Chiang Rai
Visitors to Thailand’s northernmost province, Chiang Rai, will find a welcoming provincial capital, scenic countryside and a mix of cultures. Most visitors to North Thailand head straight to Chiang Mai and some may only visit Chiang Rai on a day trip. Although you can see some highlights like the White Temple on a day trip, you need to spend at least three or four days here to explore more of what Chiang Rai has to offer.
What to see and do in Chiang Rai
Of all the attractions in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun, aka the White Temple, is probably the best-known. With its shimmering white exterior and evocative symbolism, this is no ordinary temple. The White Temple is a labour of love by Thai artist and local man, Chalermchai Kositpipat.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Wat Rong Seua Ten, better known to tourists as the Blue Temple. The temple is the work of a student of Chalermchai and there are style similarities with the White Temple. Further proof that temples in Chiang Rai are unique can be found at the photogenic Wat Huay Pla Klang located to the north-west of the Blue Temple.
Baan Dam translates as Black House in Thai but is sometimes mistakenly called the Black Temple by tourists. Although religious themes are evident throughout Baan Dam, this curious collection of buildings is the work of the Chiang Rai artist, Thawan Duchanee.
It’s not often you’d consider a clocktower in the middle of the road as a tourist attraction, but the elaborate golden clocktower in the centre of Chiang Rai city deserves that accolade. The distinctive style of Chalermchai can be seen in the design with the clock also producing a colourful light and sound show every evening.
The modern temples may grab much of the attention, but Chiang Rai is home to several ancient wats including Wat Phra Kaew. Thailand’s most revered image, the Emerald Buddha, was once housed here before it was subsequently moved to Bangkok.
Located in the Chiang Rai countryside, make the trip out to Singha Park where you can hire a bicycle or use the tram service to explore the picturesque setting.
The Golden Triangle is the point in North Thailand where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. The Mekong River and Ruak River converge here in an area that was once notorious for drug smuggling. The views are the main draw for travellers these days, but for context on the history of the area and the opium trade that once flourished here, pay a visit to the Hall of Opium.
Most visitors come here on a day trip from Chiang Rai city, but if you have time on your itinerary you can spend a night or two in the lovely historic riverside town of Chiang Saen.
Popular with Thai tourists during the cool season months, the viewpoint at Phu Chi Fah provides wonderful early morning views with the sun rising above a sea of mist and clouds. Doi Mae Salong is another scenic mountain which is famous for its terraced tea plantations and sunflower fields.
Panoramic views are also a highlight of Doi Tung, the mountainside setting for Doi Tung Royal Villa and Gardens. The villa was the former residence of Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX), and enjoys a delightful garden setting. While you are here make time too for the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park which provides fascinating insights into the heritage of this region and the different hill tribe communities which have settled here.
Food and drink in Chiang Rai
To sample some of Chiang Rai’s most famous dishes, head to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. This is a laid-back al fresco setting where you can eat street food and enjoy a cold drink to the backdrop of live music. Among the many local dishes to try, look out for Northern Thai favourites like khao soi (curry noodles), sai oua (spicy sausage), and khanom jeen nam ngiaw (rice noodles in a tangy tomato broth).
Popular local venues to try include Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House. Located in a colonial-style house, Chivit Thamma Da serves up not just coffee, but a tempting mix of Thai and Western dishes. For authentic Northern Thai dishes, check out Nang Non Kitchen near the Golden Clocktower. You’ll find an array of local dishes on the menu here including khao soi and gaeng hang lay.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
When booking accommodation in Chiang Rai, you’ll need to decide whether you’d prefer to stay in the city or the Chiang Rai countryside. Some hotels which are described as being in the city can be further out of town, so it’s best to check on Google Maps that the location of the hotel meets your expectations.
Suggested hotels (in or near city)
Le Meridien
The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
The Riverie by Katathani
Suggested hotels (countryside)
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
Four Seasons Tented Camp
Travel to Chiang Rai
Frequent flights connect Chiang Rai with a journey time of around one hour. The airport in Chiang Rai is officially known as Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport and is conveniently located a 10-minute drive from Chiang Rai city centre.
Many travellers combine Chiang Rai with a trip to Chiang Rai. There are currently no flights or train services between the two, but there is a reliable bus service. Operated by the Green Bus Company, journey time in comfortable and modern buses is around three hours.
If you would like to travel by train from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, the only option at the money is to take the train to Chiang Mai and then travel by road to Chiang Rai. However, that is set to change with the construction of a branch line that will go from Den Chai (to the south of Chiang Mai) to Chiang Rai. The line is scheduled to open in 2028.