizing to behold, the vivid blue of Wat Rong Sear Tean is alluring in its richness, and the bright yellow touches on the roof and eaves only make it stand out even more. A wonderful piece of architecture, the temple is exquisitely designed and full of Buddhist imagery, with the gigantic white Buddha being particularly magnificent.

Lovely murals coat the walls inside, while motifs delightfully wind their way around blue pillars. If you’re looking for a spot for some quiet and peaceful reflection, then the Blue Temple is the place for you.

6. Baan Dam Museum

With over 40 interesting and impressive structures, the Baan Dam Museum is often mistaken for a temple and is definitely worth visiting if you’re in Chiang Rai. Designed by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, the displays are an intriguing mix of traditional and contemporary styles, with many of them being provocative yet thought-provoking.

Bizarre to gaze upon, the interiors are full of animal skins, bones, and skulls. Duchanee’s work is often considered to be controversial by conservative Thais, and death features prominently throughout the museum.

While thrones made of antlers and full skeletons of elephants can be found here and there, the architecture is actually quite elegant; exploring the complex is surprisingly peaceful despite the vivid images and motifs. While it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea, the Baan Dam Museum is a unique place that is worth checking out if you’re not too squeamish.

5. Doi Mae Salong

Lying just six kilometers from the border with Myanmar, this lofty peak towers above the countryside surrounding it and the views from the top are stupendous. The nature on offer is fantastic and the best time to visit is between December and February when the hills are alive with blossoms.

The surrounding hills are full of coffee plantations and scenic little villages are tucked away here and there. Driving up to Doe Mae Salong is an experience in itself, as picturesque countryside passes you by on either side. Once you arrive, there are lots of lovely little hikes for you to explore.

4. Singha Park

A great day out for all the family, Singha Park is a huge place that is full of nature and lovely to wander around. Set in the countryside surrounding Chiang Rai, the park has lots of lakes and meadows for you to explore; there is even a working farm which has a petting zoo where you can feed zebras and giraffes.

Beautifully landscaped, it is a picturesque place with loads of bike paths and trails which nature lovers will absolutely adore. In addition to the beautiful natural bounties, there is a zip line and wall climbing if you are into more adrenaline-filled activities. At the entrance to the park stands a huge Singha statue providing visitors with the obligatory selfie opportunity.

3. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Chiang Rai’s Night Bazaar is a lively and intoxicating place that is located in the heart of the city. Here you will find row upon row of colorful stalls and loads of delicious local cuisine to try.

It is a great place to pick up cheap and authentic souvenirs and there is also entertainment on offer at both of the dining areas. Here, singers and dancers pack the stage and put on a show while you eat. Always great fun, you will inevitably end up at the Night Bazaar at least a couple of times during your stay in Chiang Rai.

2. Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)


Wat Phra Kaeo is famous throughout the country as the temple in which the legendary Emerald Buddha statue was discovered when lightning destroyed its chedi in 1434. While the original Buddha is now located in Bangkok, there is a lovely replica here and some fantastic murals that coat the inside of the temple.

One of the most amazing religious artifacts on show is the ancient Phra Jao Lan Thong image of the Buddha – one of the most beautiful and renowned in the whole of Thailand. On-site, there is also a great museum that showcases some of the lovely religious artworks from Chiang Rai and the surrounding area.

A beautiful building drenched in history, Wat Phra Kaeo is one of the most important temples in the region and is definitely worth stopping by.

1. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Absolutely stunning, the White Temple – as it is known in English – is the undoubted highlight of what Chiang Rai has to offer, and is the main reason many people visit the city. While many temples in the country are brightly-colored affairs, this incredible edifice is dazzlingly white – if you hadn’t gathered from its name.

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is intricately carved and the ornamentation of absolutely everything is simply breathtaking for the level of detail.

A very unique place, Wat Rong Khun showcases numerous symbols and motifs relating to Buddhism. The entrance in front of the ubosot, for example, is beset by outreaching, desperate hands, which symbolize mankind’s unrelenting greed, and the bridge over the pond proclaims that one must refrain from being greedy and shake off temptations and desire if we are to attain happiness.

Opened in 1997, contemporary elements intertwine delightfully with the classic Thai architecture of the building, making the White Temple a place that you just can’t miss out on seeing.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Rai

Very hot all year round, Chiang Rai is the most popular and comfortable to visit from November to February. This is when temperatures are slightly cooler, the humidity is lower and some of the city’s biggest festivals are taking place.

In these months, temperatures drop to between 26 and 31°C (79 to 88°F) while the nights are cool and fresh. The dry, warm weather is perfect for hiking about the scenic landscapes, visiting remote hill tribes and cruising about the Golden Triangle. As a result, the prices and crowds are also at their highest.

In November and January, you can also see cultural performances during the King Meng Rai and Loi Krathong festivals. December is the most popular month though due to the national holidays going on.

Although they are by far the hottest, most humid months of the year, some still visit in April and May for the Songkran celebrations and Lychee Fair. As the oppressive heat makes it very hard to enjoy outdoor activities, most people stay away or cool off by its waterfalls.

After this, the monsoon season sees torrential downpours strike Chang Rai until October. Many Europeans still spend their summer holidays here though, exploring temples and museums when it’s raining too much.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Staying in Chiang Rai is easy; from budget-friendly to mid-range, from cute and contemporary to luxe and traditional, there’s something for everyone.

The rooms at Maryo Resort are bright, with pops of color like yellow doors, modern art adorning the walls. There are also beautiful tropical gardens here, plus a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool. The perks at Maryo Resort are worth a mention, too. Not only is there a complimentary breakfast for guests, but there’s also a free shuttle service. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Oub Kham Museum, though it’s a little far from buzzing attractions like the Night Market – which is why that shuttle service is handy!

With a location that puts you practically in the center of all the action of Chiang Rai, Grandma Kaew House is an excellent option if you’re looking to be amid all the excitement this city has to offer. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants on the doorstep to choose from. The rooms here are simple but clean and cozy and come with the all-important air-conditioning.

The Wiang Inn Hotel is set on a laid-back street, making for a chilled stay in the city. The rooms here are stylish and warmly decorated, and boast flat-screen TVs. For more space, upgrade, and you get a living room. Amenities at the hotel range include a restaurant serving up Chinese and European food and an outdoor pool – complete with sun deck. There’s even a piano lounge and karaoke club.

With its outdoor pool and Thai fusion restaurant, La Patta Hotel Chiang Rai already has a lot to offer. The rooms here are chic and simple, with wooden floors and contemporary furnishings that make it feel like a cool place to stay. In terms of location, this hotel is just over a ten-minute walk to the beautiful Wat Phra Sing temple, as well as a host of shopping opportunities, dining options, and cafes.

The Na-Rak-O Resort is a great, social option in Chiang Ria. There’s a complimentary breakfast, air-conditioned rooms boasting flat-screen TVs and spacious bathrooms, a shared kitchen, and a general communal atmosphere. The location is also great; it’s very near the central plaza of Chiang Rai, with the Clock Tower a stone’s throw away, Wat Jed Yod and 14th century Wat Phra Kaew within walking distance.

For a spot of sizeable luxury in Chiang Rai, you might want to opt for the Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort . The hotel boasts simple but elegant rooms, with a neutral monochrome color palette and sleek furnishings for a decidedly stylish stay. Elements of swooping traditional Thai details in wood run throughout the property, which also features an infinity pool with river vistas. In terms of location, this hotel is set along the banks of the Kok River, and within four hectares of beautiful gardens.

The Nak Nakara Hotel is a beautiful and chilled place to base yourself. The rooms here are a mix of modern, whitewashed aesthetic and traditional northern Thai (Lanna) style, with design details and wooden furniture, as well as spacious, stylish bathrooms. This boutique-style hotel also features a swimming pool, massage services, and a breakfast buffet.

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20 Epic Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand (2024 Guide)

• Last Updated: January 21, 2024

Everything you need to know about the best things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand.

Although sometimes overlooked by travellers heading to Northern Thailand, Chiang Rai is certainly not worth crossing off your Thailand itinerary.

Located 190km and a 3-hour bus journey from Chiang Mai , it’s a city full of a vibrant culture that is guaranteed to have you wishing you could stay longer.

Some people visit Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai, but we recommend spending at least a few days here to fully soak in all the activities and natural beauty in this part of northern Thailand.

Explore temples, visit waterfalls, or shop and eat local Thai food at the Chiang Rai night bazaar. There are so many amazing Chiang Rai attractions to fill your time, so get ready for an amazing trip!

Table of Contents

1) Join the Tourist Buzz at the White Temple

2) answer nature’s call in the most beautiful public toilet, 3) admire 50 shades of blue at wat rong suea ten, 4) explore the bizarre grounds of baan dam, 5) ‘all along the clock tower’, 6) check out the local bars in chiang rai, 7) make friends with the locals, 8) be a part of recent history at tham luang cave, 9) watch the sun rise at phu chee fah, 10) sample the local organic tea at a choui fong tea plantation, 11) eat your way through the chiang rai night bazaar, 12) enjoy the weekend walking streets, 13) discover chiang rai’s waterfalls, 14) warm up in a hot spring, 15) overlook everything the light touches at the golden triangle, 16) ‘monkey around’ at wat thlam pla, 17) wander through the doi tung palace and mae fah luang gardens, 18) visit doi mae salong, 19) sail along the mae kok river, 20) visit wat phra kaew, epic things to do in chiang rai.

The list of things to do could be endless, but here are the top 20 things to do in Chiang Rai during your visit. From cliff jumping into Huay Mae Sai Waterfall, to visiting local museums, here are the top attractions in Chiang Mai you shouldn’t miss!

The White Temple is possibly the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai, but there’s a reason for that.

The incredible architecture of Wat Rong Khun is like something out of a beautiful Thai fairy tale, and the details could keep you mesmerized for hours.

It’s always at the top of any list of the top things to do in Chiang Rai, so don’t miss it. If people take a day trip from Chiang Mai up to Chiang Rai, this is usually the first attraction they come to see.

The best way to check it out is by joining a tour, and this one on Klook includes the White Temple and a visit to a local tea farm.

• Opening hours : 8 am – 5 pm
• Price : 50 baht

READ MORE: For all the best advice and information for travel to Thailand make sure you’ve read through our Thailand travel guide!

As you leave the White Temple and make your way to the exit, make sure you look to your right.

You’ll see the most stunning building which would be easily mistaken for another temple altogether, but in actual fact, it’s just the world’s most majestic public bathroom.

Also known as the Blue Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten is one of Thailand’s newer and less established temples amongst tourists.

But I’m sure it won’t stay that way for long – its unique and modern design decorated with gold embellishments is truly breathtaking and will soon start attracting even more visitors.

So, make sure you add the Blue Temple to your what to do in Chiang Rai itinerary ASAP!

Only opened to the public in 2016, the Blue Temple is full of kaleidoscopic imagery depicting the life of Buddha, with a huge ceramic Buddha shrine at the far end.

Unlike the White Temple, you are allowed to take photos inside the Blue Temple, but make sure you’re respectful.

To make the most of all the temples in the Chiang Rai province, book a guided tour .

• Opening hours : 7 am – 8 pm
• Price : Free

Chiang Rai certainly has a thing for colour themes, and here’s another – Baan Dam translates to Black House.

Often mistaken as a temple, Baan Dam is a series of modern buildings created by artist Thawan Duchanee.

The interpretive taxidermy and occasional phallic statue may not be your cup of tea, but it’s definitely popular with tourists in Chiang Rai and makes for some interesting photos!

• Opening hours : 9 am – 5 pm
• Price : 80 baht

Situated in the middle of a traffic intersection in central Chiang Rai is an eye-catching golden structure, created by the same mind behind the White Temple.

As if this golden tower didn’t stand out enough amongst the very ordinary streets of Chiang Rai’s central district, every night at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, the clock comes alive with a programmed light show.

There are plenty of restaurants and cafés with the clock tower in perfect sight,

To find this, head over to the intersection of Thanon Jet Yot and Thanon Baanpa Pragarn.

READ MORE: Check out the ultimate list of the best places to visit in Thailand !

One of the streets leading to the Clock Tower in Chiang Rai is Jetyod Road. It boasts a succession of bars run by friendly locals, such as Peace House Bar and Smile Bar .

Fully equipped with pool tables and local drafts on tap, it’s the perfect place to meet new people and socialise with travellers and natives alike.

People may not always think of nightlife when they visit Chiang Rai, but if you’re looking for a good time, there are plenty of places to have some fun!

Chiang Rai was one of my first stops on my 2-month solo trip around Southeast Asia, so it was the perfect chance for me to practice starting up a conversation with people with whom I crossed paths.

I was lucky enough to meet a friendly young Thai man who was insistent on showing me around – it turned out he was a qualified tour guide and I came away with the most cultural and off-the-beaten-path experiences.

While seated at a local restaurant for dinner, I got chatting with a lovely man from California who had moved to Thailand a decade or so ago.

He’d lived around Chiang Rai for a few years and recommended some sights that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise.

Remember in 2017 when the Thai boys’ football team got stuck in a cave for 10 days?

Well it turns out it’s not far from Chiang Rai, and this local informed us that they had just recently been filming a documentary about it, so he advised it would be worth visiting.

He wasn’t wrong.

‘BREAKING NEWS: All 12 boys and coach successfully rescued from Thai cave’.

The world watched as a group of 12 to 17-year-old boys and their football coach were trapped in a waterlogged cave near Chiang Rai for 18 days in June 2018.

Even with the death of an ex-Thai Navy Seal attempting to get to the group, the rescue mission was still dubbed as a miracle.

Little did I know that 12 months later I would be walking in the footsteps of the boys, their coach, and all of the 2,000 soldiers and 200 divers involved in the rescue.

For obvious reasons, the cave is still closed.

But a small museum and statue in tribute to Saman Kunan, the diver who died due to lack of oxygen, have already been erected.

Possibly an excursion to miss out on if you’re tight on time, but the 2-hour drive to the mountains from Chiang Rai is so incredibly worth it.

Wherever you decide to stay in Chiang Rai, it’s possible that you might be able to book a tour to Phu Chee Fah with the hotel or hostel.

But in the case of wanting your own freedom, it might be worth hiring a private driver to take you – you’ll have to leave Chiang Rai at about 3 am to make the sunrise.

Watching the sunrise and the clouds float above the Laos border is an incredible view – one absolutely worth waking up at an ungodly hour.

Choui Fong Corporation is the largest tea supplier in Chiang Rai, and its two plantations are the perfect location to sit back and relax, sipping a fresh cup of tea.

The Mae Chan plantation houses a modern restaurant, café, gift shop, and terrace looking out over the 1 million square meters of tea fields.

It’s definitely one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai!

Near the main Chiang Rai Bus Terminal is a daily market open in the evenings, whatever the weather.

Here you can find handmade souvenirs, cheap food, and live music performed by local musicians.

It’s separated into two courtyards, one with a restaurant and stage, the other acting as more of a food court.

The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar provides an evening of entertainment as well as opportunities to give back to local communities, as some of the vendors even sell products on behalf of the hill tribes.

If you’ve experienced night markets in Chiang Mai, you’ll enjoy the markets in Chiang Rai because they are smaller and have fewer tourists, which is always a bonus.

Saturday nights are when Thanalai Road in Chiang Rai comes alive. By closing the road off for pedestrians for a few hours (usually between 5pm and 11pm), Chiang Rai’s Saturday Walking Street becomes a hub for street food, locally made clothes, and other souvenirs.

Going to miss the Saturday Chiang Rai night market? Have no fear; San Khong Noi Road is open to shoppers on Sunday nights with a huge selection of food stalls, a stage for performers, and a buzzing atmosphere. It’s another must-see when you explore Chiang Rai and it’s open from 4pm – 11pm.

