There are a stunning variety of issues to see and do in Chiang Rai, a unusual, inventive metropolis in northern Thailand. Near the borders of each Laos and Myanmar, it’s an amazing base for visiting hill tribes and for scenic mountain trekking (one of the crucial adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai!).
Chiang Rai can also be house to an unbelievable variety of stunning temples — from historic jewelled monuments to uncommon modern artworks.
I stayed in Chiang Rai for over every week throughout my current journey to Thailand, and I nonetheless didn’t handle to see every little thing. I believe it’s a tremendous metropolis that deserves to be included on each northern Thailand journey itinerary.
21 Superior Issues to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
There are quite a few fascinating issues to do in Chiang Rai. That is positively one of many prime locations to go to in Thailand.
It’s doable to go to Chiang Rai for simply a few hours on a day journey from Chiang Mai, which is the larger and better-known metropolis in northern Thailand. It’s a 3-4 hour bus experience from Chiang Mai on winding mountain roads.
Many individuals who go to both come for the day or keep for just one evening, and so they attempt to pack in as many Chiang Rai actions as doable on a 1-day group tour.
Excursions will be a good suggestion in the event you’re quick on time. However in the event you’re not, there are such a lot of cool issues to do in Chiang Rai that it’s positively price staying a couple of days. Or keep a full week, like I did.
Listed here are my prime 21 issues to do in Chiang Rai.
1. Go to the White Temple
The epic White Temple, also called Wat Rong Khun, needed to be first on the listing. It’s positively one of the crucial well-known issues to do in Chiang Rai, and on this case, its iconic standing is deserved.
The White Temple is a sparkling-white trendy temple with an enormous variety of surreal touches. It’s a genuinely breathtaking sight, and I used to be stunned by simply how a lot I cherished it.
The White Temple was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Other than the well-known temple itself, there are different buildings and fascinating objects you may stroll round, plus a gallery of bizarre work by the identical artist. It’s truly a piece in progress, with surrounding buildings nonetheless being constructed.
You could possibly simply spend a few hours taking within the small, stunning particulars that make up this stunning temple advanced — comparable to essentially the most stunning and disturbing No Smoking signal I’ve ever seen, or Keanu Reeves in his Matrix outfit painted onto the wall contained in the temple.
I’ve learn a number of unfavourable feedback in regards to the White Temple. The most important criticism is that this well-known temple has change into too crowded and touristy, which is true, nevertheless it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line Chiang Rai points of interest.
You’ll have to barter the crowds and await a niche within the hordes of vacationers crowding each inch of the temple to snap the right picture.
The White Temple is unquestionably nonetheless price visiting, regardless of the variety of vacationers. You’ll be able to keep away from a number of the worst instances by visiting early within the day. Lots of people go to later within the day on a day journey from Chiang Mai. So in the event you keep in a single day in Chiang Rai and make it to the temple very first thing within the morning you’ll have the very best likelihood of getting an amazing expertise.
💵There’s an entrance charge of fifty baht ($1.60) for foreigners to go to the White Temple.
✓ It’s essential to notice that it is a Buddhist temple, so gown accordingly (overlaying shoulders and knees).
📍Tackle: 60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd, Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District. Discover the temple on the map right here.
🕰 Hours: 8am – 5pm Monday to Friday. Saturday and Sunday 8am – 5:30pm.
2. Discover the Black Home
Generally incorrectly referred to as the Black Temple, the Black Home is a group of painted wood homes that includes artwork by Thai modern artists, most notably its designer Thawan Duchanee.
Additionally referred to as the Baan Dam, the Black Home has the same surreal and trendy vibe because the White Temple. A number of the buildings do look very very like black temples, however there are a number of different weird buildings dotted round. Some resemble igloos, whereas there’s one big building that appears like a beached submarine.
After the pure glory of the White Temple, I’ve to confess that the Black Home didn’t fairly match up for me, nevertheless it was nonetheless an unbelievable Chiang Rai attraction and I positively advocate visiting. However, seeing it straight after the mesmerizing White Temple in all probability didn’t do it any favours. It was additionally extra crowded than the White Temple.
💵The doorway charge is 80 baht ($2.50).
📍Tackle: 333 หมู่ 13 พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านดำ Nang Lae, อำเภอเมือง Chiang Rai
🕰 Hours: Monday – Sunday 9am – 5pm.
3. Go to the Blue Temple
Visiting the Blue Temple was one in every of my absolute favorite issues to do in Chiang Rai.
