Chiang Rai, the northernmost city in Thailand, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture.
Nestled between Myanmar and Laos, this mountainous province is perfect for travelers seeking adventure and tranquility. From hiking through lush landscapes to exploring iconic temples like the White Temple and Blue Temple, Chiang Rai offers something for everyone.
The city’s cool climate and peaceful atmosphere make it a refreshing contrast to Thailand’s bustling cities. Whether you’re visiting historical sites, shopping at the night bazaar, or enjoying delicious local cuisine, Chiang Rai promises an unforgettable travel experience.
Things to do in Chiang Rai:
1. Chiang Rai Clock tower:
This clock tower is located at the spot where Phaholyothin Road and Banpaprakan Road meet. This golden clock tower was made in honor of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
This clock tower serves as a traffic roundabout in the daytime, but, as the sun sets, it becomes a spot of attraction for tourists. It is advised to visit this spot between 7-9 pm.
Between these hours, you can enjoy the light and sound show as the clock chimes the hour. The clock tower changes color from golden to pink to green, laser light show with music adds to the beauty of this spot.
2. King Mengrai the Great Monument:
King Mengrai Monument is the first tourist spot that you will see if you are approaching Chiang Rai from Highway 1 (Paholyothin Road).
This monument is located in the center of the city. This monument is dedicated to King Mengrai the Great, founder of the Lanna Kingdom. The memorial of the King is backed by three giant golden tungs (Lanna flags).
While traveling to another place, locals take a break at this spot to pay respect to the founder of the city. This is an excellent place to take a break and shop for souvenirs.
3. Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park:
This cultural park is located about 5 kilometers from the city center. This is a perfect place to visit if you have an interest in knowing about the past of the city or its cultural heritage.
Here, you can understand in detail animism, Buddhist rituals, the kingdom’s 400-year history, and religious art and art crafts. The opening hours of this cultural park are from 8:30 in the morning to 5:30 in the evening.
This cultural park remains closed on Mondays.
4. Wat Klang Weing:
This spot is located on the corner of Rattanaket and Uttarakit roads, three blocks northeast of the clock tower.
The architecture and decoration of this temple make this place a must-visit spot. Wat Klang Weing houses the original city pillar shrine. This temple was built back in 1432.
Here you will see ornate grillwork, roof finials, and gilded decorations on its vivid red facades.
5. Night bazaar:
Chiang Rai’s night market is a small version of Chiang Mai’s night market. Night markets are a must-visit place in Thailand. You will find a lot of rows of vendors selling everything from souvenirs to fabrics, housewares, and clothing.
Just a short walk away from the night market you can find the tin-roofed municipal market. As you will approach this market you can feel the delicious smell of Pad Thai, fried treats, and steaming hot pots.
It is a heaven for foodies. You can find a wide range of street food here which includes Tempura vegetables, fresh calms, kabobs, prawns, salt-encrusted fish, and fried bugs.
This market opens at 6, in the morning and closes at 11 at night. On Mondays, the market also opens at noon closes at 5 in the evening, and then reopens at 6 to 11.
6. Wat Rong Khun:
This temple, known as the White Temple, lies about 13 kilometers south of Chiang Rai City. Its layout, architecture, mirror decorations, and intricate reliefs are all inspired by Buddhism.
Inside, you’ll see two Buddha images floating on a lotus pedestal. Beyond the main temple, you’ll find a museum, souvenir shops, and an in-house studio where artisans assemble and decorate artifacts with mirrors.
The temple opens at 6:30 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
7. Wat Rong Seua Ten:
This temple is also famous as the Blue Temple. This temple is located in Rong Seua Ten in the district of Rimkok, a few kilometers outside Chiang Mai City.
It is famous for its blue interior with a large white Buddha in the interior. Suan Ten means “dancing tigers”.
Here in this village tigers used to jump over the river, that’s how the name of this village was found. Entry to this temple is free.
The temple opens at 7 in the morning and closes at 8 in the evening.
8. Wat Huay Pla Kung:
People call Wat Huay Pla Kung “Big Buddha” because of its large white Buddha statue, which represents the goddess of Mercy.
Located about 6 kilometers from the city center, the temple features a 9-storey pagoda, earning it the nickname “9-tier temple.”
You can climb to the 9th floor for a panoramic view or take an elevator to the statue’s head.
Visiting the temple is free, but you must pay 40 THB to enter the statue. The temple opens at 7:00 AM and closes at 9:30 PM.
Food to try in Chaing Rai:
1. Khao Soi Gai Nong:
It is a combination of spicy coconut curry and tender meat of the chicken leg. It is served with crunchy egg noodles and fresh coriander leaves.
At many restaurants, this Thai dish is served with a side serving of red onions, lime, and pickled cabbage.
2. Nam Prik Ong, Chiang Rai:
This is a very famous and delicious appetizer that you must try in Chaing Rai. It is a sweet and sour dish made of chili tomato paste mixed with minced pork.
It best complements the pork cracklings. You also try this as a dipping sauce for Sau Ua, Naem, and vegetables.
How to get into Chaing Rai
Chiang Rai is a small but charming city with many transportation options. You can choose from traditional tuk-tuks, samlors, advanced buses, or private taxis.
Hiring a private taxi is advisable, as the city’s mountainous terrain and winding roads make public transport less accessible to remote attractions. For nearby spots, tuk-tuks and samlors are great options, and riding them is a must-do experience in Thailand.
If you plan to explore local markets or shop for souvenirs and street food, walking is the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
How to reach Chaing Rai:
1. Reach Chiang Rai by flight:
Chiang Rai has a small airport named Mae Fah Luang-Chiang International Airport. There are lots of flights available from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Kunming to reach Chiang Rai.
After landing at Chiang Rai you can hire a taxi to reach the city center. It will cost you 200 Baht.
2. Reach Chiang Rai by Bus:
Approaching Chiang Rai by bus is the most convenient and popular way. There are lots of buses departing from Chiang Mai and other neighbouring cities to reach Chiang Mai.
A bus ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will take approximately three hours. The bus will drop you at Chiang Rai’s new bus station.