READ MORE: Be sure to look into the best things to do in Koh Phangan when you’re in town!

Chiang Rai is the perfect place to take a refreshing dip after a long hike through the humid jungle. Some are more accessible than others, with some not having any public transport access.

Khun Korn Waterfall is the most well-known waterfall in the Chiang Rai region, and Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is known for cliff jumping and swimming.

But here is a list of all the best waterfalls in the area. We’ll also include the distance from the Chiang Rai centre for each one.

• Khun Korn Waterfall – 32km
• Huay Mae Sai Waterfall – 21km
• Huay Kaew Waterfall – 25km
• Pu Kaeng Waterfall – 65km
• Pong Phrabat Waterfall – 14km

The closest hot spring to Chiang Rai’s town centre is Pong Phrabat Hot Spring .

It’s recommended that you could combine this with a visit to Pong Phrabat Waterfall as these aren’t far from each other.

You also have Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring which is located in a beautiful picturesque forest. Unfortunately far too hot to swim in, with a temperature of 65 degrees Celsius!

There are other hot springs situated further outside of Chiang Rai, such as Fang Hot Spring which is around a 2-hour drive from the city centre.

An hour north of Chiang Rai is the border where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all meet.

The Golden Triangle is definitely popular with tourists. But if you have a local taxi driver like I did, he might take you up to the higher viewpoint that has fewer people and (in my opinion) better views.

As Myanmar and Laos didn’t feature on my trip, at least I could say that I caught a glimpse of them on this excursion from Chiang Rai.

Another good option is to take a tour that includes the White Temple and exploring the Golden Triangle. This one on Klook is the best available on the market.

A great stop-off on your way back from the Golden Triangle is the Wat Thlam Pla (translating to FishTail Temple).

Don’t let the name fool you – yes, there is a large pond with plenty of fish swimming around.

But these temple grounds around Chiang Rai are also home to hundreds of monkeys.

You can spot these mischievous creatures climbing the rooves of the temples and food stalls as they try to sneakily steal any scraps of food that they can manage to get their hands on.

(The locals aren’t scared to use their brooms to scare them off – but the monkeys are stubborn!)

Don’t let the monkeys distract you too much.

If you head to the left and climb around 300 steps, you’ll make it to Fish Tail Cave (where the name actually comes from).

There’s also Turtle Cave which is nearer the main entrance but often missed.

This another one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai.

The royal mother of King Bhumibol, Princess Srinagarindra, had this Swiss Chalet-style palace built in 1987.

It’s open to the public and tour guides are available, although photography is prohibited inside.

The grounds of the palace include the Mae Fah Luang Garden , a gorgeous array of colourful flowers spread across 16,000 square metres.

• Opening hours : 7 am – 5:30 pm
• Entry : 220 Baht

Another one of the coolest things to do when you visit Chiang Rai is take a day trip out into the rural mountain areas and visit a local hill tribe.

Doi Mae Salong is home to various hill tribes, predominantly the Akha and Yao communities, each offering a unique insight into their traditional way of life.

The village itself is a charming enclave, adorned with traditional wooden houses, vibrant market stalls, and the inviting aroma of freshly brewed tea.

Exploring the hill tribe area around Chiang Mai provides an opportunity to engage with the friendly locals, savor delicious regional cuisine, and witness age-old customs.

After you get to Chiang Rai, you can take the public bus to Mae Salong and hire a songthaew to take you around once you arrive.

Thailand is known for its famous longtail boats, so what better way to get from A to B?

The 130km long Mae Kok River runs all the way from Chiang Mai through Chiang Rai and up to Tha Thorn in Northern Thailand.

You can catch a long tail boat from the Chiang Rai pier.

Prices will vary depending on how far along the river you’d like to be taken, and what you’d like to see. But this is a super cool thing to do while exploring Chiang Rai.

Last on our list of the best things to do in Chiang Rai is seeing Wat Phra Kaew. Even if you’ve explored all the previous temples in Chiang Rai mentioned, don’t leave without seeing this last one.

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai. No one knows how old it is, but it was discovered in 1434.

Wat Phra Kaew is famous for housing the Emerald Buddha, which has since been moved to the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Even without the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Kaew is still a temple worth visiting in Chiang Rai.

• Address: 1 Trairat Rd, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
• Hours: 9 am – 5 pm

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Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a beautiful northern district of Thailand and has a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.

From mountainous gardens, historic temples , waterfalls , hot springs , markets and museums , there is something to suit everyone.

Top 10 Attractions, Tourist Spots & Must See Places in Chiang Rai, Thailand

The most famous attraction in Chiang Rai is probably the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Add to this the Black Temple , Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong and Wat Klang Wiang and you can easily fill a full day of just visiting the various temples around Chiang Rai.

Make sure to take a walk past the King Mengrai Monument in the centre of town as well as the Clock Tower , which lights up at night. Khun Korn Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Thailand and is not to be missed if travelling around Chiang Rai.

There are some beautiful gardens and lookouts around Chiang Rai including the Doi Tung Royal Villa . This is the former home of the mother to the former King and the residence is revered by locals. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination that boasts one of the best sunrises you will ever experience and Mae Fah Luang is one of the must-visit art galleries and gardens in Chiang Rai. This blended park is also home to Buddhist temples and collected antiques.

Click the links below to explore the various Chiang Rai attractions and activities that this town has to offer.

Current Weather Now & 7 Day Forecast

Golden Triangle in Thailand constitutes a unique attraction simply because it is shared between two other countries in Southeast Asia, Laos and Myanmar.

Wat Rong Khun is not the typical Buddhist temple. Popularly known as the White Temple, this unique sanctuary is the highlight of temple tours in Chiang Rai.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai and was built sometime in the 14th Century. The date of construction of the temple is unknown, but the original name was “Wat Pa Yeah” (Bamboo Forest...

• Singha Park

Singha Park is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors for visitors coming up north to the beautiful Chiang Rai. Singha Park is a large expanse of land that has been converted into a tourist attraction that houses...

Wat Phra Singh Chiang Rai one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai, having been built by the Lanna people in 1385. The temple is located right in the centre of town, just 1km north of the popular Night Bazaar and is easy...

Doi Tung refers to a mountainous region in the highland region of Chiang Rai. The name of this location translates to ‘Flag Peak’ in the local dialect.

• Chiang Rai Hot Springs

Pha Soet Hot Spring is one of the most popular hot springs in Chiang Mai, and certainly a unique attraction. This geothermal feature is a must-experience.

Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong is one of the most prominent mountains in Thailand, and constitutes the extensive Daen Lao Range in the northern part of Thailand.

Doi Pha Tang

Doi Pha Tang is an incredible hidden paradise in Chiang Rai. Known for being the best area for watching the picturesque Mekong river, but there’s so much more to discover in this mountainous tropical area. Located...

• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a vibrant market that brings Chiang Rai to life at dusk. It is similar to Chiang Mai’s night market, albeit to a smaller scale.

• Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang is a famous temple just outside the city centre of Chiang Rai; one of the most popular, and frequently visited temples by both tourists and locals. It gets its name from the 9-storied pagoda which...

Choui Fong Tea Plantation

The Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a large tea plantation located around 40 kilometres from Chiang Rai. The expansive, verdant plantations and tranquil atmosphere make it a truly scenic destination; one where visitors can...

Baan Dam Museum

Chiang Rai Black Temple is one of those temples that you tour when you want to go off the beaten track in Thailand; and it rarely disappoints.

• Wat Rong Suea Ten

Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple (also known as the Blue Temple) is a little known temple located just north of the Kok River in Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten, Blue Temple Dress Code, Chiang Rai Built in 2005, the temple takes...

Art Bridge Chiang Rai

Art Bridge Chiang Rai is a relatively new gallery where artsy visitors will enjoy a tour and come up close with treasured works of ethnic art.

• Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Chiang Rai Clock Tower is one of the provinces most unique attractions. This elaborate clock stands out thanks to its golden structure and unique artistry.

King Mengrai Monument

King Mengrai Monument is located at the junction of Maesai and Maechan District, both close to the Super Highway and virtually impossible to miss.

Rai Mae Fah Luang

Mae Fah Luang is grouped as one of the must visit art galleries in Chiang Rai. This blended park is also home to Buddhist temples and collected antiques.

Cat ‘n’ A Cup

Cat ‘n’ A Cup is a cat cafe located right in the centre of town and is a great place where you can enjoy a hot drink or a tasty snack as you pat some gorgeous little cats! CAT ‘n’ A CUP Cat Cafe...

Cherntawan International Meditation Center

The Cherntawan International Meditation Center is one of Chiang Rai’s top spiritual destinations. Tucked within a relaxing, lush environment, the centre is named after a famous Buddhist monk in Thailand. It is...

• The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai

The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai is a well-known landmark. Just like any other Thai cities which have a city pillar, it is typically made using stone and placed in an area that signifies the heart of the city. Also...

Pha Soet Hot Spring

The Pha Soet Hot Spring is a relaxing natural pool bath within Baan Pha Soet in Chiang Rai. There are communal pools, as well as private pools, with rooms also available. These thermal, hot pools provide comforting...

Lahu Village

Lahu Village is one of those destinations in Thailand where you steal away for a day or two and never want to leave for its simplicity and sheer beauty.

• Oub Kham Museum

Oub Kham Museum is an eccentric attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. It is home to diverse memorabilia from across the former Lanna Kingdom.

Chiang Saen National Museum

The Chiang Saen National Museum is a must-visit in Chiang Rai for anyone who’s keen to learn about the archaeological wonders of the town of Chiang Saen. It has been around since 1957 and today remains to be the...

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination nestled in the jungle, some 1628 meters above sea level. This natural setting is one not to be missed.

Doi Luang National Park

The Doi Luang National park is one of the biggest national parks in northern Thailand; encompassing several districts that include Mae Suai, Phan, and Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Ngao and Wang Nuea of Lampang, and...

Khun Chae National Park

The Khun Chae National Park in Chiang Rai is a breathtaking vast, forested land that is around 270 square kilometres large and has been a Thai national park since 1995. The rich, diverse eco-system here is responsible...

Doi Hua Mae Kham

Doi Hua Mae Kham is a picturesque mountainous area that is known for the several tribes who reside by the border between Burma and Thailand. Located in Mae Sai, around a three-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, this is a...

Doi Sa Ngo is a beautiful ecotourism destination in Chiang Rai. What makes this place unique is that from here, you can see Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all from one spectacular viewpoint; which is called the Golden...

Tad Kwan Village

The Tad Kwan Village is a well-loved cultural destination in Chiang Rai. Located 70 kilometres from the city, there are many natural attractions to discover. The village is best known for being the home of the Mien Hill...

Khun Korn Waterfall

Khun Korn Waterfall is an attraction whose stunning beauty earns it a top spot in the list of most beautiful natural waterfalls in North Thailand.

CentralPlaza Chiang Rai

CentralPlaza Chiang Rai is a beautiful modern shopping centre and the very first high-end opened mall here. it was designed with features that allow guests to enjoy the scenic natural environment while providing modern...

Chiang Rai Walking Street

The Chiang Rai walking street is a must-visit for some excellent shopping and quick bites to eat. Even though you’ve likely already been to many of Thailand’s street markets, this one is special and offers...

Wat Klang Wiang

Wat Klang Wiang is one of Thailand’s most ostentatious temple, thanks to the elaborate pattern work on each and every structure on location.

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong

Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong has been one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. It is the abode of spirits prior to the spread of Buddhism in the region.

Wat Phra That Doi Tung

Wat Phrathat Doi Tong, also Wat Phra Maha Chinathat Chao, is situated at the peak of Doi Din Daeng, and is believed to be the site of the first chedi.

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is a small Buddhist temple located in Chiang San of Chiang Rai. It gets its name from the fact that it has a chedi that was erected on a large rock within the temple compound, with its name in the...

Chiang Rai River Beach

Chiang Rai Beach is a surprising attraction in the northernmost province of Thailand. Tourists generally wouldn’t expect a beach in the landlocked region, so this beach is a must-see while you’re in the area...

Kok River is the major river in Chiang Rai. Its waters originate from the mountains at Burma flowing through the province and draining in Mae Kong River.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chiang Rai Attractions

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Asia » Thailand » 25 Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

25 Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

What's In This Guide?

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The Ultimate List of Things to do in Chiang Rai

There are so many things to do in Chiang Rai that you could easily spend an entire week exploring this far northern end of Thailand.

Most visitors only spend a day or two in Chiang Rai, quickly rushing around to see the White Temple, the Black House, and the Clocktower. They then head off back to Chiang Mai and don’t realise how much was missed!

Stay a little longer and you will quickly learn that Chiang Rai is actually filled with stunning waterfalls, scenic mountain viewpoints, authentic minority villages and a unique Lanna food scene.

In fact the culture up here is like nowhere else I have experienced in Thailand!

I spent over 6 months living in Chiang Rai exploring every aspect of the province.

In this time showered in the jungle under a 70 metre tall waterfall, watched the sun rise over the Laotian countryside, and relaxed in my fair share of hot springs. I met real ethnic villagers, rode crazy motorbike trails, and became friends with local artists.

Now I want to share all of this with you.  All I ask is that you share this article too!

What's in this Chiang Rai Guide

Where is chiang rai.

Chiang Rai is the northernmost province of Thailand. It is about 2 hours north of Chiang Mai (which I have also written an in-depth guide on).

The province of Chiang Rai shares borders with Laos and Myanmar. All three countries meet together at the point known as The Golden Triangle . The name Chiang Rai refers to the province, while Muang Chiang Rai is the largest town in the province.

To help you plan your trip I have pinned all the destinations in this article on the interactive Chiang Rai map below. Click on an icon for further information and the exact location of each destination. Feel free to share this with other travelers too.

Also Read: My In-Depth Guide to Chiang Mai

How to Get to Chiang Rai 

Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai – the best way to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai is the Green Bus ( tickets and timetable ) . Tickets start from 129 THB per person. A one-way journey takes about 3 hours.

Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang – the slow boat from Luang Prabang to Chiang Rai is a popular route for travelers heading from Thailand to Laos or vice versa. The slow boat departs from Huay Xai, a small border town 65 kilometers away.

Flights to Chiang Rai  – Chaing Rai has a domestic terminal with daily flights from major airports including Bangkok, Phuket and Chiang Mai. Popular budget airlines are AirAsia Thailand, Nok Scoot, and Thai Smile.

Train to Chiang Rai  – there is no train to Chaing Rai, however, you can take a 14 hour train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai ( tickets and timetables ), followed by the Green Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai.

How Long Should I Stay in Chiang Rai?

To see Chiang Rai thoroughly I recommend staying for 5 days . This will allow you to make day trips up the mountains and visit some ethnic hill tribes. You will have the flexibility to visit almost all the destinations in this guide.

If your schedule is tight, visit Chiang Rai for 3 days . This is enough time to explore the town and make a day trip to a waterfall and up the mountains. With the right planning, you can quickly fit in 4 to 5 of the destinations in this article.

With just one day in Chiang Rai, you can visit a few local attractions detailed in the next section. Many people visit Chiang Rai as a one day trip from Chiang Mai. While I don’t recommend this, you will still get a nice intro to the town.

Whether you have one day or one week, my detailed Chiang Rai travel guide will help you plan your trip, making sure you get the most out of your time.

Attractions in Chiang Rai (Around Town)

Let’s start with the easy destinations first. There are plenty of attractions around town like temples and markets which are perfect if you only have one day in Chiang Rai.

The most popular places to start are the White Temple ,  Black House , and the Blue Temple all of which I have covered further down in this article on the section of temples.

