Chiang Rai Travel Guide: Best Things to See, Do, and Eat

Chiang Rai is the northernmost “large” province in Northern Thailand. It is bordered by Laos and Myanmar to form the “Golden Triangle,” an area historically well-known for opium trading. Chiang Rai is an easy 3 hour bus ride from it’s much larger and popular sister, Chiang Mai. Even though it still retains many ancient cultural characteristics, Chiang Rai oozes with hip and artistic vibes. Several popular places to visit have been infused with controversial modern pop culture. Where else can you find temples with drawings of Spiderman, Hello Kitty, and George Bush riding a rocket with Bin Ladin? This small and laid-back city of Chiang Rai is often overlooked by travelers, which is a huge mistake!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO - THAILAND BASIC ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

Visit Thailand Travel Guide: How to Get Started to review basic essential information covering topics including visa, weather, money exchange, electrical socket types, internet & cell data, language, and more.

ATM

There are plenty of ATM Machines available around town. Credit card is accepted at modern vendors but many shops and markets are cash only.

WIFI & MOBILE DATA

Wifi and mobile data are easily accessible. Digital nomads will find no problem settling here.

TRANSPORTATION

Chiang Rai city center is small, but you’ll find yourself having to travel to the outskirts to reach many popular attractions.

Tuk-Tuk: Relative of the rickshaw. These are three-wheeled motorized vehicles with an open air roofed seating in the back. You can get these by flagging them down or booking in advance. Make sure to negotiate an agreed price beforehand.

Motorcycle Taxi: These are motorcycles that can carry two people comfortably and is a great way to buzz through the city. Getting one of these works the same way as getting a tuk-tuk.

Songthaew: Found in inner cities are pick-up trucks fitted with 2 rows of seats in the back for passengers. They can vary between having set routes like public buses or where their passengers want to go. You’ll be sharing the ride with other people and in some cases won’t start to move until the seats are full. They should be a cheap form of transportation so make sure you’re paying around 20-60 THB per person one way.

Taxis: Always make sure to ask your driver to switch on the meter. Some deliberately neglect to do so resulting in customers usually paying a higher lump sum fare.

Grab: Working exactly the same as the Uber app. This is the safest way to get around in cities as the price is set at booking and you can pay by credit/debit card on file or by cash.

Rent a Motorbike/Scooter: This is by far my favorite method for getting around Chiang Rai. On top of freedom and flexibility, it truly allows you to live in the scene and venture off the beaten track. The cost ranges from 150 – 300 THB (5-10 USD) plus gas per day. Shops normally require a deposit of about 1,000 THB or your passport, with the former being the preferred and safer option.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Did you remember to consider getting Travel Insurance? It is not required but highly encouraged when traveling to any foreign country. Chiang Rai is a city filled with outdoor activities including hiking and motorbike riding. Travelers can get seriously injured if not careful. On top of that, different climate conditions, insect bites, or trying new types of food can cause one to become seriously ill. Unforeseen accidents do happen and expenses can add up and ruin your trip. The most popular insurance for all types of travelers is World Nomads. Their policies are created specifically with travelers in mind. It doesn’t hurt to Get a Free Quote and decide from there.

HOW TO GET TO CHIANG RAI

CHIANG RAI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (CEI)

Mae Fah Luang, also known as Chiang Rai International Airport, is the main international airport serving Chiang Rai. Direct flights can be found flying in daily from various cities in Thailand. Most international flights will stopover in Bangkok before heading to Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai city center is less than 10km and will cost you around 100 THB for a metered taxi and 200 THB for a fix rated airport taxi. Grab app, similar to Uber, is also available for an arguably safer option from scams due to it’s set pricing before booking.

BUS FROM CHIANG MAI TO CHIANG RAI

Travelers already in Chiang Mai will find it best to ride the 3 hour bus to Chiang Rai. Greenbus is the operator and runs daily out of Chiang Mai Bus Station 3, situated east of town off Kaew Nawarat Road.

There are two bus stations in Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2 (New Station) is located in the outskirts of town and Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 (Old Station) is situated near the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar. Those looking to get dropped off in the city will need to book Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 1 (Old Station). Stay on the bus until the next stop, which is after the new station.

