Northern Thailand is one of the most beautiful regions in the country and it’s important to know the things to do in Chiang Rai before your vacation in order for you to make the most of your time.
Chiang Rai often finds itself compared to its sister city Chiang Mai, the largest city in the northern part of Thailand full of ancient temples, historical places, and beautiful nature. Chiang Rai may not be as big and vibrant, but it is still home to some of Thailand’s most interesting sights, making it more than worth a visit.
Other than spending some time in town to check all the boxes in the must-do things in Chiang Rai, it is also possible to join a day trip from Chiang Mai. Of course, the experience will be much shorter. However, it’ll allow you to see the absolute best without staying days in Chiang Rai and saving days to explore the rest of Thailand.
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Wander Around the White Temple – Wat Rong Khun
The white temple, called Wat Rong Khun in Thai, is an absolute must-do in Chiang Rai. The temple is definitely much different than all the other ones you will visit during your holidays.
The temple was in a bad shape many years ago so a local artist decided to make it his own project and refurbish it. It got open to visitors in 1997 and this is how the white temple became so popular among tourists.
Inside, you’ll see many weird things like Spiderman and Minion head hanging off trees, a reproduction of skulls and fingers coming from hell at the entrance of the temple, and even magnificent golden toilets inside.
Entrance Fee: 50 Baht
Opening Times: Every day from 6.30 AM to 6.00 PM
How to Get to The White Temple?
Needless to say, the best way to get to the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) is to join a daily tour from Chiang Mai. In fact, you’ll be guided by an expert that will show you around explaining the history and fun facts about the White Temple.
On the other hand, you can easily reach the White Temple from Chiang Rai. Take the bus 1246 (it passes every 30 minutes), the bus 1244 or the bus 1241 at Bus Terminal Number 1. A small “White Temple” sign will be indicated.
Lastly, you can take blue cars going to the White Temple. You can grab one of them at the Songthaew station on Uttrakit Raod next to the White Clock Tower.
Be Amazed at the Blue Temple
The Blue Temple is a unique thing to do in Chiang Rai and more generally in Thailand, as it’s unique to the city. It is located about 20 minutes by car from the White Temple. It is a beautiful Buddhist temple with blue walls and a blue statue of Buddha inside. In addition to that, the entrance is absolutely free and that is fantastic.
Its Thai name is Wat Rong Suea Ten. It translates to “House of the dancing tigers” as a remembrance of the tigers that were around in the area back in the days.
Entrance Fee: Free entrance
Opening Times: Every day from 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Get Inside the Statue at Huay Pla Kang Temple
Wat Huay Pla Kang is one of the must-do in Chiang Rai that you shouldn’t miss during your trip. The Big Buddha is impressive to say the least with its adjacent pagoda that will make your vacation even more unique.
Even if you don’t see the bright red pagoda with golden accents straight away, you definitely can’t miss its closest neighbor – a stark white statue on the green hill, sitting cross-legged on a lotus flower with its eyes closed. The peaceful expression of the statue’s face often makes people mistake it for Buddha. However, in reality, it is Guan Yin, the goddess of Mercy watching over the mountainous region of Chiang Rai.
The temple is usually not crowded, making it a good place to have a moment of peace and ask Guan Yin for health and assistance in any material matters.
It is possible to get to the very top of the statue, towering at 25 floors above the ground. From there, take a look at the forests, mountains, and fields surrounding the city of Chiang Rai. The view is going to leave you speechless.
Entrance Fee: Free entrance – 40฿ to get inside the statue
Opening Times: Every day from 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Baandam Museum – Black House
The Black House is generally added to tours going to the White and Blue temples. For this reason, you’re most likely going to visit it if you’re joining a tour. There are many strange art pieces inside and many penis statuses as well (say what?!).
If you have visited the White Temple on the outskirts of Chiang Rai, you may think of the Baandam Museum as its dark-sided twin. Shaped like a temple with its triangular shape, the Black House creates an impression that something odd resides inside.
The Baandam Museum is one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai and houses the works of Thawan Duchanee. One of Thailand’s most controversial artists.
You’ll walk through the rooms of taxidermied animals, with chairs and tables made out of horns and skulls standing as front and center of the exhibit. It has everything rebellious and thought-provoking. To sum up, the Baandam Museum is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai.
Entrance Fee: 80THB
Opening Times: Every day from 7.00 AM to 8.00 PM
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Night bazaars are not only popular in Chiang Rai, but all over Thailand. You’ll be able to shop for souvenirs, handbags, and see traditional dancing shows. Other than that, there is a fantastic food court where you can buy delicious Northern Thai food such as Khao Soi, spicy sausage, or the more popular Pad Thai.
Opening Times: Every day from 6.00 PM to 11.00 PM
Walk Around Singha Park
Singha Park is not a must-do but it’s definitely a unique thing to do in Chiang Rai if you have more time available. Apart from Singha’s golden statue, there’s a zipline station in the park together with a bar serving amazing Thai milk tea.
You’ll also find animals to pets such as giraffes, zebra, horses, and ponies. Needless to say, that’s the place to be if you’re having a family vacation in Thailand.
Visit the Night Walking Street
If you’re the kind of person that likes night markets, then this place is for you. You can visit both the walking street and night bazaar on the same evening, although this walking street comes alive only on Saturday.
Opening Times: Saturday from 6.00 PM to 11.00 PM
Play With the Elephants (Best thing to in Chiang Rai for Animal Lovers)
One of the many elephant sanctuaries all across Thailand awaits you in Chiang Rai, priding itself on having the most ethical way of rescuing elephants out there. As you step into this piece of jungle, you are told, “Everything is for the elephants.”