The following five destinations are all actually within walking distance of Chiang Rai’s town center.

Chiang Rai Walking Street

The most lively attractions in Chiang Rai are the Saturday and Sunday night walking streets. Chiang Rai’s walking streets are much like the large open air markets in Chiang Mai. 

You will find lots of food, clothing, souvenirs, and artworks. You will also find live music and bars where you can hang out at night and meet many other travelers.

The Saturday night walking street is located on Thanalai Road, and is open from 5pm to just after midnight.  The Sunday night walking street is located just behind Chaing Rai hospital, and is open from 5pm to about 11pm.

Can’t decide which walking street to visit? Just do both! Both night markets are lots of fun and a little different than each other.

Chiang Rai Clocktower

The Chiang Rai Clocktower is a popular monument, artwork, and landmark right in the center of town. Locals often talk about other destinations in being so many meters or minutes away from the clocktower. So when you’re lost you can always end up back here.

The clocktower is the world’s most ornate round-a-bout in the world. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat (same artist who decorated the White Temple). 

The best time to visit the Clocktower is at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm each night while the 10 minute light and music show plays. Make sure you are there on the hour otherwise you will miss it and need to wait for another hour.

The Chiang Rai clocktower is located right in the middle of town at the intersection of Thanon Jet Yot and Thanon Baanpa Pragarn.

King Mengrai Monument

The King Mengrai Monument is another popular attraction right near the town center in Chaing Rai, about a 15 minute walk northeast of the clocktower. 

This monument is dedicated to King Mengrai who established the Lanna Kingdom of northern Thailand (the ancient kingdom of Chiang Rai and Chaing Mai) back in 1296. It is an easy stop if you’re doing a quick walking tour around town.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a good night time hang out spot for food, cold beer, and live shows. Some nights there is live music, other nights there may be live theatre or Thai comedy shows. You won’t always understand what’s going on, but it’s entertaining.

The stalls around the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar offer a wide range of handmade goods from the surrounding ethnic villages. You can also find other typical market type goods such as clothing, food, and painting by local artists.

The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is open daily from 6pm to midnight.

Chiang Rai Beach

Going to the beach may sound odd, but it is actually one of my favourite things to do in Chiang Rai.  Chiang Rai beach is located about 4km outside of town along the Kok River. It is a great place for a local lunch in one of these bamboo huts surrounded by the forest.

You can go for a swim in the river which is a refreshing break. Be careful swimming during the rainy season as the current can get dangerously strong. It is fairly safe to swim or tube down the river in the dry season from October to March.

Getting to Chiang Rai beach from town is very easy. A motorbike or songtaew  will take about 10 minutes. It is also possible to walk however this could take 45 minutes to an hour.

Waterfalls in Chiang Rai

One of my favourite things to do in Chiang Rai is to visit a waterfall. In my opinion, Chiang Rai has the best waterfalls in all of Thailand. 

When you hike through the jungle and shower under a huge 70-meter tall waterfall at the end, you will agree.

Some waterfalls in Chiang Rai are close to town, others are further away. You can choose which waterfall suits your trip best, or visit them all! 

I’ve included a map of all the waterfalls in Chiang Rai and lots of travel planning advice in my Chiang Rai travel guide here , check it out.

Khun Korn Waterfall

Khun Korn Waterfall is the tallest and perhaps the best waterfall in Chiang Rai. It is located in the Namtok Khun Korn Forest Park about 30km east of Chiang Rai. 

Most people get here either by motorbike or songtaew from the town centre.

You need to walk a 1.5-kilometre forest trail from the park entrance. You will know when you’re approaching the waterfall as you will hear it! The force of the water is strong, especially during the wet season. I went for a shower and lost my sunglasses, never to be seen again.

Get all the details on how to get to Khun Korn Waterfall and lots more photos in my dedicated blog post.

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall

Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is one of my favourite waterfalls in Chiang Rai. It is so beautiful yet so unknown. 

This small two-tiered waterfall is located 19km from the town in the middle of the forest.  As there is no public transport here, the  best way of getting to Huay Mae Sai waterfall is by motorbike or a private songtaew transfer.

There is a 15-minute walking trail from the parking area to the Huay Mae Sai Waterfall. The trail is slippery when wet so take caution. The first level has a deep pool which is great for swimming. The second level has a taller waterfall and a good place to sunbake.

Huay Mae Sai waterfall is not known to many western tourists and is not offered on tour packages.  It is also right near a nice Lahu Ethnic Hill Tribe which you can visit too.

Huay Kaew Waterfall

The Huay Kaew Waterfall is another beautiful two-tiered waterfall, located deep in the forest. Hardly any tourists make it out this far. Those that do come here are generally on hiking tours to the Pha Soet Village and Akha Hill Tribe. Do not confuse this with the Huay Kaew Waterfall in Chiang Mai.

The road to Huay Kaew Waterfall in Chiang Rai is a steep and badly potholed dirt/concrete trail. The route follows the Kok River before heading deep into the forest. Near the end, you will pass tea plantations surrounding the Pha Soet Village and come across a sign for the waterfall. From here it is a bit of walking up the hill, but not far. 

I advise only taking your own transport out to the Huay Kaew Waterfall if you are feeling quite adventurous – and seriously have travel insurance. Otherwise, arrange for some private transport.

Combine the Huay Kaew Waterfall, the Pha Soet Akha Village and the Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring for a great day trip from Chiang Rai. If you’re interested send me an email and I’ll personally help you arrange it.

Pu Kaeng Waterfall

Pu Kaeng Waterfall (also spelled Phu Kaeng Waterfall) is one of the best waterfalls in Chiang Rai and all of Thailand. This waterfall consists of 9 levels flowing through the dense jungle. You will hike through the jungle for about 45 minutes from the starting point up to level 9. The trail is slippery, and overgrown as not many people visit. Pu Kaeng Waterfall is a great destination to get out into wild Thailand.

Pu Kaeng waterfall is located about 70km south of Chiang Rai nearby the district of Pan. To get here you Phahonyothin Road south of Chiang Rai towards Chiang Mai. After about an hour you will see the sign for the waterfall on the opposite side of the road.

The best way to get to Pu Kaeng Waterfall is to hire a car or songtaew from Chiang Rai. National park entry fees are 200 THB per person plus a vehicle entry fee.

Pong Phrabat Waterfall

The Pong Phrabat waterfall is located 14km north of Chiang Rai in the Lam Nam Kok National Park. The entrance is at the end of a long road veering off to the mountains behind the Rajabhat University.  You will find the National Park HQ at the end of the road. From there it is an easy walk to to the Phong Phrabat Waterfall itself.

This waterfall is only a small cascading stream, nothing like the huge Khun Korn Waterfall. There are a couple of pools deep enough for swimming in, and some grass to lay back an relax in the forest.

The area nearby the National Park HQ is great for a picnic. You may see many locals hanging out here, especially students from the nearby Rajabhat University.

Visit Pong Phrabat Waterfall with the Black House and the Phong Phrabat Hot Spring for an easy day trip. You will easily tick off a few things do in Chiang Rai in one day.

Temples in Chiang Rai

There are 1,011 temples in Chiang Rai , that’s about three times more than in Bangkok!

Some of these temples date back to the early 13th Century in the time of the Lanna Kingdom, while others have been constructed only in recent years.

The most popular temples near town are Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple) and Wat Rong Sua Ten (the Blue Temple) which I’ve detailed below.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

One of the most iconic things to do in Chiang Rai is to visit the White Temple.   Read my full article on this amazing work of art.

The art on both the interior and exterior of the White Temple has taken local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat many years to create. In 2014 a huge earthquake shook Chiang Rai and damaged some of the work inside. Chalermchai said it has taken him to long to create his masterpieces and that he would not focus on repairing the damage done. However, before long he was already back inside the temple working on the art again.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang is the newest addition in the list of unique temples in Chiang Rai. The huge statue of Bodhisattva Guan Yin, which is commonly mistaken for a Buddha, is visible from parts of town. Right next to this huge statue there is tall 9 storey pagoda which you can climb to the top of (or take the lift for 40 THB) for a great view looking over Chiang Rai.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is located about 6 kilometers north west of town. There is no public transport here, so you either need to negotiate with a Tuk Tuk driver or take your own motorbike. I suggest visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang on a trip out to Mae Sai Waterfall.

Wat Rong Suea Ten

In Thai Wat Rong Suea Ten translates to the house of the dancing tiger, however, it is commonly referred to by foreigners as the Blue Temple. 

From the outside, the temple has similar decorations as Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple). The interior is painted in bright blue with gold detailing. There is a large Buddha statue at the end of the main room making it one of the most photogenic spots in Chiang Rai.

Wat Rong Suea Ten is located about 3 kilometers north of town. It is possible to walk or cycle here. I suggest visiting Wat Rong Suea Ten on a trip to Baan Dam (the Black Hose) and Pong Phrabat Waterfall.

Art Galleries in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai seems to be the art capital of Thailand. There is a huge range of talented artists living here turning out some amazing artwork from landscape painting to modern sculptures. There are a few great galleries to view both these traditional and contemporary artworks near the town.

Art Bridge Chiang Rai

The Art Bridge gallery is located at the turnoff to Chiang Rai International Airport (Mae Fah Luang Airport) and hosts the works of many local Chiang Rai artists. The collection changes every few months. Expect to find huge panorama paintings of the northern Thailand landscape, modern art and a collection of sculptures.

The Art Bridge gallery is best visited together with a trip to the Black House (Baan Dam).

Black House (Baan Dam)

Many people refer to the Black House as the Black Temple thereby drawing a similarity to the White Temple. The Black House (Baan Dam) is actually not a temple but the house of the creative artist Thawan Duchanee. There are a few buildings to explore in the grounds of the Black House each hosting an odd collection of artifacts.

Hiking Chiang Rai's Mountains

One of my favourite things to do in Chiang Rai’s provincial region is to hike the mountains. The province is surrounded by a stunning mountain range on both the east, bordering Laos, and the west, bordering Myanmar. There are so many scenic viewpoints along the mountains where you can catch an incredible sunrise, like Phu Chi Fa below.

The mountains are the perfect place to do some trekking in Chiang Rai. In these regions, you will also get to visit some of the authentic minority villages from the Karen, Akha, and Hmong ethnicities.

Want to go explore Chiang Rai’s mountains? Learn more in my Chiang Rai travel guide.

One of Chiang Rai’s most scenic locations lies tucked away in the northeastern corner. The jagged rocky summit of Phu Chi Fa allows you to stand way above the clouds where you can watch the sunrise. Down below in the valley is a small village along the border of Laos.

Phu Chi Fa is definitely the top sunrise location in all of Thailand, and the most scenic hike in Chiang Rai.

The 1-kilometer hike to the peak of Phu Chi Fa is best done early in the morning (around 5am) so you can watch the sunrise from the top. Afterward, you can explore the small hiking trails on the mountain ridge which let you wander along the Thai-Laos border a little farther. You will get a great view of the valley all the way along. Just follow the small dirt trails.

The area surrounding Phu Chi Fa is filled with winding mountain roads, hill tribes, and waterfalls. Check out my guest article Standing Above the Clouds at Phu Chi Fah.

Phu Chi Fa is a 2 to 2.5hr drive from Chiang Rai. If you want to make a one day trip you will have to leave Chiang Rai by about 3am, latest. To see the sunrise at Phu Chi Fa, I recommend you spend a night or two in the village.

Doi Pha Tang

Doi Pha Tang is located 30km north of Phu Chi Fa, nearby the small ethnic Chinese settlement called Ban Pha Tang. Be sure to stop by Ban Pha Tang on your way to try out the delicacy – stewed pork and steamed buns. The local restaurant offers a fantastic view of the mountains.

The road from Ban Pha Tang to the peak of Doi Pha Tang is a steep 1km ascent via a badly potholed road. It is another 1km hike from the car park to the top of Doi Pha Tang where the peak sits at an altitude of 1,909m. The peak of Doi Pha Tang offers a stunning 360-degree view of Laos and Thailand divided by the Mekong River.

This is another opportunity to do some hiking in Chiang Rai, with small trails following the mountain ridge. These trails offer a scenic view all the way along, I highly suggest you spend a few hours up here. You can also take a tent up Doi Pha Tang and camp up on the summit, which is by far one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai.

Doi Mae Salong

Doi Mae Salong  is located in northwestern Chiang Rai and just 6km from Myanmar. The peak at an elevation of 1,367m is accessed via a very steep road. The area around Doi Mae Salong is home to many ethnic villages, tea, fruit and coffee plantations, having a similar feel to Doi Inthanon with less tourists.

The most popular time to visit Doi Mae Salong is between December and January when flowers bloom all over the mountain. Doi Mae Salong is best reached by spending a night in the village of Tha Ton from where you can take songtaew in the early morning.

Doi Tung is another mountain in Chiang Rai located to the north of the province. by the Myanmar border. There are ethnic villages and tea plantations around the area to explore. Doi Tung is best visited on a day trip up to the Mae Sai Tachiliek border gate.

Chiang Rai Hot Springs

Thailand is hot, but in the winter, Chiang Rai is in a place of its own. As the air temperature drops to freezing one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai is to soak away in a natural hot spring.

Here is a selection of hot springs in Chiang Rai to keep you warm in the north of Thailand all winter long.

Many of the Chiang Rai hot springs can be difficult to get to, and drivers may even refuse to go to those which are further out. I’ve provided the location for each hot spring below so you can get there yourself with a bit of effort. Otherwise, send me an inquiry and I can help to arrange the transport for you.

Secret Hot Spring

This is no doubt my favorite hot spring in Thailand. This naturally heated lake set high up in the mountains is how nature invented the infinity pool. The view looking out over the mountains is incredible with a deep drop off into the valley below.

The road to get here is long, windy, and poorly signposted. You will pass small villages and rice fields along the way, before reaching a national park entry. The entry fee to this secret hot spring is 200 THB for foreigners (about USD 8) but totally worth it. You can get all the details of this amazing hot spring in my detailed Chiang Rai travel guide.

Pong Phrabat Hot Spring

The Pong Phrabat Hot Spring is the closest hot spring to Chiang Rai. It is located just 11km north of town. The water is naturally heated however the Pong Phrabat hot spring is concreted and tiled. Don’t expect a scenic setting like those hot springs in the National Park.

Entry is cheap, at just 20 THB per person and is hardly visited by foreign tourists. A trip to the Pong Phrabat hot spring is best combined with a day trip to the Pong Phrabat Waterfall.

Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring

The Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring is located along the Kok River in the Lam Nam Kok National Park, about 24km north-west of Chiang Rai. This is one of the nicest hot springs in Chiang Rai. The hot spring is set in a relaxing forest setting. The water temperature is super hot 65 degrees Celcius, unsuitable for swimming but good for boiling eggs.

The best way to get to the Huau Mak Lium hot spring is by hiring a motorbike or 4WD. It is also possible to take a longtail boat upriver from the Chiang Rai pier located by the Mae Fah Luang Bridge.

Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring

The Pong Phra Soet Hot Spring is also located in the Lam Nam Kok National Park. It is only 1km away from the Huay Mak Lium Hot Spring and is in a similar natural forest surrounding by the Kok River. There is a large outdoor pool for the general public and 8 private spa rooms which can be reserved.

Fang Hot Spring

This Chiang Rai attraction is situated in the Doi Pha Hom Pok National Park about 2 hours drive from the city. There is a natural geyser by the park entrance which erupts every 10 minutes or so up to a height of 50 meters.

There are a set of private hot spring houses within walking distance of the geyser. These houses contain naturally heated baths and are some of the best hot springs in northern Thailand.

