Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Turn up at 7pm and you'll see why this thing gets photographed more than almost anything else in the city centre. The clock tower runs a free light and music show at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, roughly seven minutes each, and the gold detailing shifts colour 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 centre.
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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.
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.
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A 30,000-rai tea estate you tour by golf cart or bike, but mind the rental time limits.
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A colonial-style house on the Kok River where the garden, the food and the prices all run higher than average.
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: 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, Thailandclock-rai.websy.me/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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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.
Nearby Places
Mulanithi Sathanara Kuson Songkor Chiang Rai
A community foundation and cultural site in central Chiang Rai, open daily for visitors and locals alike.
Old Clock Tower
A historic working clock tower in central Chiang Rai, surrounded by a lively afternoon street food market.
Wat Mung Muang
A 14th-century Lanna-Burmese temple in central Chiang Rai, known for its ornate architecture and 600-year-old Buddha.
Wat Jed Yod
A serene Buddhist temple in central Chiang Rai, defined by seven distinctive golden spires and northern Thai craftsmanship.
Similar Temples & Culture Across Thailand
Wat Phra Kaew
Go at 08:30 or don't bother, the Emerald Buddha's courtyards fill up fast and stay full until closing.
Doi Suthep Temple
Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.
The Grand Palace
Go at 08:30 sharp, cover your shoulders and legs, and give it three hours rather than one.
The Sanctuary of Truth Museum
A hand-carved wooden giant still under construction, and watching the carpenters work is half the point.
Where to stay near Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Find hotels in Chiang Rai on the booking sites travellers trust most.
- Compare prices across sites
- Filter for free cancellation
- Secure checkout on the partner site
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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). The bus from Chiang Mai takes ~3 hrs. There's also a 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)