When we first entered Chiang Rai we thought this place was gonna be boring. But the opposite became true. Chiang Rai was probably our favorite place in North Thailand, even after renting a motorbike in Chiang Mai and doing the whole Mae Hong Son Loop.
Both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are some of the best places to visit as first-timers in Thailand. They’re surrounded by lush green nature and offer plenty of attractions not to get bored!
Just after one day, we appreciated how peaceful the whole place was, while still offering plenty of opportunities to spend our days.
In this guide, we’ll share some basic information necessary to enjoy Chiang Rai as well as a list of the best things to do in Chiang Rai.
How many days to spend in Chiang Rai
In order to experience the best of Chiang Rai with no hurries, we recommend planning three days here. It gives you enough time to visit all the best temples, nature attractions, and stroll around tea plantations.
However, if you’re short on time, you can easily see the highlights of Chiang Rai in one day. The most convenient option is to join a group day trip.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
The best area to stay is near the bus station or around clock tower. If you’re looking for more budget friendly options, you’ll likely find them a bit further from the town centre.
Best hotels in Chiang Rai
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11 Things to Do in Chiang Rai
1. Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple)
Entrance fee: 100 THB
Opening hours: 8 am – 5 pm
Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is certainly one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Thailand. As soon as we saw it we had to make sure it’s gonna be a part of our Thailand itinerary. After all, it’s one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai.
The White Temple is no ordinary place, it combines religion with art and contemporary design. After each step, we were surrounded by a unique piece of art. The main meaning of the temple is to symbolize the enlightenment.
TIP: Wat Rong Khun has the most beautiful toilets we have ever seen! Make sure not to skip them.
Originally, Wat Rong Khun was just an ordinary Buddhist temple, which soon fell into a poor state. With no funds available, it was impossible to restore it. Luckily, an individual called Chalermchai saw potential in the temple and used his own funds to recreate it.
Prepare to spend around 1-2 hours strolling around the temple. To avoid the crowds, we recommend coming early in the morning right before the opening hours or late afternoon.
To get there, you can join a day tour, rent a motorbike, or take a local bus from the Chiang Rai bus station.
2. Wat Rong Suea Ten (The Blue Temple)
Entrance fee: free
Opening hours: 7 am – 8 pm
The Blue Temple, just like the White Temple was designed by an artist named Putha Kabkaew. Since it was finished only recently, it’s no as popular or crowded as the White Temple (yet).
As the name suggests, the primary color of many decorations and statues is blue. We strolled around multiple creatures and majestic fountains, admiring the temple’s intricate design.
The inside of the temple is no different, vibrant blue color is used almost everywhere.
Getting to the temple is rather easy since it’s a part of many day tours. Since it’s not too far from the center, you can also rent a motorbike or use Grab.
3. Get lost in the Tea Plantations
North Thailand is home to various tea plantations, offering a lovely way to spend a day in a relaxing environment.
We recommend heading to Chui Fong Tea Plantation or 101 Tea Plantation. Both are known for delicious world-class tea as well as beautiful surroundings. The picturesque terraced fields offer incredible photo opportunities.
As both are located a bit out of the city, the best way to get here is either by renting a motorbike or a tuk-tuk.
4. Watch Sunset at Wat Huay Pla Kang
Entrance fee: free, Goddes Statue is 40 THB
Opening hours: 7 am – 9 pm
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a temple complex built on a hill, overlooking the Chiang Rai’s surroundings. Watching the sunset behind the majestic Guan Yin statue is one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai.
We visited all three buildings in the complex. Our favorite was probably the 9-story colorful pagoda with colorful dragons watching the entrance to the temple. We recommend walking the stairs inside to the top for the best views.
Guan Yin statue is the second temple. A few stairs leading to its entrance are guarded by white dragons on the sides. An elevator is built inside, which takes visitors to the top of the statue.
And lastly, there’s a small white temple with architecture very similar to that of the White Temple.
TIP: No matter which of the temples mentioned in this guide you’ll visit, don’t forget to dress properly by covering your knees and shoulders.
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See more5. Marvel at Lalitta Café
Entrance fee: 60 THB for adults, 40 THB for children (can be used as a coupon)
We only found this place by accident, but it ended up being not only one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai, but the most fascinating cafe we’ve ever seen!
Lalitta Café is no ordinary place, it’s like entering a dreamy fairytale garden! The vibe of this place can’t be described by words.
As soon as we entered, we were welcomed by narrow green alleyways covered in mist. Small streams were creating a relaxing sound and colorful flowers added to the beauty of the whole place.
In the back, we found a tall artificial rock with a falling waterfall. After exploring each corner, we headed to the bar to order a coffee and relax in the area for a bit.
6. Hike to Khun Korn Waterfall
I would say Khun Korn Waterfall is rather a hidden gem, not visited by many. While we were not alone on this hike, we only met a few other tourists.
In order to reach the waterfall, we hiked for about 30 minutes through a lush green jungle. It was not a demanding hike but rather a lovely walk. Soon we were welcomed by a 70-meters tall body of water falling down the cliff.
Despite visiting in the hot season, there was plenty of water. Below the Khun Korn waterfall, there’s a shallow pool perfect for a quick dip. To our surprise, the water was rather cold.
No entrance fee is collected. The best way to reach the trailhead is either by renting a bike or taking a tuk-tuk.
TIP: Do not stand directly under the waterfall as loose rocks and tree branches might fall down at any time.
7. Relax in the Hot Springs
A lovely surprise we didn’t expect was finding the Pong Phrabat Hot Spring in Chiang Rai. While it might not be as pleasant during warm days, the temperatures were a bit cool during our visit allowing for a relaxing experience.