Note: Fang district is actually in the northeastern corner of Chiang Mai province. However, it is easier to visit the Fang Hot Spring from Chiang Rai. It is a must-visit destination so I couldn’t leave it out.

Towns Around Chiang Rai Province

Chiang Rai is just one of many towns in Thailand’s northernmost province. As you can tell by the length of this article, there is plenty more to see. If you want to see what the rest of Chiang Rai province looks like then I suggest visiting at least one of the following three towns. Each has its own unique attractions.

With one week to spend in Chiang Rai, you may as well visit all of the following towns. Let me know which was your favourite!

Chiang Kong

Chiang Kong is a sleepy little town situated along the Mekong River. The main attraction here is to stay at a riverside guesthouse. From here you can enjoy the river view with a Laotian mountain backdrop.

Another thing to watch out for in Chiang Kong is the early morning procession of monks. Much like in Luang Prabang , the monks walk the streets at around 6am to fill the alms with food offerings. It is a cultural experience not to be missed.

I highly suggest staying a night at the Fortune River View (Chiang Kong). It is incredibly cheap for a luxury hotel and offers a great view of the Mekong River. It is actually one of my Top 8 Hotels in Thailand!

Discount Bookings: Fortune River View – Chiang Kong

Chiang Saen

Chiang Saen is another border town located 50km north of Chiang Kong. Chiang Saen contains a city of ancient temples dating right back to 1325. That is well before the Ayutthaya period. I’ve written more about Chiang Saen in my guest article on the top attractions in the north of Thailand.

Chiang Saen is also where you will find the Golden Triangle. This is the point where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. The countries are divided by the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The Golden Triangle is really nothing more than a quick photo stop and an iced coffee.

I suggest spending your time in Chiang Saen exploring the ancient temples. A few notable temples in Chiang Saen are; Wat Pa Sak, Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, Wat Roi Ko, and Wat Phra Buat. All are located within Chiang Saen’s Old City precinct and are within walking distance of each other.

These old temples in Chiang Saen give it a similar feeling to the ancient city of Ayutthaya and Sukhothai.

Mae Sai is located 60km north of Chiang Rai. It is the main Thai-Myanmar border in northern Thailand. In the past, Mai Sai was a popular crossing point for “border runs” a quick and cheap way to extend tourist visas for an additional 14 days.

These days the  Myanmar border market in Tachilek  is the main attraction. Here you can find a wide range of knock-off goods, terrible cigarettes, and questionable Burmese whiskey. Most people only cross the border to Tachilek for a couple of hours, but it is also possible to stay a night of two in a hotel near the market.

Hotels in Chiang Rai

There are plenty of hotels in Chiang Rai from budget to luxury. Here are a few of my favorite places to stay:

Budget: Mercy Hostel (dorms from USD 10 per night) is located just 500 meters from the center of town, an easy walking distance from the Clocktower. You will love the pool table and common area.

Mid-Range: Laluna Resort (rooms from USD 50 per night) is located 2km south of town, a short walk from the weekend walking street market. You will love the huge pool and comfy rooms here.

For 9 great hotel options (budget to luxury), check out my article on the top hotels in Chiang Rai .

As you can see, there are so many things to do in Chiang Rai. One day you can be exploring waterfalls and mountains the next you will be relaxing in a soothing hot spring.

Of course, check out the beautiful White Temple and Black House, but please, get further out of town and explore the province too!

Don’t find out what you’ve missed when it’s too late. If you are already in Chiang Rai or planning to visit, then I guarantee you will find my Chiang Rai travel guide super useful. You may even end up staying longer than expected too!

Explore Chiang Rai like a local.

Discover incredible landscapes and waterfalls.

Experience the true Northern Thai culture.

One HUGE guide to get you there!

Photo credits: Wat Rong Suea Ten

G'day I'm Josh (some call me Fishtank) and on this blog I'll show you how to travel Asia beyond what you thought was possible. We'll explore the highest waterfalls, most remote islands, eat the best street food, and plenty more! Josh Shephard

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10 Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai + Tourist Spots & Places to Visit

What are the top attractions to visit in chiang rai.

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Top 10 Tourist Spots in Chiang Rai + Amazing Activities & Things to Do

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Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand, is renowned for its captivating culture, vibrant history, and stunning landscapes. It has many unique attractions, such as the Golden Triangle, Wat Rong Khun, and the Clock Tower. The city also boasts many cultural activities, including traditional Thai dance performances, temples, and a bustling night market. Visitors can explore the city’s picturesque countryside, dotted with lush green hills, rolling valleys, and serene rivers. Chiang Rai’s unique culture is also evident in its cuisine, which is a delicious blend of Thai, Burmese, and Chinese flavors. With its stunning scenery, fascinating culture, and captivating attractions, Chiang Rai is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Thailand. If you’re planning a visit to Chiang Rai, here are the top 10 best things to do:

1. Explore the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple is a stunning sight to behold in Chiang Rai. Its majestic white facade is embellished with intricate details and unique designs that make it a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. Constructed from white plaster and adorned with millions of tiny pieces of mirrored glass, the White Temple is a stunning example of traditional Thai artistry. The temple’s main building is surrounded by a shimmering lake that reflects its beauty and creates a breathtaking atmosphere.

Inside the temple, visitors can find a variety of intricate sculptures and artwork that tell stories of Buddhist teachings and legends. The temple’s grounds are also home to several smaller buildings and gardens, each with a unique design and purpose. The White Temple is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the culture and beauty of Chiang Rai.

2. Visit the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple, is a breathtaking sight in Chiang Rai. Its majestic blue exterior is just the beginning of the beauty within. Visitors are greeted with a stunning blue interior adorned with intricate artwork and detailed designs. The peaceful atmosphere of the temple creates a tranquil and calming atmosphere, leaving visitors in awe of the beauty and serenity of the temple. The temple’s vibrant colors and intricate designs are a sight to behold, and the blue gives it a unique and captivating look.

The temple is also home to several statues, sculptures, and artwork, all of which contribute to the mesmerizing atmosphere of the temple. The tranquil atmosphere of the temple is perfect for visitors looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Wat Rong Suea Ten is a destination that must be experienced to be truly appreciated, and it’s stunning beauty and tranquil atmosphere will leave visitors in awe.

3. Discover the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is iconic, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge. It has a long and tumultuous history, with a legacy of the opium trade that has left a lasting impression on the area. Visitors can explore this area’s many historical sites, such as the Hall of Opium Museum, which gives insight into its opium-related history. The scenic views of the Mekong River are a highlight of the Golden Triangle, offering visitors a chance to take in the region’s beauty.

The area is also home to remote hill tribes and ancient temples, which provide a glimpse into the area’s culture and traditions. Adventure seekers can explore the jungles of the Golden Triangle, where they can find rare wildlife and stunning natural scenery. The Golden Triangle is a unique region with rich history, culture, and natural beauty.

4. Marvel at the Black House (Baan Dam)

Baan Dam, or the Black House, is a remarkable and captivating art gallery in Chiang Rai, Thailand. It is the brainchild of the late national artist Thawan Duchanee, who wanted to create an unconventional and thought-provoking visitor experience. Inside, visitors will find various buildings filled with an array of eerie artifacts and taxidermy.

The collection of strange objects is a unique glimpse into the artist’s mind and will captivate and intrigue all who visit. From the black-on-black hues of the buildings to the surreal sculptures and exhibits, Baan Dam is a one-of-a-kind experience. It is a must-see destination for anyone looking to explore the world of contemporary art and discover a new perspective.

5. Enjoy the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar and immerse yourself in the local culture. Wander through the winding alleyways, admiring the unique handicrafts on display. Stop to sample the delicious street food and take in the lively ambiance of the bustling market.

Listen to the chatter of the locals as they barter for the best deals. Peruse the stalls and find the perfect souvenir to take home. Let the vibrant colors, sounds, and smells of the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar transport you to another world.

6. Visit the Hill Tribe Villages

Chiang Rai is a bustling city in Thailand’s northernmost province, surrounded by lush green nature and hill tribe villages. These villages, such as Akha, Karen, and Hmong, are home to a unique culture and way of life passed down through many generations. From the vibrant traditional clothing to the captivating music and dance, each hill tribe has a distinct identity. Visiting these villages can be an inspiring experience, whether you decide to stay for a few days or just a few hours.

You can observe the locals going about their daily life and even participate in a homestay experience to immerse yourself in their world. Explore the villages and discover the fascinating customs and beliefs preserved for centuries. Visit the local markets to find handmade crafts and souvenirs and sample the delicious local cuisine. Take the opportunity to learn more about the hill tribes of Chiang Rai, and appreciate the beauty of their unique culture and way of life.

7. Experience the Long Necks Village (Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe)

The Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe is an ethnic group located in the hills of Myanmar and Thailand. They are renowned for their unique tradition of wearing brass coils around the necks of the women in the tribe, giving them the appearance of having elongated necks. This ancient practice is believed to have originated as a form of protection from wild animals and to enhance women’s beauty.

Visiting the village of the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe is an incredible experience. You can learn about their culture, customs, and beliefs and better understand their way of life. You can also appreciate the craftsmanship of the brass coils, which are handmade and intricately designed. The coils are often adorned with colorful beads and other decorations, making them even more beautiful.

The Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe is a fantastic culture to experience. You can better appreciate their culture and customs, from traditional clothing to unique jewelry. Visiting their village is a great way to learn about their history and traditions while admiring their craftsmanship. Whether you want to learn more about this ethnic group or simply admire their beauty, you won’t be disappointed by the experience of visiting the Karen Long Neck Hill Tribe.

8. Trek through the Doi Mae Salong Tea Plantations

Start your journey by taking a winding road through the picturesque mountain range of Doi Mae Salong. As you drive, you can’t help but be in awe of the rolling hills of lush green tea plantations surrounding you. The sweet scent of freshly brewed tea fills the air, and you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and relaxation.

Once you arrive, you can take a guided tour of the tea plantations and learn about the unique production process. From plucking the tea leaves to drying and packaging, you’ll gain insight into the entire process. As you explore the plantations, you can take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, from the rolling hills to the distant snow-capped mountains.

After the tour, you can take a leisurely trek through the plantations and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Listen to the birds singing and the leaves rustling in the wind as you take in the land’s beauty. Make sure to take plenty of photos to remember your journey, and don’t forget to take some of the tea home with you as a souvenir.

At the end of your journey, you’ll be filled with awe and appreciation for the beauty and culture of Doi Mae Salong.

9. Discover the Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wat Huay Pla Kang is a majestic temple complex situated in the city of Chiang Rai. It is renowned for its 9-tiered pagoda and a towering white statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion. The temple complex is a popular attraction for visitors, with its impressive architecture and stunning views.

The pagoda stands tall in the center of the complex, its nine tiers representing the nine realms of Buddhist cosmology. It is an incredible sight and a popular tourist spot to take photos. At the base of the pagoda is the impressive white statue of Guan Yin, the goddess of compassion. The statue stands over twenty meters tall and is a beautiful sight.

At the top of the pagoda, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Chiang Rai. From here, you can observe the city’s beautiful skyline and take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

Wat Huay Pla Kang is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Chiang Rai. With its impressive architecture and stunning views, it is an experience that will stay with you long after you have left.

10. Relax at the Singha Park

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and relax at Singha Park, an expansive natural oasis of lush gardens and a tranquil lake. Enjoy the park’s peacefulness as you take a leisurely bike ride along its winding trails or take a thrilling zip-lining adventure through its treetops.

The picturesque scenery of Singha Park will provide a much-needed respite from the busy city life, allowing you to truly unwind and relax. Stroll through its gardens and admire the vibrant colors of its blooming flowers, or take a peaceful boat ride around the lake and soak in the park’s tranquility. With its various recreational activities, Singha Park is the perfect place to escape the city and relax.

These top 10 attractions are just a glimpse of Chiang Rai’s fantastic experiences. From its unique temples and cultural heritage to its natural beauty and warm hospitality, this city promises an unforgettable journey.

Top Hotel Picks in Chiang Rai

Anantara golden triangle elephant camp & resort.

Check Rates and Availability.

Immerse yourself in the lush jungles of northern Thailand and experience the luxury of Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort. This enchanting retreat offers a unique blend of eco-friendly accommodations and unforgettable elephant experiences, allowing you to explore the wonders of the Golden Triangle region. Interact with rescued elephants and indulge in world-class amenities while enjoying the resort’s elegant accommodations that blend modern comfort with traditional Thai elements. With breathtaking views of the Mekong River and three countries – Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar – this resort promises an extraordinary journey into nature’s embrace.

Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort

Immerse yourself in a serene escape at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, a captivating retreat located in northern Thailand. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the Mae Kok River, this luxurious resort offers contemporary accommodations, exquisite dining options, and a tranquil spa experience. Explore the region’s cultural treasures and be swept away in the peaceful atmosphere.

The Riverie by Katathani

Discover the beauty of Northern Thailand at The Reverie by Katathani, a remarkable five-star hotel in Chiang Rai. Overlooking the majestic Mae Kok River, the resort offers breathtaking panoramic views and a serene atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing getaway. Enjoy luxurious accommodations with modern amenities, Thai-inspired décor, multiple dining options, a rejuvenating spa, a fitness center, and an inviting infinity pool. Explore the area’s rich culture by visiting nearby attractions such as the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and Golden Triangle. With its exceptional facilities, The Riverie promises an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Northern Thailand’s charm.

Amarin Resort Chiang Rai

Discover the captivating oasis of Amarin Resort Chiang Rai, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Chiang Rai, Thailand. Enjoy the charming atmosphere of the resort, with its well-appointed rooms and traditional Thai touches, providing a peaceful and comfortable retreat. Stroll through the lush gardens and dip in the inviting outdoor pool. Indulge in delectable Thai and international cuisine at the on-site restaurant and unwind with soothing spa treatments. Amarin Resort is the perfect base for exploring the region’s beauty and culture, located close to Chiang Rai’s attractions, including the Night Bazaar and the White Temple.

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa

Escape to the serene sanctuary of The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa, a luxurious boutique resort nestled along the banks of the Mae Kok River. With its elegant Thai architecture and lush gardens, this enchanting resort exudes traditional Lanna charm. Enjoy a stay in comfortable and stylish accommodations with breathtaking river or garden views. Indulge in delicious dining experiences at the on-site restaurants, and relax with pampering spa treatments. Plus, with easy access to Chiang Rai’s cultural landmarks, such as the Golden Triangle and Wat Rong Khun, The Legend Chiang Rai is the perfect gateway to explore the region’s unique cultural richness.

Best Time to Visit Chiang Rai

In northern Thailand, Chiang Rai has a tropical monsoon climate with three seasons: hot, cool, and rainy. The best time to visit Chiang Rai is during the cool season, which lasts from November to February. The weather is pleasant during this time, with milder temperatures and lower humidity.

Cool Season (November-February)

The cool season is considered the best time to visit Chiang Rai because the weather is comfortable and ideal for outdoor activities. The temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 30°C (86°F), making it neither too hot nor too cold. This season also sees the least rainfall, resulting in clear skies and lush green landscapes.

Visiting Chiang Rai during the cool season allows you to explore the city’s numerous attractions comfortably. You can see the famous White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), explore the Golden Triangle region, or participate in the unique Yi Peng Lantern Festival in November.

Hot Season (March-May)

The hot season in Chiang Rai is characterized by higher temperatures and increased humidity. Temperatures can reach as high as 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities quite challenging. However, if you don’t mind the heat, you can still enjoy your visit by planning your activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the temperatures are slightly cooler.

