Neil Aronson Here is our new guide to the best of Chiang Rai Thailand, a jewel of a city in the far northeast corner of the country. From where to stay to what to do, and how to get there, we have you covered.
Chiang Rai Thailand is often overlooked by people visiting its neighbor Chiang Mai. Perhaps partly because it is a little bit isolated, and almost a 3 hour drive from Chiang Mai. But this may give it an advantage for travelers wanting to visit Chiang Rai Thailand. As a result, there are less tourists, prices are even cheaper, and there is still plenty to do and see.
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Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Introduction to Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Thailand is a city located in far northeast corner of Thailand, on the border with Myranmar and Laos. Chiang Rai is blessed with mountainous terrain, with rivers and jungles contributing to its natural wonders. This helps give it a cooler and more pleasant climate compared to many other parts of Thailand. The best weather November-February, which is cool at night and perfect in the day.
Established as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom in 1262, Chiang Rai Thailand has been a historically prominent city of the North. Chiang Mai would become the new capital in 1296. King Mangrai would establish both cities.
Some may think that Chiang Rai is similar to Chiang Mai with its climate and culture. However, the province has its own unique take on Northern Lanna culture and art.
My ideal length of stay to enjoy the Chiang Rai Thailand would be about 4-5 days. There are a number of great attractions which we will discuss. There are also sporting activities such as golf, hiking, rafting.
Many people staying in Chiang Mai will take a few days and go to Chiang Rai. It is a about a three hour drive. If you don’t have a car you can find transportation on 12Go, Asia’s leading booking site for trains, busses, flights. Find cheap flights around Thailand and Asia with Air Asia.
Chiang Rai city serves as the capital of the Province with the same name. The population in the metropolitan city is about 200,000, however there is about 1.2 million living in the entire province. A significant share—12.5 percent—of the population are of hill tribes descent. “Hill tribes” is a collective term for the minority ethnic groups in north Thailand such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Miao, and Hmong.
Therefore, the city center itself is relatively small, and very easy to get around. However many of the attractions are more spread out than in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Rai is known for its relaxed and down-to-earth ambiance, preserving its serene sleepy town status with a friendly atmosphere. The province’s historical and cultural attractions are second to none and keep its Lanna identity intact through an impressive collection of temples, art, and cuisine.
Bordering Laos and Myanmar on the East and the North, respectively, Chiang Rai is deeply rooted in Lanna heritage and is culturally influenced by the two countries. The province is home to renowned artists who helped put the best of Chiang Rai on the tourist map with their museum and temple creations.
Its ethnic population is diverse with different hill tribes and those of Chinese lineage. This multiculturalism is reflected in the typical style of temple architecture, food, and textile development.
Flying into the international airport is one way to get there. Many people who are traveling around Thailand will take a train, bus, or local flight to get to Chiang Mai. The options for traveling cheaply around Thailand are many. 12Go is the best source for trains, busses, and local flights on Bangkok Airways and Air Asia.
Around Town
Getting around Chiang Rai Thailand is super easy, and there are several cheap options. The most popular, because they are fun and convenient, is taking a Tuk-Tuk. They are easy to find, and will take you anywhere, even up in the mountains. However it’s a slightly more expensive option.
Songthaew’s are a local favorite option. It is your budget option. Small red busses the will drop you off around town, less than 30 baht. Grab is a local Uber type rideshare company that is available in Thailand. Regular cabs are also available.
Renting a motorbike is a fun option that does not cost much. Don’t leave your passport with them, or anyone if renting something. And make sure you have travel insurance.
Chiang Rai Hotels
Hotels in Chiang Rai Thailand are hard to narrow down. That is because there are so many good ones on all budgets. But since we only recommend things we have done and experienced, this list is of the places we enjoyed and recommend.
The city and surrounding area has something for everyone and every budget. From hostels with shared bathrooms, to the luxury on the Kok River, or the Four Season Tented Camp out in the wilderness. So all areas will have hotels of every type.
Riverside:
The Riverie By Katathani – Large luxury resort on the Kok River, close to temple.
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort – Large luxury resort on the Kok River.
Phowadol Resort and Spa – North of the river, but still close to city center. We have had a chance to stay here, but it is highly recommended.
