12 Top Things To Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand: Travel Guide

About Chiang Rai

An underrated destination shadowed by the younger, more lively, and popular Chiang Mai or Pai, Chiang Rai is a hidden gem in the northernmost province of Thailand. It’s right by the borders of Myanmar and Laos, which you can see when you visit the Golden Triangle Park.

Chiang Rai is a small city with a relatively low number of tourists, but it serves as a great jump-off point to other great spots in the province. When visiting the city, expect a calm and laid-back vibe, which is a great contrast and escape as it is still considered off-the-radar to most tourists.

Plus, if you’re a fan of hiking and nature trails, Chiang Rai has some breathtaking trails that will take you through lush green forests to see majestic waterfalls set in a beautiful natural environment. 

There are not too many sites in the city itself, so you can relax and take your time exploring without having to rush to the next destination.

And if you’re just coming for a short visit, yes, you can visit some of the main spots in Chiang Rai in a day. So, adding Chiang Rai to your Thailand itinerary is definitely worth it, especially in you’re already planning on visiting Chiang Mai.

Chiang Rai Travel Tips

But first, before we jump into the top things to do in Chiang Rai, let’s cover the essentials and tips to help you have a more fun, enjoyable, and safer trip to the north and the rest of Thailand.

Best things to do in Chiang Rai

While the town is mostly popular for its White Temple, there are lots of other things to do in Chiang Rai. And if you have extra time, it’s a great base for exploring lesser-known places of Thailand, like the Golden Triangle.

• Read all our Thailand travel guides.

1. White Temple

Wat Rong Khun, known as White Temple, is a must-visit place in Chiang Rai because it’s a definite stand-out from other temples typically seen in Thailand.

Its stunning all-white theme and evocative art pieces that reflect Buddhist teachings made the White Temple the most visited attraction in Chiang Rai and one of the most known temples in Thailand.

You can take a stroll on the grounds and take pictures of contemporary art pieces that look strange but otherwise thematic.

Once you’re done with the grounds, you cross the bridge to the main building, called the Ubosot (Ordination Hall), where you can catch a glimpse of a few easter eggs (Iron Man, Michael Jackson, Gollum, etc.). But keep in mind that taking photos inside is forbidden.

• Everything you need to know before visiting the White Temple – Read here!

Travel tip: Make sure to dress appropriately and observe temple rules when entering the temple.

• Click to see the price and availability of the Chiang Rai highlights tour.

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2. Blue Temple 

Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as The Blue Temple, is a top attraction to visit in Chiang Rai that showcases a more contemporary vibe. Completed in January 2016, its bright blue structure reminiscent of sapphire has very intricate details in gold and silver.

The color choice of blue is meant to embody purity, wisdom, and lack of materialism.

• Read next: Blue Temple Chiang Rai Travel Guide

According to legends, tigers roamed free in the area where the temple is, hence the name Wat Rong Suea Ten, which is translated as “Temple of the Dancing Tiger”. So, expect to see numerous tiger sculptures in and around the Blue Temple complex.

The Blue Temple is not that big, so 30 minutes is enough to see it for most people. But visit as early as 8 AM-10 AM or late afternoon to avoid big crowds.  

Travel tip: Unlike the White Temple, you’re free to take pictures here, even inside the main hall, but be respectful of others.

3. Khun Korn Waterfall

For a nature escape, visiting Khun Korn Waterfall is one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai. This 70-meter beauty is the highest waterfall in the area. It’s located deep in the luscious Namtok Khun Korn Forest Park, about an hour’s drive from downtown Chiang Rai.

The hike on the 3 km round-trip trail to Khun Korn Waterfall passes through beautiful banana fields and bamboo forests and is pretty easy and suitable for everyone.

Once you reach the waterfall, there is a viewing platform, but you can also get down to the river bed to observe the waterfall from closer up. However, the waterfall is pretty powerful, so you will get wet for sure.

The Khun Korn Waterfall is open from 8 AM to 5 PM, and you don’t need to pay any entry fee.