Express tickets costs 129 THB (Class A) and 166 THB (Class X) while VIP tickets costs 258 THB (Class V). You can find Greenbus Schedules and book tickets online directly from Greenbus Thailand Online or through 12go.Asia Online Booking Services. I’ve found purchasing directly from Greenbus to be a few dollars cheaper. You can also purchase tickets at the kiosks located next to the Greenbus ticket counter at the bus station (not recommended during busy seasons). To pick up your tickets, show your receipt or confirmation at the Greenbus ticket counter 20, located to the left when you walk into the bus station.

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WHERE TO STAY IN CHIANG RAI

Chiang Rai city is relatively small with most popular attractions situated around the outskirts of town. Staying around Chiang Rai Night Bazaar, Clock Tower, and Jet Yod Road will put you central to many restaurants and lively evening activities.

Great romantic and luxurious hotels can be found along the Kok River. It’s away from the city center but only a short tuk-tuk ride away.

Airbnb is another great option for a more private accommodation, especially if you are traveling with a group of people. Use my link to get a free $40 credit for new users!

BEST THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG RAI

1. WAT RONG KHUN (WHITE TEMPLE)

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) is one of the most recognized temples in Thailand and is somewhat of an art exhibit. The temple was in bad shape until local Chiang Rai artist, Ajarn 

Wat Rong Khun depicts heaven and hell. Desperate hands reach out from the pit below as you cross the bridge to enlightenment. White symbolizes the purity of Buddha and the Dhamma. Inside, you’ll find modern culture icons and events used to tell a Buddha’s story. These include Spiderman, Neo from the Matrix, Kung Fu Panda, Michael Jackson, the Twin Towers, and President George W. Bush riding a rocket with Osama Bin Ladin. 

Various other buildings and arts are scattered around the temple grounds. The Golden Building (AKA Golden Toilet) is a restroom containing golden toilets. Famous western idol’s heads hang from the trees to give off a creepy feeling.

The temple is open daily from 6:30am – 6pm with an entrance fee of 50 THB. It is recommended to visit early as it can get quite crowded during peak hours.

2. WAT RONG SEUR TEN (BLUE TEMPLE)

Wat Rong Seur Ten (Blue Temple) is a newer temple in Chiang Rai and resembles the White Temple in a lot of ways. The reason for this is because the Blue Temple’s artist, Phuttha Kabkaew, is indeed a student of Ajarn Chalermchai Kositpipat himself. “Rong Seur Ten” translates to “Dancing Tigers.” Legend has it that wild tigers used to roamed the area where the original temple was abandoned. 

The temple’s sapphire blue and glistering gold colors radiates off the giant white Buddha, giving off a mystical and calming effect. The paintings on the walls and ceilings contains intricate details, making it difficult not to stare. Wat Rong Seur Ten easily topped my list of favorite temples to visit in Thailand.

The temple is open daily from 6am – 7pm with no entrance fee. Visiting at 7am or sunset will provide you with the best lighting with minimal crowds. 

3. BAAN DAM MUSEUM (BLACK HOUSE/TEMPLE)

Baan Daam Museum is an art gallery and was home to reowned Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee. The unique styled buildings each houses a collection of arts, paintings, and sculptures. What really makes Baan Daam stand out is the eerie collection of animal bones, skins, and taxidermy of a wide array of animals who died of natural causes. Locals call the Black House “hell” to the White Temple’s “heaven.”

Dead animal remains are not the only objects to amplify the strange atmosphere. You’ll also find many phalluses of various shapes and sizes scattered across the property. If the Black House had a persona, i’d say this place is a total dick!

The Black House is open daily from 9am – 5pm with a 80 THB entrance fee.

4. GOLDEN CLOCK TOWER

The Golden Clock Tower is Chiang Rai’s central landmark and was designed by White Temple’s artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej. When evening comes, the clock puts on an impressive light and music show while tuk-tuks and vehicles buzz around the roundabout.

Shows start daily every hour from 7pm – 9pm and lasts about 10 minutes.

