There are a stunning 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 a fantastic base for visiting hill tribes and for scenic mountain trekking (probably the most adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai!).

Chiang Rai can be residence to an unimaginable 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 all the things. 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 attention-grabbing issues to do in Chiang Rai. That is positively one of many high locations to go to in Thailand.

It’s potential 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 journey 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 potential on a 1-day group tour.

Excursions may be a good suggestion in case you’re quick on time. However in case you’re not, there are such a lot of cool issues to do in Chiang Rai that it’s positively price staying just a few 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 positively 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 trendy 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 cherished it.

The White Temple was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Aside from the well-known temple itself, there are different buildings and attention-grabbing objects you’ll be able to stroll round, plus a gallery of surprising 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 — equivalent 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 numerous destructive feedback concerning the White Temple. The largest grievance is that this well-known temple has grow to be too crowded and touristy, which is true, however it’s nonetheless top-of-the-line Chiang Rai sights.

You’ll have to barter the crowds and look ahead to a niche within the hordes of vacationers crowding each inch of the temple to snap the proper picture.

The White Temple is certainly nonetheless price visiting, regardless of the variety of vacationers. You may 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 one of the best probability of getting a fantastic expertise.

💵There’s an entrance payment of fifty baht ($1.60) for foreigners to go to the White Temple.

✓ It’s vital to notice that it is a Buddhist temple, so gown accordingly (protecting 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 group 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 an analogous surreal and trendy vibe because the White Temple. Among the buildings do look very very similar to 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, however it was nonetheless an unimaginable Chiang Rai attraction and I positively suggest visiting. However, seeing it straight after the mesmerizing White Temple most likely didn’t do it any favours. It was additionally extra crowded than the White Temple.

💵The doorway payment 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 among 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 concept why, as a result of this unimaginable trendy temple utterly blew me away! It’s vibrantly colored, modern and kitsch (however in a great way). The within can be painted in extremely vivid patterns and hues.

Also referred to 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 sights. 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 – a fantastic 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 principally 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 truly fairly menacing and are identified to leap on unsuspecting vacationers to grab their issues, so go to at your individual threat!

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 bike in Chiang Rai however there are a number of motorbike rental outlets close to the central clock tower.

The fee is determined by the kind of bike you’re searching for. Usually it’s about 200 baht ($6 USD) per day. Though loads of travellers journey scooters and motorbikes in Thailand, bear in mind that visitors may be extraordinarily hectic. In case you’re in an accident your journey insurance coverage might not cowl you in case you don’t have a bike license.

Alternatively, you’ll be able to negotiate a worth for a return journey with a automobile or motorcycle taxi driver, or be a part of a bunch tour – extra on this beneath.

💵 Free entrance.

Deal with: ถ้ำลิง วัด ถ้ำปลา Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, 57130, Thailand

See Additionally: Price 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 unimaginable meals stalls serving up northern Thai specialities.

Considered one of my favorites is Khao Soi, a completely scrumptious curried noodle dish with a particular flavour you’ll be able to’t discover wherever else. This is among the high meals in Thailand.

The evening market in Chiang Rai is quieter and extra enjoyable than some other Thai evening market I’ve skilled (and I’ve been to quite a bit!) so it is a excellent 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 trendy temples are on Chiang Rai’s outskirts, the outdated metropolis itself can be residence to a lot 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 would spend hours strolling by 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 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’ll be able to 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 Mild 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 once I first noticed it, surrounded by honking visitors below a cloudy sky.

That stated, after darkish the clock tower turns into the positioning of a vibrant mild present, flashing totally different colors in time to music. It feels as if the entire city (and positively 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.

📍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 effective 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 a fantastic 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 quick 20-mile drive from Chiang Rai. You may 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 international locations and you may watch individuals crossing into Myanmar. There are additionally a lot of eating places and outlets 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 big 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 a fantastic attraction to pair with the following few issues to do in Chiang Rai.

📍 Deal with: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 

💵 Tickets value 150 Thai baht (round $4.50 USD) for each adults and youngsters.

13. Survey Three Nations from the Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is on the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, although it’s higher often called the spot the place Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.

You may stand on a balcony excessive on a hilltop, searching at breathtaking views of the rivers and land beneath.

Down beneath the lookout level is a huge 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 preferred cease on a day journey taking in one of the 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. 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 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 might put on brass rings round their necks.

In my view, in case you determine to go to a hill tribe village, it’s vital to rigorously contemplate the expertise you’re reserving and ensure it’s moral. Among the hill tribe visits, particularly these included as an “attraction” on low cost whistle-stop day journeys, might be seen as exploitative.

A superb, non-disruptive possibility 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 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 plenty 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 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 using, so verify this earlier than you e-book. 

Be aware: 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 using. 

An alternative 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 suggest 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 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 components 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 superb 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 straightforward 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 most likely want to rent a neighborhood information and hire a flashlight to correctly discover them, which will probably 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 below 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 a forest to get to the bottom of the waterfall, and you may swim once you get there. Be sure you carry 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 residence to a lot of pure sizzling 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 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 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 have to take a bus from Chiang Rai to the border, then catch a ship that sails alongside the Mekong River and ultimately takes you to Luang Prabang. The journey takes two days, together with an in a single day keep on the midway level.

You may e-book a journey bundle by 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’ll be able to 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 possibility. 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. Be taught extra concerning the journey in this put up. 

Easy methods to See and Do All the things When You’re Brief on Time

Lots of people who go to Chiang Rai keep just for a few days. Regardless that 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 might match all the things in, particularly since virtually all the greatest Chiang Rai sights 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 sights are even farther away.

If you wish to journey independently, it’s totally potential to see all the greatest Chiang Rai sights by yourself. You may catch a bus to a number of the nearer sights such because the White Temple, rent a driver for a day, or journey a scooter.

However since one of the best issues to do in Chiang Rai cowl such a large space, in case 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.

Aside from hill tribe trekking and visiting a homestay within the mountains, which might take just a few days and must be organized individually, a lot of the different Chiang Rai sights are simple to see as a part of a (very busy!) day journey. In case you select to e-book a day tour with a bunch in a shared minibus, that is additionally the most cost effective solution to get round Chiang Rai and see its foremost sights in a short while.

Once you stroll down Chiang Rai’s foremost streets, you’ll see quite a few journey businesses providing day journeys, every cramming a completely loopy variety of sights into sooner or later. These whistle-stop excursions are very easy to search out and e-book, and are a fantastic 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 snug with. Some journey businesses 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 similar to animals in a zoo. And sadly, many firms nonetheless supply elephant rides as effectively.

That stated, general I had an unimaginable time and will certainly return to expertise extra of the superb issues to do in Chiang Rai.

Easy methods to 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 plenty 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’ll be able to 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 superb 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 often requested questions on what to do in Chiang Rai.

Now You Know What to Do in Chiang Rai!

For me, essentially the most thrilling half about visiting Chiang Rai was 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 superb historic monuments. Be sure 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. Joyful travels!

Be aware: Photos on this article are supplied by Shutterstock, a web site for sourcing royalty-free photos and movies.

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