Top 10 Things to Do & Places to See in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Chiang Rai, the northernmost province of Thailand, is a hidden gem brimming with breathtaking temples, lush landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. While often overshadowed by its sister city, Chiang Mai, this charming destination offers an authentic Thai experience with fewer crowds and more untouched beauty.

Whether you're drawn to its iconic White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), the mystical Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten), or the golden glow of the Big Buddha at Wat Huay Pla Kang, Chiang Rai is a paradise for history lovers, adventure seekers, and nature enthusiasts alike.

But Chiang Rai isn’t just about temples. Venture into the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar converge, or explore the Mae Fah Luang Garden for a floral spectacle atop the mountains. If you're after a bit of adventure, the Khun Korn Waterfall hike is a must, offering a refreshing escape into nature. And let’s not forget the Night Bazaar, where you can indulge in authentic northern Thai street food and shop for unique handmade crafts.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Chiang Rai, from must-visit attractions to hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this city has something special for you. Let’s dive into the magic of Chiang Rai.

Best Things to see and do in Chiang Rai

1. Be amazed in front of (and inside) the White Temple

We all agree that Thai temples are very beautiful. Of course, after visiting a few, they will start to seem “always the same”. Until you get to the White Temple of Chiang Rai (in Thai “ Wat Rong Khun ”). My goodness, it may be one of the strangest places we have seen in the whole world and the top place to see in Chiang Rai. And not only because of its exterior , completely white and full of crystals that sparkle in the reflections of the sun, nor because of its incredible bridge that connects it to the earthly side, nor because of its “ sea of hands ” where, if you look closely, you can see one with a red painted nail, alien hands, hand-foot or the Terminator hand itself.

No, no, the biggest bomb awaits you inside , where, on a huge mural you can admire drawings of Superman, Sailor Moon, Doraimon, Kung Fu Panda, Michael Jackson, the twin towers and Goku (among others), as well as taking advantage of its wall to launch some social criticism at the world, it won't be hard for you to notice if you pay attention. It is an unfinished work, so they keep updating it with characters that are in the spotlight, for example on this occasion we saw Pikachu, we assume because of the Pokemon boom (a few years ago it wasn't there). By the way, the temple, although it may not seem like it, is Buddhist and is a sacred place, so you will have to dress appropriately and behave the same way.

The man behind this work of art is Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat , whose project has been joined by many followers, creating a school of their own. Chiang Rai is famous for its creative and artistic character.

Tip: Don't miss the chance to visit the grounds , with heads hanging from tree branches and extravagant figures, and the exhibition just a few metres from the temple where some of the artist's works are displayed, a walk through a world of dreams and nightmares. And the baths are also worth a visit ! Yes, that golden building that looks like a minister's palace... those are the baths!

– Price : 50 THB

– Opening hours : 6:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (closed from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.).

– How to get there : There are buses from Bus Station 1 to Wat Rong Khun Temple for about 20-30 baht (30 minutes). To get back, stand on the other side of the highway and stop any bus or songthaew, they will go to Chiang Rai. You can also stop at a shared “songthaew” and ask. We rented a taxi to go to the White Temple and the Baandum Museum, in total 4 hours and we paid 600 baht (about €15) for 4 people. Another excellent idea is to rent a motorbike for a day for about 150-250 baht (4-6€).

15 Best Things To Do In Chiang Rai (Thailand) In 2025 — *White Temple, without a doubt the star visit to do in Chiang Rai*

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2. If it's the weekend... don't miss the Weekend Market

A 70-year-old Thai man dressed as a cowboy dancing to aerobic music? Yes, this is Thailand! Clothes stands, kebabs, crafts, fruit juices, dance floors, thousands and thousands of Thais ready to party: if you visit Chiang Rai during the weekend, don't miss the Weekend Market.

3. And if it's not the weekend... go to the night market

But not only to haggle and take home some elephant-print pants… but also to visit their Food Court, one of the most complete and interesting ones we saw outdoors, where you can try a few local delicacies such as tempura dishes, fish or the typical soups of the city. The atmosphere is great, the food is good and the prices are low… what more could you want?

