Chiang Rai Clock Tower
The Chalermphrakiat Clock Tower is one of Chiang Rai's most recognisable landmarks, designed by celebrated local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat — the same artist behind the city's famous White Temple. Built in 2005 to honour the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand, the tower is adorned with intricate golden patterns and ornate detailing that reflect the artistic traditions of northern Thailand. Each evening, the tower hosts free light and music shows at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm, with each show running approximately seven minutes. The surrounding area in central Tambon Wiang is lively throughout the day, with cafes, bakeries, restaurants, and shops clustered nearby, making the tower a natural gathering point for locals and visitors alike. Its central position also makes it a practical starting point for exploring other attractions across central Chiang Rai on foot. Good to know: The nightly light shows draw crowds, so arriving a few minutes early helps secure a comfortable viewing spot. The tower is a public landmark with no admission fee and no set opening hours, making it accessible at any time of day. For photography, early morning or late afternoon offers cooler temperatures and more flattering natural light.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Chiang Rai Clock Tower, round out your day in Chiang Rai with contrasting stops nearby.
Visitor Reviews
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.
This beautiful clock tower was built in 2005 to commemorate the 60th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother of Thailand. The tower is adorned with intricate golden patterns making it a standout landmark, especially when illuminated at night. Its located centrally in Chiang Rai. Every day at 19.00, 20.00, 21.00 visitors can enjoy a 10 minute light and sound show. Do not miss this beautiful clock tower if 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!
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Chiang Rai Clock Tower: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chiang Rai Clock Tower worth visiting?
Chiang Rai Clock Tower holds a 4.4★ rating from 8,728 Google reviews — a strong rating for temples & culture in Chiang Rai.
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: March – May (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 centre); Songthaews.
Location Info
WR4J+V94 สุขสถิต Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, ThailandTours & tickets nearby
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)
Where to stay near Chiang Rai Clock Tower
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Tips for Visiting Temples & Culture
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.
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.
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The Grand Palace
A breathtaking 18th-century royal palace complex showcasing centuries of Thai history, gold-adorned architecture, and sacred temples.
Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan
An iconic riverside Buddhist temple adorned with intricate porcelain-tiled spires in Bangkok's old city.
Where to stay near Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Free cancellation on most rooms
- No booking fees
- Compare live prices
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Agoda
Best rates in Asia
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Hotels.com Rewards
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
Tours & tickets nearby
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)