Rainy Season (June-October)

The rainy season in Chiang Rai brings frequent showers and occasional thunderstorms. The rainfall helps cool the temperatures but can also disrupt outdoor plans. While the rain may inconvenience some tourists, it also brings out the region’s lush greenery and vibrant colors. If you don’t mind occasional showers and want to experience Chiang Rai in a different light, the rainy season can still be an option. Just make sure to pack an umbrella and waterproof gear.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Chiang Rai is during the cool season, from November to February. However, if you can tolerate higher temperatures and occasional rain, the city can still be enjoyed during the hot and rainy seasons.

How to Get to Chiang Rai

If you’re planning a trip to Chiang Rai in Thailand, here are several ways you can get there:

The most convenient way to reach Chiang Rai is by air. The city is served by Mae Fah Luang-Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), which has regular flights from Bangkok and other major cities in Thailand. It’s advisable to book your flight in advance for better deals and availability.

Chiang Rai is well-connected to various cities in Thailand by bus. There are both government-run and private bus services available. Buses from Bangkok to Chiang Rai operate from the Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit) and take approximately 11-12 hours to reach the city. Booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

Although Chiang Rai has no train station, you can still take a train to the city. The nearest train station is in Chiang Mai, and from there, you can take a bus, taxi, or hire a private car to reach Chiang Rai, which is about a three-hour drive away.

By Car or Motorcycle

If you prefer a road trip, rent a car or motorcycle in major cities like Bangkok or Chiang Mai and drive to Chiang Rai. The journey offers scenic views, especially if you take the Mae Hong Son Loop route, known for its beautiful landscapes and winding roads.

You can take a boat ride along the Mekong River for a more adventurous option. You can board a boat from various towns in northern Thailand, such as Chiang Saen or Chiang Khong, and enjoy a scenic journey to Chiang Rai.

Local Transportation

Once you arrive in Chiang Rai, there are several options for local transportation, including taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorcycle taxis. These modes of transport are readily available and can take you to different attractions within the city.

Plan your trip and transportation options to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai Travel and Tour Packages

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Written by Melo Villareal

Melo Villareal is the Online Publisher of Outoftownblog.com. He is an Accountant by profession who left the corporate world at the age of 23 to explore his beautiful country and the rest of the world. Today, Melo works as a part-time Social Media Manager for local and international clients. His full-time work focuses on discovering interesting culture, explore different cuisines and take memorable photos from local and international destinations he's visiting.

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The Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

With its relaxed pace, array of beautiful temples, close proximity to many natural attractions, fabulous food and affordable accommodations, Chiang Rai is an ideal place to base yourself for a few days (or longer) if you have time to add the peaceful northern Thai city to your itinerary. If and when you go, here are ten things not to miss in and around Chiang Rai to make the most of the destination.

Visit Wat Phra Kaew

Originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest Monastery), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of Chiang Rai’s oldest and most renowned Buddhist temples, and makes a worthwhile addition to your itinerary when you’re visiting the northern Thai city. Wat Phra Kaew is aptly named since it’s known as the original home of the emerald Buddha, discovered around 1434 after lightening struck the temple’s chedi (shrine) to reveal the Buddha within. The original emerald Buddha resides in the temple of the same name on the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew now houses an official replica of the Emerald Buddha made of green jade. 

See the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

You can’t visit Chiang Rai without seeing the famous White Temple, located just outside the city. Designed by Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the massive all-white complex, covered in glass tiles, is one of the most unique temples in Northern Thailand and definitely the most surreal. The gleaming, 6.4-acre complex features an interior painted with murals filled with pop culture references, including Superman and Harry Potter. Construction began in 1997 and is still a work in progress. Get out your camera because there’s something eye-catching at every turn - so get ready to fill up your Instagram feed.

Explore the Black House (Baan Dam)

Another unique complex in Chiang Rai is Baan Dam (or Black House), created by Chiang Rai-born artist Thawan Duchanee, who also resided on the complex until his death in 2014. Here you’ll find close to 40 buildings of various architectural styles housing many of Duchanee’s works of art, as well as found objects including animal bones, skins and skulls. Many (but not all) of the buildings are open to the public and spread out on well-manicured, peaceful grounds. 

Hang out at Chiang Rai Beach

Northern Thailand might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about hitting the beach, but there is a relaxing stretch of sand you can visit in Chiang Rai. Located about two and a half miles outside of town along the banks of the Kok River, the beach is frequented by locals and makes for a refreshing place to cool off with a dip in the river. Before or after a swim, enjoy a traditional Thai meal and cold beer in one of the bamboo huts you’ll find around the beach.

Eat Some Khao Soi

If you’re going to be spending any time in Northern Thailand, you’ll want to try a steaming bowl of khao soi, probably the most popular dish and the one most associated with the region. A creamy, rich and comforting coconut-based curry is served over soft egg noodles and topped with crisp egg noodles, which you can dress with the accompanying pickled greens, limes and chopped shallots. The dish might be a little different wherever you find it, but it’s always worth a try, especially if you're in the area known for the dish.

See the Clock Tower

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (the same artist responsible for the White Temple), Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower is an ornate and unique work of art in the centre of town that also serves as a traffic roundabout. While it’s well worth a look during the day, try and time your visit for 7, 8 or 9 p.m. when the elaborate tower gets lit up in a vibrant light show. The clock tower also makes for a good landmark for navigating the city due to its central location. 

Shop a Weekend Walking Street

On both Saturday and Sunday nights in Chiang Rai you have the chance to check out a Weekend Walking Street market. While both feature similar vendors, you’ll find that the Saturday market is slightly larger and the two set up in different areas of the city. Both start rolling around 5 p.m. and run until around 11 p.m. Sunday’s market is a little bit quieter, but at both you’ll find local Thai snacks, fresh juices and smoothies, handicrafts and souvenirs. Saturday walking street is found along Thanalai Road, about one block south of the clock tower and Sunday walking street sets up along Sang Khon Noi (also known as Happy Street). These markets are a great place to snack on wallet-friendly street food and stock up on souvenirs to take home.

Browse the Night Bazaar

If you don’t get a chance to visit either Weekend Walking Street, or you want to browse another market, you can head to the Night Bazaar. The bustling stretch of stalls is similar to Chiang Mai’s Night Market but on a much smaller scale. You’ll find the usual array of souvenirs, Thai handicrafts, T-shirts and accessories. If you aren’t in the mood to buy, the Night Bazaar is a great place to fill up on cheap eats at the food court, in the form of fried snacks, pad Thai, hot pots, seafood and (if you’re feeling daring) an array of fried bugs. The Night Bazaar is also a good place to catch live music or a traditional Thai dance performance. 

Take a Cooking Class

Learn to make some of your favorite Thai dishes for yourself (and skip takeout) with a cooking class, of which there are a few to choose from in Chiang Rai. One good option is Suwannee Thai Cooking Class , with classes capped at eight students. Courses include a market tour, snacks, individual cooking stations and the chance to build your Thai cooking skills (and then enjoy what you make). The small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention for the hands-on class.

Visit an Elephant Sancturay

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

See rescued elephants enjoying their natural habitat with a visit to Elephant Valley , an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Rai. Here there are no tricks and no riding—just an incredible chance to hang out with elephants who were formerly used for logging and riding. Choose from half and full day experiences to tour the sanctuary, feed the elephants, learn more about the work the sanctuary is doing and enjoy a Northern Thai lunch on the peaceful grounds. And if you have extra time on your hands, there is also the option of staying overnight (or longer) in the sanctuary's cozy homestay.

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1 or 2 Day Chiang Rai Itinerary: Must-Visits + Hidden Gems

Ultimate Chiang Rai itinerary, including all the must-visit places as well as some hidden gems!

With an incredible landscape dotted with unusual and colorful temples, mountains, rice paddies, tea plantations, and waterfalls, Chiang Rai is definitely a must-visit on any Northern Thailand itinerary .

In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to create the perfect Chiang Rai itinerary for 1 or 2 days covering the main tourist attractions as well as some underrated spots.

I’ll also share some practical tips, including how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, and the best time to visit.

So keep reading for the best Chiang Rai itinerary!

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BEST CHIANG RAI TEMPLE TOUR

Short on time? I recommend this highly-rated Chiang Rai Temples day tour from Chiang Mai . Includes all entry fees, hotel transfers in air-conditioned vehicle, and an expert tour guide.

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Read more about Chiang Rai:

• 7 Most beautiful temples in Chiang Rai
• Guide to the best Chiang Rai night markets
• Guide to visiting Khun Korn waterfall
• Should you visit Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai?

Table of Contents

Chiang Rai Itinerary Overview

If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Chiang Rai, I recommend at least 2 days to be able to see all the main tourist attractions as well as some hidden gems.

Here’s a suggested 2-day Chiang Rai itinerary:

Day 1 : White Temple, Khun Korn Waterfall, Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai, Chiang Rai city center, night market

Day 2 : Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, Choui Fong Tea Plantation, Golden Triangle, Mekong Skywalk

However, if you’re short on time, you can instead take a look at these Chiang Rai day tours from Chiang Mai . They include hotel transfers, entrance fees, and a tour guide.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai?

Luxury : Conveniently located in Chiang Rai city center, Le Patta Hotel offers spacious rooms and a beautiful outdoor pool. Check latest rates here.

Mid-Range : Sleepy House is located within walking distance of the bus station and Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. Rooms are cozy and clean and free breakfast is included. Check latest rates here.

Budget: Also located in the city center, Baan Mai Kradan Hostel is great for budget and solo travelers. Free breakfast is included in the room rate. Check latest rates here.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN CHIANG RAI

How to get to Chiang Rai?

Getting to chiang rai from chiang mai.

The best way to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai is by taking the bus.  Buses depart every 30 minutes from 7 a.m to 6 p.m and the total journey takes about 3.5 hours.

Tickets cost 270 baht or more depending on the time. I highly recommend booking your ticket at least a few days to a week in advance as they sell out fast.

BOOK A BUS TICKET TO CHIANG RAI HERE

In addition to being cheap, the buses are comfortable with air-con and reclined seats and some even have toilets onboard.

If budget isn’t an issue, you can instead take a private taxi . Note that there are no direct flights between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai.

Getting to Chiang Rai from Bangkok

For those coming from Bangkok, there are daily direct flights to Chiang Rai and the journey takes about 1.5 hours. The route is serviced by budget airlines so you can get tickets for about 1,500 baht (excluding checked luggage).

Another option is to take a 13-hour bus from Mochit bus station in Bangkok.

BOOK A TRANSFER FROM BANGKOK TO CHIANG RAI HERE

Getting around Chiang Rai

Since the attractions in Chiang Rai are quite spread out, the best way to get around is to rent a car or scooter.

I hired a rental car through Discover Cars and had a great experience. Also driving around Chiang Rai is easy as traffic isn’t as hectic as in Chiang Mai or Bangkok.

CHECK CAR RENTAL RATES IN CHIANG RAI HERE

Alternatively, you can take a songthaew to get around the city which should cost about 30 baht per trip for short distances.

If you need to cover longer distances, you can hire a songthaew for the day or take a Grab taxi. Public buses are also available to the White Temple (more info below).

Best time to visit

The best time to plan your Chiang Rai itinerary is during the cool season (October to February). March to May is the hot season with temperatures rising to 40°C while June to September is the rainy season.

Another thing to consider is the burning season which sometimes begins as early as late January and ends toward mid-May. It gets even worse in March and April which isn’t ideal for sightseeing.

I visited in June which marks the beginning of the rainy season but the weather was great every single day.

Chiang Rai Itinerary – Day 1

White temple.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is one of the most popular temples in Chiang Rai so naturally, it should be the first stop of your Chiang itinerary.

You can easily get there by taking the public bus from Chiang Rai bus terminal 1 . Tickets cost about 25 baht and the bus departs every 45 minutes from 8:10 a.m to 4:20 p.m. Alternatively, you can rent a car or scooter, hire a private taxi, or take a Grab.

The temple is open daily from 8 a.m to 5 p.m and the entrance fee is 100 baht. I highly recommend heading there at opening time as it gets super packed with tourists.

But if you can’t get there early enough, you can also visit one hour before closing time to avoid the crowds.

The temple complex is quite big but the main attraction here is the White Temple which is covered with thousands of mirror fragments.

The outside features weird sculptures of hands rising from the ground, skulls, mythical figures, and Buddha statues while the inside gets even weirder with paintings of Marilyn Monroe, Michael Jackson, Batman, and Jack Sparrow among Buddha images.

Note that photography isn’t allowed inside the temple but you can take as many photos as you wish outside which is more photogenic anyway.

Once you’ve fully explored the White Temple, be sure to check out the surroundings like the two gold buildings (one of which is in fact a restroom!).

There’s also another all-white building housing a Buddha statue as well as a man-made waterfall/art cave tunnel that you can explore for an additional fee of 50 baht.

If you’re hungry, you can grab lunch from one of the restaurants located outside the temple. Prices are reasonable and I was able to get a pad thai and mango smoothie for just 110 baht.

Wat Rong Khun is a definitely must-see on any 1 or 2-day Chiang Rai itinerary, so be sure to set aside at least 1-2 hours for your visit.

Related post: Most beautiful temples to visit in Chiang Rai

Khun Korn Waterfall

The next stop of your 2 days in Chiang Rai is the 70-meter-tall Khun Korn Waterfall , conveniently located about a 25-minute drive from the White Temple.

Note that there’s no public bus that goes to the waterfall, so your only option is to rent a car or scooter or hire a private taxi.

The hike to Khun Korn is easy, taking only about 30 minutes, so ideal for all fitness levels.

There’s even a small pool where you can cool off after the hike. Don’t forget to pack mosquito repellant and swimwear!

Related post: Hiking to Khun Korn Waterfall Chiang Rai

Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai

If you want to explore slightly off the beaten path during your Chiang Rai travel itinerary, I highly recommend visiting Wat Phra That Doi Khao Kwai .

Located atop a mountain, only about 15 minutes from the city center, the temple offers unparalleled views of Chiang Rai and has barely any tourists.

The main temple is very beautiful and boasts intricate designs on the walls, colorful lanterns, twinkling lights, and an emerald Buddha statue.

But the best part, in my opinion, is the panoramic view of Chiang Rai with the mountains in the distance. If you look closely, you can even spot the statue of the Goddess of Mercy at Wat Huay Pla Kang (mentioned below).

Chiang Rai City Center

During your visit to Chiang Rai, I recommend taking a walk around the city center. Here you’ll find temples like Wat Phra Sing and Wat Phra Kaew which used to house the Emerald Buddha that is now on display at the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

While walking around the city, you’ll also come across the Chiang Rai Clock Tower . You can’t miss it due to its gold façade and intricate designs which are reminiscent of the White Temple.

I recommend visiting at dusk when it’s all lit up. Apparently, there’s a free light show every evening at 7 p.m, 8 p.m, and 9 p.m daily. Unfortunately, I visited outside of these times but it still looked quite impressive against the night sky.

Chiang Rai Night Market

Finally, end the first day of your Chiang Rai itinerary by eating your way through the Chiang Rai night markets .

If you happen to visit on a Saturday, be sure to check out Chiang Rai Walking Street ( find the exact location here ). The market is huge and is open on Saturdays only from 3 p.m to 10 p.m.

It’s packed with vendors selling everything from delicious Thai food to clothes, souvenirs, and all sorts of knick-knacks. There’s even a stage where they have live performances.

Alternatively, if you’re not visiting on a Saturday, you can instead go to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar ( find the exact location here ) which opens daily from 6 p.m to 11 p.m.

It’s much smaller than the walking street but you can still find stalls selling clothes and souvenirs as well as a food court.

Related post: Guide to visiting the Chiang Rai night markets

Chiang Rai Itinerary – Day 2

Blue temple.

Rise and shine early for day 2 of your Chiang Rai itinerary since it’s going to be a long day.