Tip: Don't leave without trying a coconut ice cream . We tried it again both nights: the coconut ice creams at the Chiang Rai night market food court are really addictive. And they cost around 20 baht (50 cents), so it's impossible to resist!

4. Visit the Black House (Bann Daum Museum)

Another 15 kilometres from the city, but in the other direction from the White Temple, is the Black House ( Baan dum Museum ), a complex of different buildings and temples characterised by the dark colour of their wood and by more strange elements (here too!) that decorate both the interior of the buildings and the gardens. Many believe that the Black House is a metaphor for death (either because of the predominant black colour throughout the complex, which is not very cheerful, or because of the hundreds of animal remains scattered in every corner) and although its creator, the artist Thawan Duchanee, has never confirmed it… the feeling you are left with after the visit is not one of peace and joy.

Honestly, we left there with mixed feelings. On the one hand, it is undeniable that the place is amazing (there are more than 40 buildings in total!) but on the other hand, seeing so many skins, bones and animal remains is just creepy. Of course, if you like curious places and you are a bit of a geek, you are going to enjoy it! How could you not do so in front of the construction that looks like a spaceship?

– Price : 80 THB

– Opening hours : 09:00 to 17:00 (closed from 12:00 to 13:00).

– How to get there : There are buses from Bus Station 1 to Wat Rong Khun Temple for about 20-30 baht (30 minutes), it will drop you off at the highway junction, from where you will have to walk the last 500 meters, to get back, stand on the other side of the highway and stop any bus or songthaew, they will go to Chiang Rai. You can also stop a shared “songthaew” and ask. We rented a taxi to go to the White Temple and the Baandum Museum, in total 4 hours and we paid 600 baht (about €15) for 4 people. Another excellent idea is to rent a motorbike for a day for about 150-250 baht (4-6€).

Black House (Bann Daum Museum) in Chiang Rai

5. Attend the Clock Tower show

Another geeky thing! It's not really a great thing, so don't get too excited XD, but if you go by the Clock Tower area at 7, 8 or 9 pm, you can watch their musical show, where the colors of the tower change and a scene with characters and other things is performed inside. It's especially curious to see how Thai people stop and look at the clock as if they were watching a Broadway musical... they live it with great excitement, so join the party!

6. Take a temple tour in the city

Although they are not as important or beautiful as the temples in Chiang Mai, there are a few fine examples of ancient Buddhist temples in Chiang Rai. They are scattered around the city streets and you can visit them by planning a temple tour on foot or by renting a bike (many hostels and accommodations offer them for free or for around 100 baht per day). Some of the ones you can't miss are:

– Wat Phra Kaew

It is perhaps the most important temple in the city, having housed the most famous and sacred figure of Buddha in Thailand: "The Emerald Buddha". It was in the 14th century when it was discovered buried under the floor of the pagoda, which was illuminated by a powerful ray from the sky (all this according to legend), before it was moved to Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang and the Royal Palace in Bangkok, where it is venerated today.

– Wat Phra Singh

This 14th century temple stands out for its excellent wood carvings on the doors, its main hall where the statue of Buddha Phra Sihing is kept (although it is a replica, the original is in Chiang Mai), its golden chedi and beautiful gardens.

– Wat Prathat Doi Chom Thong

It is believed to have been the place chosen by King Mengrai to establish the city of Chiang Rai in 1260. The oldest sacred relics in the city are preserved in its main stupa, making it a favourite with locals, although perhaps not of much interest to tourists, although the views from the hill are a plus.

– Wat Klang Wieng

A small temple hidden in the city, but with excellent decorative elements of Lanna art and interesting statues.

– Wat Ming Meuang

Another small temple where the “spirit of the city” is said to reside. The Lanna-style Ordination Hall is particularly noteworthy.

