In this article, we’ll cover all the best things to do in Chiang Rai for a first-time visit. Discover all the best temples, markets, restaurants and activities in Chiang Rai. If this is your first time in Chiang Rai, look no further than this article.
Chiang Rai is a sleepy town at the north of Thailand, but it’s well worth the visit, especially if this is your first time in the country.
We said Chiang Mai was your gateway to Laos and Myanmar, well, actually, it’s Chiang Rai. Most buses will connect through here. This town is about a 3-hour drive from Chiang Mai and is home to some impressive temples.
It’s a lot more quiet and chilled out than Chiang Mai. It doesn’t quite have the same ‘je-ne-sais-quoi’ however, but if you’re looking to escape, this is the place for you. So sit tight because this is our complete guide for your first time in Chiang Rai.
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Table of Contents
A bit about Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the northernmost province and city in Thailand. It’s located in the mountainous region of the country which gives it a unique landscape and vibe overall.
Chiang Rai has a rich history. It dates back all the way to the 13th century when it was founded as part of the Lanna Kingdom. The city served as the first capital of this kingdom until Chiang Mai took over that title.
Over the centuries, Chiang Rai has been influenced by many of its neighboring cultures, including the Burmese and the Shan people. What makes Chiang Rai such a beautiful melting pot is that the region is home to various hill tribes. Each one has its customs, traditions, and languages.
The city has witnessed the ebb and flow of regional power dynamics which make it the unique place it is today. It’s a beautiful place to explore, no matter what you’re interested in doing.
How to get to Chiang Rai from Chiang Mai
Tons of buses run daily from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. We used the Green Bus Company, which has some of the best buses on the road. They don’t have wifi, but the seats are comfy and spacious, the drivers are safe and they give you a snack for the road. Win!
You can take the bus from Chiang Mai’s bus terminal and they will drop you off at the main bus terminal in Chiang Rai. The best thing about this bus terminal is that it’s surrounded by a market. Fresh fruit and food galore! Double win!
This terminal is also where the songthaews, tuk-tuks, and taxis are. The cheapest way to get around is the songthaews, for sure. About 20-30 THB per person, but they won’t drop you off at your exact location (well, actually, they might, but for an extra cost). Tuk-tuks will be a little more expensive, as will taxis. If you’re staying near the center, you can probably walk to your hotel, and save the money to buy treats along the way!
How to get around Chiang Rai
There are many ways to get around Chiang Rai. Since there isn’t a defined city center, your best bet is to use tuk-tuks, call a Grab or take taxis around. This is especially good when you want to get to further destinations.
If not, many hotels and accommodations in Chiang Rai offer free bike rentals with your booking. This is what we had at Gita’s House, and it was a great way for us to explore the sites of the city that were closer to us.
If you are comfortable driving a scooter, we would recommend renting one. It’s the easiest and most cost-effective way to get around, especially if you want to visit some of the more distant attractions in Chiang Mai and around the city.
The best things to do on your first trip to Chiang Rai
If this is your first time in Chiang Rai, you want to concentrate on all the best things to do. We’ve compiled all the must-see activities in Chiang Rai – the highlights, the top sights and all the best things so you can focus on getting a good sense of the town before you plan your return!
1. Visit the White Temple, a must-see attraction in Chiang Rai
This is probably the most famous and crazy temple in all of Thailand. It was recently built and is still under construction! It has a crazy history which is fun to know. At the end of the 20th century, the original Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) was in bad shape, but there were not enough funds to renovate it.
That’s when Chalermchai Kositpipat, a local artist from Chiang Rai, decided to rebuild the temple from scratch and fund the project with his own money. He has spent THB40 million of his own money up until now. He considers the temple to be an offering to Lord Buddha and so he believes the project will give him immortal life. The temple will only be completed by 2070, so let’s hope he does get his immortal life so he can see its completion!
Getting there is pretty easy, and the price will depend on your budget and time availability. We took a THB20 songthaew from the bus terminal, which took about 30 min. It will drop you off on the ‘highway’, just opposite the Temple. Just cross the street and follow the Stupa to get there. Pretty straightforward!
Tuk-tuks wanted to charge us THB200 (for 2) for the 1-way journey. And taxis were up to THB300. So you have plenty of choices, just be sure to negotiate!
If you don’t feel like making the trek out there yourself, there are plenty of tour options as well. Some will even combine the trip with other sights and attractions in the area. These tours are great if you want to meet people on your trip and take the hassle and uncertainty out of your journey.