The first stop will be Wat Rong Suea Ten , commonly known as the Blue Temple. The temple is, you guessed it, completely painted in blue with golden accents.

Inside is a huge white Buddha statue surrounded by paintings of Buddha and mythological figures all in the same blue tone.

Just like the White Temple, it’s super popular so be sure to get there early enough if you want a photo without crowds.

The Blue Temple is open daily from 7 a.m to 8 p.m and is free to visit.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Wondering what to do in Chiang Rai in 2 days? Then be sure to visit Wat Huay Pla Kang: Goddess of Mercy Temple .

The temple complex is open daily from 7 a.m to 9.30 p.m and consists of a giant statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, a 9-tier pagoda, and an all-white ordination hall.

The highlight for me was riding the elevator to the top of Guan Yin statue. From there, you can enjoy a panoramic view with layers of mountains.

The inside is also impressive with sculptures of Guan Yin and mythical figures etched into the walls.

While the temple complex is free to visit, there’s a small fee of 40 baht to ride the elevator to the top of Guan Yin statue.

The best way to get to Wat Huay Pla Kang is to rent a car or hire a private taxi. Otherwise, you can take a Grab to get there.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation

About 40 km north of Wat Huay Pla Kang is Choui Fong Tea Plantation which features rows and rows of tea fields as far as the eyes can see.

You can eat lunch here but keep in mind that food and drinks are a bit pricey since you’re essentially paying for the view. Nevertheless, I think it’s a worthy stop on any Chiang Rai itinerary.

You can still stop here for photos if you don’t want to eat at the restaurant. The best view is obviously at the restaurant but there are also plenty of other viewpoints scattered around the tea plantation.

The restaurant is open daily from 8.30 a.m to 5.30 p.m. but you can visit anytime if you just want to take photos.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the spot where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet along the Mekong River.

The most famous landmarks to see here are the golden Buddha and elephant statues but you can also take a boat tour along the Mekong River to check out a local market in Laos. It’s quite touristy with lots of stalls selling clothes and souvenirs.

Although there isn’t much to do here, it’s still fun to be able to admire the scenery of both Laos and Myanmar without leaving Thailand.

Be sure to also visit Phra That Doi Pu Khao for a bird’s eye view of the Golden Triangle.

Tip : If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, you can find a few restaurants alongside the river.

Wat Phra That Pha Ngao and Mekong Skywalk

The last stop on your 2-day Chiang Rai itinerary is Wat Phra That Pha Ngao , a small temple located about a 20-minute drive from the Golden Triangle. The main reason I decided to visit was to check out the Mekong Skywalk .

For a small fee (about 20 baht), you can take a Tuk Tuk from the temple to the top of the mountain where the skywalk is located. Alternatively, you can walk there in about 20 minutes.

The temple itself is free to visit but the fee to go on the Mekong Skywalk is 40 baht. It’s absolutely worth it for the breathtaking views of Laos and Thailand.

Just note that the floor is made of glass and thus completely transparent so if you’re afraid of heights, this might not be for you. Luckily, you can also get some decent views without going on the skywalk.

After your visit, head back to Chiang Rai or if you’re too tired to drive back on the same day, you can stay the night in Chiang Saen.

I personally stayed at A Hotel Simply which is only a 5-minute drive from the Mekong Skywalk. The room was very spacious and clean and included breakfast.

Other things to do during a Chiang Rai Itinerary

CAT ‘n’ A CUP Café : The best spot in Chiang Rai for some good coffee and cuddles with the cutest cats.

Ngam Mueang Market : A small local market near Wat Phra Kaew selling cheap clothes and local snacks.

Huai Kaeo Waterfall and Huai Mae Sai Waterfall : Both waterfalls aren’t that easy to get to due to the steep roads and are only worth visiting if you have extra time in Chiang Rai.

As you can see there’s much more to see in Chiang Rai than just the White Temple and Blue Temple. I hope you found this Chiang Rai itinerary helpful. If you have any questions, just let me know in the comment section below.

Read more about Thailand:

• Ultimate Northern Thailand itinerary
• How to plan the perfect Chiang Mai itinerary?
• Top things to do in Kanchanaburi in 2 or 3 days
• 20 Amazing things to do in Krabi Thailand

Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

Khun Korn Waterfall Chiang Rai [2024 Guide]

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17 Fun & Cultural Things To Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Table of Contents

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The sleepy little sister of Chiang Mai is well worth a visit while in Northern Thailand . I’m here to share the best things to do in Chiang Rai to help you explore the region. I hadn’t heard of Chiang Rai until recently. Everyone’s heard of Chiang Mai and most people take a detour to Pai as well. However, I’m so glad I took a trip earlier this year. One of my best Southeast Asia tips is to get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems. Chiang Rai is one of them!

CHIANG RAI ESSENTIALS Thailand e-sim data plan Accommodation  – Booking.com / Hostelworld Getting there – bus / day tour Activities: Viator / GetYourGuide Guide book: Lonely Planet Thailand

Chiang Rai travel guide

Honestly, I didn’t love the city itself. It’s a small dusty city without much charm, and the modest local restaurants and Aussie sports bars somehow don’t seem to blend, unlike the busy centre of Chiang Mai where locals and tourists dine together at atmospheric street food markets. But that’s okay because few people visit for the town itself. Thanks to its countryside surroundings dotted with temples, mountains and waterfalls, there are plenty of fun things to do in Chiang Rai, making it a worthy addition to your Southeast Asia bucket list .

Getting to Chiang Rai

Most travellers add Chiang Mai to their Thailand itinerary before making the pilgrimage to Chiang Rai. For that reason, you’ll probably be catching the bus from Chiang Mai.

I was assured you could turn up on the day without pre-booking but alas, I was turned away and had to return to Chiang Mai only to find my hostel was fully booked. I then had to re-home for one night and try again the next day, something that would have been troublesome had I been on a tight schedule! For that reason, I’d recommend booking with 12Go . The journey takes a little over 3 hours. The bus leaves from Arcade Bus Station (Chiang Mai Bus Terminal 2) which can be reached in a Grab taxi for 90 baht or a red songthaew for 30-50 baht. It gets into Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 which is right beside the Night Bazaar. Don’t get off at the first bus station because you’ll need to catch a taxi into Chiang Rai.

Book your 12go bus here .

You can make the return journey to Chiang Mai unless your Southeast Asia itinerary is taking you to Laos next, in which case you can book the slow boat at your Chiang Rai accommodation or any tourist office.

By day tour

If you just have a day to spare, your best bet is an organised day tour from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai . These generally include a boat tour and buffet lunch before returning to Chiang Mai at the end of the day.

Getting around Chiang Rai

Your options for getting around while sightseeing in Chiang Rai include:

• Hire a scooter for 200 baht a day
• Take an organised day tour
• Get Grab taxis between the sights (80-120 baht per journey).

As a solo traveller who isn’t a confident scooter driver and doesn’t enjoy organised tours, I went for the third option. Calling Grab taxis started to add up but it was still less than a day tour. It’s worth noting you can get to the White Temple cheaply on the local bus.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

Hostel – The Stay In Chiangrai Hostel is conveniently located on San Khong Noi Road, close to the Sunday market. It’s also just a 15-20 minute tuktuk or taxi drive away from Wat Rong Khun and about a 10-15 minute tuktuk or taxi drive away from Wat Rong Suea Ten. It’s also the top-rated hostel in the city according to Hostelworld. Check availability and book from $7 . Budget hotel – Huen Chan Thip is a budget-friendly hotel with a beautiful pool and garden. It’s located a 10-minute walk away from the Clock Tower.  Check availability and book from $17. Midrange – Another gorgeous hotel option is the Blue Lagoon Hotel with an inviting pool, garden and beautifully decorated rooms complete with folded swan towels. It’s situated just a 7-minute walk from the Night Bazaar. Check availability and book from $36.

Browse all hotels and self-catering apartments on Booking.com . For hostels, use Hostelworld .

Things to do in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is a relaxed place to spend a few days as there aren’t realms of activities. But they say less is more, don’t they? This certainly applies to Chiang Rai because the main sights and temples are incredible!

1. The White Temple

The White Temple is the most visited tourist attraction in Chiang Rai, as well as the most iconic and photographed. It’s not overhyped, although the crowds of excitable tourists may leave you feeling exhausted. Selfie sticks are actually banned on site, thank God!

I’d recommend spending at least an hour at the White Temple, especially since the crowds take some navigating. What I found interesting is that the White Temple isn’t a real temple but a modern art installation of one, built in 1997 by a wealthy Thai artist. But plenty of locals were praying there so I guess a temple can be anything you want it to be! While you can take photos outside, they’re not allowed inside the main temple hall. You’ll have to see it to believe it: the contemporary paintings feature the Minions and Michael Jackson. Bizarre!

Entrance fee: 50 baht. Opening times: 8am-5pm. Getting to the White Temple: Simply turn up at the central bus station and wait for a bus to depart. It was basic and cramped but very easy, convenient and cheap. You’ll know you’ve arrived when the rest of the tourists get off. I paid 20 baht. I hoped to get the same journey back but I couldn’t find the stop. Instead, I hailed a passing songthaew (the blue shared taxis) and paid around 20 baht. You can also hire a scooter to visit the White Temple, go as part of a day tour , or pay about 300 baht in a taxi.

2. The Clock Tower light show

This colourful daily light show is worth seeing. I saw it by total accident when I arrived off the bus from Chiang Mai feeling tired and hungry. I sat down on a street corner with some pad Thai and just as my food arrived, the otherwise plain clock tower lit up. During the next 15 minutes, it turned pink, orange, red, green and blue while a small crowd snapped photos of it. Catch this colourful show at 7pm each evening. Set your Google Maps to Clock Tower .

3. The Blue Temple

This popular place to visit in Chiang Rai is a house of worship is painted bright blue and decorated with elaborate gold details. Like the White Temple, it doesn’t feel like an ancient temple – probably because it isn’t! Locally known as Wat Rong Seur Ten , this temple was only completed in January 2016, although the locals were building it from 2005. I can’t help but wonder if tourism had to play in the contemporary temples. Even if they’re not entirely authentic, it’s a savvy business move considering Chiang Rai is such an easy journey from popular Chiang Mai.

Although Wat Rong Seua Ten is a new temple, it has a long history. There was a temple on this site once but it was abandoned around the 1940s. ‘Seua Ten’ means dancing tiger which dates back to rumours of wild animals who once lived in these parts. Now the only animals are the bus loads of eager selfie-hunters! My top tip is to visit early (it opens at 8am ) to beat the crowds, especially if you want nice photos. Getting to the Blue Temple : You can’t catch public transport so your best bet is hiring a scooter or catching a Grab taxi. I did the latter, then walked back to town which took 40 minutes. Several day tours stop at the Blue Temple if you fancy seeing all Chiang Rai’s sights in one go. Entry fee: free! Opening times: 7am-8pm.

4. Wat Huay Pla Kang

How stunning is this place!? It may look like a giant Buddha perched on the hilltop but actually, it’s a giant female Goddess of Mercy . I almost didn’t make it to Wat Huay Pla Kang because the Grab ride was a little pricey and I wasn’t sure I’d be able to hail one back. I decided to take the 7km journey anyway and I’m happy I did. Like the Blue Temple, it’s clean and modern while still depicting images from Buddhist mythology. As I hadn’t seen any photos before visiting, I had no expectations and it ended up being one of my favourite places in Chiang Rai. Sadly the lift was closed for the day but you can usually take it up inside the statue and look out over the countryside, literally through the eyes of the Goddess. I believe this was 30 baht but it’s the only bit you’ll pay for because entrance to Wat Huay Pla Kang is free.

Opening times: 7am-9.30pm. Entry fee: free. Getting to Wat Huay Pla Kang: Like the other main Chiang Rai attractions, you can drive a scooter there or see if it’s included in local day trip itineraries. Alternatively, a Grab taxi will cost around 100 baht each way. I’d suggest asking your driver if they can wait because it was a little difficult to hail one after visiting. In the end, I did manage it but there aren’t so many drivers waiting around.

5. The Black House

Also known as Baan Dam , this museum and gallery displays the work of the late Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee, inside black teak buildings. It’s located 3km from the city but is a worthy addition to your itinerary. If you’ve seen the White Temple and the Blue Temple (and the colourful clock show), why not complete the colour spectrum with the Black House!? Opening times: 9am-5.30pm. Entrance fee: free.

Related activity: Chiang Rai Sightseeing Tour

6. Wat Phra Kaew

One of the most religiously and historically significant temples in Chiang Rai is Wat Phra Kaew . This is where the Emerald Buddha was originally enshrined before being moved to a temple of the same name, Wat Phra Kaew, in Bangkok.  There’s now a replica of the Emerald Buddha at Chiang Rai’s Wat Phra Kaew made of green jade along with a prayer hall and museum of Lanna artefacts.  Entrance fee: free. Opening times: temple hours = 6am-6pm; Museum hours = 9am-5pm. How to get there: located on Trairat Road, the temple is easily accessible via tuk-tuk or taxi.

7. Art Bridge

For a cultural thing to do in Chiang Rai, the Art Bridge is a private gallery that displays paintings, sculptures and other art by Thai and international artists. There are multiple large gallery spaces and a restaurant with delicious food such as traditional Thai curries. Plus, it’s right by a river with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. Art workshops and courses are offered on-site and the exhibitions change so there’s always something new to see.  Entrance fee: free. Opening times: 10am – 7pm. How to get there: located just 6km north of the city, Art Bridge is accessible via bus or taxi. 

8. Hill Tribe Museum

The Hill Tribe Museum is a popular place to visit in Chiang Rai, containing a wealth of information, history, traditional clothing, harvesting equipment and other artefacts from 6 different Thai hill tribes. See hill tribe textiles, wickerwork, handmade baskets and ornaments, and learn about the issues Thai hill tribes face.  Find the museum located on the third floor of the nonprofit Population & Community Development Association building. Entry fee: 50 baht. Opening times: Monday to Friday 9am-6pm; Saturday and Sunday 10am-6pm. How to get there: located on Thanalai street, the museum is easily accessible via tuk-tuk or taxi.

9. Sop Ruak & Golden Triangle Park

Being an hour or so north of the city, Sop Ruak and the Golden Triangle Park is one of the most visited countryside attractions near Chiang Rai. In Thai, the name ‘Sop Ruak’ signifies the place where the Ruak and Mekong rivers connect. It’s called the ‘Golden Triangle’ in English because it’s where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.  With vibrant jungle and mountain views, photo opportunities at the Golden Triangle itself, a giant golden Buddha, a nearby temple and the Hall of Opium, this is a popular tourist destination. It’s well worth a visit because there’s so much to do and see.  There are boat services that will take you right up close to the Golden Triangle. You can also visit the Laotian island Don Sao or Thai towns such as Chiang Saen or Chiang Kong. Entrance fee: free. How to get there: It’s a 1.5-hour taxi ride or 2-hour bus ride. There are also group tours available .

10. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

The Night Bazaar is a lively place to see in Chiang Rai when the sun’s gone down and the market’s lit up. It’s divided into distinct sections: one is a dining area, another is for souvenirs and there’s also a section for local produce. You can enjoy delicious local dishes and shop for souvenirs. There’s often live music and dancing later in the evening. Entrance fee: free. Opening times: 6pm-11pm. How to get there: it’s a 6-minute walk from the Clock Tower. Also accessible via tuk-tuk or taxi.

