Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Golden landmark on a roundabout that puts on a free seven-minute light show at 7, 8 and 9pm.
Plan your visit
- Hours
- Open 24 hours daily
Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees at all temples. Carry a light scarf or sarong — some temples lend wraps, but not all. Shoes come off before entering any building with a Buddha image.
Details
- Address
- WR4J+V94 สุขสถิต Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
- Website
- clock-rai.websy.me
Full opening hours
Tours that include Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Chiang Rai Clock Tower.
Why go, and how to do it well
Turn up at 7pm and you'll see why this thing gets photographed more than almost anything else in the city center. The clock tower runs a free light and music show at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, roughly seven minutes each, and the gold detailing shifts color while the traffic keeps circling around it. It's a roundabout, after all. Nobody should build a day around it, but if you're eating dinner in town anyway, it's a few minutes well spent.
The design comes from Chalermchai Kositpipat, the same artist behind the White Temple, and you can see it in the intricate golden patterning and the northern Thai styling. It was built in 2005 to mark the 60th birthday of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother. By daylight it's less dramatic, though the streets radiating off it are full of cafes, bakeries, bars and shops, which makes the tower the easiest meeting point in Chiang Rai and a sensible place to start a walk around the center.
Written by Mac Kiley · Updated Sep 2026
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Best rated within a 8-minute walk
Tours that include Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Guided visits and day-tour combos that include Chiang Rai Clock Tower.
Around here, on foot
Well-rated places within a short walk of Chiang Rai Clock Tower, nearest first. Minutes are at an easy pace in the heat.
- 1 minRooftop Chiang RaiNightlife & Bars · 30 m · 4.3★
- 1 minPinan ThaifoodRestaurants & Food · 30 m · 5.0★
- 1 minPAPAUNO VIENNOISERIE & BISTRORestaurants & Food · 30 m · 4.7★
- 1 minLA OLA CHIANG RAIRestaurants & Food · 50 m · 4.6★
- 1 minThe Thai Massage ChiangRaiWellness & Spas · 60 m · 4.8★
- 1 minAlley BarNightlife & Bars · 70 m · 5.0★
Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Rai Clock Tower, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We visited the Chiang Rai Clock Tower today (Chalermphrakiat Clock Tower) it is a stunning golden landmark in the city center, designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat (creator of the White Temple) with intricate patterns, known for its captivating nightly light and sound show at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM. It serves as a traffic roundabout and a significant artistic attraction, showcasing traditional Thai temple aesthetics with a modern artistic touch, especially vibrant when illuminated at night. Key Details: Name: Chalermphrakiat Clock Tower (หอนาฬิกาเฉลิมพระเกียรติฯ). Location: In a traffic circle where several main roads meet in central Chiang Rai. Designer: Achan Chalermchai Kositpipat, a renowned Thai National Artist. Appearance: A distinctive golden structure with ornate, intricate details, resembling a Buddhist temple. Light & Sound Show: A 10-minute show occurs nightly at 7 PM, 8 PM, and 9 PM, transforming the tower with colors and music. Purpose: Built in 2005 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit. Why Visit: Art & Architecture: A beautiful piece of Thai modern art, reflecting the style of the famous White Temple. Evening Spectacle: The nightly light show offers a memorable visual experience for tourists. City Landmark: A central point of interest and a great photo opportunity in Chiang Rai.
An iconic location within chiangrai! Light shows of the clock tower on daily basis, 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Last about 7mins or so per show. A must to see when in town!
One of the most visited tourist attractions. If you like white temple , you will definitely like this musical show clock tower. Because both are designed by the same artist. The musical show starts at 7pm, 8pm & 9pm. Nothing too fantastic. But nice to look at if you are at city center for dinner.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 9,082 reviews on Google.
WR4J+V94 สุขสถิต Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
Mind Your Feet
Never point your feet at a Buddha image or a monk — it's considered deeply disrespectful. When sitting inside a temple, tuck your feet behind you or to the side.
Ask Before Photographing
Exterior photos are almost always fine, but some interior halls prohibit photography. Look for signs, and never pose irreverently with Buddha images — it's a legal offense in Thailand.
Go Early Morning
Big-name temples are dramatically less crowded in the first hour after opening. You'll also avoid the worst of the midday heat and get softer light for photos.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Rai Clock Tower worth visiting?
Chiang Rai Clock Tower holds a 4.4★ rating from 9,082 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Rai.
What are the opening hours of Chiang Rai Clock Tower?
Chiang Rai Clock Tower is open 24 hours a day — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Rai Clock Tower?
The best months to visit Chiang Rai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: Mid-February – April (smoke & heat).
Where is Chiang Rai Clock Tower located?
Chiang Rai Clock Tower is at WR4J+V94 สุขสถิต Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand, in Chiang Rai. Getting around Chiang Rai: Grab (available in city center); Songthaews.
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