The White Temple is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm. It costs 100 THB (~ 2.70 USD) to enter the temple. However, you can see the main part of the temple for free from outside its gates.
2. Check out the Blue Temple, a great activity for your first time in Chiang Rai
This is another recent temple, it was under construction when we were in Thailand, so we didn’t have a chance to visit. However, it sure does look beautiful.
The Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten, is another stunning and contemporary temple located in Chiang Rai. It was also designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, just like the previously mentioned White Temple. The Blue Temple also combines traditional and modern elements.
The vibrant blue color is said to symbolize the Dharma, the teachings of the Buddha, while the gold accents represent enlightenment and the path to nirvana.
The Blue Temple is open from 8 am to 5 pm. It’s free to enter, but they do accept donations. The temple is relatively small, you’ll only need about 30 to 60 minutes to explore it. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit in the early morning to avoid crowds.
If you have the time to go, this is well worth the visit, especially judging from what our friends told us! If you want to know how to get there, here’s a great article for you.
3. Explore the Black House for your first time in Chiang Rai
Baan Dam (Black House) was created by a local artist, Thawan Duchanee who used to live here. Today, it’s an art studio, museum, and home, all rolled into one. Well worth the visit.
This museum is made up of a group of over 40 dark wooden structures, nestled in these peaceful gardens. This is another must-see in Chiang Rai for first-time visitors.
You’ll notice that most of the artwork in the museum is made from animal bones and skins – it’s kinda dark and spooky as a vibe. This is mainly because the late artist was inspired by the themes of life, death, and nature. If you want to experience the art in a different way, there are QR codes around the buildings. You can scan them on your phone to see the art come to life.
The museum is a 20-minute drive from the center of Chiang Rai. The best way to get there is with a tuk-tuk in town or to rent a scooter or motorbike.
The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. The cost of entry is 80 THB (~ 2.50 USD). If you want to know how to get there, check out this great article.
4. Visit the many temples in the city, some of the best attractions in Chiang Rai
There are a ton of temples in the city of Chiang Rai itself. We had access to bikes, so we just rode them around and hopped off when we found a nice one. There is one that struck out to us, and it was Wat Phra Kaew, because it houses the Emerald Buddha. This temple was upgraded to a royal temple in 1978, so it’s kind of a big deal in terms of Chiang Rai temples.
It has historical importance because it’s the place where the Emerald Buddha was found, and it’s one of the main centers of Buddhist education and the Sangha’s administration in northern Thailand. This temple might have also struck a chord with us because as soon as the monks and guards found out we were Canadian, they were so proud to tell us the jade used to make the Emerald Buddha was actually from Canada! Also, there’s a great turtle pond there, which is great to watch while chilling. Welcome to the north of Thailand, where chilling is a way of life!
5. Eat at all the markets on your first trip to Chiang Rai
Walking around the city, you will notice that most things revolve around the market, which is also where the bus terminal is. This is a great place to eat, with tons of cheap local food, delicious fruits, and some souvenirs to buy as well!
6. Check out the clock tower, a fun thing to do for a first trip to Chiang Rai
Ok, the gold clock tower is a bit of a stretch. Do you need to see it? Probably not! But if you are walking around at night, it’s worth sticking around for it to strike the hour. Music and lights will make the place shine. It’s a fun sight to see!
7. Visit the Doi Tung Development Project, a sustainable thing to do in Chiang Rai
The Royal Villa and the beautiful gardens are a part of the Doi Tung Development Project – A truly unique thing to do and a great sustainable initiative. Just note that Doi Tung is located 45 km from Chiang Rai, very close to the Burmese border. It’s one of the best places to visit around the city. The perfect little day trip from Chiang Rai.
The Doi Tung Royal Villa is located on Doi Tung, a mountain in the northern part of Chiang Rai Province. It was the former residence of the late Princess Mother Srinagarindra, the mother of King Rama IX. The villa was the summer residence of the royal family.
The villa blends traditional Lanna architecture with modern elements. The design takes into account the natural surroundings and offers panoramic views of the mountains. Visitors can explore the various rooms, each showcasing the royal family’s personal belongings and artifacts.
Next to the property, you have the Mae Fah Luang Garden, a meticulously landscaped botanical garden that covers an area of about 10 acres. The garden features a diverse collection of plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees. The layout incorporates both traditional Lanna garden design and elements inspired by international styles.
What we love about this initiative is that it focuses on sustainable development. The revenue generated from the garden’s entrance fees contributes to the foundation’s development projects. This includes healthcare, education, and environmental conservation in the region. Plus, the villa and gardens provide insights into the region’s cultural and historical aspects.