The area offers a few different choices. We only went for the foot soak in one of a few different pools. We could choose the preferred water temperature by sitting in a different place. The foot dip is free.
If you prefer a full-body soak, you can go for the public pool, small but clean for only around 20 THB. For a private bath, you only pay 50 THB.
The best way to end such a relaxing stay is to get a massage at the local massage center. The price is only around 70 THB or so. Don’t forget to get a cold coconut before heading back to the city!
8. Witness the Clock Tower light up
Chiang Rai Clock Tower is a striking golden monument right in the heart of the city. It was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai, the same that designed the White Temple.
While it’s beautiful during the day, too, we recommend planning a visit at night. The clock tower comes to life with a captivating light show and melodic music each day at 7, 8, and 9 pm.
9. Try out Thai cuisine at the Night Market
We found two different night market in Chiang Rai – one open daily, and the other one only on Saturday. As we did not stay in the city on Saturday, we headed to the Night Bazaar to sample the local cuisine.
The Night Bazaar Food Court can be found near the Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1. Along the main streets, we found a few different stalls selling mostly snacks and local souvenirs. Multiple bars and restaurants filled with tourists are in this location.
Just a short walk away, there’s the Night Bazaar. It offers multiple stands with different types of local and international cuisine. We loved that there was live music each evening, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
10. The Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
Entrance fee: 80 THB
Opening hours: 9 am – 5 pm
The Black House Museum (Baan Dam), designed by the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, is a unique and slightly spooky spot in Chiang Rai.
When compared to the bright White Temple, the dark wooden buildings are completely different, with a mysterious vibe. Prepare to find a mix of animal bones, skulls, and other unusual pieces of art inside.
Each one of the several buildings in the complex is filled with quirky designs and intriguing details. The large main hall with strange decorations was definitely a highlight. It’s a bit eerie but super fascinating at the same time.
11. Visit Long-neck Village
A bit controversial is the visit to the long-neck village. Long neck is the Kayan tribe and the whole village consists of refugees from Burma. They were forced to flee their homes and now live in the North Thailand with limited opportunities.
The main source of income for these tribes is tourism. We visited Huay Pu Keng village during our stay in Mae Hong Son. While you can only stop by as a part of a day trip, for a more immersive experience we recommend an overnight stay.
It provides more insights into their lives, and you get to see what an average day in the village looks like.
While it’s a very unusual and authentic experience, some feel like it’s supporting the kind of human zoo these places seem to have become. Make up your own mind.
If you’re staying in Mae Hong Son, we recommend a short trip to the Su Tong Pae bamboo bridge built over the rice fields and a day trip to the Ban Rak Thai Chinese settlement. Both are still hidden gems!
12. Admire the views from Pu Chi Fa
Pu Chi Fa is a national forest park located around 120km from Chiang Rai right on the Laos border. Despite being so far, it’s worth a visit if you’re a nature lover. Thanks to its remote location, it’s a hidden gem almost untouched by tourism.
Pu Chi Fa consists of four different peaks you can visit. Pu Chi Fa mountain peak at 1442m is the main attraction. The great news is that you can explore all the places almost without any hike. The road leads almost to the top.
The area is the most magical during the sunrise when the valley is filled with mist. The best months to visit are November to January. We came at the end of February only to leave disappointed due to the burning season. Smog didn’t allow any views at all.
How to get to Chiang Rai
Most people visit Chiang Rai either from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. In case you’re staying further south in Thailand, check the local flights. Chiang Rai has an airport. Possibly, it might be cheaper to fly to Chaing Mai and then travel by land.
The fastest and easiest way to reach Chiang Rai from Bangkok is by flight. With multiple direct flights scheduled daily, it’s a convenient choice. The prices also make it affordable. The only other option is traveling by bus, which takes 13 hours.
From Chiang Mai, we took the GreenBus which takes between 3 to 4 hours and prices start at 300THB. The only tool we ever use for booking public transport tickets is 12Go.
Getting around Chiang Rai
We found walking great when exploring the Chiang Rai’s center, including the Night Market and Clock Tower. But for all the other things to do in Chiang Rai we mentioned above, you will need a more convenient transport option.
Rent a motorbike
Our favorite way of exploring new places is definitely by motorbike. It provides a lot of freedom. The bike rental cost starts from 250THB per day. We had a great experience with B Rider so we highly recommend checking them out.
TIP: Don’t forget to get a valid International Driving License before your Thailand trip to avoid getting fined.
Grab
If riding a scooter scares you, Grab is another amazing choice. Especially when traveling with a group, it’s also a budget-friendly choice. However, when visiting some of the more remote places, you might have trouble with finding the ride.
Songthaew or Tuk Tuk
You’ll find plenty of songthaews, which are a great choice when traveling to nearby attractions, Don’t forget to negotiate the price and don’t accept the first offer.
Join a Day Tour
For those of you who are looking for the easiest way to explore all the things to do in Chiang Rai with no hassle, joining a day tour might be a great idea. Many tours are also organized directly from Chiang Mai.
Best time to visit Chiang Rai
The dry season is the best time to visit Chiang Rai. It lasts from November to May, with December to February being the most popular choice. While you have to expect some crowds, the weather is at its best.
We must warn you not to travel to the North between February and April during the burning season. We visited Chiang Rai during this season and we had a lot of smog, no views, and terrible air quality.
Avoid the rainy season between July and October unless you’re after the low prices and no crowds.
Final thoughts on the Chiang Rai travel guide
Exploring Chiang Rai and all the things to do in the city was a lovely surprise. We loved how peaceful and green the surroundings were. Chiang Rai is home to beautiful nature and offers plenty of fascinating attractions for every kind of traveler.
