Chiang Rai, a city in northern Thailand, is commonly overshadowed by its neighbor city of Chiang Mai.
This is such a shame considering Chiang Rai has its own unique charm. It’s a serene city that offers a wealth of cultural, historical and nature activities.
Many travelers visit Chiang Rai for one day or as part of a day trip from Chiang Mai. However, I highly recommend spending 2 days here to really explore the region.
If you’re looking for a less crowded destination in Thailand, Chiang Rai may be the city for you. If you’re still wondering is Chiang Rai worth visiting?… Let me try to convince you why it is!
Chiang Rai: History and Overview
Founded in 1262 by King Mengrai, Chiang Rai served as the first capital of the Lanna Kingdom. The city’s historical significance is reflected in its ancient temples, museums and traditions that have been preserved over the centuries.
Today, Chiang Rai is known for its peaceful ambiance, cooler climate and beautiful landscapes, making it an excellent escape from the bustling cities of Thailand.
A lot of backpackers and digital nomads stop by Chiang Rai or spend an extended amount of time relaxing in the city. As it’s only 3 hours from Chiang Mai, residents of the city also like to visit for weekend trips.
Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Rai
By this point you’re probably thinking, ok cool…but what is there to do in Chiang Rai?
While there are a lot of activities to participate in here, Chiang Rai is best known for its temples. The White Temple and the Blue Temple in particular are standouts.
However, there is so much more to do in Chiang Rai beyond temples. I recommend travelers get out of the heart of the city and explore the entire region.
Here’s a quick list at some of the things that make Chiang Rai worth visiting.
- Visit the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun): This stunning, contemporary art temple is one of the most iconic landmarks in Thailand. Its intricate, all-white design represents the purity of Buddha. I’ve written previously about everything you need to know when visiting the White Temple.
- Explore the Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten): Known for its vivid blue color and ornate carvings, this temple is a visual feast and offers insight into local religious practices. It’s a practicing temple, so you’ll be there with locals. I’ve written previously about everything you need to know when visiting the Blue Temple.
- Marvel at the Black House (Baan Dam Museum): A collection of dark, artfully designed buildings that house a mixture of traditional and contemporary art. It’s an intriguing and slightly eerie experience.
- Take in the View at the Golden Triangle: The meeting point of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar, this area offers breathtaking views of the Mekong River and the surrounding countries.
- Discover Ancient Ruins at Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong: This ancient temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century and offers a glimpse into the region’s historical architecture.
- Wander Around the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar: Experience the local culture through its bustling night market, where you can sample street food, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy live performances.
- Visit the Hill Tribe Villages: Learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of northern Thailand’s hill tribes, including the Akha, Lahu and Karen people.
- Relax at Singha Park: A vast park with tea plantations, flower gardens, and cycling paths, perfect for a leisurely day outdoors.
- Experience the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park: This park is home to traditional Lanna architecture and art, providing a deeper understanding of the region’s cultural heritage.
- Sample Tea at Choui Fong Tea Plantation: Nestled in the rolling hills of Chiang Rai, this tea plantation offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a tea break.
When to Visit Chiang Rai
The best time to visit Chiang Rai is during the cool season, from November to February.
During this time, the weather is pleasant, with cooler temperatures that make exploring the city more comfortable.
The hot season, from March to May, can be intense, while the rainy season, from June to October, brings heavy showers that may disrupt your day.
That said, at the end of the day…it doesn’t matter when you visit Chiang Rai! I know not everyone can control when they have time to visit, so the best time to visit is whenever you can make it work.
How Long to Spend in Chiang Rai
I recommend spending two days in Chiang Rai to make sure you have enough time to see everything (without having a crazy packed schedule). This is also important because a lot of the sights in the city are spread out, so you’ll have to take travel time into account.
My preferred travel pace is slow. I usually like to do 1-2 main activities and chill out/eat the rest of the day. Heavy on the eating!