5. CHIANG RAI NIGHT BAZAAR

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is the perfect place to take a stroll and wind down during the evenings. It contains a vivid market for shopping and two opened spaced food & drink areas. The area containing wood furnishings with a waiting staff is catered towards tourists while the area containing aluminum tables & chairs is where most of the locals choose to hang out. Live music and traditional Lanna dance shows are performed throughout the night at both areas. One of the delicious specialties you can find here is “Jim Jum,” a traditional Thai hot pot served in a clay pot.

The night bazaar is open daily from 6pm – 11pm.

6. SINGHA PARK

Don’t expect to drink Singha beer all day long at Singha Park. Previously known as Boon Rawd Farm, the area has since been converted to a family friendly attraction. It contains tea plantations, trails, lakes, dining options, and a petting zoo. Singha Park occasionally stages concerts with popular bands and the Singha Park International Balloon Fiesta occurs every February.

The park is open daily from 9am – 6pm with no entrance fee. Additional fees may apply for activities and transportation.

7. OTHER POPULAR THINGS TO DO IN CHIANG RAI

• 
  Golden Triangle – The area where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meets, forming the “Golden Triangle,” an area historically well-known for opium trading. You can even visit an Opium Museum.


• 
  Wat Phra Kaew – The place and original home of where the Emerald Buddha was found (now housed in Bangkok).


• 
  Chiang Rai Beach – Not an ocean beach but a long stretch of sandy embankment along the Kok River. Bamboo huts line the river where you can lounge around and grab food & drinks.


• Khun Korn Waterfall


• Visit Temples Around Chiang Rai’s City Centre.


• Chiang Rai Weekend Walking Street Markets

BEST PLACES TO EAT IN CHIANG RAI

1. LAB SANAM KEELA

Lab Sanam Keela was a suggestion I picked up from Mark Wiens and it did not disappoint. The restaurant served up one of my most memorable northern Thai meals. My favorite was the pla tabtim tod kratiem, a fried fish topped with a mountain of fried garlic. It’s situated across the river from the Blue Temple, making this restaurant the perfect dining spot before or after visiting the temple. If you love spicy, don’t skip on the nam prik and nam prik kha!

2. CLOCK TOWER CAFE

Clock Tower Cafe is situated next to the Golden Clock Tower for a nice view. It’s a new restaurant with a clean and modern feel. We had the Nam Prik Noom, a spicy northern green chili dip paired with a mixed selection of meats and vegetables. The chili dip has a hard kick to it so weak sauces be warned!

3. CHIANG RAI NIGHT BAZAAR FOOD COURT

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar’s food court has many restaurant stalls for you to pick from. My favorite meal I had here was the Jim Jum, a traditional Thai hot pot served in a clay pot over coal. It comes with your choice of proteins like seafood or meat, noodles, eggs, and a basket of vegetables. You slowly boil your food in the hot water before consuming. It’s a delicious slow meal to have while enjoying the entertainment and people watching.

I noticed many local students hang out at the “local” side. The local side is the food court area containing yellow aluminum tables and chairs. They down whiskey all night long with their peers while enjoying live local Thai bands, dance performances, and comedy talk shows. Most of the acts at the local side are spoken in Thai, which is a great way to submerge yourself in their culture!

SAMPLE ITINERARY CHIANG RAI 3DAYS/2NIGHTS

DAY 1: ARRIVAL

• Arrive in Chiang Rai


• Hotel Check-in


• Chiang Rai Night Bazaar


• Sleep

DAY 2: WHITE, BLACK, BLUE

• Breakfast


• White Temple


• Lunch


• Black House


• Blue Temple


• Dinner @ Lab Salam Keela


• Bars


• Sleep

DAY 3: DEPARTURE

• Breakfast


• Hotel Check-Out


• Lunch


• Depart Chiang Rai

GENERAL TIPS

• Drink plenty of water and carry a bottle with you. Thailand is hot and touring the city is dehydrating.


• Dress respectfully when visiting religious sites. This means covering your shoulders and knees.


• Pointing your toes or turning your back at Buddha is a sign of disrespect (for those selfie takers!)


• Be cautious of scammers and pick pocketing. If you feel as if you are being cheated then walk away.


• Thailand attracts all type of people from around the world. Always stay cautious at a foreign country and never leave your drinks unattended.

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