4. Black House – Baan Dam Museum

For fans of curiosities and the macabre visiting Chiang Rai, the Black House, locally better known as Baan Dam Museum, is a top attraction you wouldn’t want to miss.

Located 3 km from the city center, the museum and gallery is actually the former home and studio of the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. The complex is made up of over 40 wooden structures, all dark colored with gold details, and features a whole variety of art from around the world.

You can spend a few hours admiring the architecture and the pieces, but be warned: some works are not PETA-approved (i.e., animal bones, skins, and such).

The Baan Dam Museum is open daily from 9 AM – 5 PM with an entry fee of 80 baht ($2.2).

• You can book a tour that includes a visit to the Baan Dam Museum and all the other highlights of Chiang Rai Province (White Temple, tea plantation, Golden Triangle, and more).

Fun fact: You can scan the QR codes located around the buildings, which will animate the art. Pretty cool!

5. Wat Huay Pla Kang

Another must-visit temple that should be on your top things to do in Chiang Rai list is Wat Huay Pla Kang, a beautiful temple about a 15-minute drive outside of the center.

Located on top of a hill, this magnificent temple complex provides beautiful panoramic views of the countryside. Though often mistaken for a big Buddha, the Goddes of Mercy (Guanyin) greets its visitors with a big giant smile from 90 meters high.

• Also read: Visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket

You can explore the temple complex and admire its contemporary style, a mix of Chinese and Thai architecture. Or for 40 baht per person, you can also take the elevator up 25 floors inside the Guanyin statue and go straight up to its eyes – talk about having a great perspective! 

Wat Huay Pla Kang is open from 7 AM to 9:30 PM, and you can roam around the temple grounds for free. Although there is a 40 THB ($1) entrance fee to go up the statue of the Goddess of Mercy.

We recommend visiting Huay Pla Kang temple for sunset. As the sun begins to set, the sky becomes a canvas of vibrant colors, creating an unforgettable experience for all who visit. Plus, the pagoda looks really nice once it gets lit up during the night.

6. Night Market

Like in any city in Thailand, especially a provincial capital, one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai is to visit its night markets, where you can sample the local cuisine and street food and shop for cool stuff.

There are a few different night markets in Chiang Rai, but the day of your visit will determine which to visit.

The Saturday Night Walking Street (also known as Chiang Rai Walking Street) is open from 3 pm to 10 pm every Saturday on Thanalai Road and is especially local-approved. Once the traffic stops, the street suddenly becomes a pedestrian haven filled with stalls selling handmade crafts, clothes, arts, and, of course, delicious food.

There is also a Sunday Night Market and Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. They each work on a specific day in the week except Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, which is the only one open every day from 6-11 pm.

Immerse yourself in local culture, and eat your way through, then enjoy live performances ranging from traditional music to dance shows. This is a favorite spot for locals to gather and have fun, so the whole atmosphere feels very authentic.

We loved the dancing part the most! First, we observed all the groups dancing, and then later, we were invited to join.

It was such a fun night and one of our favorite memories from Thailand!

7. Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Visiting Chiang Rai doesn’t always mean going to temples or riding to go somewhere. In fact, the clock tower right at the city center is one of the best things to see on your visit to Chiang Rai.

It’s in the middle of a super busy roundabout on the main road with a constant flow of motorists and tuk-tuks. So, even if you don’t plan to visit intentionally, it’s very likely you’ll pass by it either way. 🙂

Find a spot to sit, enjoy, and take pictures of this very beautiful (and expensive) golden clock tower. Schedule your visit for PM, 8 PM, or 9 PM, and you’ll see the light show and Thai music show.

8. Choui Fong Tea Plantation

Another great thing to do in Chiang Rai besides going to the temples is to visit the Choui Fong Tea Plantation and Tea Cafe, about 1 hour north of the city center. The plantation has been operational for over half a century and is the largest tea supplier in the area.

Chuoi Fong Tea Plantation is a must-visit spot for tea lovers, as you can find various kinds of tea products from many tea-flavored desserts like cakes and ice cream, and, of course, plenty of tea, from varieties such as Assam, Green, Oolong and Black Tea.

