Chiang Rai is the perfect stop for those looking for a peaceful, calm, and chilled destination in northern Thailand. Filled with gorgeous temples and amazing food, and surrounded by spectacular scenery, it more than deserves a spot on your Thailand itinerary. In this post, I will share the best things to do, see, and eat in Chiang Rai.
Located in northern Thailand near the borders of Laos and Myanmar, Chiang Rai remains somewhat of a hidden gem. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbour Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai has somehow avoided mass tourism, meaning it is quieter, less busy, less touristy, and still offers an authentic experience.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep the blog running and growing, with lots of free content for you to enjoy.
Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
Chiang Rai is well worth visiting. Despite its relatively small size, there is plenty to do there. Though Chiang Rai is possible as a day trip from Chiang Mai (it’s only around three hours away), I strongly recommend staying at least one night so you can soak up its chill atmosphere and enjoy its many sights.
You could certainly stay longer though, if you want to take your time and explore the surrounding area.
What to See and Do in Chiang Rai
Explore the City Centre
Chiang Rai’s city centre, which is located south of the Kok River, is a calm, quiet, and pleasant place to explore. This makes for a nice change of pace if you are coming from Chiang Mai, which can be very busy at times. Chiang Rai is also relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot.
You’ll find plenty of great restaurants in this part of town, as well as the majority of accommodation, markets, shops, and several of the city’s main attractions, such as:
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Built in 2008 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, this large, elaborate golden clock tower has become a symbol of the city. Every evening at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm on the dot, the clock tower comes to life in a captivating light display, bathing the surrounding buildings in a myriad of different colours.
Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
Dating back to the 14th century, Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai and is also where the famous Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434.
Now containing a copy of the statue (the original has been moved to Bangkok), Wat Phra Kaew remains one of the most important Buddhist temples in Thailand. It is a calm and peaceful place to learn more about Thai culture and history. If you get there around 6pm, you can witness the monks, who live on-site, doing their evening prayer rituals.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
While Chiang Rai is a pretty relaxed place during the day, the city comes more to life in the evening. One place to experience the nightlife is the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.
This lively market has plenty of stalls to browse for handmade souvenirs and handicrafts, as well as a large area where you can find a wide variety of food stalls. This makes it a great place to sample some delicious local dishes.
Speaking of which….
Sample the Local Cuisine
Chiang Rai is the perfect place to try northern Thai cuisine, which in my opinion is some of the best food in the country. Heavily influenced by Laotian, Burmese, and southwestern Chinese culinary traditions, it is packed with flavour and comes in a variety of exciting dishes. Keep an eye of for some of these local specialities:
- Khao Soi: A northern Thai curry noodle soup with crispy and soft noodles, typically served with chicken or beef and garnished with lime, pickled mustard greens, and shallots.
- Sai Ua: A spicy sausage made with pork, herbs and spices like lemongrass, lime leaves, and galangal.
- Nam Ngiao: A tomato-based soup with rice noodles, pork, and tofu, known for its unique tangy and spicy flavour.
- Miang Kham: A traditional snack made of betel leaves filled with ginger, lime, peanuts, shallots, chilies, and a sweet syrup.
- Kaeng Hang Lay: A Burmese-influenced pork curry with a rich, slightly sweet flavor, often made with ginger, garlic, and tamarind.
- Nam Prik Ong: A tomato and pork chilli dip, often served with vegetables and pork cracklings.
- Larb: A popular northern Thai dish made with minced meat (usually chicken or pork) mixed with herbs and spices.
In addition to the Night Bazaar, there are plenty of places you can find these dishes, such as:
If you are a big fan of northern Thai cuisine, you may wish to take a cooking class so you can recreate your favorite dishes back home. These cooking classes all sound really fun, with utterly delicious-sounding menus:
- Half-Day Thai Cooking Class with Organic Ingredients
- Suwannee Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour
- Chiang Rai Private Cooking Class
Visit the Unique Temples
Popping into peaceful temples is a popular activity in Thailand, but after a while you may suffer from what is known as “temple fatigue”. This is pretty understandable, as they can often be pretty similar.
This is why I think Chiang Rai is a good spot if you want something different, as it is home to some truly unique temples.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Chiang Rai’s most iconic temple should have the top spot in your schedule. The sight of it totally blew me away.
Designed by renowned artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is an incredible medley of symbolic images and intricate carvings. To enter the temple, you have to cross a bridge known as “the cycle of rebirth”, passing thousands of creepy white marble hands stretching up, representing temptation, lust, and greed.
Once inside the temple you’ll find a truly unique interior. The walls are covered in murals of flames, demons and cartoons of famous characters from pop culture, like Iron Man, Superman, Hello Kitty, Harry Potter, Michael Jackson, and Neo from the Matrix. Photographs aren’t allowed inside so you’ll just have to experience it for yourself!