City Center Value / Hostels
Mora Boutique Hotel – Great option in the city center, close to everything. Walk to the Night Market, shops, restaurants. Borrow a bike and go for a ride around town.
Villa Mungkala – Colonial Villa – Bed and Breakfast hotel. Close to city center, river, temples, golf.
Baan Mai Kradan Hostel – Nice Hostel in city center. Walk to Night Market, Museums, and all other attractions.
Others:
Happy City Golf & Resort – A sprawling resort on one of the better golf courses. Also close to Santiburi Golf Club.
Waterford Valley Golf Resort – Northeast of the city about 20 minutes in the countryside. One of the top golf courses in the area.
Bura Resort – Super cool mountain retreat north of the city about 20 minutes. Close to waterfalls.
Agoda is our choice for booking hotels. Search for these and hundreds more great options in Chiang Rai.
Chiang Rai Thailand Temples
When I talk to anyone about the best of Chiang Rai, the first thing that comes to mind are the magnificent temples.
Temples are a way of life in Thailand, and part of how Chiang Rai was founded, back as the Lanna Kingdom in the 13th century. These are a few any visitor should see.
All are open to visitors. These are active temples. You need to respect their culture and rules, including dress codes. Please give money in the donation boxes when you visit.
Visit Wat Rong Khun – Known as the White Temple, was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. Building started in 1997, this is the newest and most unusual temple you will find in Thailand.
There are a lot of strange details that the artist has painted inside the temple. So the crowds can get bad, as everyone is trying to look at everything.
Wat Rong Seua Ten or the Blue Temple. Definitely one of the best of Chiang Rai. This magnificent blue and gold masterpiece is worth visiting just for the photography. Like the White Temple, it is recently build and completed in 2016.
Wat Phra Kaew is an atmospheric temple set among towering trees and local plant life that sports the iconic Lanna-style architecture while also offering a museum.
This temple is located near the city center and is the original home of the famous Emerald Buddha, which now resides in Bangkok. The temple complex has a rich history and is one of the more historic in Chiang Rai.
The 9 Tier Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang, is a stunning temple most known for its giant white Buddha that towers 100 meters high. The temple grounds also include a beautiful white Guanyin statue.
From the top of this temple complex from the eyes of the large Buddha statue, you’ll find yourself with a stunning view of the surrounding area, making it double as one of the best Chiang Rai viewpoints. It’s located near Ban Huay Pla Kung on the northwest side of town.
Wat Phra Sing is an old temple complex with 2 buildings with much of its structure adorned in shining gold depicting the Buddha, dragons and more. The temple dates back nearly 7 centuries with such a long history that no one is entirely sure who’s responsible for building it in the first place.
It houses a beautiful, highly respected Buddha image, and its architecture reflects traditional Lanna style.
Top Activities To Do
If you like me, you are not the type of person that lounges around when traveling. I need to do and see things. I have been to many countries, and I think Chiang Rai Thailand has as much to do as anywhere. Feel free to sit by the pool if you want. However if your looking for activities, here are our top recommendations.
Play Golf
There are several great courses in the area to play. For more read our Golf Guide.
Waterford Valley Golf Resort – Northeast of the city about 20 minutes in the countryside. One of the top golf courses in the area.
Santiburi Golf Club Chiang Rai – This is a championship course designed by famed golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Jr.
Chiang Rai Night Market
Walking the streets is a lot of fun, like in Chiang Mai. However this is a sleepier town than Chiang Mai. But you can still find plenty of bars, restaurants, local shopping just by walking around town.
Saturday and Sunday nights are more active, with the night markets. The streets close to traffic at noon on these days. All kinds of vendors and crafts fill the entire stretch. Street food, beverages and cultural entertainment are all part of the experience.
Many of the crafts are made by local artists and Hilltribe communities. If you want to support the local community, this is a good way to do it.
Cooking Classes
Like most cities in Thailand, taking a local cooking class is a fun and popular activity. I took one in Chiang Mai and had a blast. I highly recommend it if you have not done.
A couple popular ones in Chiang Rai Thailand are Cooking with Ann, for anyone who wants to learn about authentic Thailand dishes.
Another completely different experience is with Chiang Rai Akha Kitchen Cooking School. The head chef is of the Akha Hill Tribe. Not only learn authentic local cooking but the hilltribe culture.
Book directly or with a tour experience with Viator.