The Choui Fong Tea Plantation is open from 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM, and entry is free.

Enjoy a cup of high-quality traditional tea at the cafe as you gaze at the massive tea fields that cover almost 2 square kilometers or find the cutest spots to take pictures in.

9. Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan

A hidden gem in Chiang Rai, although an upcoming new tourist attraction but not yet visited by many tourists, is Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan, considered to be one of the most beautiful temples you can find in Northern Thailand.

Located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Rai city, this is more of a local place, and you won’t really see a lot of foreign tourists visiting it. It truly still feels like a hidden gem.

From the countless statues to the boldness of colors and the level of detail, Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan is impressive and maybe even a bit overwhelming – it almost looks like a theme park.

Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan temple is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. 

• Also read: Visiting the Grand Palace in Bangkok

When we visited, there was still construction going on at one part of the temple, and it seems like they plan to expand it by a lot more. Now, Wat Saeng Kaeo Phothiyan temple also has a skywalk, which you can enter for 40 baht ($1) from 9 am to 4 pm.

Count to spend at least 1-2 hours here as the temple complex is huge with endless amounts of statues and buildings, and even a beautiful small garden.

10. Cooking Class

Whether you want to recreate that delicious Pad Thai you ate from a street vendor in the night market or expand your list of Thai foods to try, the best thing to do in Chiang Rai is to enroll in a cooking class. Some even include a market tour or trekking, which is a fun way to spice it up.

• Check the price and availability for cooking classes in Chiang Rai.

11. Trekking

To explore the nature of Chiang Rai in a different way, the best thing is to go trekking or hiking on one of the Chiang Rai trails. The great thing is that most are easy to do by yourself, unguided.

You can also join one of the many guided trekking tours that offer a variety of services. Some would take up a whole day and give you a crash course in bamboo cooking, while others offer a full immersion to a tribe.

12. Day trip to Mae Sai and Golden Triangle

If you have some extra time in Chiang Rai, put a day trip to the Golden Triangle on your Chiang Rai itinerary. The Golden Triangle, part of Chiang Rai Province, is the northernmost region of Thailand where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet.

Fun fact: The Golden Triangle is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Thailand, such as Anantara Golden Triangle and Four Seasons Tented Camp, so this might be a great place to treat yourself.

This area was once a hub for opium production and trafficking, but now it is a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beauty and unique culture. You can explore the local villages, take boat rides along the Mekong River, and visit the Opium Museum to learn about the history of the opium trade in the region and world.

• Also read: Koh Samui Complete Travel Guide

The Golden Triangle is also home to stunning temples and ancient ruins that offer a glimpse into Northern Thailand’s rich cultural heritage.

• Book a day tour that visits all of Chiang Rai’s main attractions, including the Golden Triangle, here.

Mae Sai

If you want to explore a bit more, be sure to check out Mae Sai. Located at the northernmost point of Thailand, Mae Sai is a bustling border town that offers a glimpse into the daily lives of locals and a chance to experience the vibrant culture of the border region.

Some top things to do in Mae Sai include browsing the local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs and visiting the Wat Phra That Doi Wao temple for stunning views of the surrounding hills.

We stayed in the Golden Triangle overnight to make our trip around the area easier, but you could do it in a day, especially if you rent a car and not a motorbike for your trip.

Best time to visit Chiang Rai

The best time to visit Chiang Rai, Thailand, is between October and February, as these are considered the area’s cool months of the year.

However, since the weather is relatively cooler and less humid, visitors tend to flock to Chiang Rai during these months, so expect the sites to be more crowded and the prices higher than usual. Even though Chiang Rai is still much less visited than some other places in Thailand.

Between December and January, you can catch the Flower Festival, and between late January and early February, the King Meng Rai Festival, organized in honor of the founding of Chiang Rai and the Lanna Kingdom.

On the other hand, March to May is considered the less ideal time to visit Chiang Rai as these months fall under the hot season. Daily temperatures can vary between 27 to 36 degrees Celsius, and it gets warmer as the season progresses.