Earlier than visiting Chiang Rai, I’d heard lots in regards to the wonders of the White Temple and the Black Home, however for some motive, I’d by no means heard of the Blue Temple.
I’ve completely no thought why, as a result of this unbelievable trendy temple fully blew me away! It’s vibrantly colored, modern and kitsch (however in a great way). The within can also be painted in extremely vibrant patterns and hues.
Also referred to as Wat Rong Seua Ten, the temple was solely accomplished in 2016 and I believe that’s why it isn’t as well-known as a number of the extra well-known Chiang Rai points of interest. I’m fairly sure that’s about to vary.
💵 Free!
📍Tackle: หมู่ที่ 2 306 Maekok Rd, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
🕰 Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7am to 8pm
4. Have an Iced Drink at Betty Espresso – an amazing pit cease when trying out all of the issues to do in Chiang Rai
I fell in love with Betty Espresso, a small, unassuming espresso store, due to its nice iced coffees and even higher decor.
The colorful cafe is mainly a shrine to the cartoon character Betty Boop. Betty-themed posters and dolls cowl each inch of the area. It’s simply down the street from Wat Klang Wieng, which makes it a great quirky relaxation cease whereas temple hopping. Click on right here for instructions.
Tackle: WR6M+45W, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
5. Dodge Monkeys on the Monkey Temple
The monkey temple, also called the Fish Cave Temple or Wat Tham Pla, is protected by a dramatic staircase with 7-headed Nagas (legendary serpents).
It’s completely overrun with monkeys. They’re truly fairly menacing and are identified to leap on unsuspecting vacationers to grab their issues, so go to at your personal danger!
The monkey cave is a brief drive from Chiang Rai and also you’ll want a automobile or scooter to go to. I didn’t lease a motorcycle in Chiang Rai however there are a number of bike rental retailers close to the central clock tower.
The fee will depend on the kind of bike you’re searching for. Usually it’s about 200 baht ($6 USD) per day. Though loads of travellers experience scooters and motorbikes in Thailand, remember that visitors will be extraordinarily hectic. If you happen to’re in an accident your journey insurance coverage could not cowl you in the event you don’t have a motorcycle license.
Alternatively, you may negotiate a worth for a return journey with a automobile or bike taxi driver, or be part of a bunch tour – extra on this under.
💵 Free entrance.
Tackle: ถ้ำลิง วัด ถ้ำปลา Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, 57130, Thailand
See Additionally: Value of Dwelling in Thailand – A Information for Expats, Travellers & Digital Nomads
6. Feast on Thai Treats on the Evening Market
The Chiang Rai evening market isn’t the largest I’ve seen, however there are many unbelievable meals stalls serving up northern Thai specialities.
One in every of my favorites is Khao Soi, a fully scrumptious curried noodle dish with a particular flavour you may’t discover wherever else. This is among the prime meals in Thailand.
The evening market in Chiang Rai is quieter and extra stress-free than another Thai evening market I’ve skilled (and I’ve been to rather a lot!) so it is a great spot for stocking up on souvenirs. And naturally, a go to right here is among the greatest issues to do in Chiang Rai for foodies.
📍 Tackle: Thanalai, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai
🕰 Hours: Saturday from 4:30pm to 12:30am
7. Go Temple Hopping in Chiang Rai’s City Centre
Whereas the well-known trendy temples are on Chiang Rai’s outskirts, the previous metropolis itself can also be house to quite a few spectacular older temples, a few of that are well-known in their very own proper and have a much more sacred place in Thai historical past than the surrealist modern upstarts talked about above.
If temple hopping is your factor, you would spend hours strolling by means of Chiang Rai’s metropolis centre, taking in some unbelievable structure. Two of my favourites are Wat Klang Wieng and Wat Ming Meuang, a Thirteenth-century temple coated in iridescent crystals, and Wat Phra Singh with its spectacular golden spires.
8. Go to Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew might be essentially the most well-known historic temple in Chiang Rai. This stunning however small temple as soon as housed the revered Emerald Buddha, which is now within the Grand Palace in Bangkok.
Legend has it that the Emerald Buddha was hidden in a chedi (dome-shaped shrine) and was found after the chedi was struck by lightning. Though the statue has been moved to Bangkok, you may see a reproduction in Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai.
📍 Tackle: 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District
9. Watch the Clock Tower Gentle Present
Chiang Rai’s ornate clock tower was designed by the identical artist who created the well-known White Temple. It’s set in a busy and not-very-attractive visitors intersection.
