Chiang Rai
Home to the White Temple, Golden Triangle, and hill tribe villages
Listing data updated
About Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is northern Thailand's artistic outlier. National artist Chalermchai Kositpipat's Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) draws over a million visitors a year with its surreal, mirror-encrusted design — but it's just the start. The Black House (Baan Dam) by the late Thawan Duchanee is an equally striking collection of dark, sculptural buildings filled with animal bones, crocodile skins, and provocative art. The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) completes an unofficial trifecta of temples-as-art-installations.
Beyond the temples, Chiang Rai province stretches north to the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet at the Mekong River. The region's tea and coffee plantations — particularly around Doi Mae Salong, settled by Chinese Kuomintang soldiers in the 1960s — produce some of Thailand's best beans. The Akha, Lahu, and Hmong hill-tribe villages in the surrounding mountains offer community-based tourism with homestays and guided treks.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit
November – February
Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)
Rainy season
June – September
Avg. temperature
14°C – 35°C(57°F – 95°F)
Crowds
Peak: December – February
Getting there
Mae Fah Luang Airport (CEI) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. Scenic Golden Triangle road trip from Chiang Mai.
Getting around
- •Grab (available in city centre)
- •Songthaews
- •Motorbike rental (฿200/day)
- •Car hire (for Golden Triangle & hill tribes)
Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai offers 322 curated places to explore across 7 categories. Choose from 52 hotels and resorts for your stay. Discover 69 restaurants and dining spots. Visit 47 temples and cultural landmarks. Book from 64 activities and tours.
Browse by category below or scroll down to see top-rated picks in each category. Every listing includes Google ratings from verified visitors, price ranges, and direct booking links where available.
Hotels & Resorts
View all
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand
Chic rooms & suites in a premium resort offering a luxe spa, plus an infinity pool with river views.
B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel
Streamlined rooms & suites in a relaxed budget lodging offering parking & complimentary Wi-Fi.
Nak Nakara Hotel
Centrally located Chiang Rai hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and thoughtful complimentary extras.
Laluna Hotel and Resort
Polished bungalows in an upmarket resort featuring a bright eatery, a bar & an outdoor pool.
Restaurants & Food
View all
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House, Bistro & Bar
Relaxed riverside outfit with a garden prepping international fare made from seasonal ingredients.
Central Chiangrai
A large shopping mall in central Chiang Rai with a popular food court, retail outlets, and free parking.
Big C Supercenter Chiang Rai 1
Chiang Rai's oldest Big C hypermarket, offering groceries, a food court, and everyday essentials in one central location.
Lalitta Café
A fairytale-themed garden café in Chiang Rai with a misty forest setting, koi ponds, waterfall, and Thai food.
Temples & Culture
View all
Rong Suea Ten Temple
Monumental, modern Buddhist temple distinguished by its vivid blue coloring & elaborate carvings.
Wat Rong Khun
Contemporary Buddhist temple drawing massive crowds with its unique, intricate white exterior.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
Temple complex featuring a 9-floor pagoda with 12 surrounding structures & a giant Buddha.
Choui Fong Tea Plantation
A working hillside tea plantation in Chiang Rai offering scenic terraces, tea tasting, food, and a shop.
Markets & Shopping
View all
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Compact night market offering street food, apparel, jewelry & gifts, plus live entertainment.
Chiang Rai Walking Street
Street-food stands & stalls selling wooden carvings & batik clothing at a busy market.
Mae Fah Luang - Chiang Rai International Airport
Compact international airport serving northern Thailand with cafés, shops, car rentals, and clean facilities.
Bandu Market
A bustling local wet market in Chiang Rai offering fresh produce, street food, and everyday goods at local prices.
Activities & Tours
View all
Golden Triangle
Educational park at the intersection of Myanmar, Laos & Thailand, once known for opium production.
Singha Park Chiang Rai
Scenic park in a farmlike setting with tea plantations, orchards, trails, a tram & a petting zoo.
75 Anniversary Flag and Lamp Park
A central Chiang Rai city park best known for its spectacular annual flower festival each January.
Doi Tung Royal Villa
Former royal summer residence with a botanical park, gardens, rock formations & museum.
Nightlife & Bars
View all
O'Kane's Irish Pub : โอเคน ไอริชผับ แอนด์ เรสเตอร์รองท์
A welcoming Irish pub and restaurant in central Chiang Rai, open daily from morning until midnight.
Tawandang Mahason Chiang Rai
A large-scale live music venue and nightclub on Chiang Rai's main strip, drawing locals and tourists alike.
Youngโสด เชียงราย
A lively local bar and club in Chiang Rai with live music, a dance floor, and a young crowd.
Tamarind
A garden bistro and cocktail bar in central Chiang Rai, popular for breakfasts, cold drinks, and live music.
Wellness & Spas
View all
Soon Wipassana Rai Cherntawan (W.Wachiramethi)
A vipassana meditation and wellness centre in Chiang Rai's Huai Sak area, rooted in Buddhist tradition.
The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort and Spa
Upscale hotel offering an outdoor pool, a spa & a wine bar, plus a restaurant, a gym & Wi-Fi.
Chiang Rai Nice Massage
A well-regarded Thai massage parlour in central Chiang Rai, open daily until 10:30 PM.
GRAND SPA แกรนด์สปา
A highly regarded day spa on Chiang Rai's main road, open daily until 11 PM with Thai massage and more.
Frequently Asked Questions about Chiang Rai
How many days do you need in Chiang Rai?
Two full days covers the White Temple, Black House, Blue Temple, and the night bazaar. Three days lets you add the Golden Triangle, Doi Mae Salong tea villages, and a hill-tribe trek. Some travelers visit as a day trip from Chiang Mai, but you'll only have time for one or two temples that way.
Is Chiang Rai worth visiting if I'm already going to Chiang Mai?
Absolutely. They're different experiences. Chiang Rai is smaller, quieter, and more about the surrounding province than the city itself. The temples are unlike anything in Chiang Mai, and the Golden Triangle, hill-tribe villages, and tea country aren't accessible from further south. The 3-hour bus ride is easy.
Can you cross into Laos or Myanmar from Chiang Rai?
Yes. The Chiang Khong border crossing leads to Huay Xai in Laos, where you can catch the two-day slow boat down the Mekong to Luang Prabang. The Mae Sai crossing into Myanmar's Tachileik allows day visits. Visa requirements change frequently — check current rules before planning a crossing.
What is the Chiang Rai night bazaar like?
The night bazaar runs nightly on Phahonyothin Road in the city center. It's smaller and less hectic than Chiang Mai's, with hill-tribe handicrafts, local food stalls, and a central stage with live Lanna music and dance performances. Saturday brings an additional walking street market near the clock tower.