But if you happen to go around this time, participating in the Songkran Festival/Thai New Year (April) and the Lychee Fair Festival (mid-May) can be a welcome distraction from the heat.

June to September can be an option if you’re looking for a happy medium. It’s the wet season, but since it doesn’t rain torrentially in Chiang Rai, you get cooler temperatures minus the crowd and high prices. Just bring some rain protection.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

The best area to stay in Chiang Rai is the Clock Tower and Night Market Area, especially if it’s your first time traveling to these parts.

Being close to the city center allows you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s culture and the night market scene, which Thailand is famous for. Staying near these areas also provides easy access to restaurants, bars, and cafes. Besides the location, you’ll find it surprisingly cheaper to stay in these parts.

Top-rated stays to consider on your visit to Chiang Rai:

• Luxury Hotel: Le Méridien Resort, MORA Boutique Hotel
• Mid-range Hotel: Hi Chiangrai Hotel, Nak Nakara Hotel
• Budget Hotel: Hop Inn Clock Tower, Bann Tawan Hostel & Spa, Baan Warabordee Hotel
• Hostel: Connect Hostel, Mercy Hostel

For a quieter experience opt for the riverside area where also some of the most upscale hotels of the city are, like Le Méridien Resort, The Legend River Resort, and The Riverie.

Where to eat in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is famous for its unique northern Thai cuisine, which is a beautiful representation of its Lanna Kingdom roots. However, the food tends to lean towards the more spicy side of Thai cuisine, so if you can’t handle much heat, inform your server beforehand so they can make adjustments.

Some of the dishes that you should try during your Chiang Rai visit are sai oua (spicy pork sausage), khao soi (egg noodle soup in coconut curry broth), gaeng hung lay (slow-stewed pork belly curry), and the famous spicy dip, nam prik.

• Must visit in Thailand: Krabi Top Things To Do

If you’re a vegetarian or a vegan, don’t fret; there are great options for you. Some of the most delicious restaurants and cafes in the area happen to be vegetarian/vegan-friendly. Check out Kunda Cafe, Oasis Vegetarian (Asian), and Connect Cafe for starters.

Best restaurants to try in Chiang Rai:

• Kunda Cafe (International)
• Ran Lab Sanam Keela (Northern Thai Food)
• Melt In Your Mouth (Thai and International)
• Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar (Thai and European)
• Favola at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort (Italian, European)
• Accha Authentic Indian Cuisine

Our recommendation for a must-visit spot in Chiang Rai is the PunPao Bakery, not far from the Clock Tower, which serves up delicious hot steamed buns with SO many different flavors. We’ve had a lot of steamed buns in Vietnam and Thailand, and these were absolutely fantastic.

How to get to Chiang Rai

When thinking of how to get to Chiang Rai, the best option would depend on where in Thailand you’re coming from.

By plane

If you’re traveling from Bangkok, the best way to get to Chiang Rai is by plane. The province has an airport with affordable daily flights to and from BKK (one hour and thirty-minute flight) serviced by several budget airlines.

Otherwise, Chiang Mai has many frequent domestic and international flights, so it’s convenient to transfer from there.

• Check flight deals from Bangkok.

By bus

If you’re traveling from Chiang Mai, the bus is the most affordable and relatively the fastest way to get to Chiang Rai. Book your bus here.

You can ride the GreenBus Thailand via Chiang Mai’s Arcade Bus Station, which costs about 320 baht ($9) for a 3-4 hour one-way ride. This is the best option to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai, as these buses are pretty frequent, almost every hour of the day, starting at 7 AM.

By car

Whether you’re renting your car or taking a private driver/taxi, it’d take you about 3 to 4 hours to get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, but it’s a more comfortable ride.

Renting a car makes a lot of sense if you also want to explore beyond Chiang Rai city.

By train

Unfortunately, Chiang Rai isn’t connected to Thailand’s rail network yet. It’s supposedly coming in 2028!

