Chiang Rai, Thailand

A northern city of striking modern temples, mountain routes, and slow café culture.

white temple and chiang rai in Chiang Rai, Thailand

🏛️ Sights & Attractions in Chiang Rai

  • White Temple — Wat Rong Khun, a contemporary all-White Temple with mirrored mosaics and surreal sculptures.
  • Blue Temple — Wat Rong Suea Ten, a vivid Blue Temple famous for its intricate interior and reclining Buddha.
  • Golden Triangle — The riverside point where Laos and Myanmar meet, once famous for opium trade.
  • Doi Tung Royal Villa — A former royal residence and gardens on Doi Tung, now open to visitors.
  • Mae Fah Luang Garden — A beautifully landscaped flower garden near the Royal Villa with seasonal blooms.
  • Wat Rong Seur Ten — Another name for the Blue Temple, known for its vivid blue and gold decoration.
  • Baan Dam Museum — The Black House, a striking collection of dark buildings and art by Thawan Duchanee.
  • Chiang Rai Clock Tower — A golden ornate clock tower centre with nightly light shows.
  • Wat Phra Kaeo — A temple that once housed the Emerald Buddha, set in peaceful grounds.
  • Wat Ming Mueang — A city-centre temple with elaborate decoration and a golden chedi.
  • +10 more sights & attractions

🥾 Trails & Hikes in Chiang Rai

  • Doi Tung botanical garden walk — A colourful hillside garden once an opium-growing region, now full of flowers and mountain views.
  • Mae Kok river cycle path — A scenic riverside bike ride through villages and farmland on the edge of town.
  • Doi Mae Salong tea plantation trek — A walk among terraced tea fields with mountain views and fresh tea tasting.
  • Khun Korn waterfall trail — A forest path to a tall, single-drop waterfall with a cool swimming pool.
  • Golden Triangle viewpoint walk — A short walk to a viewpoint where Laos and Myanmar meet.
  • Mekong riverbank walk — A stroll along the Mekong with views of boats, Laos and Myanmar.
  • Wat Rong Khun garden stroll — A walk through the white temple’s symbolic and artistic gardens.
  • Doi Tung royal project trail — A guided walk through the royal development project’s gardens and villages.
  • Mae Sai border path — A walk through the border market and bridge area with Myanmar views.
  • Namtok Khun Kon forest walk — A jungle trail to a waterfall and pools in Namtok Khun Kon Park.
  • +10 more trails & hikes

🍽️ Restaurants in Chiang Rai

  • Chivit Thamma Da — A beautifully restored colonial house on the Kok River serving Thai and Western dishes.
  • Barrab restaurant — A local favourite for northern Thai curries, sticky rice and herbal sausages.
  • Doi Chang Fresh Coffee — A café and roastery serving single-origin coffee from the nearby mountains.
  • Laoteca — A stylish Italian-Thai restaurant in a garden setting with a creative menu.
  • Cat ‘n’ A Cup Cat Cafe — A café where you can drink coffee while petting rescue cats.
  • Nangnon Coffee — A popular café serving locally grown coffee and Thai snacks.
  • Baan Bua Restaurant — A local restaurant serving northern Thai and Isaan dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Lu Lam Restaurant — A Thai-Chinese restaurant known for seafood, stir-fries and hot pots.
  • Khao Soi Pa Suk — A local stall serving hearty khao soi curry noodles.
  • Hofbräuhaus Chiang Rai — A German beer hall with sausages, pork knuckle and large beers.
  • +10 more restaurants

🍸 Bars & Nightlife in Chiang Rai

  • Clock Tower night market drinks — Grab a cold drink and watch the ornate clock tower light show in the evening.
  • Sawadee Bar — A casual riverside bar with cold beers and live acoustic music.
  • Tachileik Bar view — A riverside bar with views across to Myanmar and the Tachileik border.
  • Mekong River Bar — A bar along the Mekong serving drinks and local snacks with river views.
  • Doi Tung café bar — A café and bar at Doi Tung serving coffee, cakes and light drinks.
  • Piti Bar — A small, friendly local bar with beers and live music near the Night Bazaar.
  • Mellow Bar — A relaxed bar with acoustic music and a laid-back atmosphere.
  • Zoe in Yellow Chiang Rai — A backpacker-friendly bar with music, buckets and a social vibe.
  • T2 Bar — A local bar with DJs, dancing and a late-night crowd.
  • Rasta Bar Chiang Rai — A reggae bar with live music, cold beers and a chilled-out crowd.
  • +10 more bars & nightlife

🎯 Activities & Tours in Chiang Rai

  • Sightseeing Join Tour Chiang Rai / PICK UP ONLY IN CHIANG RAI — Chiang Rai Sightseeing Join Tour Our comfortable, well air-conditioned van or car pick you up at your hotel between 8.00 am - 08.30 am. The first destination will be the beautiful White Temple. From there your sightseeing continue to Blue Temple, Black House, Long Neck Village, C
  • Full Day Group Tour in Chiang Rai — Explore the Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle! The attractions in this region provide great experiences at any time of the year. Whether trekking, boating, camping, eating exotic foods; or visiting temples, markets, museums, or the world-famous Golden Triangle Mae Khong River co
  • Chiang Rai White Temple, Blue Temple and more from Chiang Mai — - Marvel at the iconic White Temple's modern art and architecture - Explore the vivid and tranquil Blue Temple - Explore the Red Temple complex and its panoramic views - Explore responsibly with TripGuru, a GSTC-certified sustainable tour platform in Thailand. - Enjoy a low-impac
  • Chiang Rai Day Tour from Chiang Mai: White Temple & More w/ Lunch — Discover Chiang Rai’s most iconic landmarks in a single day with a convenient Join-in group tour from Chiang Mai. Visit the dazzling White Temple, the vivid Blue Temple , and your choice of either the mysterious Black House or the colorful Red Temple. Enhance your experience with
  • From Chiang Rai: 3 Temples, Golden Triangle Tour, Tea Plantation — This is joint tour, not private tour. Notes: This Tour starting from Chiang Rai and Back to Chiang Rai!! Experience some of Chiang Rai's beautiful sights on a temple and Golden Triangle adventure. Be picked up from your hotel and see White Temple ,Blue Temple ,Black House, Golde
  • Chiang Rai Day Trip from Chiang Mai City with Golden Triangle — This small-group (all inclusive) day trip to Chiang Rai Province will take you to a variety of attractions such as the modern architecture of the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) and the ancient city ruins of Chiang Saen (Wat Chedi Luang). Ride a long-tail boat on the Mekong River an
  • 3-in-1: Doi Inthanon Tour, Elephant Sanctuary, and Trekking Trail — 3 Best Experiences at an Amazing Price! 1. Encounter charming elephants at the Living Green Elephant Sanctuary, an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary boasting a 5-star rating on TripAdvisor. These elephants are exceptionally well cared for. Immerse yourself in observing these adorable
  • ChiangRai Guided 7 Major Sites+Buffet Lunch #All ticket included — Discover the beauty and culture of Chiang Rai on this all-inclusive day tour visiting seven popular attractions. With knowledgeable guides fluent in English, delve into the rich history and legends that surround each site. Enjoy a hassle-free experience as transportation, entranc
  • Chiang Rai Famed Temples and Golden Triangle Tour from Chiang Mai — Depart Chiang Mai for a day tour blending cultural insight, history, and natural beauty. Explore the vibrant temples of Chiang Rai including the White Temple and Blue Temple. Visit the unique Long Neck Karen tribe, and finally enjoy a scenic cruise at the historic Golden Triangle
  • Chiang Rai White and Blue Temples Private Trip — Discover some amazing temples and the breathtaking surrounding area in Chiang Rai on this private day trip from Chiang Mai. Our private guide will bring you to some notable temples such as Wat Rong Khun – The White Temple, Wat Hyua Pla Kang – Red Chinese Temple, and Wat SeangKaew
  • +17 more activities & tours

🏨 Hotels & Stays in Chiang Rai

  • Mercy Hostel — 7-minute walk from Clock Tower Chiang Rai and 15-minute walk from Wat Pra Sing, offering family rooms with air-conditioning, private bathrooms, kitchenette, balcony, sun terrace, fitness room, coffee shop and minimarket with free on-site parking.
  • Busket Hostel — Adults-only accommodation 7-minute walk from Clock Tower Chiang Rai and 2625 feet from Saturday Night Walking Street, featuring terrace, free WiFi, lounge, fitness room, shared kitchen and tour desk with excellent location rating.
  • Hi Chiangrai Hotel - SHA Extra Plus — Highly rated hotel with 9.3 location score, air-conditioned rooms with city views, indoor saltwater swimming pool, fitness centre, restaurant serving American and Thai cuisine, free bicycles, short walk to Clock Tower and Saturday Night Walking Street.
  • Chainarai Riverside - SHA Plus — Riverside hotel featuring family rooms with mountain or river views, balconies, fitness centre, sun terrace, year-round outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, garden and restaurant serving Thai, Asian and European cuisines with free on-site private parking.
  • De Hug Hotel & Residence — 10-minute drive from the famous Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) and 3-minute walk from Oub Kham Museum, comfortable rooms with modern facilities, private balcony, 24-hour front desk and free WiFi throughout the property.
  • Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort — World-class resort in the heart of the Golden Triangle with breathtaking views of mountains in Myanmar and Laos, infinity pool, award-winning elephant camp, bamboo forest surroundings, lush gardens, rice paddies, spa, two dining options and free airport transfers.
  • The Riverie by Katathani - SHA Extra Plus — Nestled on an island in the middle of the Kok River in Chiang Rai city center, luxurious rooms surrounded by lush gardens, diverse plants and seasonal flowers, swimming pool, fitness center, traditional Thai massages, hot tub, tennis court and dining options.
  • The Imperial River House Resort, Chiang Rai — Privileged location on the banks of the River Kok with luxurious rooms with river or pool views, large outdoor swimming pool overlooking the river, spa pool, well-equipped fitness center, beauty treatments, massage therapies and free airport shuttle service.
  • Sofia Hostel — Sofia Hostel provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.Stay connected with your associates, as complimentary Wi-Fi is available during your entire visit. The hostel offers car hire amenities to assist you in discovering your desired offerings in Chiang Rai.Whether you'r...
  • Winter House Chiang Rai — Winter House Chiang Rai provides flawless service and all the necessary facilities for visitors.When arriving by car, you'll be grateful for the on-site complimentary parking at private villa.The private villa also features a fireplace, providing a cozy ambience during cool evenings.In order to ensu...
  • +14 more hotels & stays
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