#1
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
4.6 (27,037)·Chiang Rai
The Blue Temple, deep sapphire and gold inside and out, 3 km north of the center in Rim Kok. Free entry, open 07:00 to 20:00.
The 10 Best Temples & Cultural Sites in Chiang Rai, Ranked
This one's temple-heavy, six Buddhist sites plus a few outliers like a black timber art complex, a golden city clock tower and the royal villa at Doi Tung. Rong Suea Ten takes top spot, though Wat Huay Pla Kang gives you more to actually do with its giant Guan Yin and climbable pagoda.
10 placesAvg 4.6 on GoogleUpdated Oct 2026
- #2
Wat Rong Khun
4.6 (25,149)·Chiang RaiA dazzling all-white contemporary Buddhist temple covered in intricate mirrored mosaics, located just outside Chiang Rai city.
- #3
Wat Huay Pla Kang
4.7 (16,657)·Chiang RaiA hillside complex northwest of town with a giant white Guan Yin you can ride up inside for ฿40, and a nine-tier pagoda you climb on foot.
Where to stay
Best Hotels in Chiang Rai
My pick at each price level in Chiang Rai, going by Google's hotel class. Hotels from my ranked list of the 10 best come first, then the best-reviewed. Each button opens the hotel on Booking.com with your dates filled in.
#1Luxury · 5-star
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand4.7 (2,844 reviews)
A riverside luxury resort in Chiang Rai with spacious grounds, an infinity pool, and consistently praised service.
Check rates
#3Mid-range · 4-star
Nak Nakara Hotel4.6 (1,402 reviews)
Centrally located Chiang Rai hotel offering spacious rooms, a pool, and generous complimentary extras.
Check rates
#4Budget · 2-star
B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel4.3 (1,989 reviews)
Budget-friendly boutique hotel steps from Chiang Rai's Night Bazaar, offering comfortable rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Check rates
- #4
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
4.4 (9,082)·Chiang RaiA golden landmark in central Chiang Rai, famous for free nightly light and music shows at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm.
- #5
Wat Phra Kaew
4.7 (4,598)·Chiang RaiHistoric 14th-century temple in Chiang Rai city, original home of Thailand's sacred Emerald Buddha.
- #6
Baan Dam Museum
4.1 (13,844)·Chiang RaiThawan Duchanee's compound of about 40 black buildings full of horns, hides and bones, 13 km north of town. ฿80, children under 12 free.
Prefer it booked? Temples & Culture in Chiang Rai with a fixed time
Klook's best-reviewed Chiang Rai tours, with today's prices. Most cancel free up to 24 hours ahead.
10K+ bookedChiang Rai White, Blue Temple, Black House Museum, Hot Spring Tour
4.8(1,715 reviews)
from US$38.55
500+ bookedChiang Mai Wat Rong Khun & Akha FarmVille Full-Day Tour with Transfers
5.0(15 reviews)
from US$55.05
6K+ bookedChiang Rai Golden Triangle Boat Join-in Day Tour from Chiang Mai
4.4(415 reviews)
from US$47.25
- #7
King Mangrai Monument
4.7 (3,530)·Chiang RaiA revered monument to Chiang Rai's founder, surrounded by ceremonial white horses and elephants.
- #8
Wat Sang Kaew Phothiyan (Kruba Ariyachat)
4.7 (3,242)·Chiang RaiA revered Buddhist temple complex in rural Chiang Rai, known for intricate architecture and serene, well-kept gardens.
- #9
Doi Tung Royal Villa
4.7 (3,233)·Chiang RaiA royal summer home in Swiss chalet and Lanna style, kept as it was, with a flower garden that steals the show.
- #10
Wat Phra Singha
4.6 (1,653)·Chiang RaiA 14th-century Lanna temple in the middle of town, and the Buddha image here is purple jade.
More rankings in Chiang Rai