As it is a religious site, you will need to dress modestly, covering your shoulders, chest and knees. Once you’ve explored the White Temple, explore the rest of the grounds where you can find other temples, pagodas, a wishing well, restaurants, cafes, and gift shops.
- Admission: 200 baht for foreigners, free for Thai nationals. It’s free to view the temples from the outside.
- Opening times: Daily from 8am to 5pm. Arrive early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, to avoid the lunchtime tour groups.
- Getting there: The most convenient way to get to the White Temple is by Grab. Grab works just like Uber or Lyft, letting you search for nearby drivers, check the fare and pay via the app (no haggling required!). You will need the Grab App and a local SIM card with internet access. You can also get there by tuk tuk, songthaew (shared shuttle bus), local bus from Chiang Rai bus station, or taxi.
Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple)
The Blue Temple is one of the most beautiful temples I’ve ever seen. It is absolutely mesmerising, painted in deep shades of sapphire blue, with gleaming gold trim. This temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, an apprentice of the White Temple’s designer Chalermchai Kositpipat.
- Getting there: By Grab taxi or tuk tuk.
- Entrance price: Free!
- Opening times: 7 am to 8 pm every day.
- Dress code: Again, modest clothes are required. You should also be quiet inside as locals and Buddhist people come here to pray and meditate.
Both temples can be easily visited in a day. There are lots of combined tours which visit the White Temple, the Blue Temple and other major sites in Chiang Rai, such as:
- Chiang Rai White Temple, Blue and Red Temple Tour
- Chiang Rai Temples Day Trip with Hot Springs
- Chiang Rai: Guided Highlights Guided Tour with Buffet Lunch
- Chiang Rai: Explore 7 Major Sites with All Tickets Included
- Chiang Rai: Private Tour with Driver and Custom Itinerary
Wat Huay Pla Kang (Red Temple)
Just a short drive from the city, Wat Huay Pla Kang is perched on a hill and instantly recognizable thanks to its towering white statue of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy, and the striking nine-level red-roofed pagoda. The architecture blends Thai and Chinese influences, offering both spiritual serenity and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Shuttle carts carry visitors up to the Guan Yin statue, making the visit accessible and easy. For the best experience, many travelers head there in the late afternoon to enjoy sunset views.
- Admission: Free! It costs 40 THB for the elevator inside the Guan Yin statue.
- Opening times: Roughly 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM/10:00 PM.
- Getting there: A taxi or tuk-tuk ride takes around 15–20 minutes and costs roughly THB 300–350, while budget travelers can opt for songthaews or rent a motorbike for flexibility.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
As if Chalermchai Kositpipat wasn’t busy enough designing the White Temple, he also created this unique museum, home to a collection of eclectic artwork and artefacts from around the world. The museum is housed in a series of black buildings and is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art.
- Admission: 80 THB
- Opening times: Daily from 9am – 5pm.
- Getting there: Grab, taxi, or tuk tuk.
Visit the Nature Spots near Chiang Rai
Khun Korn waterfall
Chiang Rai has plenty to offer nature lovers, with its gorgeous, mountainous surroundings full of beautiful waterfalls and hiking routes, which make for great half-day trips from the city. There are too many to list here, but one I can highly recommend is hiking through the rainforest to Khun Korn Waterfall in the Lam Nam Kok National Park.
Located around 25km from the city centre, this powerful 70m tall waterfall (one of the tallest in Thailand!) is accessible via a scenic 1.5km (3km round trip) trail, taking you through a dense jungle full of bamboo trees and other tropical plants. You don’t need any special shoes (trainers/sneakers are fine), but don’t forget your swimwear and towel so you can go for a dip at the base of the waterfall.
The trail is relatively easy; the path is well-maintained and has plenty of signs so you don’t have to worry about getting lost. Just bear in mind that it can get slippy, so take footwear with decent grip. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks and water.
- Admission: Free, but you will need to sign in at the entrance.
- Opening times: Daily from 8am – 4.30pm
- Getting there: There are no buses to Khun Korn Waterfall so you will need to either rent a vehicle or hire a taxi or Grab. My husband and I actually took a tuk-tuk for some reason, paying around 500 THB for a return trip (the driver happily waited for us while we hiked).
If you fancy something more physically challenging, there are some fantastic-sounding guided treks like this 15km trekking experience, which take you to hot springs, villages, waterfalls and hot springs. Alternatively there’s a full-day bike tour or half-day bike tour where you can cycle with a group through the gorgeous countryside surrounding Chiang Rai, before finishing at the unforgettable White Temple.
