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 amazing base for visiting hill tribes and for scenic mountain trekking (probably the most adventurous issues to do in Chiang Mai!).
Chiang Rai can also be house to an unbelievable 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 all the things. I feel 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 attention-grabbing 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 night time, 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 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 positively value 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 checklist. 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 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 cherished it.
The White Temple was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Other than the well-known temple itself, there are different buildings and attention-grabbing objects you’ll be able to 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, shocking particulars that make up this lovely temple advanced — akin 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 variety of unfavourable feedback concerning the White Temple. The largest grievance is that this well-known temple has turn out to be too crowded and touristy, which is true, but it surely’s nonetheless the most effective Chiang Rai sights.
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 proper picture.
The White Temple is unquestionably nonetheless value visiting, regardless of the variety of vacationers. You may keep away from among 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 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 vital to notice that it is a Buddhist temple, so gown accordingly (masking shoulders and knees).
Handle: 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 set 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 fashionable vibe because the White Temple. A few of 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 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, but it surely was nonetheless an unbelievable Chiang Rai attraction and I positively suggest 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).
Handle: 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 considered one of my absolute favorite issues to do in Chiang Rai.
Earlier than visiting Chiang Rai, I’d heard lots concerning the wonders of the White Temple and the Black Home, however for some purpose, I’d by no means heard of the Blue Temple.
I’ve completely no thought why, as a result of this unbelievable fashionable temple utterly 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.
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 among the extra well-known Chiang Rai sights. I’m fairly sure that’s about to alter.
Free!
Handle: 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 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 great quirky relaxation cease whereas temple hopping. Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 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 automotive or scooter to go to. I didn’t hire a bike in Chiang Rai however there are a number of bike rental retailers close to the central clock tower.
The price depends upon the kind of bike you’re on the lookout 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. Should 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 value for a return journey with a automotive or motorcycle taxi driver, or be part of a bunch tour – extra on this under.
Free entrance.
Handle: 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 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’ll be able to’t discover anyplace else. This is among the prime meals in Thailand.
The night time market in Chiang Rai is quieter and extra stress-free than every other Thai night time market I’ve skilled (and I’ve been to loads!) so it is a good spot for stocking up on souvenirs. And naturally, a go to right here is among the finest issues to do in Chiang Rai for foodies.
Handle: 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 previous metropolis itself can also be house 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 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 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’ll be able to see a duplicate in Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai.
Handle: 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 after I first noticed it, surrounded by honking visitors beneath a cloudy sky.
That mentioned, after darkish the clock tower turns into the location of a vibrant mild present, flashing completely different colors in time to music. It feels as if the entire city (and positively all the vacationers) end up to look at 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.
Handle: 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: Day by 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 — actually, I discovered it fairly quiet, though I visited in January, in peak vacationer season. Even so, there was an amazing vibe at Cat Bar. Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 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 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 nations and you’ll watch folks crossing into Myanmar. There are additionally plenty 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 big Mae Fah Luang Backyard, which is stuffed with tropical flowers. I actually loved strolling across the backyard in any case 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 amazing attraction to pair with the following few issues to do in Chiang Rai.
Handle: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai
Tickets price 150 Thai baht (round $4.50 USD) for each adults and kids.
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 referred to as 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 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 preferred 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 Wish 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 unwell results on the area.
Handle: 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 embody 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.
For my part, in case you determine to go to a hill tribe village, it’s vital to fastidiously think about the expertise you’re reserving and ensure it’s moral. A few of the hill tribe visits, particularly these included as an “attraction” on low-cost whistle-stop day journeys, might be seen as exploitative.
, non-disruptive possibility 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 a good 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 at the least a few days to finish and contain a country homestay in a hilltop village.
It’s simple to ebook 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, among the packages embody elephant driving, so test this earlier than you ebook.
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 ebook 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 price for a 2-day, 1-night trek is 2,800 Thai baht ($84 USD) per particular person for teams of 2-3 folks. A personal tour prices extra and greater 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 an excellent restaurant too, which I spent some time in, stress-free in any case of these actions. Click on right here for instructions.
Handle: 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, but it surely’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.
Handle: 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 will likely be one other 150-200 baht ($4.50-6).
Handle: 273 หมู่ 5 Chiang Dao, Chiang Dao District, Chiang Mai, 50170, Thailand