How to get around Chiang Rai

There are already plenty of sites to see within downtown Chiang Rai. But if you want to make the most of your trip, we suggest you explore its outskirts and some of the other famous sites found about an hour or two away from the city.

Rent a motorbike or car

The best way to get around Chiang Rai is by renting a motorbike.

Most rental agencies have hassle-free booking processes. Although some will ask for your passport, most require you to pay a refundable security deposit of around 3000 THB (80 USD). The average daily motorbike rental is around 200 THB ($6).

Like renting motorbikes, car rentals offer extra flexibility for your trips but will cost a bit more, around 1000 to 2000 Thai Baht per day (30 – 60 USD). However, they’re much more comfortable than bikes. Plus, the roads in Chiang Rai are really good, and generally much calmer than other major cities.

• Click to see rental car prices and availability.

Grab

If you don’t know or want to drive a car or a motorbike, taking a Grab taxi (Uber) is another great option. You can easily book rides via the Grab Taxi app, which allows you to see the price of the ride beforehand. On average, getting to most sites costs about 120 – 200 Thai Baht per trip (3 – 6 USD). 

Songthaew or tuk-tuk

Songthaews are the red shared taxis that are cheaper to ride than tuk-tuks. On average, it only costs around 30 baht per person per ride (about 1 USD).

How many days to spend in Chiang Rai

In just 2 days in Chiang Rai, you can cover most of its highlights. However, if you have the extra time and it’s worth it, we recommend spending 3-4 days in the area.

There are just too many great temples and museums to visit, and an extra day or two can help you freely enjoy and explore beyond Chiang Rai town. That way, you can also see the outskirts and hike at some of Chiang Rai’s beautiful forest parks or go for a scenic drive to see the nearby countryside or border area at the Golden Triangle.

If you’re short on time, you can visit Chiang Rai and its main highlights on a day trip from Chiang Mai, which is about 3 hours away. That’s how a majority of tourists visit Chiang Rai.

Prices in Chiang Rai

As a tourist in Chiang Rai, you can expect to spend an average of $20 to $50 per day on accommodation, depending on your preferences and budget. Check hotel prices here.

If you plan on exploring the city and its surrounding areas, renting a scooter will cost you about 6 USD, and a car can cost around 50 USD per day. Check car rental prices here.

Admission fees to popular attractions like the White Temple and Black House Museum can range from $2 to $5. Check the prices of activities and experiences here.

As for food, you can enjoy tasty local dishes for as little as $2 per meal or splurge on a fine dining experience for around $20 to $30.

Overall, a daily budget of $40 to $100 should be sufficient to cover all your expenses in Chiang Rai. Of course, you can spend less or more than this, depending on your type of travel.

Accommodation	Food	Transport
Hotel: $20 – $150 / night	Inexpensive meal: $2 – $4	Taxi 1km: $1 – $2
Hostel: $5 – $10 / night	Mid-range meal: $7 – $10	Bike rental: $6 – $12
		Car rental: $30 – $60

Internet in Chiang Rai

Internet access is readily available in Chiang Rai, making it easy to stay connected. Most hotels and guesthouses offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants with internet access.

Although Wifi is readily available, we highly recommend a local phone package so you can book a Grab and similar. We’ve used and can recommend the eSIM by Thailandesim packages with local number included (get 5% off with code SHIPPEDAWAY).

Is Chiang Rai a safe destination?

Chiang Rai is a safe destination for all kinds of travelers, solo, group, and families. It has a warm and hospitable atmosphere, and since it’s relatively not as popular as, let’s say, Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, or Pai, it won’t feel as crowded as well.

However, like any travel destination, practicing safe travel practices and caution is still recommended. And don’t forget the travel insurance! Click here to check the price.

Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?

The short answer: Yes, absolutely, Chiang Rai is worth visiting. Though not as famous as many of the other bigger, louder, and younger Thai cities, its calm and laid-back atmosphere provides a breath of fresh air.

If you want to get a bit away and visit a quieter and greener place, visiting Chiang Rai in Thailand is a great option.