11. Phu Chi Pha Mountain

Mount Phu Chi Fa Mountain is part of the Doi Pha Mon sub-range, situated near the border of Laos. The best time to hike the mountain is between November and January since the weather is cooler. There are many hiking trails to choose from and most of them aren’t too long or difficult. The trail to the top takes only around 20 minutes.  If you love nature and you’ve ticked off the main things to do in Chiang Rai city, you can go camping at Phu Chi Pha as there are multiple campsites as well as tent and sleeping bag rentals available.  Entrance fee: free. Opening times: 5am-6pm. How to get there: the easiest way to get there is via taxi since the bus takes a longer route. You could also get there pretty easily with a car rental or motorbike rental. Phu Chia Pha is a 1 hour 45-minute drive to the east.

12. Pong Phrabat Hot Springs & Waterfall

If you visit in the cooler months or just want to take a day to relax, then head up to Pong Phrabat Hot Springs . With natural hot springs feeding into man-made pools, you can enjoy a wonderful soak surrounded by nature. There’s also a nearby waterfall that you can hike to first if you’re up for more of an adventure. Entrance fee: 40 baht. Opening times: 8am-6pm. How to get there: Pong Phrabat is just a 20-minute drive away from the city. The best ways to get there are via taxi, car rental or motorbike rental. 

13. Khun Korn Waterfall

There are lots of waterfalls to explore near Chiang Rai, but the tallest at 70 meters, is Khun Korn . It’s about a 30-minute hike through bamboo trees and tropical lush forest to get to the waterfall. Once there you can go for a refreshing dip in the water to cool off.  Entrance fee: free. Opening times: 8am-4:30pm. How to get there: located 30 minutes driving distance west of the city, Khun Khon is easily accessible via taxi, car rental or motorbike rental.

14. Doi Mae Salong Mountain

Located in the Dan Lao range of mountains near Myanmar, the summit of Doi Mae Salong is near the SantiKhiri Village. This village was built along the mountain ridge and was settled by the former Chinese 93rd army division who got lost in the mountains after the end of the Chinese civil war. They were granted permission to live on the ridge by the Thai government in the 70s.  Now you can hike up through the village and to the mountain summit and enjoy incredible views plus all the amazing Yunnanese food, oolong tea fields, and shops the town has to offer.  Entrance fee: free  How to get there: Doi Mae Salong is a 1.5-hour drive from Chiang Rai. It’s easily accessible via taxi or local songthaew buses. 

Related activity: 1 Day Trekking Group Tour with Bamboo Cooking

Foodie things to do in Chiang Rai

The foodie scene here isn’t hugely renowned compared to the food scene in Chiang Mai but it’s still Thailand, so one of the best things to do is eat !

15. Eat Chinese food at Nakhon Pathom Restaurant

Tuck into some local food at Nakhon Pathom . Chinese settlers have been serving their food in Thailand for generations and this Hainanese restaurant is a great place to try it. I tucked into a giant feast of Peking duck and barbeque pork served with rice, crunchy cucumber and a soup on the side.

Related activity: Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class – Cooking with Ann

16. Support a local enterprise

Cabbages & Condoms might be the world’s weirdest restaurant name but it’s all for a good cause. Access to healthcare and contraception is limited for many Thai people, especially in rural areas. This can lead to various problems including teen pregnancies, infant mortality and death during childbirth. This non-profit aims to provide contraception where possible, using this restaurant to fund the project. There’s also a branch in Bangkok so if you visit, check out the restaurant which is full of quirky furnishings entirely made of condoms. Anything for a good cause, right!? The dishes at C&C are pricier than street food but it’s well worth it.

17. Play with cute cats over coffee

I don’t know what was better, this matcha latte or hanging out with these beauts! I researched Cat ‘n A Cup long and hard before visiting as I wouldn’t want to condone any animal mistreatment. However, these lazy felines are real princesses and seem very well pampered. My only complaint is that there are so many strays in Thailand and these pure breeds definitely weren’t them! But for a chilled afternoon with cats and coffee, you won’t do any harm by visiting.

Unlike other cat cafes I’ve been to, you don’t pay per time spent. Just buy a drink or slice of cake (for the same price you would in any other cafe) and stay as long as you want. My matcha latte and cheesecake were both delicious.

2 day Chiang Rai itinerary

Day 1: Take a morning trip to the White Temple, then head back to the city for lunch. Eat local food at Nakhon Pathom or do a good deed by visiting Cabbages and Condoms. In the afternoon, you could chill at the cat cafe or visit Wat Huay Pla Kang (the goddess on the hill). Shop and eat at the Night Bazaar in the evening. Day 2: Start your day at the Blue Temple, then visit the Black House. Return to Chiang Rai in the evening for pad Thai while watching the Clock Tower Light Show. Only got one day? I’d suggest hiring a scooter or taking a day tour. If you have a scooter, you could whizz around the White Temple, Blue Temple and Wat Huay Pla Kang during the day, then have dinner in the city.

Thanks for reading!

I hope you’re feeling clued up on what to do in Chiang Rai. As ever, drop me any questions in the comments below.

Check out my other Thailand blogs:

• Guide to traveling alone in in Thailand
• Complete Chiang Mai food guide
• How to spend 3 days in Chiang Mai
• The 11 best cafes in Chiang Mai
• How to spend 2 days in Bangkok
• 11 fun and unique things to do in Chiang Mai
• Visiting Doi Inthanon from Chiang Mai
• Ayutthaya itinerary from Bangkok
• What to eat in Chinatown Bangkok
• Visiting Bangkok Airplane Graveyard

See you next time for more adventures,

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VISITING THAILAND?  These are my trusted resources: Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Trains – these are a good option for long journeys because you have a bed rather than a seat. Use 12Go to book . Buses – these are a convenient, affordable way to travel with a far better carbon footprint than flying. Use 12Go to book . Driving in Thailand – use Rentalcars.com to compare car rentals. For hotels , I use Booking.com – they also have self-catering apartments. You can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . Browse tours and activities on GetYourGuide . I also check Viator and Klook in case they have a better price. For food tours with passionate local chefs and foodies, check out EatWith . Stay connected in Thailand with an eSim data package . Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

4 thoughts on “ 17 Fun & Cultural Things To Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand ”

Hi Rose, thanks so much for the details on 2 day itinerary! I am planning to go there in Feb for 2 days from Chaing Mai. How much in advance do you think I should book tickets for Greenbus? Thanks and wish you happy future travels!

I would say a day in advance is fine!

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Chiang Rai Tourist Attractions & Top Things to Do

The peaceful city of Chiang Rai  is one of the most enchanting cities in Thailand, located in northern highlands. Although often overlooked in favor of the neighboring Chiang Mai , this city is fascinating due to its ancient culture and beautiful landscape. Discover Chiang Rai tourist attractions and top things to do .

These are the top tourist attractions in Chiang Rai that are worth including into your must-visit list.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

The White Temple , often referred by the local name Wat Rong Khun, is the tourist attraction that must be first visited in Chiang Rai. The name "White Temple" itself is inspired by the color of the building complex which is dominated by bright white, representing the purity and light of the Buddha.

This temple was built in 1997 by the famous Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Besides that, Wat Rong Khun was created in a modern style, so it is very different from other temples in Thailand. Photos are not allowed inside, so you will have to visit it in person to see this extraordinary piece of architecture.

The White Temple is located 15 kilometers from the city on road No. 1 in the direction of Chiang Mai. You can reach the temple by the local bus from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1  or by one of the day tours that bring tourists to visit the most famous Chiang Rai tourist attraction.

Black Temple (Black House/Baan Dam)

Despite the well-established name, this Chiang Rai tourist attraction is not really a temple. The Black Temple or Black House, by local people more commonly referred to by the name "Baan Dam", is an exhibition or an open-air museum of nearly 40 traditional style houses. While the White Temple symbolizes heaven, Baan Dam could be hell. There are a number of works of art inspired by Buddhist teachings about death, age, illness, and suffering through the media of animal bones, skulls, animal skins, hunting tools of primitive peoples in the houses. The Black Temple is surrounded by trees that create a mysterious and dark atmosphere. Most of the things you will see at this place were built by Thai artist named Thawan Duchanee.

Blue Temple (Wang Rong Suea Ten)

The Blue Temple is more often referred by local with the name "Wang Rong Suea Ten”, which means "Dancing Tiger Temple". This temple, the construction of which started in October 2005 and ended in January 2016, consists of very vibrant blue colors. The temple is a masterpiece of Phuttha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the creator of the White Temple. The purpose of the blue color in the temple is that blue means wisdom, eternity, healing and purity in Buddhism teaching.

You can travel with ease to visit each destination at your own pace and time with Chiang Rai Private Car Charter . By choosing this way of traveling, you can easily explore the best of Chiang Rai including Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), Baan Dam (Black House), Golden Triangle, and more.

Singha Park (Boon Rawd Farm)

Singha Park is a huge park in Chiang Rai with a giraffe, zebra and other animal farm under the open sky. The name "Singha Park" itself is inspired by a giant golden yellow lion statue that stands proudly on the beautiful grass in front of this park and from the company that produces the famous Singha beer. There are also the tea plantations, flower fields, strawberry flower beds, exotic fruit gardens. Besides that, the tourists can also enjoy some rides in Singha Park such as zipline rides, and others. The popular events such as the festival of hot air balloons, mass touring tourism shows and others are also organized here. To explore this huge park, it is possible to rent bikes for 100 baht per hour and 400 baht per 6 hours, or to take advantage of the free service of electric cars.

The Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the geographical point where Laos, Myanmar and Thailand meet with the Mekong River as the border. This area was once an important center for the production and trade of opium. Nowadays, these illegal drug productions have been recovered and are used for planting fruits, flowers and vegetables. You will find the “House of Opium Museum “, where you can learn a little more about this history.

At the Golden Triangle you can take the photo from the observation point to look beyond the three countries and admire the scenery. Alternatively, you can enjoy a traditional boat trip along the Mekong River that gives you the chance to see these 3 countries. You can even set foot on Laos ' Donesao Island without a visa for half an hour. Going to the northernmost point of Thailand next to Myanmar is another option.

Wat Phra Kaew

Wat Phra Kaew is the most important temple in Chiang Rai, where the Emerald Buddha is housed. The legend says that the lightning split the temple in two and the Buddha was found. The original Emerald Buddha statue is currently residing in Bangkok , in the temple of same name that is located in the territory of the Grand Palace. In Chiang Rai, you can see the copy made by Chinese artist.

Next door, there is a wooden building, which houses a small museum where you can admire objects from the Lanna culture and the history of Buddhism.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh is the Buddhist temple, which was built in the 14th century with the typical wooden structure of Northern Thailand and the low but sloping roof. In the past, this temple held a highly revered Buddha statue, which over time was moved out and is now kept in the temple of the same name in the city of Chiang Mai.

Wat Ming Meuang

Wat Ming Meuang is the ancient temple, built in 1262, and is thought to be dedicated to the mother of King Mengrai, who often came to pray here. The temple itself is fairly small and it is not remarkable for tourists but for locals Wat Ming Meuang temple is very important.

Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Chiang Rai Clock Tower is located at the intersection of the two main streets of Chiang Rai . It is covered entirely in gold with splendid decorations. This clock tower was built in 2008, in honor of the King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. The structure serves as a traffic circle.

If you can, visit the clock tower at night, more specifically at 19:00, 20:00 and 21:00. At these times, the light and music show is taking place there.

King Mengrai Monument

King Mengrai Monument is an important monument, which is dedicated to the King Mengrai the Great, who founded the city of Chiang Rai. For local people this place is very important and is considered just like a temple, where they bring donations and pray.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is city’s main night market, located near the old bus station . Here you will find a wide range of goods for tourists from handmade items, clothes, jewelry, shoes to many other items embroidered by the hill tribes of Northern Thailand. We would recommend negotiating with a smile on your face for getting the best price.

Even if you are not into shopping, Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is still worth visiting as this night market is also a great place to eat dinner. There are several bars and a large food court, where you can try authentic Thai food . There is also a big stage for evening shows such as live music played by local artists, and dancing in national costumes to keep you entertained.

Doi Tung Royal Villa

Doi Tung Royal Villa is a villa belonging to Thai royal family. This villa was once inhabited by Srinagarindra, which is one of the members of Thai royal family that is highly respected. Doi Tung Royal Villa is built on the hill and almost all of the villa's buildings are made of wood.

Mae Fah Luang Garden

Mae Fah Luang Garden is a park located in the same complex as Doi Tung Royal Villa. In fact, you can directly visit this park on foot from Doi Tung Royal Villa. Previously, Mae Fah Luang Garden was an opium field in Chiang Rai but now this 12-hectare land has been changed into a garden that has a variety of beautiful flowers.

Ethnic Minority Villages

In addition to temples and outdoor activities, when visiting Chiang Rai and Northern Thailand , a very popular place to go is ethnic minority villages where you can meet the hill tribes that inhabit this region. Altogether, ten-twelve ethnic groups are recognized in the region. Each of them with different histories, habits, forms of ornamentation, crafts and languages.

One of the most famous ethnic minorities in Chiang Rai province is Karen Long Neck Tribe . You can visit the village where they live for a fee. There you will see the Red Karen women with long necks who pass large rings made of brass to their necks from the age of 5.

You can join Chiang Rai Doi Mae Salong Mountain & Padong Long Neck Hill Tribe Half Day Tour  to reveal the natural picturesque beauty of Doi Mae Salong Mountain and its lush greeneries as well as visit Padong village and experience the cultural imprints of their long necked women.

Elephant Camps

Another type of tourist activity that always generates ethical debates, especially in Thailand, is activities involving animals. More specifically elephants. You can visit some of the ethical rescued elephant camps where you will be their caretaker. When visiting Elephant Camp in Chiang Rai, you will know more about Asian Elephants' long and fascinating history and will learn to cook healthy herbal treats for them to eat for a snack. You will also feed the handmade treats to them and walk along their side through the beautiful lush forest.

If you want to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the night with Thailand’s elephants , consider staying at Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort . This luxury resort is nestled amongst bamboo forest, lush gardens and rice paddies. Each room features a balcony with views of the Mekong River and you can enjoy one of the three activities offered by the resort including spa treatment, elephant camp experience or countryside tour.

Use our guide to Chiang Rai Travel to find other useful information for exploring this wonderful land in Northern Thailand.

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Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

• Places To Visit

Tourist Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

Here is the list of best places to visit in chiang rai are:.

Wat Rong Khun The White Temple

The most spectacular and iconic of all the structures claimed by Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a jewel in the crown of the city. Due to its finely chiselled white structure that glistens like the moon, it is widely known as The White Temple. In 1997, the construction of the temple was completed and the complex was opened for visitors.

The exquisite contemporary architecture of the temple is an absolute visual treat worth clicking on the camera from various perspectives. While “Gate of Heaven” and “Cycle of Rebirth” are the major attractions within the complex, a golden building serving as the rest rooms building stands out with its unique appeal, creating a strong contrast with the main white building.

Wat Phra Singh

Wat Phra Singh, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a revered Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple houses the sacred Phra Singh Buddha image.

Doi Mae Salong

Gear up for a tranquil getaway at Doi Mae Salong to find yourself in one of the most picturesque tourist places in Chiang Rai. This mountain peak is known to offer you serene surroundings where you can combine your visit with many exciting activities like tea plantation visit, eating delicious local food, photography, etc.

Clock Tower

Located right in the main town of Chiang Rai, the clock tower with its bright golden architectural style is a crowd-puller. If the architecture and pattern of this tower are similar to the White Temple, it is because both of these structures have been designed by the same artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat. The tower was opened to the public in 2008 as an honor to His Majesty, The King.

Phu Chi Fah

This is an absolutely breath-taking cliff in Chiang Rai, which provides a scintillating view of the island, its beaches and mountains. The path that leads into this cliff is filled with dense mangroves and greenery that keep you spell bound all through the journey.