King Mengrai Monument
This is a popular attraction in near the town center, about a 15 minute walk from the clocktower. Dedicated to the King who established the Lanna Kingdom back in 1296. Many of the regions most famous temples where built by him including Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai.
Visit Doi Mae Salong
Visit the mountains about 60 km north of Chiang Rai. Beautiful tea plantations to explore, temple, hot springs, hiking.
It is a community of former Chinese soldiers of the 93rd Division of the Kuomintang, who migrated from Myanmar. During December to February is the cool season, and there will be wild Himalayan cherry that is the smallest Sakura pink and white flower blooming along the way up Doi Mae Salong.
The best Chiang Rai Thailand attractions on Doi Mae Salong include Phrathat Chedi Srinagarindra Sathit Maha, and the museum of the Heroes of the Chinese National Army. Activities are to visit tea plantations and study tea production methods. Shop for local winter vegetables and fruit, and visit the morning fresh market in Muban Santikhiri. Ride a horse and take in the scenery around Ban Jiang Jasai or go hiking.
There is an amazing Resort in the area to stay at. Check it out at Chayana Resort.
Lum Nam Kok National Park
Chiang Rai Thailand is one of the most famous areas of the country for trekking, and many routes take in the forests, waterfalls and rivers of the Lum Nam Kok National Park. Most treks take at least a couple of days to complete and involve a rustic homestay in a hilltop village.
Northwest of the city is a good area for hiking and there are several great waterfalls, although they are spread out. Near the park is a challenging hiking trail and waterfall. The Huai Kaeo waterfall extended loop. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
Khun Kon Waterfall
Eat of the city about 30 minutes is a 70m waterfall that is worth the drive. Plus it is a nice hike to the falls on the nature trail. It is a 1.4 km walk up a steep but pleasant forest trail to the highest and most scenic waterfall in Chiang Rai Province. Camping is available as well.
Museums
If your looking for more culture, Chiang Rai Thailand has plenty of museums. Here is a list in the city.
- Cultural Hall Museum
- Haw Shan Art Gallery
- Hilltribe Museum and Education Center
- Lanna Museum
- Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Park
- Oub Kham Museum
- Princess Mother ’90 Museum
- The Chiang Rai Cultural Center
- The Sirindhorn Chinese Language & Culture Center
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
Hot air ballooning has quickly become one of the popular things to do, especially in Chiang Rai Thailand.
The mountains surrounding the region are perfect for the views and with winds. I have not done it in Chiang Rai, but I have done it and it is so much fun. Trips can be arranged locally or with Viator.
Take A Boat Trip
One of the best of Chiang Rai things to do is to take a boat tour up the Kok River. There are several options, depending on what you want to see and where you want to go.
Take a long boat ride up in the mountains. Trip durations are based on points of interest; the Karen Elephant Camp, Phasaert Hot Springs, hill tribe villages, etc. Trips can be arranged at the Chiang Rai Pier
Tours can also be arranged through Viator. Check out the beautiful countryside with this tour to Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong. You’ll learn about local ethnic minority culture, see the ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom, meet local artisans, and more. You’ll also have round-trip transport from your Chiang Rai hotel and lunch along the way, so you don’t need to organize these yourself.
Take A Trip To The Golden Triangle
The Golden Triangle is at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, though it’s better known as the spot where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet.
You can stand on a balcony high on a hilltop, looking out at breathtaking views of the rivers and land below.
Located next to the Golden Triangle, the Hall of Opium is a small museum with an exhibition about the opium trade.
The Hall of Opium Museum is a combination of multimedia and exhibition to make learning more fun. Aiming to educate people about opium, this exhibition portrays every angle of the story. Starting from the history of the Golden Triangle, the origin of opium, the opium war, opium warlords, the battle against opium and poppy growing. And the rehabilitation of living conditions of the people who live in the center of the Golden Triangle.
Visit a Hill Tribe Community
The region is known for it’s large population of hill tribe communities such as the Karen, Akha, Lisu, Miao, and Hmong. The people in these villages are often part of nomadic tribes from outside Thailand and include the famous “long neck” Karen hilltop tribes. These groups historically came to Thailand from Myanmar, and the women may wear brass rings around their necks.
As always, do not forget Travel Insurance. AXA is one of our top recommendations.