If you’re short on time but want to make the most of your visit, this one day in Chiang Rai itinerary will guide you through the must-see sights.
Even if you allocate one day to Chiang Rai, I highly recommend spending one night in Chiang Rai because you will have a packed day!
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
The most important thing if you’re staying one night in Chiang Rai (or more) is to have accommodation central in the city. You’ll want to be able to walk to good food and catch a songthaew (taxi truck) easily.
Chiang Rai offers a range of accommodation options to suit every budget. Here are a few recommendations:
- Luxury: Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort – For a luxurious stay, Le Meridien offers beautiful riverside views, spacious rooms, and top-notch amenities, including a pool and spa.
- Midrange: The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa – This mid-range option combines comfort with traditional Thai charm. The riverside location and lush gardens create a serene atmosphere.
- Budget: Nak Nakara Hotel – A great budget option, Nak Nakara Hotel offers clean, comfortable rooms and a central location, making it easy to explore the city.
Getting Around Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a relatively small city, making it easy to navigate. There’s a few different modes of transportation you can include in your planning.
Walking
When it comes to central Chiang Rai, you can walk many places. There are a lot of great places to eat or get coffee in Chiang Rai, so you should have no trouble finding spots near your hotel.
Buses and Songthaews
Local buses and songthaews (shared trucks, like a TukTuk) connect locals and tourists inside the city. For traveling in the city center, this is a great (and affordable) option. However, they’re not a good option for attractions outside the city center.
To hail a songthaew, all you need to do is stand on the side of the street and raise your hand/make eye contact when one is driving by. They’ll pull over and you’ll let them know where you’re going.
The con with buses and songthaews is time – as they’re driving other people to other destinations, you won’t make it to your destination in priority time.
Car and Scooter Rental
For more convenience, especially if you want to explore attractions outside the city center like the White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House, renting a car or a scooter is a great choice.
If you’ve never driven a scooter before, that’s okay! Chiang Rai is a good place to learn. If you don’t feel comfortable with the concept, driving a car in the city is very safe.
Grab and TukTuk
Grab, an app very similar to Uber or Lyft, is widely used in Chiang Rai. It’s great for trips to temples or other popular attractions.
For more remote destinations like Choui Fong Tea Plantation, Grab can be a little tricky to get a return ride. In these instances, it’s smart to pay the driver to wait for you to finish so they can drive you back.
If you’re a solo traveler, I highly recommend leveraging Grab motorbike. It’s faster, more affordable and more fun!
TukTuks are pretty common in Chiang Rai. It’s basically a rite of passage to take a TukTuk at some point when traveling Thailand.
You will have to negotiate fares with TukTuk drivers. If you don’t know a good rate, I recommend checking Grab prices.
Guided Tours and Private Drivers
If you don’t want to navigate Chiang Rai on your own, there are plenty of guided tours you can join. These are better than hopping on a tour that starts in Chiang Mai (you’ll save 6 hours!).
Alternatively, you can hire a private driver for the day. This is a great option for families or couples who want to stay together during the day and go at their own pace.
You can ask your hotel for driver recommendations, and they can arrange an English-speaking driver if requested.
Day Trip from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai
In my opinion, you should not visit Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai over the course of one day. It’s a 3 hour drive (one way), so you lose a lot of precious time.
Most tour groups that take this journey only visit the White Temple and Blue Temple, and it’s a rushed day. I recommend spending at least one night in Chiang Rai to maximize your time.
The only instance I say Chiang Rai is not worth visiting is within the context of doing a day trip from Chiang Mai. That time would be better spent exploring Chiang Mai.
Final Thoughts: Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
The question presents itself once again: Is Chiang Rai worth visiting?
The answer…yes! Chiang Rai is definitely worth the trip.
There is so much to do in the city. You can spend a few days visiting temples, waterfalls, tea plantations, etc. Or you can spend one jam-packed day seeing the major sites.
I hope this has helped you plan your trip to Chiang Rai!
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