14 Best Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand
Explore the heart of Northern Thailand: The 14 best things to do & see in Chiang Rai
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Unfortunately, the word is out. For years, Chiang Mai’s pretty little sister, Chiang Rai, flew under the radar for all but the most discerning travellers. It was a hidden gem for those who dared to venture this far away from the powdery sands of the south, rewarding visitors with some of the most incredible temples in the world, breathtaking nature and incomparable Northern Thai cuisine. Here’s our guide to the best 14 things to do and see on your trip to Chiang Rai, from discovering otherworldly temples to cruising the Mekong river and exploring jungle-clad mountain peaks.
1. Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
No trip to Chiang Rai is complete without a visit to the White Temple, and this stunning creation has to be seen to be believed. Created by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it’s a complete rebuild of a Buddhist temple that had fallen into disrepair. It’s a breathtaking sight, and appears from a distance to be made from white porcelain. Closer inspection reveals a facade dripping in white wash and mirrored mosaic, creating a dazzling exterior that is beautiful and thought provoking. Kositpipat plans for the temple to be a centre for Buddhist teachings, so much so that this is his life’s work – dedicated to Buddha himself. Read our full guide on How to Visit the White Temple in Chiang Rai here.
2. Explore the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)
The Blue Temple, covered in a Lapis-blue exterior and with striking gold accents is another must see sight in Chiang Rai. The design is inspired by traditional Thai art, with otherworldly murals and sculptures adorning the walls. Similar to the White Temple, this is a re-build of a dilapidated temple, but its modern day origins take nothing away from its beauty. In fact, this is a chance to see how intricate and magnificent temples can be, and makes a refreshing change from the more traditional temples you can find everywhere else in the country.
3. Discover the Black House (Baan Dam Museum)
Unlike the opulent and excessive White and Blue Temples, the Black House is a darker, more mysterious experience. This unconventional museum showcases the works of Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, featuring a collection of black wooden buildings filled with animal bones, skins and other unusual items. It’s a fascinating place that peers into the darker side of human nature, exploring themes of death and impermanence. Don’t let this put you off visiting – it’s a visually stunning place and is more reminiscent of Nordic stave churches than classic Thai temples.
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4. Visit the Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. This area was once a major opium producing region, but today, it’s world’s away from its drug trafficking past and is now a popular tourist spot. Here you’ll find breathtaking views of the three countries and the winding Mekong River, backed by forested mountains. Explore the Golden Triangle Park and wander through the Hall of Opium Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of the region. Make sure to check out our Full Guide to Visiting the Golden Triangle here.
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5. Stroll Through Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
All good cities in Thailand come complete with a bustling night bazaar, and The Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is no different. This vibrant market comes alive in the evenings and is a feast for the senses. Shop for local crafts, souvenirs and clothing, before sampling one of the many street food stalls while enjoying street-side performances by local artists and musicians. This is everything a good Thai night market should be.
6. Explore the Oub Kham Museum
The Oub Kham Museum is a fascinating window into over 1000 years of history and culture of the Lanna and Tai Kingdoms. The museum houses a stunning private collection of artefacts, including ancient costumes, textiles and ceremonial objects. Keep an eye out for the 400 year old golden throne used by the Tai Yai Royals in Myanmar, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world. This hidden gem of a museum often flies under most typical tourist radars, so you can explore the courtyards and grounds without the crowds.
7. Visit the Goddess of Mercy
Often mistakenly called the Big Buddha, Wat Huay Pla Kang is actually home to an impressive Goddess. The 23-story statue is a monument to Guan Yin, a Bodhisattva of Compassion (also called The Goddess of Mercy) who gained enlightenment but remained on earth to help humanity. The beautiful white statue stands guard over the valley below, flecked with gold highlights. She’s a sight to behold, and as you ascend the staircase upwards, her gently smiling face beams down at you. You can climb inside the statue itself too, where instead of being rewarded with enlightenment, you’re greeted by incredible views over the surrounding countryside and mountains. Visit the stunning nine-tiered pagoda while you’re here too.
8. Relax in Singha Park
Singha Park is a vast, beautifully landscaped area just on the outskirts of the city. Here you’ll find flower gardens, lakes and a giant golden lion, with enough activities to keep the most energetic traveller busy. Cycle around the winding paths, zip-line over the lush landscape and tour the tea plantation. There’s over 3000 acres to explore here, so consider hiring a golf buggy to experience the park at your own pace, sampling the fresh strawberries, enjoying the cafe’s and breathing in the fresh air away from the city streets.
9. Discover the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park
This beautiful park was created in the 1970s as a place for disadvantaged hill tribe villagers to learn skills to benefit their communities. Today, it’s a centre to showcase Lanna heritage, and makes a beautiful place to immerse yourself in this Northern Thai culture. Explore the gardens, housing a collection of painfully romantic teakwood buildings. Discover the museum here too, with an extensive collection of Lanna artefacts – one of the largest collections in Thailand.
10. Visit the Hill Tribe Villages
Located in the remote far north of Thailand, Chiang Rai is surrounded by hill tribe communities, each with their own unique traditions and crafts. A visit to these villages offers an opportunity to learn about the Akha, Lisu and other tribes, and a chance to witness a fast disappearing way of life. Observe traditional crafts like silverwork and weaving, learn about medicinal plants harvested from the jungle and glimpse what daily life is like for these remote villages. It’s important to use an ethical tour company, who minimise visitor numbers and who have direct links to the tribes they visit, ensuring profits go back to the communities they work with. Read our full Guide to Visiting the Hill Tribes of Northern Thailand to make the most out of your trip.
11. Explore Doi Tung and the Royal Villa
Doi Tung is a pretty mountain area home to the Doi Tung Royal Villa and the Mae Fah Luang Garden. The Royal Villa was the residence of the late Princess Mother – the mother to the current King of Thailand – and is now a museum showcasing her life and work. The surrounding gardens are beautifully landscaped, featuring colourful, sweeping flower beds with paths weaving in amongst them. Explore further afield on one of the hiking trails in the nearby area.
12. Admire the Views from Phu Chi Fa
Have you ever wanted to feel like you’re on top of the world as a mystical land stretches out beneath you? If the answer is yes, then you want to make a trip to Phu Chi Fa. A mountain in the Doi Pha Mon range, it’s known for its otherworldly views of the sunrise over a sea of clouds. A large outcrop of rock juts out into the valley below, giving you a perch on which to admire the breathtaking views that disappear into the horizon. It’s a spectacular place to witness. The trek to the viewpoint is relatively easy, making this an accessible experience for most people.
13. Cruise on the Mekong River
A boat trip on the Mekong River is one of the most beautiful and unique ways to experience the Golden Triangle Region (where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet). Hire a long-tail boat and float along the lazy river as it meanders through the lush landscape of Northern Thailand. You’ll pass by farmland and jungle as you cruise down the Mekong, perhaps having lunch on your boat. For the adventurous, some companies offer 2 week cruises down the Mekong from Chiang Rai to Laos, stopping by the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang, before finishing up in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. A once in a lifetime experience.
14. Visit Wat Phra Kaew
Wat Phra Kaew is one of Chiang Rai’s oldest and most sacred temples. It’s famous for being the original home of the Emerald Buddha, which is now housed in Bangkok’s Grand Palace. This Buddha statue is made from a single block of jade and is highly revered throughout Thailand. Surrounded by lush trees, the temple’s main hall is an excellent example of traditional Lanna architecture, and its peaceful grounds provide a tranquil retreat from the city outside.
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