The Ultimate 3 Day Chiang Rai Itinerary
The best of Chiang Rai in 3 Days: A complete itinerary
We may earn a commission from purchases made through some affiliate links on this website
Tucked into the far northern reaches of Thailand lies the ancient city of Chiang Rai. It’s a beautiful place to explore and is renowned for its unique temples and incredible natural beauty. Not sure where to begin when discovering this hidden gem? Our 3 day itinerary has everything you need to make the most of your visit to this magical city
Table of Contents
Day 1 - Discover the Temples of Chiang Rai
Morning
The White Temple
Start your day with a visit to one of Thailand’s most famous temples – and Chiang Rai’s most iconic. Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is a masterpiece of intricate architecture and surreal art. Designed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat as a lifelong dedication to Buddha, it’s an entirely white, dazzling temple, covered in mirrored glass and white washed stone. Dragons and warriors await you across the Bridge of Rebirth, as well as an entirely gold temple symbolising our attachment to the material world. Spend a couple of hours exploring this complex, which is especially beautiful in the morning light.
The Blue Temple
After visiting the White Temple, get a taxi back towards Chiang Rai to visit another unique temple – Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as the Blue Temple. This relatively new addition to Chiang Rai’s temple circuit is renowned for its deep ocean blue colour and striking gold accents. The temple’s interior features a majestic white Buddha statue surrounded by beautifully painted murals. In a country full of traditional, ancient temples, it’s incredible to see what can be achieved with modern minds reimagining the temple experience. The White and Blue temples still retain classic Thai temple elements with ornate carvings, murals and Buddha shrines, yet visually they are unlike anything you have seen before.
Lunch
A five minute walk from The Blue Temple leads you to a beautiful restaurant on the banks of the Kok River, where you can stop for lunch. Chivit Thamma Da sources all their organic, fair-trade ingredients from local farmers, with authentic, Thai food cooked fresh every day. Enjoy a mixed Lanna platter of traditional Northern Thai snacks, followed by a bowl of velvety Khao Soi while watching the river drift lazily by from the picturesque outdoor terrace.
Afternoon
Baan Dam Museum (The Black House)
After lunch, make your way to the Baan Dam Museum, also known as the Black House. Created by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, this complex of dark, teakwood buildings is eerie and fascinating. The museum houses a collection of eclectic and provocative art pieces, including animal bones, skins and other unusual artefacts. The unique architecture and thought-provoking exhibits are a stark contrast to the city’s more traditional temples and is one we highly recommend on any visit to Chiang Rai. Afterwards, make your way back to your hotel to get ready for an evening at the night bazaar.
Evening
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
End your first day with a visit to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local products. Enjoy a stroll through the stalls, sample the sizzling street food and catch a performance at the open-air stage – if you’re up for it, join the locals for a dance when the music gets going! Night markets are an essential part of Thai culture, and something you’ll find in every major town and city. No other markets in the world can quite match the buzz and atmosphere you’ll find in Thai markets, giving you a window into the heart and soul of this country. Chiang Rai night bazaar is no different. Bring an empty stomach and a full wallet!
Day 2 - A Day of Hidden Gems
Morning
Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park
Set aside a morning to wander the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park, one of Chiang Rai’s most beautiful spaces. Explore lush gardens dotted with beautiful Lanna-style teakwood houses, and step into galleries that display the world’s largest collections of Lanna folk art and artefacts, including hand-woven textiles and wooden carvings. Don’t miss the museum, which explores the Lanna Kingdom’s history. You might find you have most of the place to yourself – this flies under the radar of most tourist itineraries and is one of Chiang Rai’s best hidden gems.
Lunch
A 2 minute walk from the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park is the local eatery Baan Noi, serving up delicious and authentic Lanna cuisine. Dine on the open-air terrace, surrounded by lush greenery, banana trees and giant ferns. Choose from bold and spicy beef jungle curry, steamed tilapia and delicious laab, piled high with aromatic fresh herbs.
Afternoon
Huay Mae Sai Waterfall
After feasting on authentic Northern Thai cuisine, head to Huay Mae Sai Waterfall for a jungle trek and a refreshing dip. Located 35 minutes outside the city, the waterfall is surrounded by rainforest and completely free to visit. Made up of two pools, the waterfall is a hidden oasis, with cool plunge pools perfect for swimming in, and even a rock jump for those of you brave enough. The lower pool has the most dramatic cascade, which tumbles out of the jungle and falls for 12m into the water below. The second pool is larger but the cascade tumbles over rocks here, before reaching the bottom. Both are ideal to relax and unwind in the beautiful forest. No public transport goes here so we’d recommend hiring a driver for the remainder of the day, who can wait for you and take you back to the city. Alternatively, you can hire a scooter and make your own way to the falls.
Evening
Doi Bo Viewpoint
Just a 10 minute drive from the waterfall is the Doi Bo viewpoint. As the sun sets, make your way here to witness the twinkling lights of Chiang Rai illuminate the valley below you. The forested hills stretch away beneath you and it’s a magical way to end your day. Make your way back to town for dinner at the beloved casual eatery Khao Soi Restaurant. As the name suggests, they serve steaming bowls of this traditional northern Thai dish, as well as favourites such as coconut curries, glass noodle salad and crispy pork belly with chilli and salt. All are best washed down with a bottle of cold Chang beer.
Day 3 - The Golden Triangle Experience
Morning
Golden Triangle and Opium Museum
On your final day, make your way to the Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. For many, this is their raison d’etre for coming to Chiang Rai. Begin with an early morning visit to the Golden Triangle viewpoint for a panoramic view of the Mekong River and the rainforest-covered mountains. As you gaze over the borders of all three countries, consider that years ago, this would have been impossible to visit. This cross-roads was at the heart of drug trafficking, and the area would have been off-limits to anyone except cartels and smugglers. Today, it’s world’s apart. After admiring the view, head to the Hall of Opium Museum to learn more about the fascinating history of the area with the opium trade.
hand picked tours we love:
Lunch
Head down to the Mekong river for lunch with a view. There are many, many restaurants to choose from along this stretch, but our favourite was Sriwan Coffee & Restaurant, serving up authentic, home cooked Northern Thai food with wonderful views over the river. Try the hearty hot pots, crab fried rice and shrimp cooked in tamarind root, and savour the atmosphere.
Afternoon
River Cruise & Ancient Cities
After lunch, hire a long-tail boat for a trip down the river. Cruise past farm terraces, jungle and temples as you experience this area from waters of the mighty Mekong. Afterwards, explore the ancient city of Chiang Saen, one of the oldest towns in Thailand. Wander the old city walls and visit the historic Wat Phra That Chedi Luang, known for its towering stupa that you can climb for views over the city and beyond. Afterward, head to Wat Phra That Pha Ngao, a hilltop temple with incredible views of the winding river and rainforest below.
Evening
Dinner at Lab Sanam Keela
Return to Chiang Rai in the evening for dinner at one of the best restaurants in the city, Lab Sanam Keela. Serving up Northern Thai food, expect meat, bold flavours and a garden of fresh herbs and vegetables piled high on the table. This is authentic Thai food at its absolute best and it’s often packed with locals. Dinner here after a day of exploring is the perfect way to end your time in Chiang Rai, and as you dine on grilled pork and steamed beef dipped in chilli sauce and washed down with sticky rice and fresh herbs, you’ll be wondering why you have to leave. A true, northern Thailand experience.
where to stay
things to do
