เชียงรายThe White Temple, tea hills and the Golden Triangle at Thailand's northern edge.
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mengrai, who later moved his capital to Chiang Mai. Today it is a calm, friendly city with a river, a night bazaar and, on its outskirts, some of Thailand's most extraordinary modern temples: the dazzling White Temple, the deep-blue Wat Rong Suea Ten and Baan Dam's dark, strange "Black House".
The real appeal of the province is the landscape beyond the city. Winding roads lead to Doi Mae Salong's tea plantations, Doi Tung's gardens, the border town of Mae Sai and the Golden Triangle, where the Mekong separates Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. Hill-tribe villages, hot springs and waterfalls add variety, and traffic is light.
Come between November and February for cool, clear weather. From about February to April, agricultural burning fills the north with haze and smoke, so check the air quality before you plan hikes or viewpoints.
- Currency
- Thai baht (฿ · THB)
- Getting there
- Chiang Rai International (CEI) has direct flights; buses from Chiang Mai take about 3.5 hours
- Founded
- 1262, by King Mengrai
- Best season
- November to January: cool and clear
- Burning season
- February–April: smoke and haze
- Getting around
- Songthaew, Grab, rented scooter or car, or tours
Top things to do in Chiang Rai.
24 places we chose and described by hand. Open any of them, with photos, hours and directions, in the catalogue below or in the app.
Places to visit
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) Pa O Don Chai
A dazzling white-and-mirror temple that's part sacred site, part art installation.
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) Rim Kok
A deep-blue temple with gold details and a giant white Buddha.
- Baan Dam (Black House) Nang Lae
A dark, unsettling complex of black wooden buildings full of skins, horns and bones.
- Wat Phra Kaew Old Town
The temple where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434.
- Golden Clock Tower Old Town
An ornate gold tower at the heart of the city, lit up with music every evening.
- Doi Mae Salong (Santikhiri) Mae Fah Luang
A cool mountain village of tea terraces, with Yunnanese roots and big views.
- Golden Triangle (Sop Ruak) Chiang Saen
The meeting of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar at the Mekong, once a centre of the opium trade.
- Mae Sai Mae Sai
Thailand's northernmost town, with a busy border market facing Myanmar.
- Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden Mae Fah Luang
A royal villa and beautiful gardens on a mountain once covered in opium poppies.
- Singha Park Mueang Chiang Rai
A sprawling tea and farm estate with cycling paths and a tram tour.
Restaurants
- Night Bazaar Food Court Old Town
An open-air food court with northern dishes, stage shows and stalls.
- Khao Soi Noodle Shops Old Town
Northern curry noodle soup, the dish you must try in the north.
- Kok River Cafés Rim Kok
Relaxed cafés and restaurants overlooking the river and gardens.
- Mae Salong Tea Houses Doi Mae Salong
Sip oolong tea among the terraces, with Yunnanese noodles and snacks.
Activities
- Tea Plantation Visit & Tasting Mae Chan / Mae Salong
Walk through tea terraces and taste oolong grown on the hillsides.
- Responsible Hill-Tribe Trek Chiang Rai province
Hike forest trails to Akha and Lahu villages with community-run guides.
- Northern Thai Cooking Class Chiang Rai city
Learn khao soi and other northern dishes with a market visit.
- Mekong Boat Trip at the Golden Triangle Sop Ruak
A longtail ride on the Mekong between Thailand, Laos and Myanmar.
Hotels & stays
- Old Town Boutique Hotels Old Town
Stylish small hotels and guesthouses near the clock tower and night bazaar.
- Riverside & Hillside Luxury Resorts Chiang Rai province
Destination resorts in the hills and beside the Kok River.
- Budget Hostels & Guesthouses Old Town
Cheap, friendly places in the old town with bike rental and tours.
Shopping
- Saturday Walking Street Old Town
A big Saturday-evening street market with crafts, food and performances.
- Hill-Tribe Textiles & Crafts Old Town
Embroidery, silver and woven bags from Akha, Hmong and Lahu communities.
- Central Plaza Chiang Rai Mueang
The city's main mall, with cinema, food court and international brands.
Explore all 999 places in Chiang Rai.
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From the Thailand Guide app’s catalogue: OpenStreetMap places with traveller notes from Wikivoyage and photos from Wikimedia Commons. Photos marked “Representative” show the same kind of place, not this exact one. Neighbouring islands and day-trip areas may be included. “Open now” uses listed hours in Thailand time; confirm hours and access before travelling.
Best time to visit Chiang Rai.
The best time to visit Chiang Rai is November to January. Chiang Rai has three seasons. The cool, dry season from November to February is the best time to visit, with warm days and cool nights. From February to April, hot weather and agricultural burning bring haze. The rainy season from May to October is green and lush, with heavy showers, mostly in the afternoon.
Approximate long-term monthly averages in °C and millimetres of rain. These are planning notes, not a weather forecast.
Chiang Rai travel tips.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering halls, keep your head lower than monks and Buddha images, and never climb on or pose disrespectfully with statues.
Modern temples
Chiang Rai's White and Blue Temples are contemporary art as much as sacred sites. Respect the signs: no shorts, no photography inside the main hall, and no loud behaviour.
Hill-tribe communities
The region is home to Akha, Lahu, Hmong and other communities. Ask before taking photos, choose responsibly run community tours and avoid "long-neck" village shows that commodify people.
Tea and coffee
Doi Mae Salong grows oolong tea, and Doi Chang is known for its coffee, grown by hill communities.
Keep your cool (jai yen)
Staying calm and smiling solves most problems in Thailand; raised voices lose face for everyone.
Plan Chiang Rai on your phone.
Save places, see what is open now, check the weather and air quality, and browse all twenty guides in the free Thailand Guide app. Works offline.