Keeping a respectful distance, you are free to walk around and watch these gentle giants learn what it’s like to be an elephant again as they stroll through the jungle, their heads bowed in dignity, go for a swim in the lake, or wallow in mud, treating the whole family to a spa day.
You can approach the elephants at feeding time, if they are in a good mood, and watch them gently take bananas out of your hand as they look at you, their eyes intelligent and content. Treat yourself to a day near animals in their natural habitat.
Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Entrance fee: Half-day: 1,600฿ for adults – 800฿ for kids; Full day: 2,000฿ for adults – 1,000฿ for kids
Photograph the Clock Tower
The Golden Clock Tower in the very heart of Chiang Rai is a good reminder that nice things surround us everywhere. Coming from the same man who built the White Temple, the Clock Tower is a bright spot in the middle of a busy road.
Be sure to visit the Tower after sunset. In fact, as the clock strikes 7.00, 8.00, and 9.00 pm, the Tower illuminates in shades of purple and pink with water erupting from the fountain at the bottom. If you want to take a memorable picture from your trip to Chiang Rai, this is certainly the place.
Step in 3 countries at the Golden Triangle
If you feel like you’re running out of things to do in Chiang Rai, pay a visit to the Golden Triangle. The beauty of this place is that everyone interprets it differently: while the locals choose to mark it as a spot where the mighty rivers Ruak and Mekong finally intertwine, like long lost lovers after a harrowing journey, it is also where the borders of Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet, forming a triangle that has given the name to this interesting place.
Admire the stunning panorama from the top. Take the picture of the triangle marking the beginnings of each country, and allow yourself to briefly ponder the abstract notion of borders, created by humans to understand where their place ends and begins. Not every day you can say that you’re standing in three countries at once.
Long Neck Karen Village
Long Neck Karen villages can be found in both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and are similar to each other.
If you’re traveling on a budget and are planning to visit both cities, I’d recommend visiting the Karen village in Chiang Rai, rather than the one in Chiang Mai as the entrance fee will be 300 Baht, instead of 500 Baht in Chiang Mai.
Have a break at Choui Fong Tea Plantation
The tea plantation is definitely another one of the things to do in Chiang Rai if you have more free time. Other than being able to taste amazing tea, you can wander around the plantation and relax while seeing the beautiful views.
Note that there is no tour that will take you there so I’d advise you to go only if you are renting a car or a motorbike. Lastly, the entrance is free so you can spend some time without having to spend a penny.
Opening Times: Every day from 08.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Explore Oub Kham Museum
What is left to do in Chiang Rai other than taking a deep dive into history? The Oub Kham Museum offers you to take an exciting journey through the thousand-year history of Thailand. You’ll be able to see all the artifacts of the times passed in the country.
You’ll find jewelry and clothing dating back to the times of the ancient Lanna kingdom. A trip through history doesn’t need to be boring; all you need to do is find the right guide.
Opening times: 8:00 – 17:00
Entrance fee: 300฿
Eat Khao Soi (Best thing to do in Chiang Rai for foodies)
Khao Soi is one of Thailand’s most delicious meals that you can eat. Although it is only widely available in Northern Thailand, you can find it in some small shops in the rest of the country.
It is a creamy soup with noodles, meat, onions, herbs, lemon, and fresh chilies.
The most popular versions are the chicken and beef ones, but you can find the veggie version in some places.
The best Khao Sois I had in Chiang Rai were at Khao Soi Witchitthra and Barrab restaurant Chiang Rai, and I’d highly recommend you to go.
How to Get to Chiang Rai?
Getting to Chiang Rai is fairly easy whether you come from the northern city of Chiang Mai, or from Bangkok or Phuket. The city has an international airport, Mae Fah Luang airport, that will land you here from many Asian cities.
If you’re coming from Chiang Mai, you have then different ways to get here.
Bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
Getting from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by bus is very easy and won’t be a hassle.
You’ll need to get a tuk tuk or a Grab taxi to Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station and buy a bus ticket there. A bus ticket from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai will cost you 150 Bath. Buses leave frequently and you shouldn’t have to wait too long. The trip will take from 3 to 4 hours depending on the road conditions.
Price: 150Bath
How Long it Takes: 3-4 hours
Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai by Car
If you’re considering renting a car and get to Chiang Rai by yourself, then it is totally possible. It will take you around 3 hours to get there.
There are, however, 2 downsides to driving in Thailand:
- You might be stopped by Thai Police and they’ll probably find an issue with your license or car, and you’ll need to bribe them to let you go (that’s how it works in Thailand)
- Thai roads, while usually in good shape and easy to drive on, could be dangerous. There are many road accidents all year round and many lose their lives driving too fast or carelessly.
Pro Tip
Getting to Chiang Rai by bus or car are the most convenient options and most probably the ones you’re going to be using. However, there’s another way to get there that you should consider.
There are many daily tours leaving from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai that will leave in the morning and get back at nighttime. Take the day trip as an opportunity to get you out of Chiang Mai and drop you off in Chiang Rai when you’re done with the tour. This will save you some money and hassle.
How Long to Stay in Chiang Rai?
Of course, the amount of time you’ll spend in the city will depend on your vacation. However, given the number of things to do in Chiang Rai, I would personally recommend staying 2 to 3 days max.
Chiang Rai is much more peaceful than Chiang Mai. For this, you’ll be able to do and see every must-do within that time frame.
If you have only 1 or 2 days available, make sure to visit the While and Blue temples. Also, the black house, the Golden Triangle, and the walking street should be on your list. These are the most authentic and unique things to do in Chiang Rai you shouldn’t miss.