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7. Try a Khao Soi, one of the best things to do in Chiang Rai

One of the typical dishes from northern Thailand, with Burmese influence. It is a noodle soup cooked with coconut milk, spices, palm sugar, tamarind, fish sauce and chicken. It is slightly spicy but we assure you that its flavour is unique. Mmm, we can't wait to eat another one! Something "normal" will have to be done in Chiang Rai!

what to do chiang rai try khao soi soup

8. Explore the surroundings of Chiang Rai

There are a few excursions near Chiang Rai that might interest you: for example, there are those that travel to the mythical Golden Triangle (where you can see Laos, Thailand and Burma at a glance, although it is more famous for having been the epicentre of… the Opium War :-p). Or the one that takes you to the characteristic Chinese village of Mae Salong . And a good idea is to rent a motorbike and explore the surroundings.

There are also a few trekking options (if hiking is your thing) although our favourite excursion is still… Chiang Mai (and we recommend you don’t miss it!).

9. Blue Temple, one of the most beautiful to see in Chiang Rai

It is another temple located in Chiang Mai, but it is not just any temple: Wat Rong Suea Ten is the new star attraction of the city. Its nickname says it all… it is blue hehe. The truth is that it is a curious place and very different from the typical Thai temples, or rather… the same, but blue.

– Price : free

– Hours : from 07.00 to 18.00

– How to get there : It is located in the city of Chiang Rai, you can easily get there by tuk tuk from the center.

what to see in Chiang Rai Blue Temple — Blue Temple, another of the best things to see and do in Chiang Rai.

10. More visits in northern Thailand

Do you have more time at your disposal? Great: there are plenty of places to see in the north and you can spend several weeks wandering around here. There are rural/hippie villages like Pai , more remote places on the border with Myanmar like Ban Rak Thai or Mae Hong Son , and larger cities like Lampang that, although at first glance you won't fall in love with them, hide a few interesting proposals. Our advice is the following: don't leave Thailand without giving the north of the country a chance !

Map of points of interest to see in Chiang Rai

Here is a map with the places you can't miss on your visit to Chiang Rai:

Useful information for traveling to Chiang Rai

Finally, we leave you with a lot of tips so you can plan your visit to Chiang Rai in the best way:

✓ Where to stay in Chiang Rai?

We stayed at the Huen Chan Thip hotel , a small and charming hotel with an indoor pool and buffet breakfast. It is about 15 minutes from the night market, in a quiet area of the city. Recommended.

✓ How to get to Chiang Rai by bus?

A new bus terminal (Terminal 2) was recently built and is currently used for routes to other cities. The station near the market has been left for local buses only.

From Bangkok : There are several night buses running from Bangkok's Morchit Station to Chiang Rai. They take 11-12 hours and prices are around 500-600 baht.
From Chiang Mai : they leave and arrive at Arcade station. High frequency, takes just under 4 hours. We did the journey in reverse and bought the ticket at the station for 161 baht, a little more via the website.
From Sukhothai : The journey takes 8 hours and the bus fare is 260 baht. The schedules are as follows:
- Chiang Rai -> Sukhothai: 07:00 / 08:30 / 09:30 / 10:30.
- Sukhothai -> Chiang Rai: 06:40 / 09:00 /11:30.
More information and reservations on the website 12go.asia

✓ How to get around Chiang Rai?

Both the White Temple and the Museum are 30 minutes from the city, but in opposite directions. To get to them you can do it by public transport , with the buses that leave from the Old Bus Station, or by sharing a songthaew or negotiating a taxi to go to both places. That's what we did and for 4 people we paid 600 Bahts (about 15€), it took us about 4 hours in total. Another excellent idea is to rent a motorbike for a day for about 150-250 bahts (4-6€).

✓ How many days to stay in Chiang Rai?

Ideally, you should stay for 2 days (1 night). Enough time to get to know the essentials of the city.

Chiang Rai is a cultural centre that is constantly changing, and as you can see, it hides a few surprises that make it worth a visit. That's all for our recommendations of things to see and do in Chiang Rai . Have you been there? What did you like the most?

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