Though it’s intricate and spectacular so far as clock towers go, I wasn’t blown away after I first noticed it, surrounded by honking visitors underneath a cloudy sky.
That mentioned, after darkish the clock tower turns into the positioning of a vibrant mild present, flashing completely different colors in time to music. It feels as if the entire city (and definitely all the vacationers) prove to observe the spectacle, and it’s truly a enjoyable expertise. This is among the hottest issues to do in Chiang Mai when the solar goes down.
📍Tackle: Suk Sathit, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District
✓ I like to recommend having a snack or drink at one of many eating places or cafes that line the streets on this space. A number of have outside tables with entrance row seats.
🕰 Hours: Every day at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm.
See Additionally: Mae Hong Son Loop – A Information for Travellers
10. Have a Drink at Cat Bar
The Cat Bar is an efficient quaint dive bar, with a pool desk, low lighting and rock tunes.
Chiang Rai isn’t an enormous occasion city — the truth is, I discovered it fairly quiet, regardless that I visited in January, in peak vacationer season. Even so, there was an amazing vibe at Cat Bar. Click on right here for instructions.
Tackle: WR4J+JH3, Thanon Baanpa Pragarn Highway, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
11. Go to the Northernmost Level of Thailand
Thailand’s northernmost level is only a quick 20-mile drive from Chiang Rai. You’ll be able to truly go to this spot — it’s marked with an ornate signal subsequent to the Myanmar border.
There’s a bridge becoming a member of the 2 nations and you’ll watch individuals crossing into Myanmar. There are additionally a number of eating places and retailers promoting jewelry and ornaments made (allegedly) from Myanmar jade.
12. Go to the Tree High Journey Park
The Doi Tung Tree High Stroll and Zipline is the place to take a treetop cover stroll 30 metres above the bottom. It has rope bridges, swings and big ziplines, all in stunning pure environment.
It’s a part of the massive Mae Fah Luang Backyard, which is stuffed with tropical flowers. I actually loved strolling across the backyard in spite of everything the thrill of the ropes and ziplines.
The backyard is within the northern a part of the Chiang Rai area, close to the border with Myanmar, so it’s an amazing attraction to pair with the following few issues to do in Chiang Rai.
📍 Tackle: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai
💵 Tickets value 150 Thai baht (round $4.50 USD) for each adults and youngsters.
13. Survey Three International locations from the Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, although it’s higher often known as the spot the place Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
You’ll be able to stand on a balcony excessive on a hilltop, looking at breathtaking views of the rivers and land under.
Down under the lookout level is a huge golden Buddha statue overlooking the Mekong River, and an historical ruined temple is up the hill above it.
The Golden Triangle is round 50km from Chiang Rai, and there are a number of different locations of curiosity within the neighborhood, so it’s a well-liked cease on a day journey taking in the very best issues to do in and round Chiang Rai.
See Additionally: Issues to Do in Koh Tao – High 21 Issues You Don’t Need to Miss
14. Study About Opium’s Turbulent Historical past on the Corridor of Opium Museum
Positioned subsequent to the Golden Triangle, the Corridor of Opium is a small museum with an exhibition in regards to the opium commerce.
The Golden Triangle space was traditionally identified for poppy cultivation and opium commerce and smuggling, and the Corridor of Opium traces this historical past, together with the commerce’s sick results on the area.
📍 Tackle: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai
🕰 Hours: 8:30am – 5pm, Monday – Saturday
💵 200 baht ($6.40)
15. Go to a Hill Tribe Village
Hill tribe villages are discovered all around the hills and mountains surrounding Chiang Rai. The individuals in these villages are sometimes a part of nomadic tribes from outdoors Thailand and embrace the well-known “lengthy neck” Karen hilltop tribes. These teams traditionally got here to Thailand from Myanmar, and the ladies could put on brass rings round their necks.
For my part, in the event you resolve to go to a hill tribe village, it’s essential to rigorously contemplate the expertise you’re reserving and ensure it’s moral. A number of the hill tribe visits, particularly these included as an “attraction” on low-cost whistle-stop day journeys, may very well be seen as exploitative.
, non-disruptive choice is to keep away from a bunch tour and go along with only a information. On this personal tour you’ll go to a number of small cities within the Golden Triangle and the Akha hill tribe. It additionally makes a cease on the Corridor of Opium. It’s a good way to get off the overwhelmed path in northern Thailand.
16. Go Mountain Trekking (one of the crucial adventurous issues to do in Chiang Rai)
Chiang Rai is among the most well-known areas of Thailand for trekking, and lots of routes take within the forests, waterfalls and rivers of the Lum Nam Kok Nationwide Park. Most treks take no less than a few days to finish and contain a country homestay in a hilltop village.
It’s simple to e book day treks or multi-night treks with in a single day homestays by means of a number of of the journey companies that line the central vacationer streets of Chiang Rai. Sadly, although, a number of the packages embrace elephant driving, so test this earlier than you e book.
Notice: Goats On The Highway doesn’t condone animal tourism or any actions to do with animals in captivity. Do your half to be a accountable traveller and say “no” to elephant driving.
Another choice is to e book a trekking tour on-line. On this tour, you’ll hike 15 kilometres within the jungle, seeing waterfalls, scorching springs, and a tea plantation. You’ll even have a scrumptious lunch cooked in bamboo.
Travellers additionally extremely advocate Lanna Trek. The fee for a 2-day, 1-night trek is 2,800 Thai baht ($84 USD) per particular person for teams of 2-3 individuals. A non-public tour prices extra and larger teams are barely cheaper.
17. Get Near Nature at Singha Park
Singha Park is a picturesque park within the Chiang Rai countryside, a number of elements of that are a working farm.
It’s owned by the Singha Beer firm, however the focus is on nature and sustainability, not consuming beer. There are strolling and biking routes, tea plantations, fruit orchards, ziplines and an journey rope course.
There’s an excellent restaurant too, which I spent some time in, stress-free in spite of everything of these actions. Click on right here for instructions.
Tackle: 99 Moo 1, Mae Korn, Amphoe Chiang Rai, Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
18. Go Stalactite-Recognizing on the Chiang Dao Cave
Chiang Dao Cave is a few hours’ drive from Chiang Rai, nevertheless it’s nonetheless shut sufficient for a simple day journey.
The principle attraction is the mountain of Doi Chiang Dao, with Chiang Dao Cave at its base. One of many deepest limestone caves in Thailand, the Chiang Dao Cave options stalactites and crystal formations.
📍 Tackle: 273 หมู่ 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
💵 Entrance to the caves prices 40 Thai baht ($1.20 USD) however because the caves are huge and poorly lit, you’ll in all probability want to rent an area information and lease a flashlight to correctly discover them, which shall be one other 150-200 baht ($4.50-6).
Tackle: 273 หมู่ 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, 50170, Thailand
19. Go Chasing Waterfalls
At 70 metres, the Khun Korn Waterfall is the best waterfall within the area. Swimming underneath its highly effective water is among the greatest issues to do in Chiang Rai. I spent what felt like hours within the water there.
It’s round a 30-minute stroll by means of a forest to get to the bottom of the waterfall, and you’ll swim whenever you get there. Ensure you deliver comfy strolling footwear and swimming garments, plus waterproof gear to your cellphone and digicam to guard them from the spray.
Tackle: Freeway 1208, Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
20. Take a Dip in a Sizzling Spring
The Chiang Rai area is house to quite a few pure scorching springs set in stunning scenic environment. Try Huay Mak Lium Sizzling Spring, Pong Phra Bat Sizzling Spring and Fang Sizzling Spring (though this one is a couple of 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai).
Soaking in a scorching spring is unquestionably one of many prime issues to do in Chiang Rai through the cooler winter months. Entry prices from round 20-50 baht ($0.60 – $1.50) relying on the spring.
21. Take the Gradual Boat to Laos
Okay, so maybe this isn’t precisely top-of-the-line issues to do in Chiang Rai, however the metropolis is the jumping-off level for travelling by land or boat from northern Thailand to Laos.
To expertise the gradual boat to Luang Prabang from Thailand, you first must take a bus from Chiang Rai to the border, then catch a ship that sails alongside the Mekong River and finally takes you to Luang Prabang. The journey takes two days, together with an in a single day keep on the midway level.
You’ll be able to e book a journey bundle by means of a journey company in Chiang Rai, a few of which embrace the bus journey to the border and an in a single day keep in Chiang Khong (the Thai border city), in addition to the boat cruise.
Alternatively, you may take a bus to Chiang Khong your self, cross the border into Laos and purchase tickets for the boat journey there. That is the cheaper however much less clean choice. Mekong Smile Cruise provides a bundle together with pick-up from Chiang Rai, lodge and a cease on the Pak Ou Caves for 200 USD. Study extra in regards to the journey in this publish.
