Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

The most spectacular and iconic of all the structures claimed by Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a jewel in the crown of the city. Due to its finely chiselled white structure that glistens like the moon, it is widely known as The White Temple. In 1997, the construction of the temple was completed and the complex was opened for visitors.

The exquisite contemporary architecture of the temple is an absolute visual treat worth clicking on the camera from various perspectives. While “Gate of Heaven” and “Cycle of Rebirth” are the major attractions within the complex, a golden building serving as the rest rooms building stands out with its unique appeal, creating a strong contrast with the main white building.

Location: South West of Chiang Rai Tow

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM.

Price: INR 110/THB 50

Gear up for a tranquil getaway at Doi Mae Salong to find yourself in one of the most picturesque tourist places in Chiang Rai. This mountain peak is known to offer you serene surroundings where you can combine your visit with many exciting activities like tea plantation visit, eating delicious local food, photography, etc.

The place also boasts of a unique culture and makes for a wonderful escape from the humdrum affairs of life. The quaint mountain of Doi Mae Salong has many tribal villages and offers you one of the most delicious oolong teas which is grown locally here.

Location: Amphoe Mae Fah Luang, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Price: INR 65/THB 30

Located right in the main town of Chiang Rai, the clock tower with its bright golden architectural style is definitely a crowd puller. If the architecture and pattern of this tower is similar to the White Temple, it is because both of these structures have been designed by the same artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat. The tower was open to public during 2008 as an honour to His Majesty, The King.

The clock tower, which is quite ordinary during day times, takes a magical turn during the night hours. Every evening, at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm, don’t miss the chimes and laser lights-cum music show. All of these happen when the colour of the tower changes from golden to pink to green.

Location: At the junction of Thanon Jet Yot & Thanon Baanpa Pragarn.

Timings: Open all through the day.

Price: Free.

This is an absolutely breath-taking cliff in Chiang Rai, which provides a scintillating view of the island, its beaches and mountains. The path that leads into this cliff is filled with dense mangroves and greenery that keep you spell bound all through the journey.

The peaks in this area vary in between1200 and 1628m above sea level. The sight of colourful flowers and sprawling meadows will make you go weak in your knees, especially when you come here during the season between November & January.

Location: Located in the National Forest Reserve of Pa Mae Ing and Pa Mae Ngao.

Timings: Open from 8AM to 5PM. Post this, the area gets dark and risky to travel through.

Price: Free of cost.

A must see tourist place in Chiang Mai, Wat Huai Pla Kung is a famous 9 tiered temple with the largest Guan Yin Bodhisattva in Thailand. The place boasts of an interesting architectural design which is an amalgamation of Thai and Chinese architecture.

It is known to offer the most breathtaking views of the landscape and allows you to cherish some tranquil moments by witnessing the Buddhist traditions and just enjoying the serenity of the backdrop. The temple is one of the most unique tourist places in Chiang Rai and a great place to enjoy a spiritual retreat.

Location: 553, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Timings: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

Price: Free

Take a short boat ride on the Mae Kok River in Chiang Mai to be swept away by some of the most gorgeous views of the natural landscape in this beautiful mountainous city of Thailand. Starting from Thatorn to Chiang Rai, this is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Chiang Rai.

Interacting with the local tribes and basking in the glory of nature when sailing through the Mae Kok river is one of the things you will remember for life. Some of the major attractions of riding in Mae Kok river includes hot springs at the Karen village of Rhummit and a lot of mouth-watering Thai food.

Location: Mae Kok River flows from Thatorn to Chiang Rai

Timings: You can visit here anytime

Price: Free

Situated in the Chiang Rai Province on the northern coast of Thailand, the Golden Triangle is one of its most enduring and attractive tourist destinations. The landscape of this stunning tourist destination is shrouded with lush jungles, hills while the Ruak River flows by merrily on its course.

The destination is the focal point of the meeting of three countries namely, Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. As the Ruak River meets the Mekong River here, it forms a natural boundary between the three countries. It is also denoted by the name Sop Ruak by the locals. It is the mainstay of the Lanna Culture and get off point for many tourists who want to explore the markets of Burma. Phra That Doi Pu Khao which is located on the hill and Hall of Opium.

Location: Chiang Rai Province

Getting There: Blue Songathews (Local Buses) run from Mae Sai as well as Chiang Saen every 20 mins.

One of the most attractive places to visit in Chiang Rai, Singha Park should definitely be on your bucket list. A place where you can have a fun-filled day, Singha Park is replete with places like a small zoo, zip line, farm, vegetable and fruit garden. This is a place where you can look forward to having an adventure with your loved ones.

Some of the interesting activities to indulge in when you are at Singha Park are walking amidst the flower gardens, ziplining through the scenic landscape, picking fresh fruits and vegetables from the gardens, tasting various delicacies, seeing and feeding various animals, etc.

Location: Mae Kon, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

The culture of Thailand is quite unique due to the presence of a large number of tribal communities here. Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park was imparting education to certain ethnic minority tribes. Today, since it doesn’t impart education anymore, it is a museum which holds priceless collections reflecting authentic Thai and Lanna cultures.

The Golden Pavilion (Haw Kham) containing intricate woodworks of Lord Buddha (belonging to as early as 17th century) and the Haw Kham Noi Pavilioin containing an enviable collection of timeless mural paintings.

Location: Pa Ngew, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM on all days of the week except Mondays.

Price: INR 430/THB 80

If there is one place in Chiang Rai where you can see Thai culture at its fullest form, it is the night market or the night bazaar. Close to the Walking Street types of Thailand, this night bazaar is where you can shop for exclusive handicraft items made of wood, scarves, bags, jewellery and many kinds of souvenirs that reflect Lanna culture and other hill tribal communities, at reasonable prices.

After you have shopped till you dropped, satiate your hunger with awesome grilled dishes along with a variety of beers. Do not miss to try out the authentic Thai massages from experts, folk music performances and other cultural displays that are exhibited here.

Location: Quite close to the bus station, right on the Prasopsuk Phaholyothin Road.

Timings: Open in the evenings from 6.30pm and goes on till 11PM.

Price: Free of cost.

A visit to Oub Kham Museum is the perfect way to increase your knowledge about the rich history of Lanna Kingdom. If you consider yourself a culture vulture, th exhibits putting on display the tribal artefacts and other objects of historical importance will impress you with their priceless collections.

You will find yourself transported to the days of Lanna Kingdom through the images of Buddha, textiles, jewelry, and utensils kept here. The highlight of the museum is a 400 year old golden throne from the Shan State in Myanmar.

Location: 1/1 Nahkhai Rd, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 6 pm

Price: INR 435/THB 200

Unlike most temples in Chiang Rai, Blue Temple is a recent addition to its collection of exquisite temples. Built in 2005 over the ruins of an ancient shrine, this temple is dedicated to the tigers that inhabited the region once. Wat Rong Seua Ten, known as Blue Temple by outsiders, is an exemplifying blend of modern art and traditional architecture in Chiang Rai.

The intricate designs gracing its facade, roofs, and walls, contrast created by golden-blue colours, and brilliantly carved white idols of Buddha are noteworthy.

Location: Mae Kok Road, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 8 pm

Price: Free

Wat Tham Pla is a popular site among locals as well as outsiders due to its religious significance and all the surprises it holds within its divine realm. The temple is popularly called Monkey Temple due to the large number of macaques that live here. Located close to the Burmese border, the temple complex has modest but attractive façade, and a very tranquil ambience.

Apart from the temple complex, there is much more for visitors to see here like Fish Tail Cave, Turtle Cave, and Yunnanese Settlements. All in all, Monkey Temple will amuse you in various ways and visited for a few hours.

Location: Pong Ngam, Mae Sai

Timings: No Information

Price: Free Entry

Another gorgeous waterfall adorning the geography of Chiang Rai with its mere presence, Pu Kaeng is an entrance to the world of unspoilt nature and serenity. Located within the peaceful domain of Doi Luang National Park, this waterfall snakes through virgin forests before finally bouncing off several naturally formed rocky steps.

Featuring 9 level in total, the plummeting stream looks absolutely stunning, so make sure to carry your camera to seize the spectacle with your camera. Enjoy a nature walk in the forest or sit by the cascade with your loved ones – it is an excellent place to create some wonderful memories.

Location: Ban Pu Kaeng, Amphoe Phan, Chiang Rai

Timings: 9 am to 4:30 pm

Price: Free Entry

Spread across a large area and surrounded by raw nature, Wat Huay Pla Kang complex houses a giant white image of Guan Yin, The Goddess of Mercy, which can be seen from afar. The presence of this statue makes this Buddhist temple one of the most remarkable tourist places in Chiang Rai.

A visit to this statue also offers great photograph opportunities where budding and hobbyist photographers can test their skills. With the wonderful Chinese style temple sitting next to it, this majestic statue perched atop a small hill makes a sight to behold.

Location: Mae Yao, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Price: INR 90/THB 40

Learn more about the diversity of north Thai culture by visiting one of the hill tribe villages near Chiang Rai. As you’ll need transportation and a translator to get the most out of the experience, hill tribe villages are most commonly visited as part of a cultural research. The most visited tribal villages are Karen Village Akha Village and Hmong Village due to its heritage and ancient tradition. 

Observe elephants moving timber at elephant camps visit the villages and meet the members of the long-necked hill tribe, visit an orchid farm and the Queen Sirikit Botanic Gardens.

Location: Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 7 am - 7 pm

Price: Free

Enjoy an interesting excursion with a visit to Baan Dam Museum in Chiang Rai. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Chiang Rai, Baan Dam Museum often conceived as Thawan Duchanee’s creative portrayal of what hell would look like. It comprises of a temple that houses a collection of skins, bones, teeth, and taxidermy of a range array of animals.

There are intricate carvings of the most peculiar things surprising you at every step when you walk in the Baan Dam Museum.

Location: 333 Tambon Nang Lae, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Timings: 9 am to 5 pm

Price: INR 175/THB 80

If you are looking forward to spending a couple of easy hours with your family, Mae Khachan Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai.  Located between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the hot spring is frequently visited by people travelling between the two cities.

Just dip your legs in the hot mineral water, and let a feeling of calm take over your mind. Also, buy some eggs and leave them to boil in the water that is 80 degree Celsius hot and takes only 3 minutes to do the job. Apart from cooking eggs, relaxing your tense muscles, and admiring the green surroundings, you can also buy some souvenirs from a shop here.

Location: Near Mae Khajan Market, Chiang Rai

Timings: Always Open

Price: Free Entry

Add some thrill and action to your trip by visiting Tree Top Adventure Park, one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai for any adventure seeker. From children to adults, the park is ideally designed to deliver an exciting outing experience to everyone. Although the range of activities is not quite wide, they are good enough to quench your hunger for adventure.

Among all the attractions that the park claims, a 300 metre long walkway suspended between strong trees offers the greatest dose of adrenaline rush. Tree climbing and zip lining are two other reasons to visit this place.

Location: Huai Khrai, Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Price - INR 325/THB 150

A unique museum in the Golden Triangle area that will take you on an interesting journey where you can learn some valuable facts about opium, its history, its usage, and much more, Hall of Opium Museum is one of the top tourist places in Chiang Rai. Offering an interactive learning experience to adults as well as kids, this museum is a great spot where you can visit with your entire family and spend some leisurely moments.

The region was once a major hub of opium production, and measures were taken the counteract the menace, which you will get to know on a tour of the exhibits here.

Location: Wiang, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8:30 am to 4 pm

Price - INR 110/THB 50

A wonderful royal villa located in Chiang Rai, the Doi Tung palace, is one of the major landscapes in the quiet island. The simple yet elegant interiors of the palace are a pure blend of magnificent Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. This was the residence of Late Princess Mother, who contributed immensely for uplifting the living conditions of the tribal people in this area.

The elegant interiors of the palace are made from recycled wood, thrown away teak trees and pine trees. Do not miss the excellent wood work of constellation on the ceilings in the interiors of the palace. This depicts the star positions when the Princess Mother was born.

Location: Located in the Mae Fah Lung District, where sprawling and scenic gardens surround the palace.

Timings: The Royal Villa is open from 8AM to 5PM whereas the gardens are open from 7AM to 6PM.

Price: INR 175/THB 80 each for the villa and gardens (per person).

Whether you are seeking opportunities to get adventurous or you want a blanket of calm to engulf you, Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is among the most heavenly tourist places in Chiang Rai. The path that leads to the waterfall is rough, so you have to resort to either an elephant ride or a 4x4 vehicle to reach here.

Adventure junkies, on the other hand, choose to trek through the serene forest and make it to this rewarding spot. The total height of the plunge is over 100 metres which is divided into 2 tiers. And if you feel like drenching your body in a state of ecstasy, there is a pool below with clear water.

Location: Sai, Mae, Mae Yao, Mae Kok National Park

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

Bring out your creative side at Doi Din Dang Pottery and design some creative items when you are in Chiang Rai. One of the most exciting places to visit in Chiang Rai, this place is surrounded by the most serene landscape and allows you to channel your artistic energies.

It is a place where you can soak in the simplicity of nature and witness it being reflected in art. Known for producing original items of art, Doi Din Dang Pottery is where you can see pottery being produced and also buy some artifacts to decorate your homes.

Location: Nang Lae, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand

Timings: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Price: Free

If people in Chiang Rai and all over Thailand are aware of the excellent cultural traditions and heritage that were prevalent in Northern Thailand many centuries ago during the Lanna Kingdom rule, it is due to this excellent museum.

It contains cultural pieces from various kingdoms dutifully collected and saved here by an artist and teacher, Khun Julasak Suriyachai. He earlier named it as Lanna Heritage Conservation Centre.

Antique collections, pottery work, rare pieces & images of Lord Buddha, man-made cave, golden throne of Chiang Tung, gold-carved teakwood pieces, handicrafts, tribal costumes and more.

Location: On the Na Khai Road, just about 3km from the main city centre.

Timings: Open from 8AM to 5PM on all days of the week.

Price: INR 215/THB100 per kid and INR 650/THB300 per adult.

Topping the list of the most excellent tourist places in Chiang Rai ideal for spending an eventful evening with family and friends, Chiang Rai Walking Street is a busy market area. Throngs of visitors with all their energy and excitement create a happening atmosphere that is sure to cheer anyone up.

For foodies, there is an exciting range of eateries letting the visitors enjoy street food and premium dining experiences. As for shopaholic, the shops here have everything from fashions accessories to trendy clothing. For the most memorable street walk, visit on a Saturday evening when it is bustling with pedestrians.

Location: Thanalai, Tambon Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai

Timings: 7 pm to Midnight (Only Saturday)

Price: Free Entry

A recent addition to the spectrum of the best tourist places in Chiang Rai, Wat Huay Pla Kang, also known as 9 Tier Temple, is a Chinese style Buddhist temple located on a mountain top in Muang County. Due to its towering structure exemplifying intricate designs and captivating patterns along with a giant Guan Yin Statue, the place is widely admired by architecture buffs.

Whenever you are in Chiang Rai, visit Wat Huay Pla Kang for a visual treat and for a cultural trip. You can also spend some time in this temple complex with your family to take in the grand views of the undulating green hills that surround the site.   

Location: 553 Moo 3, Rimkok, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

Located in Lam Nam Kok National Park by the Kok River, these natural hot springs feature an average temperature of 67 degree Celsius. The mineral water of the springs is a delight for your body, a bath in which is sure to free you from the tiredness of your soul and the soreness of your muscles.

In addition to being one of the refreshing places to visit in Chiang Rai, this site is also favoured by the locals for a weekend getaway. The aura created by the surrounding greenery and tranquillity makes it a perfect escape from the chaos and cacophony of the city. Besides, you can also indulge in an elephant ride activity in the forest around the springs.

Location: Lam Nam Kok National Park

Timings: Always Open

Price: Free Entry

This is one of the lesser travelled destinations in Chiang Rai and therefore, its beauty is yet to be explored. Located at a good 993m above sea level, this point is perfect for people who love camping and having a solitary time with nature. Though it is quite scenic and provides an excellent view of the island and its surroundings, the road that leads to this point is quite risky.

Roads can get slippery due to water canals passing through and guests are recommended not to travel through these roads unless they are highly skilled drivers.

As the point gets near, roads get sloppier, riskier and tougher to navigate through, especially in the evening hours. However during the day, you can see through almost the entire northern Thailand from here.

Location: Mae Yao, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: Can be accessed any time.

Price: Free of cost.

Take a break from back to back temple visits and sightseeing tours, and spend some quality time at Pong Phra Bat Hot Spring – one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai. The hot spring is tucked away from the city in the lap of nature, and promises a soothing getaway to the locals as well as tourists.

The site features all facilities you and your family may need on your visit including bathrooms, faucets, and private rooms. To make your day even more exciting, you can also visit Pong Phrabat Waterfall located in close proximity to the hot spring.

Location: Ban Du, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 8 am to 8 pm

Price: INR 45/THB 20 per person for the pool

If you miss out on this pretty site near Chiang Rai, you may want to regret it later. Sop Ruak is a quaint village and the center of the Golden Triangle that connects Thailand with Myanmar and Laos. Due to its significant location, Sop Ruak happens to be a potpourri of cultures. For sightseers, the region features a number of Buddhist temples and museums that keep them amused throughout their time here.

While photography enthusiasts and nature lovers also love Sop Ruak, for its hilly landscapes are worth admiring. Furthermore, the confluence of Ruak and Mekong rivers in Sop Ruak is a scene anyone would love to gaze at.

Location: Wiang, Chiang Saen District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 6 am - 6 pm

Price: Free

Chiang Rai claims some of the most popular hot springs in Thailand, and Pong Phra Soet is one of them. If you are planning to visit Lam Nam Kok National Park, you must spend a few hours here, soaking in the lavishness of nature. There is a big pool of hot water that can be used by the public for taking dips and relaxing their body.

However, if you would like to enjoy a natural spa with an air of solitude and seclusion, there are 8 private spa rooms available here. The natural surroundings and the fresh air are the extras you get to relish while you are here.

Location: Lam Nam Kok National Park

Timings: 8 am to 5 pm

Price: INR 45/THB 20

Another gem of a structure in Chiang Rai demonstrating the historical richness and architectural brilliance that Thailand claims The Navel City Pillar is one of the iconic places to visit in Chiang Rai. Unlike other cities in Thailand that have a single central pillar erected, Chiang Rai’s city pillar is a collection of 109 pillars.

The original name of the pillar is Sadu Meaung, and it was constructed in 1987 to mark the occasion of the sixtieth birthday of the then king, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The structure is a significant landmark in the city from both cultural and historical perspectives, and is definitely worth checking out.

Location: Rop Wiang, Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings: 9 am to 8 pm

Price: Free Entry

Renowned as one of the most beautiful temples in Chiang Rai, Wat Klang Wiang is an elegant piece of architecture. The temple is famous for putting to exquisiteness the Lanna architectural style and captivating the tourists with its ornate design.

One of the major highlights of Wat Klang Wiang is the beautifully carved images of Buddha which can be witnessed on all the three levels of the temple. One must visit this temple to have a spiritual rendezvous in the beautiful city of Chiang Rai.

Location: Uttarakit, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 57000, Thailand

Timings: 6 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

Hailed as one of the most exciting things to do in Chiang Rai, visiting the Hill Tribe will leave you ecstatic on your vacation. The experience is a must-try for all the culture lovers in Chiang Rai as it lets you become friends with local families and villagers and take back home some beautiful memories. 

Some of the famous tribes of Thailand which you should try to see are Karen Hill tribe and Hmong Hill Tribe.

Highlights - Visiting this place offers you an authentic experience of Thai life where you interact with the locals and get to their lifestyle closely from their daily ways of earning bread to having the simplest home-cooked dinners.

Location - Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai

Timings - 7 am to 7 Pm

Price - Free

As the name indicates, Art Bridge is the place which bridges all kinds of gaps that artists might face in Chiang Rai. Set up by local artists from the island during 2012, Art Bridge contains a gallery to showcase brilliant art forms, restaurant, café, library, art school and souvenir shop. In the local dialect, this place is known as Khua Silapa which means bridge of art.

Upcoming talented artists from the island of Chiang Rai, find this to be the perfect platform to launch their works and get noticed by the external world. From the art school, interested people can learn the nuances of art. Do not miss the reasonably priced dishes at the restaurant here.

Location: Phahonyothin Rd, Tambon Ban Du, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai

Timings: Open from 10AM to 7PM all through the week.

Entry: Free of cost.

One of the most gorgeous places to visit in Chiang Rai, Khun Korn Waterfall is a place which you should definitely not miss on your vacation. One can reach here after a passing a landscape replete with rice fields and dense green jungles and then hiking through a tall bamboo forest.

Watching the water crash noisily from a height and making a panoramic vista will leave you mesmerized. For all the nature lovers, visiting Khun Korn Waterfalls is a must-do activity to make your vacation memorable.

Location: Highway 1208 , Mae Kon , 57000 Mueang Chiang Rai , Chiang Rai, Thailand

Timings: 8 am to 4:30 pm  

Price: Free

Built during as early as 10th century, this temple is located at the tallest point in Chiang Rai and hence provides a scintillating view of the entire island. The temple was constructed even before the island was made the Lanna capital. As the temple contains sacred relics and images of Lord Buddha, this is an important place of worship for the locals of the island and for people all over Thailand.

The chedi or stupa which is in the shape of a hexagon is made of pure gold and attracts viewers to a great extent. This 14 metre stupa, also known as the Golden Pagoda is a perfect example of the phenomenal Lanna and Burmese style of architecture.

Location - ArjAmnuay Rd, Wiang, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai, Chang Wat Chiang Rai 

Timings - 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Price - Free.

If you are looking forward to get an authentic experience of the culture in Chiang Rai, head straight to Ban Pang Ha Village and spend a couple of days here observing people and their slow pace of simple life. Knife-making and agriculture are two major sources of income for the villagers, so you can also learn a skill or two from them.

Besides, the village also features breathtaking landscapes with a rich variety of flora which will also add to your pleasure here. Staying with a local family at their house is recommended so that you can learn about the local way of living from a closer distance. All things considered, Ban Pang Ha is an excellent destination in Chiang Rai with some rich experiences to offer.

Location: 66 km from Chiang Rai

One of the best place in Chiang rai is to visit wana horse and ostrich farm where you can indulge in some strangest activities that you must try out is to ride on an ostrich. This is probably something rare and you should make use of the same when you come here. 

The farms that provide these facilities also have accommodation and good dining options so that guests don’t have to travel too far. 

Highlights - The farms that provide ostrich rides also provide horse rides as well, which you can enjoy during your vacation here. Ostriches are quite familiar with the guests, so you can be assured of a lovely time when you come here.

Location - Thoeng road, T.Tha Sai, A. Muang, Huai Sak, Chiang Rai 

Timings - 8 am - 5 pm

Price - INR 435/THB 200