Doi Tung Royal Villa and Mae Fah Luang Garden
Delve into the history of the Thai royal family by exploring the former residence of Princess Mother Srinagarindra. Surrounded by beautifully-maintained gardens, the villa provides a glimpse into the royals’ lifestyle and legacy.
- Admission: 90 THB
- Opening hours: Daily from 8am-5pm
- Getting there: Doi Tung Royal Villa is located around 50km north of Chiang Rai, so you will need to either rent a car or hire a private driver.
Singha Park
If you’re still after some fun outdoor activities, be sure to visit Singha Park. Located just twenty minutes’ drive from Chiang Rai, this enormous park includes a mini zoo, tea plantation, lake, petting zoo, and several cafes and restaurants. The scenery is stunning – lush green fields, rolling hills, and vibrant flower gardens. You can do a guided tour of the tea plantation or whizz through the park on a zipline. The best way to get around is by renting a golf buggy, bike or scooter, or waiting for the park’s buses which stop in designated areas.
- Admission: Free, but there are additional costs for activities.
- Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am-5.30pm.
- Getting there: Taxi, Grab, or tuk-tuk.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Chiang Rai is Thailand’s largest tea-growing province, with the region’s fertile land and climate perfect for tea cultivation. For a relaxing and leisurely excursion, head on out to the Choui Fong Tea Plantation. Less than an hour’s drive from Chiang Rai, it’s a stunning tea plantation with vibrant, sprawling green tea fields you can explore on foot. You can also buy packaged tea as a souvenir, as well as enjoy the delicious tea-based treats from the on-site cafe that looks over the valley (don’t miss the green tea icecream!).
- Admission: Free, but there are additional costs for activities such as tours.
- Opening hours: Daily from 8.30am-5.30pm.
- Getting there: Taxi, Grab, or tuk-tuk.
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
Chiang Mai has a wide range of places to stay, from low-cost hostels to boutique hotels. I suggest staying as close to the city centre as possible so you can navigate the city on foot. Here are some well-rated accommodation options to consider:
- Baanbua Guest house ($) – A budget-friendly, centrally located guesthouse with simple, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi and a relaxed garden setting just a short walk from Chiang Rai’s Clock Tower and night markets
- Baan Warabordee ($) – A charming boutique guesthouse just a short stroll from the old town and night market, known for its peaceful garden setting, clean rooms, and friendly service with simple complimentary breakfast
- SuanTung Coffee & Guesthouse ($) – A cozy guesthouse with a coffee shop vibe, offering clean, comfortable rooms and great breakfast near markets and local eateries, plus a relaxed garden atmosphere and helpful hosts.
- Wangcome Hotel ($$) – A well-located mid-range hotel in the heart of Chiang Rai with comfortable rooms, a pool, restaurant, and easy walking access to the Clock Tower, night bazaar and bus station – ideal for exploring the city on foot.
- Rasa Boutique Hotel ($$) – A stylish city hotel with friendly staff, comfy rooms, and a pleasant pool area, offering great value for money and a central location for visiting Chiang Rai’s main attractions.
How to Get to Chiang Rai
- By Air: The easiest way is to fly into Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI), which has domestic flights from major Thai cities like Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. There are also some international flights from neighbouring countries.
- By Bus: Chiang Rai is accessible by bus from Chiang Mai (approximately 3-4 hours), Bangkok (about 10-12 hours), and other major cities. Buses are comfortable, with both standard and VIP options. I suggest booking your tickets via 12Go. Their website is really easy to use, and the most convenient way to search for and buy e-tickets.
- By Car: If you’re adventurous, you can rent a car and drive from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, which takes about 3-4 hours. The route offers scenic views of northern Thailand’s mountains and countryside.
- By Train: There is no direct train to Chiang Rai, but you can take a train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai and then continue to Chiang Rai by bus or car.
Visiting Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
If you don’t have time to stay overnight in Chiang Rai, there are some full-day tours that originate in Chiang Mai. They are well-organised with local guides taking you to Chiang Rai’s highlights, including the main temples. I’ve trawled through the tours (so you don’t have to!) and these have excellent reviews:
- From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples Guided Tour
- From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai Temples and Golden Triangle Tour
- From Chiang Mai: Chiang Rai’s Temples Exploration Day Trip
When to Visit Chiang Rai
The best time to visit is during the cool season from November to February when the weather is mild and pleasant. This time period is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. This is also when many local festivals, like the Chiang Rai Flower Festival, take place. The hot season (March to May) can be hot and humid, while the rainy season (June to October) brings lush landscapes but occasional heavy rains.
I hope this blog post has shown you that Chiang Rai, with its blend of ancient history and modern creativity, offers a travel experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Once you’ve visited Chiang Rai, why not visit nearby Chiang Mai? My post What To Do, See And Eat In Chiang Mai will help you plan an unforgettable visit.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow