There are a shocking variety of issues to see and do in Chiang Rai, a unusual, creative metropolis in northern Thailand. Near the borders of each Laos and Myanmar, it’s an awesome base for visiting hill tribes and for scenic mountain trekking (probably the most adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai!).
Chiang Rai can be dwelling to an unimaginable variety of lovely temples — from historic jewelled monuments to uncommon modern artworks.
I stayed in Chiang Rai for over per week throughout my latest journey to Thailand, and I nonetheless didn’t handle to see every part. I feel it’s an incredible 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 undoubtedly one of many high 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 trip from Chiang Mai on winding mountain roads.
Many individuals who go to both come for the day or keep for just one night time, and so they attempt to pack in as many Chiang Rai actions as doable on a 1-day group tour.
Excursions could be a good suggestion in case you’re brief on time. However in case you’re not, there are such a lot of cool issues to do in Chiang Rai that it’s undoubtedly price staying a couple of days. Or keep a full week, like I did.
Listed below are my high 21 issues to do in Chiang Rai.
1. Go to the White Temple
The epic White Temple, often known as Wat Rong Khun, needed to be first on the record. It’s undoubtedly probably the most well-known issues to do in Chiang Rai, and on this case, its iconic standing is deserved.
The White Temple is a sparkling-white fashionable temple with an enormous variety of surreal touches. It’s a genuinely breathtaking sight, and I used to be shocked by simply how a lot I liked 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 surprising work by the identical artist. It’s really a piece in progress, with surrounding buildings nonetheless being constructed.
You can simply spend a few hours taking within the small, shocking particulars that make up this lovely temple advanced — comparable to essentially the most lovely 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 destructive feedback concerning the White Temple. The most important criticism is that this well-known temple has develop into too crowded and touristy, which is true, however it’s nonetheless among the best Chiang Rai points of interest.
You’ll have to barter the crowds and anticipate a niche within the hordes of vacationers crowding each inch of the temple to snap the right photograph.
The White Temple is certainly nonetheless price visiting, regardless of the variety of vacationers. You possibly can keep away from a number of the worst occasions by visiting early within the day. Lots of people go to later within the day on a day journey from Chiang Mai. So in case 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 perfect probability of getting an awesome expertise.
💵There’s an entrance charge of fifty baht ($1.60) for foreigners to go to the White Temple.
✓ It’s necessary to notice that this can be a Buddhist temple, so costume accordingly (overlaying shoulders and knees).
📍Deal with: 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
Typically incorrectly known as the Black Temple, the Black Home is a set of painted wood homes that includes artwork by Thai modern artists, most notably its designer Thawan Duchanee.
Additionally known as the Baan Dam, the Black Home has the same surreal and fashionable 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 development 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, however it was nonetheless an unimaginable Chiang Rai attraction and I undoubtedly 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).
📍Deal with: 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 a lot concerning the wonders of the White Temple and the Black Home, however for some cause, I’d by no means heard of the Blue Temple.
I’ve completely no thought why, as a result of this unimaginable fashionable temple utterly blew me away! It’s vibrantly colored, modern and kitsch (however in a great way). The within can be painted in extremely brilliant patterns and colors.
Often known as Wat Rong Seua Ten, the temple was solely accomplished in 2016 and I feel 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!
📍Deal with: 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 awesome 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 highway from Wat Klang Wieng, which makes it a super quirky relaxation cease whereas temple hopping. Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: WR6M+45W, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
5. Dodge Monkeys on the Monkey Temple
The monkey temple, often known as 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 really fairly menacing and are identified to leap on unsuspecting vacationers to grab their issues, so go to at your individual 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 hire a motorcycle in Chiang Rai however there are a number of bike rental retailers close to the central clock tower.
The fee depends upon the kind of bike you’re in search of. Usually it’s about 200 baht ($6 USD) per day. Though loads of travellers trip scooters and motorbikes in Thailand, bear in mind that site visitors could be extraordinarily hectic. If you happen to’re in an accident your journey insurance coverage could not cowl you in case 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.
Deal with: ถ้ำลิง วัด ถ้ำปลา Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, 57130, Thailand
See Additionally: Price of Residing in Thailand – A Information for Expats, Travellers & Digital Nomads
6. Feast on Thai Treats on the Night time Market
The Chiang Rai night time market isn’t the most important I’ve seen, however there are many unimaginable meals stalls serving up northern Thai specialities.
Certainly one 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 high meals in Thailand.
The night time market in Chiang Rai is quieter and extra enjoyable than every other Thai night time market I’ve skilled (and I’ve been to lots!) so this can be 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.
📍 Deal with: 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 fashionable temples are on Chiang Rai’s outskirts, the outdated metropolis itself can be dwelling to a variety of 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 might spend hours strolling by way of Chiang Rai’s metropolis centre, taking in some unimaginable structure. Two of my favourites are Wat Klang Wieng and Wat Ming Meuang, a Thirteenth-century temple lined 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 lovely 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 duplicate in Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai.
📍 Deal with: 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 site 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 site visitors underneath a cloudy sky.
That mentioned, after darkish the clock tower turns into the location of a vibrant mild present, flashing totally different colors in time to music. It feels as if the entire city (and positively the entire vacationers) prove to look at the spectacle, and it’s really a enjoyable expertise. This is among the hottest issues to do in Chiang Mai when the solar goes down.
📍Deal with: 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 out of doors 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 celebration city — in truth, I discovered it fairly quiet, regardless that I visited in January, in peak vacationer season. Even so, there was an awesome vibe at Cat Bar. Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: WR4J+JH3, Thanon Baanpa Pragarn Street, 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 brief 20-mile drive from Chiang Rai. You possibly can really 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 may watch folks 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 lovely pure environment.
It’s a part of the massive Mae Fah Luang Backyard, which is filled with tropical flowers. I actually loved strolling across the backyard in spite of everything the joy 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 awesome attraction to pair with the subsequent few issues to do in Chiang Rai.
📍 Deal with: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai
💵 Tickets price 150 Thai baht (round $4.50 USD) for each adults and kids.
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 possibly can 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 big golden Buddha statue overlooking the Mekong River, and an historic 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 perfect 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. Be taught About Opium’s Turbulent Historical past on the Corridor of Opium Museum
Situated subsequent to the Golden Triangle, the Corridor of Opium is a small museum with an exhibition concerning 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 in poor health results on the area.
📍 Deal with: 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 everywhere in the hills and mountains surrounding Chiang Rai. The folks 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.
In my view, in case you determine to go to a hill tribe village, it’s necessary 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, could possibly be seen as exploitative.
A very good, non-disruptive choice is to keep away from a bunch tour and go along with only a information. On this non-public 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 an effective way to get off the crushed path in northern Thailand.
16. Go Mountain Trekking (probably the most 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 a minimum of a few days to finish and contain a country homestay in a hilltop village.
It’s straightforward to e book day treks or multi-night treks with in a single day homestays by way of a number of of the journey businesses that line the central vacationer streets of Chiang Rai. Sadly, although, a number of the packages embrace elephant driving, so verify this earlier than you e book.
Observe: Goats On The Street 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, sizzling 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 individual for teams of 2-3 folks. A personal 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 a great restaurant too, which I spent some time in, enjoyable in spite of everything of these actions. Click on right here for instructions.
Deal with: 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, however it’s nonetheless shut sufficient for a simple day journey.
The primary 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.
📍 Deal with: 273 หมู่ 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai
💵 Entrance to the caves prices 40 Thai baht ($1.20 USD) however for the reason that caves are huge and poorly lit, you’ll in all probability want to rent a neighborhood information and hire a flashlight to correctly discover them, which might be one other 150-200 baht ($4.50-6).
Deal with: 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 way of a forest to get to the bottom of the waterfall, and you may swim if you get there. Ensure you deliver snug strolling sneakers and swimming garments, plus waterproof gear on your telephone and digicam to guard them from the spray.
Deal with: Freeway 1208, Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai, 57000, Thailand
20. Take a Dip in a Sizzling Spring
The Chiang Rai area is dwelling to a variety of pure sizzling springs set in lovely scenic environment. Take a look at Huay Mak Lium Sizzling Spring, Pong Phra Bat Sizzling Spring and Fang Sizzling Spring (though this one is a few 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai).
Soaking in a sizzling spring is certainly one of many high issues to do in Chiang Rai in the course of the cooler winter months. Entry prices from round 20-50 baht ($0.60 – $1.50) relying on the spring.
21. Take the Sluggish Boat to Laos
Okay, so maybe this isn’t precisely among the best 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 possibly can e book a journey bundle by way 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 gives a bundle together with pick-up from Chiang Rai, lodge and a cease on the Pak Ou Caves for 200 USD. Be taught extra concerning the journey in this put up.
How you can 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. Although 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 part in, particularly since nearly the entire 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 many of the different points of interest are even farther away.
If you wish to journey independently, it’s fully doable to see the entire greatest Chiang Rai points of interest by yourself. You possibly can catch a bus to a number of the nearer sights such because the White Temple, rent a driver for a day, or trip a scooter.
However since the perfect issues to do in Chiang Rai cowl such a large space, in case you actually need 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 may take a couple of days and must be organized individually, many of the different Chiang Rai points of interest are straightforward 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 technique to get round Chiang Rai and see its principal sights in a short while.
Whenever you stroll down Chiang Rai’s principal streets, you’ll see quite a few journey businesses providing day journeys, every cramming a fully loopy variety of points of interest into sooner or later. These whistle-stop excursions are very easy to seek out and e book, and are an awesome worth. Many of the ones I noticed included transport, decide up and drop off at your lodge, plus lunch. All of them price 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 snug with. Some journey businesses in Chiang Rai don’t method 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 firms nonetheless provide elephant rides as properly.
That mentioned, general I had an unimaginable time and will certainly return to expertise extra of the wonderful issues to do in Chiang Rai.
How you can Get to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai has an worldwide airport with flights from all the key 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.
A very good website 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 nice Chiang Rai actions? Listed below are solutions to some steadily requested questions on what to do in Chiang Rai.
I feel Chiang Rai is certainly price visiting. I stayed for per week! Some folks come for less than sooner or later, however there are such a lot of issues to do in Chiang Rai that the town deserves extra time.
Chiang Rai is thought 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 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 case 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 perfect Chiang Rai points of interest: go to a temple or two, go to sizzling 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 per week and liked each minute of it. If you happen to don’t have that a lot time, nonetheless, you may see lots 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 creative spirit — the truth that in such a small metropolis, so many unimaginable modern temples have sprung up in just some years.
I particularly loved the best way these surreal artworks stood subsequent to wonderful 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!
Observe: Photos on this article are offered by Shutterstock, an internet site for sourcing royalty-free photos and movies.
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