There are many different entrance tickets available – The cost will depend on what part of the site you want to visit. The full pass costs 220 THB, it doesn’t include the zip-line, but it does include access to an arboretum, about 9 km away from the Mae Fah Garden. To get there, you can take your car or a small free bus.
Since it’s quite a ways to get here, you can either take a rental car or a scooter. You can also hire a taxi to take you here, but you’ll need to agree on the return fare as well.
If you do have a car, note that you won’t be able to reach the top of Doi Tung with it since traffic is regulated. You’ll need to leave your car parked on the side of the road, about 2 km from the entrance and take the free shuttles to the top. It should take about 5 minutes.
8. Visit the Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple, an impressive thing to do for your first time in Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a famous Buddhist temple located in Chiang Rai. This temple is famous because of its large white statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin. It is one of the tallest in Thailand.
The statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy, stands at a height of approximately 25 stories. The white statue is decorated with intricate details and you can see it from a distance, which makes it a prominent landmark in the area.
Wat Huay Pla Kang also features a nine-tiered pagoda with each tier adorned with images and sculptures related to Buddhist teachings. You can climb to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The temple complex also features buildings and structures created with a blend of traditional Thai and Chinese architectural elements. At night, the temple is often illuminated, giving it a different and captivating look.
If you visit the temple around sunset, you’ll get to see it lit up naturally with the beautiful colors of the sky, enjoy the stunning views of the valley as well. Plus, you can enjoy the lights on the temple when they get turned on at night.
What also makes this temple so unique is that visitors can participate in challenges for good luck. For example, you can climb the stairs to the Guanyin statue, which is believed to bring good fortune. Or, you can ring some of the large bells for merit.
When visiting Wat Huay Pla Kang, or any of the temples in this article, we advise you to respect the religious practices and customs. Make sure to dress modestly – shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women.
The temple is open from 7 am to 9:30 pm. The entrance is free, but donations are welcome. If you don’t want to complete the challenges for good fortune, it costs 40 THB (~ 1.10 USD) to take the elevator to the top of the Goddess statue.
9. Catch a sunrise at Phu Chi Fah, a perfect day trip from Chiang Rai for your first time
Phu Chi Fah is a mountainous area located in the Chiang Rai Province of northern Thailand, near the border with Laos. It’s known for its stunning panoramic views, especially at sunrise.
It’s important to note, however, that it is a 2-hour drive from Chiang Rai, which means it will be a very early morning! We recommend arriving well before sunrise to get a good spot. The area can get crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons.
If you want to make a day of it, there are also plenty of hiking trails around the viewpoint. It’s a great way to enjoy the beauty of the mountains of Thailand! Another great option is to visit the different hill tribes that live in the area. Both the Akha and Yao tribes call this region home. They’re known for their unique traditions and craftsmanship.
Phu Chi Fah is part of the Phi Pan Nam Range. These mountains run through northern Thailand and extend into Laos and Burma (Myanmar). In Thai, the name “Phu Chi Fah” translates to “Mountain Pointing to the Sky” – a pretty accurate description!
To get to Phu Chi Fah on a day trip from Chiang Rai, we recommend either taking a day trip or taking a taxi. You can ask the driver for a day rate to easily get around from one place to the next.
10. Head to the Golden Triangle, a great day trip from Chiang Rai for first-time visitors
If you want to head on another day trip from Chiang Rai, there is the famous Golden Triangle nearby. This is where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet.
Here, you will see an actual structure with a golden triangle, as well as the spot where the three countries meet in the water.
If you want to get a nice view over the 3 countries of the Golden Triangle and the Mekong River, head to Chiang Sen. You can’t miss the place, all the tourist buses go here! It’s about 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai.
For a very long time, this place was known as the center of the opium trade. Today, there is a museum here where you can learn more about the history of the place and see their efforts to combat drug-related issues.
You can also combine a trip to the Golden Triangle with other important sights in and around Chiang Rai. There are plenty of groups that can take you around and sho you the highlights.
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
There are plenty of places to stay in and around Chiang Rai. These are a few that stuck out to us because we had such a great and unique experience here.
Gita’s House, a wonderful place to stay in Chiang Rai
Gita’s House is nestled in a quiet part of the city, surrounded by beautiful green spaces. Apart from the accommodations themselves, which were everything we expected, from the large room, very clean space, super comfortable bed, and great wifi, what really stood out to us were the people at Gita’s House. Anything we needed, they were right there to help us out, and always with a smile! The family-run guesthouse is homey and cozy. You can really feel that the staff loves working there too, and we can’t blame them.