Tips on how to See and Do The whole lot When You’re Brief on Time
Lots of people who go to Chiang Rai keep just for a few days. Though I stayed for longer than that, I used to be nonetheless overwhelmed by the sheer variety of issues to do in Chiang Rai.
I wasn’t certain how I may match every little thing in, particularly since virtually all the greatest Chiang Rai points of interest are fairly far-flung. The White Temple, Blue Temple and Black Home are all on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, and a lot of the different points of interest are even farther away.
If you wish to journey independently, it’s solely doable to see all the greatest Chiang Rai points of interest by yourself. You’ll be able to catch a bus to a number of the nearer sights such because the White Temple, rent a driver for a day, or experience a scooter.
However since the very best issues to do in Chiang Rai cowl such a large space, in the event you actually wish to do all of it in simply a few days, that is one vacation spot the place becoming a member of a bunch tour actually does make sense.
Other than hill tribe trekking and visiting a homestay within the mountains, which might take a couple of days and must be organized individually, a lot of the different Chiang Rai points of interest are simple to see as a part of a (very busy!) day journey. If you happen to select to e book a day tour with a bunch in a shared minibus, that is additionally the most affordable approach to get round Chiang Rai and see its predominant sights in a short while.
Whenever you stroll down Chiang Rai’s predominant streets, you’ll see quite a few journey companies providing day journeys, every cramming a fully loopy variety of points of interest into in the future. These whistle-stop excursions are very easy to search out and e book, and are an amazing worth. A lot of the ones I noticed included transport, choose up and drop off at your lodge, plus lunch. All of them value round 1000 baht ($30).
Take note of the excursions for Chiang Rai actions you e book to make sure you get an expertise you’re comfy with. Some journey companies in Chiang Rai don’t strategy the excursions they supply ethically — such because the hill tribe go to the place persons are handled very very like animals in a zoo. And sadly, many corporations nonetheless supply elephant rides as properly.
That mentioned, general I had an unbelievable time and will certainly return to expertise extra of the superb issues to do in Chiang Rai.
Tips on how to Get to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has an worldwide airport with flights from all the foremost home airways. There are common flights from Bangkok, Phuket, and lots of extra locations.
In any other case, you’ll take a bus to get to Chiang Rai. From Chiang Mai it’s about 3.5 hours and from Bangkok the journey takes about 13 hours.
There’s no practice to Chiang Rai, however there’s a practice from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, and from there you may take a bus onward to Chiang Rai.
To Luang Prabang in Laos, you’ll take buses and boats, first to the border city Chiang Khong in Thailand or Huay Xai in Laos, the place there are many boats ready. The journey takes two days.
web site for checking bus and practice schedules in Thailand and the remainder of Asia is 123go.asia.
FAQs About What to Do in Chiang Rai
Nonetheless have a query about all the good Chiang Rai actions? Listed here are solutions to some often requested questions on what to do in Chiang Rai.
I believe Chiang Rai is unquestionably price visiting. I stayed for every week! Some individuals come for less than in the future, however there are such a lot of issues to do in Chiang Rai that the town deserves extra time.
Chiang Rai is understood for its temples, and two of essentially the most well-known are named after colours: the White Temple and the Blue Temple. Chiang Rai can also be identified for being Thailand’s gateway to the Golden Triangle and the various hill tribes in close by villages.
Each are good, and in the event you go to Chiang Rai, you’ll in all probability find yourself visiting Chiang Mai anyway. To match them, merely put, Chiang Mai has extra cultural points of interest (temples, historical past, meals), and Chiang Rai has extra pure points of interest (with loads of tradition as properly).
I’d counsel a mixture of all the very best Chiang Rai points of interest: go to a temple or two, go to scorching springs or a cave, make a visit north to the Golden Triangle, and finish the day with a drink on the Cat Bar.
I spent every week and cherished each minute of it. If you happen to don’t have that a lot time, nonetheless, you may see rather a lot in two days.
Now You Know What to Do in Chiang Rai!
For me, essentially the most thrilling half about visiting Chiang Rai was the town’s inventive spirit — the truth that in such a small metropolis, so many unbelievable modern temples have sprung up in just some years.
I particularly loved the way in which these surreal artworks stood subsequent to superb historic monuments. Ensure you additionally expertise extra of the area’s pure magnificence with some waterfall hopping and hill treks! For such a small place, there are quite a few enjoyable issues to do in Chiang Rai. Completely satisfied travels!
Notice: Photographs on this article are offered by Shutterstock, a web site for sourcing royalty-free photographs and movies.
Like This Article? Pin It!
