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20 Activities You Shouldn’t Miss Out in Chiang Rai
- Admire the stunning Wat Rong Khun
- See the unique displays in the Baan Dam Museum
- Eat your way through the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
- Stop by the Chiang Rai Clock Tower
- Take a peek at the King Mangrai Monument
- Marvel at Wat Rong Suea Ten’s architecture (The Blue Temple)
- Shop to your heart's content at the Chiang Rai Walking Street
- Spend your day lazing around Singha Park
- Learn about the original Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew
- Hike to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
- Visit The Golden Triangle
- See Wat Huay Pla Kung's giant Goddess of Mercy statue
- Enjoy a hot bath at Pong Phrabat Hot Spring
- Watch Huay Mae Sai Waterfall's beautiful cascade
- Check out the local art scene at the Art Bridge
- Stroll around Mae Fah Luang Cultural and Artistic Park
- Climb the rocky summit of Phu Chi Fah
- Take a trip to Doi Mae Salong
- Try different tea varieties at the Choui Fong Tea Plantation
- Explore Wat Tham Pla
Wanna find your zen? For us, Chiang Rai—overflowing with mountains and a relaxed atmosphere—is the best answer for a relaxing trip.
Join us as we take you on a trip to the best things to do in Chiang Rai, along with inside info on its key attractions. Let the wanderlust begin!
Admire the stunning Wat Rong Khun
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Address: Pa O Don Chai, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 53 673 579
Website: https://www.tourismchiangrai-phayao.com/en/2022/05/09/wat-rong-khun/
Admission Costs: 100 baht
Wat Rong Khun, also known as The White Temple, is the most popular attraction in Chiang Rai. Its ivory-white structure with intricate contemporary designs and numerous Naga motifs are worth seeing up-close!
If you enjoy shooting architectural photos, you’ll love taking in every detail of this temple. It’s not a religious site, so expect to see figures of fictional characters and many pop culture references (superheroes and cartoon characters, anyone?).
See the unique displays in the Baan Dam Museum
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Address: 333 Nang Lae, อำเภอเมือง Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 53 776 333
Website: https://www.instagram.com/baandammuseum_official/
Admission Costs: 80 baht
Baan Dam Museum holds an impressive collection of Thawan Duchanee’s unique and enigmatic art pieces inside numerous black wooden temple-like houses—hence its nickname, “Black House.”
Aside from art pieces, the museum has exhibits featuring animal remains, from skulls to bones, horns, pelts, and skins.
Eat your way through the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
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Address: Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6 p.m. – 11 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Costs: Free
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a must-visit for foodies and those looking to immerse in the local scenery. It’s packed with food stalls, so expect plenty of vendors selling local Thai dishes and products.
There’s also a cultural stage where you can watch traditional Thai dance performances and listen to local tunes!
Stop by the Chiang Rai Clock Tower
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Address: สุขสถิต Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Costs: Free
This clock tower is one of the city’s most notable attractions! It’s a giant golden structure with an intricate temple-like design and colorful night lights, so it’s best to see in the evening.
Every hour starting from 7 pm, the clock tower has a 10-minute light show, which we think is one of the most beautiful things you’ll see in Chiang Rai!
Take a peek at the King Mangrai Monument
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Address: ถนน ห้าแยก Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Costs: Free
If you like history, you shouldn’t miss King Mangrai Monument, dedicated to the city’s founder. Since King Mangrai is revered in Chiang Rai, expect to see locals dropping by to pay their respects.
Right after the New Year, there’s a week-long Wai Sa Phaya Mengrai Festival in his honor. So, this is an ideal time to visit because of the numerous activities, parades, and performances!
Marvel at Wat Rong Suea Ten’s architecture (The Blue Temple)
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 64 347 3636
Website: https://www.facebook.com/RSTBlueTemple
Admission Costs: Free
Wat Rong Suea Ten, also known as The Blue Temple, stands out for its distinct blue and gold motifs. It looks more impressive at night because the hanging lights give its walls and Buddhist statues a deep blue hue.
If you like light photography, you’ll love working with the temple’s different shades of blue.
Shop to your heart’s content at the Chiang Rai Walking Street
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Address: Thanalai, Tambon Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Saturday)
Admission Costs: Free
On Saturdays, Chiang Rai Walking Street opens to offer a variety of souvenirs, accessories, clothes, toys, fresh produce, and street food from local vendors.
It has a dedicated section for cultural music and dance performances, so going here also gives you a chance to learn about the local culture and community.
Spend your day lazing around Singha Park
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Address: 99, Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 91 576 0374
Website: https://www.singhapark.com/
Admission Costs: Free
Going to Singha Park allows you to relax and escape the hustle and bustle. This theme park looks like a plantation, so expect to see lush greeneries, colorful flower beds, and fenced zoo animals.
Some popular activities you can do in the park include zip lining, golf carting, cycling, and animal petting. There are also cafes within the park, so you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while admiring the relaxing scenery.
Learn about the original Emerald Buddha in Wat Phra Kaew
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Address: 19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Road, Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070919502094
Admission Costs: Free
Fun fact: Wat Phra Kaew used to enshrine the Emerald Buddha before it was moved to the Grand Palace in Bangkok! Though it only has a replica now, it’s definitely worth visiting if you like to learn about the original statue.
Aside from that, the temple is famous for its museum which holds a collection of Lanna art pieces and ancient artifacts. This is an active temple, so expect to see locals paying respects to the replica image in its ordination hall.
Hike to Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall
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Address: หลวงหมายเลข 1208 Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Daily)
Admission Costs: Free
Khun Korn Forest Park Waterfall is popular for those who love waterfall hiking. It has an exciting nature trail leading to the cascade that will take you through lush vegetation and thickets of bamboo trees.
Nature lovers will also have a chance to enjoy animal spotting during the hike. Just be careful of green pit vipers as they’re a common sighting on the trail.
Once you reach the waterfall, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing cascade and a shallow pool where you can take a quick dip.
Visit The Golden Triangle
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Address: 370 ถนน ท่าแพ, Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai 57150, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Costs: Free
The Golden Triangle is a public park overlooking the borders of Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand along the Mekong River. It’s a great place for history buffs to learn about the infamous opium trade in the three countries during the 19th century.
Some of the notable sights in the Golden Triangle are a giant Golden Buddha image, elephant statues, and golden monuments. There’s also a nearby museum where you can see and learn about antique tools originating from the opium trade.
See Wat Huay Pla Kung’s giant Goddess of Mercy statue
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Address: 553 หมู่ที่ 3 Tambon Mae Yao, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 53 150 274
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wathuayplakang/
Admission Costs: 40 baht
Wat Huay Pla Kung is particularly well-known for its giant Goddess of Mercy statue which is unique even among the temples in Thailand. Ride the lift to the statue’s head to watch the beautiful scenery through the goddess’ eyes!
There’s also a nine-storey pagoda consisting of nine floors that you can climb for a 360-degree panoramic view of the temple complex.
Enjoy a hot bath at Pong Phrabat Hot Spring
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Address: 486 หมู่ 6 Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 53 150 676
Website: https://chiangraicity.go.th/travel/detail/115
Admission Costs: Free
A visit to Pong Phrabat Hot Spring is a must if you want a unique experience. It has outdoor pools, though, so you might have to bathe with other visitors.
And like the other local hot springs, you can buy boiled eggs here to cook in the water. You can also get a massage or book a private hot tub for additional fees.
Watch Huay Mae Sai Waterfall’s beautiful cascade
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Address: Mae Yao, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Costs: Free
Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is a must-visit for nature lovers. It has a decent-sized pool, so it’s perfect if you plan to go for a swim. Best of all, the waterfall is accessible after just a 5-minute hike from its entrance’s parking area.
The waterfall’s pond attracts butterflies, so try to capture that perfect cascade shot with them flying about!
Check out the local art scene at the Art Bridge
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Address: Phahonyothin Road, Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 166 623
Admission Costs: Free
Art Bridge is an exhibit featuring artwork by the province’s local artists. Think: a variety of art pieces, from paintings to sculptures and trinkets—it’s the place to visit if you like to know about the local art scene.
There’s an on-site cafe and souvenir shop where you can drop by after exploring the gallery.
Stroll around Mae Fah Luang Cultural and Artistic Park
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Address: 313 หมู่ที่ 7 บ้าน Pa Ngew, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Contact Number: +66 53 716 6057
Website: https://www.maefahluang.org/
Admission Costs: 200 baht
Mae Fah Luang Cultural and Artistic Park is a peaceful venue where you can experience the rich culture and art in Chiang Rai. It’s also an ideal spot for pleasant nature walks!
Of the park’s notable sights, we particularly enjoyed seeing the traditional teakwood buildings. There’s also a lotus lake, museum, Lanna-style architecture, and landscaped gardens.
Climb the rocky summit of Phu Chi Fah
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Address: หมู่ที่ 10, ต.ปอ อ. เวียงแก่น Tap Tao, Wiang Kaen District, Chiang Rai 57310, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Costs: Free
If you’re up for a challenging hike, the view at Phu Chi Fah is worth the 760-meter climb. Don’t forget to charge your phones because the sights of the mountainous borders of Thailand and Laos are gorgeous!
Take a trip to Doi Mae Salong
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Address: Mae Salong Nok, Mae Fa Luang District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Contact Number: +66 53 607 941
Website: https://www.maesalongnok.go.th/
Admission Costs: Free
Doi Mae Salong is an underrated gem, but it’s definitely worth the trip from Chiang Rai if you want to see the most scenic parts of the province—Santikhiri Village and the surrounding mountainscapes within the Dan Lao range.
You’ll also see the vibrant Himalayan cherry blossoms in Doi Mae Salong if you visit from December to February.
Try different tea varieties at the Choui Fong Tea Plantation
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Address: Pa Sang, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai 57110, Thailand
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 53 771 563
Website: http://www.chouifongtea.com/
Admission Costs: Free
This vast plantation is a haven for tea lovers, and it’s certainly worth visiting while you’re in Chiang Rai. Choui Fong Tea Plantation is well-known for its high-quality oolong, green, and black teas which you can try for free at their tea-tasting booths.
The plantation also has three chic cafes which are also some of the province’s most elegant architecture. In fact, these cafe buildings won several architectural awards every year from 2016 until 2020!
Explore Wat Tham Pla
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Address: ถ้ำลิง วัด ถ้ำปลา Pong Ngam, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai 57130, Thailand
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Daily)
Contact Number: +66 65 718 1344
Admission Costs: Free
What’s special about Wat Tham Pla? It’s a cave temple, so expect to find shrines and prayer halls in the cave systems inside the temple complex.
Keep an eye out for the beautiful pond where you can feed the temple’s koi fish. You’ll also see numerous monkeys around the temple, so keep your belongings (especially food) in check!