The energy in the place is palpable. We even had the pleasure of taking one of Kay’s laughter yoga classes, which was a great new experience. A homemade breakfast is provided, with tea and coffee available all the time. Another plus, the free bikes you can borrow to ride around the city! They make everything seem much closer, especially in the heat!
Naga Hill Resort, an escape in the heart of Chiang Rai
Staying at Naga Hill was a great little getaway. This is actually the reason we didn’t visit half the things we wanted to – we just didn’t want to leave! We stayed in a little bungalow that really made it feel like we were staying out in nature, in the middle of nowhere. A really great place to disconnect!
The bungalow was big and clean, the bed was very comfy, and there was even a hammock on the front porch. Plus, the bathroom and shower are outside, which is seriously cool. MAJOR WIN!
One of the great features of Naga Hill is its very big saltwater pool. With the temperature well above 30 degrees Celsius during our stay, the pool was the best way to cool off. The restaurant was also a nice feature, with so many options available, from Thai and Asian food to Western food and snacks. We even had the pleasure of eating a full traditional Lanna meal, all vegetarian food, which was really wonderful! But what struck out to us was the incredibly sweet and attentive staff. They were friendly and helpful, which made our stay even more memorable!
Naga Hill was a great escape for us. Three days of total bliss in the middle of nature. A perfect excuse to turn off our phones and laptop, and unwind. For all these reasons, we just didn’t want to leave this place!
Where to eat in Chiang Rai
Heaven Burger: The name says it all! This place has heavenly burgers! They actually have all sorts of western food, but when you’re in the mood for a good veggie burger (they have meat ones as well), this is the place to eat. Their buns are made fresh with local ingredients, which make the burger even more delicious. And the fries! Don’t even get us started on the fries. They are to die for!
Melt in Your Mouth: A bit more on the expensive side, Melt in Your Mouth is set in a beautiful location, just along the river. The decor inside is lovely, and outside, it’s just epic! The food varies from local to western, but it’s all delicious. We needed a break from Thai cuisine, so their pasta dishes were a welcomed treat! A bit of a trek from the city center, but well worth it!
The Night Market: From local meals and cheap eats, you will find it all at the night market. They also have a great variety of fresh fruits and veggies, so if you want to take some home with you, please do. Just make sure you bring a reusable bag with you. They sure love putting everything in plastic bags so if you can do your part to save the planet, please do!
How many days should you spend your first time in Chiang Rai?
To be honest, there aren’t a ton of things to do and see in Chiang Rai. Many tour companies in Chiang Mai actually offer day tours to explore all the sites in one day. If you’re tight on time, that may be a good option for you.
If not, you can take your time and enjoy the peacefulness of Chiang Rai over 3-4 days. This will allow you to settle in after the 3-hour bus ride from Chiang Mai, and give you enough time to explore the sites in and around the city.
When is the best time to visit Chiang Rai for the first time
Weather-wise, November to February is the best time to visit the North of Thailand. This is the coolest and driest time of the year. The crowds may be slightly bigger during this time as it’s more comfortable to explore.
March to May is the hottest time to be in Chiang Rai. That’s when we were there! That’s also why most of our time was spent in a pool! It’s also why Songkran was such fun. Cooling down with ice-cold water being sprayed on you is a dream with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F).
June to October is the monsoon season in Northern Thailand. Expect tons of rain, but fewer crowds. honestly, it’s probably not the best time to visit the city.
We loved our time in Chiang Rai. It was such a relaxing experience compared to the hustle and bustle of larger cities like Bangkok. We highly recommend a trip out here, if only to relax and see a different side of Thailand. Hopefully, our guide has given you enough tips to make your first trip to Chiang Rai an amazing one!
The 10 best things to do in Chiang Rai for your first visit
There you have it! A quick look at all the best things to do in Chiang Rai. As a reminder, here they are again:
- Visit the White Temple
- Check out the Blue Temple
- Discover the Black House
- Visit the many temples in the city
- Eat at the local markets
- Check out the famous Clock Tower
- Visit the Doi Tung Development Project
- See the Wat Huay Pla Kang Temple
- Catch a sunrise at Phu Chi Fah
- Head to the Golden Triangle
Let us know what you’re most excited to do while you’re in Chiang Rai. Are there any other things you want to explore? What else should we add to our list?
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