Wat Huai Pla Kung

A must-see tourist place in Chiang Mai, Wat Huai Pla Kung is a famous 9-tiered temple with the largest Guan Yin Bodhisattva in Thailand. The place boasts an interesting architectural design which is an amalgamation of Thai and Chinese architecture.

Mae Kok River

Take a short boat ride on the Mae Kok River in Chiang Mai to be swept away by some of the most gorgeous views of the natural landscape in this beautiful mountainous city of Thailand. Starting from Thatorn to Chiang Rai, this is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Chiang Rai.

The Golden Triangle

Situated in the Chiang Rai Province on the northern coast of Thailand, the Golden Triangle is one of its most enduring and attractive tourist destinations. The landscape of this stunning tourist destination is shrouded with lush jungles, and hills while the Ruak River flows by merrily on its course.

Boon Rawd's Singha Park

One of the most attractive places to visit in Chiang Rai, Singha Park should be on your bucket list. A place where you can have a fun-filled day, Singha Park is replete with places like a small zoo, zip line, farm, vegetable and fruit garden. This is a place where you can look forward to having an adventure with your loved ones.

Mae Fah Luang Art And Culture Park

The culture of Thailand is unique due to the presence of a large number of tribal communities here. Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park was imparting education to certain ethnic minority tribes. Today, since it doesn’t impart education anymore, it is a museum that holds priceless collections reflecting authentic Thai and Lanna cultures.

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Chiang Rai's Night Market

If there is one place in Chiang Rai where you can see Thai culture at its fullest form, it is the night market or the night bazaar. Close to the Walking Street types of Thailand, this night bazaar is where you can shop for exclusive handicraft items made of wood, scarves, bags, jewelry, and many kinds of souvenirs that reflect Lanna culture and other hill tribal communities, at reasonable prices.

Oub Kham Museum

A visit to the Oub Kham Museum is the perfect way to increase your knowledge about the rich history of the Lanna Kingdom. If you consider yourself a culture vulture, the exhibits put on display the tribal artifacts and other objects of historical importance will impress you with their priceless collections.

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Blue Temple

Unlike most temples in Chiang Rai, Blue Temple is a recent addition to its collection of exquisite temples. Built in 2005 over the ruins of an ancient shrine, this temple is dedicated to the tigers that inhabited the region once. Wat Rong Seua Ten, known as Blue Temple by outsiders, is an exemplifying blend of modern art and traditional architecture in Chiang Rai.

Monkey Temple

Wat Tham Pla is a popular site among locals as well as outsiders due to its religious significance and all the surprises it holds within its divine realm. The temple is popularly called Monkey Temple due to the large number of macaques that live here. Located close to the Burmese border, the temple complex has a modest but attractive façade and a very tranquil ambiance.

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Pu Kaeng Waterfall

Another gorgeous waterfall adorning the geography of Chiang Rai with its mere presence, Pu Kaeng is an entrance to the world of unspoilt nature and serenity. Located within the peaceful domain of Doi Luang National Park, this waterfall snakes through virgin forests before finally bouncing off several naturally formed rocky steps.

Guan Yin Statue

Spread across a large area and surrounded by raw nature, Wat Huay Pla Kang complex houses a giant white image of Guan Yin, The Goddess of Mercy, which can be seen from afar. The presence of this statue makes this Buddhist temple one of the most remarkable tourist places in Chiang Rai.

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Long Neck Hill Tribe Villages

Learn more about the diversity of north Thai culture by visiting one of the hill tribe villages near Chiang Rai. As you’ll need transportation and a translator to get the most out of the experience, hill tribe villages are most commonly visited as part of a cultural research. The most visited tribal villages are Karen Village Akha Village and Hmong Village due to its heritage and ancient tradition.

Baan Dam Museum (Black House)

Enjoy an interesting excursion with a visit to Baan Dam Museum in Chiang Rai. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Chiang Rai, Baan Dam Museum often conceived as Thawan Duchanee’s creative portrayal of what hell would look like. It comprises of a temple that houses a collection of skins, bones, teeth, and taxidermy of a range array of animals.

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Mae Khachan Hot Springs

If you are looking forward to spending a couple of easy hours with your family, Mae Khachan Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai. Located between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the hot spring is frequently visited by people traveling between the two cities.

Tree Top Adventure Park

Add some thrill and action to your trip by visiting Tree Top Adventure Park, one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai for any adventure seeker. From children to adults, the park is ideally designed to deliver an exciting outing experience to everyone. Although the range of activities is not quite wide, they are good enough to quench your hunger for adventure.

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Hall Of Opium Museum

A unique museum in the Golden Triangle area that will take you on an interesting journey where you can learn some valuable facts about opium, its history, its usage, and much more, Hall of Opium Museum is one of the top tourist places in Chiang Rai. Offering an interactive learning experience to adults as well as kids, this museum is a great spot where you can visit with your entire family and spend some leisurely moments.

A wonderful royal villa located in Chiang Rai, the Doi Tung palace, is one of the major landscapes in the quiet island. The simple yet elegant interiors of the palace are a pure blend of magnificent Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. This was the residence of Late Princess Mother, who contributed immensely for uplifting the living conditions of the tribal people in this area.

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Huay Mae Sai Waterfall

Whether you are seeking opportunities to get adventurous or you want a blanket of calm to engulf you, Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is among the most heavenly tourist places in Chiang Rai. The path that leads to the waterfall is rough, so you have to resort to either an elephant ride or a 4x4 vehicle to reach here.

Doi Din Dang Pottery

Bring out your creative side at Doi Din Dang Pottery and design some creative items when you are in Chiang Rai. One of the most exciting places to visit in Chiang Rai, this place is surrounded by the most serene landscape and allows you to channel your artistic energies.

Oubkham Museum

If people in Chiang Rai and all over Thailand are aware of the excellent cultural traditions and heritage that were prevalent in Northern Thailand many centuries ago during the Lanna Kingdom rule, it is due to this excellent museum.

Chiang Rai Walking Street

Topping the list of the most excellent tourist places in Chiang Rai ideal for spending an eventful evening with family and friends, Chiang Rai Walking Street is a busy market area. Throngs of visitors with all their energy and excitement create a happening atmosphere that is sure to cheer anyone up.

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6 Places to Visit in Chiang Rai + Things To Do

Chiang Rai offers a unique and budget-friendly experience of Thailand culture. The city in the northernmost part of the country, the side closest to Laos and Burma, may not be as pricey as Bangkok or Phuket, but it is rich with impressive sights to see and cool things to do, offering a great travel experience alright.

With its rich history, from being Mangrai Dynasty’s capital to going under Burmese rule until it was declared a Thailand province in 1933, Chiang Rai presents some significant historical sights worth visiting. But modern-day structures are not to miss, too. Recent developments featuring the homegrown talents that built impressive architecture are drawing crowds, making Wat Ring Khun or the White Temple, Wat Rong Suea Ten or the Blue Temple, and Baan Dam Museum the most popular attractions to date.

Unlike Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai’s airport serves domestic flights from Bangkok. International tourists from Singapore, China, Hongkong, Taiwan, and South Korea who want a faster and easier route to the province go through Chiang Mai International Airport and travel three hours to Chiang Rai.

To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted below. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference. But before you start ticking goals off your bucketlist, here are travel essentials & discounts you’ll need to check. Pre-book online for a hassle-free trip!

Chiang Rai travel essentials

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Chiang Rai Hotels Tours + discounts Flights

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Chiang Mai Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Mai City & more (northern Thailand)

Chiang Rai Airport-Chiang Rai City/Hotel Shuttle – CEI Shared Transfers

Private Chiang Mai International Airport Transfers (CNX) for Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai Full Day Private Tour with White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, and Singha Park By Oriental Holiday

Black House & White Temple Trip from Chiang Mai

Private Chiang Rai International Airport Transfers (CEI) for Chiang Rai

View all travel tips on: Chiang Rai .

1. White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Location : 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

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Chiang Rai Half Day Private Tour with White Temple, Blue Temple, and Black House By Oriental Holiday

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2. Black Houses (Baandam Museum)

Location : 333 หมู่ 13 พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านดำ Nang Lae, อำเภอเมือง Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

3. Clock Tower Chiang Rai

Location : 306 หมู่ที่ 2 Maekok Rd, Tambon Rim Kok, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

4. Indulge in Northern Thai Food

5. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

Location : Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

6. Wat Jed Yod

Location : Jetyod Rd, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Where to go near Chiang Rai & beyond

Location : Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Chiang Mai Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Chiang Main-Chiang Mai Private Car/Shuttle Transfers

Chiang Rai & the Golden Triangle

Top discounts

Chiang Mai Car Charter – One Day or Multiple Days Surrounding Areas

Doi Inthanon National Park

Chiang Rai & The Golden Triangle Tour from Chiang Mai

See more : Chiang Mai travel tips

Luang Prabang, Laos

Location : Luang Prabang province, northern Laos . Save on Google Maps .

Luang Prabang Travel Essentials

Pak Ou Cave & Kuang Si Waterfall Day Tour from Luang Prabang

Vang Vieng – Luang Prabang Shuttle – Shared City Transfers

Luang Prabang Private Car Charter by Laos Smile

See more : Luang Prabang, Laos travel tips

Location : Bangkok, central Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Bangkok Travel Essentials

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket

Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Ayutthaya Day Trip with Sunset Boat Ride from Bangkok

See more : Bangkok travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Chiang Rai that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai tourist spots, things to do in Chiang Rai, where to go in Chiang Rai & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Click below & search recommended Chiang Rai hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

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The Ultimate Thailand Travel Guide: Top Attractions & Tips

Your gateway to thailand’s top temples, stunning beaches, and rich culture.

Looking for the perfect getaway filled with breathtaking temples, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture? Thailand offers all that and more, making it an ideal destination for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re drawn to the golden spires of ancient temples or the allure of tropical islands, Thailand tours offer the ultimate adventure. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Phuket and the historical wonders of Ayutthaya, there’s something for everyone in this magical land.

Discovering Thailand’s Cultural Heritage

Thailand’s rich history comes alive in its magnificent temples and historical landmarks. The Grand Palace in Bangkok is a must-see, showcasing a dazzling display of Thai architecture and home to the revered Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha). If you’re eager to dive deeper into Buddhist culture, a visit to Wat Pho and Wat Arun will leave you in awe with their intricate designs and historical significance.

In Chiang Mai , the northern heart of Thailand, you’ll find even more captivating temples, including Wat Phra Singh and Wat Chedi Luang . These temples are not only architectural marvels but also active centers of local religious life, where you can witness monks in prayer and even participate in a meditation session. To round out your cultural experience, be sure to explore the UNESCO-listed Ayutthaya Historical Park , where ancient ruins transport you back to the grandeur of Thailand’s past.

Escape to Thailand’s Dreamy Beaches

No trip to Thailand is complete without some sun, sea, and sand. The southern regions of the country are renowned for their world-famous beaches, with Phuket and Krabi leading the charge. Imagine lounging on the soft, white sands of Railay Beach or snorkeling in the clear waters around the Phi Phi Islands . If you crave more secluded escapes, venture to Koh Lanta or Koh Tao for a quieter, more laid-back vibe.

Koh Samui is another top pick for beach lovers, offering a blend of luxury and natural beauty. Whether you’re exploring hidden waterfalls, practicing yoga on the beach, or enjoying a Thai massage by the sea, Koh Samui promises a tranquil escape with just the right amount of adventure.

Immerse Yourself in Thailand’s Vibrant Culture

Beyond temples and beaches, Thailand’s culture is a feast for the senses. A visit to a local market, such as the Chatuchak Weekend Market in Bangkok or the Night Bazaar in Chiang Mai, will introduce you to the rich flavors and fragrances of Thai cuisine. Try local favorites like pad thai , tom yum soup , and mango sticky rice while wandering through bustling market stalls filled with handcrafted goods and traditional textiles.

Don’t miss the chance to witness a Muay Thai boxing match, a national sport deeply ingrained in Thai culture, or join in on the lively celebrations of Loy Krathong and Songkran , two of the most colorful festivals in Thailand. For something truly unique, head to the Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, where you can learn about ethical elephant tourism and even spend a day caring for these majestic creatures.

Adventurer’s FAQ

What is the best time to visit Thailand? The best time to visit Thailand is during the cool and dry season, from November to February, when the weather is most pleasant. However, Thailand is a year-round destination, with the southern beaches offering sunny days even in the rainy season.

Do I need a visa for Thailand? Most nationalities can enter Thailand without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest visa requirements before traveling.

How much should I budget for a Thailand trip? Thailand is known for being a budget-friendly destination. You can enjoy local meals for as little as $2, while budget accommodations range from $10 to $30 per night. Luxury travelers will also find high-end hotels and resorts at much more affordable prices compared to other global destinations.

Is it safe to travel in Thailand? Thailand is generally safe for tourists, but like any destination, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Be cautious of your belongings in busy areas and avoid scams by booking tours and activities through reputable operators.

Top Experiences & Tours in Thailand

4-Day Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai Tour Discover the best of northern Thailand with this immersive 4-day tour through Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai . Visit stunning temples like Wat Rong Khun (White Temple), explore the historic sites, and experience the local hill tribe culture. This tour is perfect for those looking to explore Thailand’s northern gems in a short time. See Full Itinerary and Book

6-Day Thailand Tour: Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai This 6-day tour offers a fantastic blend of Thailand’s bustling cities and historical landmarks. Begin in Bangkok with its famous temples, head to Ayutthaya to explore ancient ruins, and finish your journey in the cultural heart of Chiang Mai . A perfect itinerary for those looking to capture Thailand’s rich history and vibrant urban life. Plan Your Thailand Adventure

6-Day Tour of Bangkok and Pattaya Experience the exciting contrast between Thailand’s capital city and the beach resort of Pattaya . This 6-day tour takes you through the best of Bangkok , including the Grand Palace and bustling markets, and then whisks you away to Pattaya’s famous beaches and lively nightlife. Book Your Bangkok and Pattaya Escape

7 Days Bangkok, Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai Tour Explore the heart and soul of Thailand in this 7-day tour covering Bangkok , Chiang Mai , and Chiang Rai . Visit sacred temples, colorful markets, and ancient ruins, while immersing yourself in the cultural richness of both the bustling capital and serene northern Thailand. Explore the Full 7-Day Itinerary

7-Day Bangkok and Phuket Tour For beach lovers and city explorers alike, this 7-day tour offers the perfect mix. Start your adventure in Bangkok , visiting top temples and markets, before flying to Phuket to enjoy the crystal-clear waters and vibrant island life. A perfect combination of urban excitement and island relaxation. Discover More & Book Today

8-Day Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Phuket Tour An 8-day journey that covers the best of Thailand’s most iconic destinations. Start in Bangkok for its temples and markets, travel to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai for cultural experiences and breathtaking temples, and end your adventure on the sandy beaches of Phuket . This tour truly captures Thailand’s diversity. Start Your Ultimate Thailand Journey

10-Day Thailand Tour: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai & Phuket Dive deep into Thailand’s rich culture and natural beauty on this 10-day tour. From the bustling streets of Bangkok to the ancient ruins of Ayutthaya , explore the wonders of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai before finishing your trip with sun-kissed beaches in Phuket . This tour offers an unforgettable, well-rounded experience of Thailand. See the Full 10-Day Tour Details

Each of these tours offers a unique and exciting way to explore the treasures of Thailand, catering to both culture enthusiasts and those looking to soak in the beauty of Thailand’s stunning landscapes!

Finding Bliss in Thailand’s Wonders

Thailand’s harmonious blend of ancient temples, vibrant culture, and paradise-like beaches makes it a traveler’s dream. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Bangkok, relaxing on a beach in Phuket, or venturing into the mountains of Chiang Mai, there is always a new experience waiting to captivate your senses.

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