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27 Best Things To Do In Chiang Rai Thailand: Temples, Day Trips & More

When planning our time in Northern Thailand, I knew I couldn’t miss Chiang Rai. 

What surprised me, though, was just how much this small city had to offer beyond the famous White Temple. 

From colourful temples and night markets to tea plantations, mountain villages, and hidden cafes, there are so many unique things to do in Chiang Rai Thailand that make it worth more than just a quick day trip. 

In this guide, I’ll share everything we experienced (plus some extras I wish we had time for) so you can plan your own Chiang Rai adventure.

Wat Huay Pla Kang, Chiang Rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang, Chiang Rai

Some links in this Chiang Rai travel guide are affiliate, if clicked, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

The BEST Things to do in Chiang Rai Thailand

Chiang Rai Map: What to do in Chiang Rai

Toggle the arrow on the top left of the map to see the legend.

Chiang Rai Temples

Important to note when visiting temples: clothing attire is important; always dress respectfully: no crop tops, and cover your shoulders and knees.

White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

  • Hours: Daily, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Entrance fee: 100 THB 

This temple was the first ever reason I wanted to visit Thailand (10 years ago, now). I remember seeing someone I knew post about it, and it sent me into a spiral.

I can’t explain the hold it had over me. But to say that when I finally saw Wat Rong Khun in real life, it lived up to the hype.

White Temple, Chiang Rai
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Chiang Rai

The White Temple is one of the most famous and popular things to do in Chiang Rai Thailand. That being said, it is packed with tourists, especially mid-morning.

The highlight of the temple is right at the entrance, the bridge surrounded by hundreds of sculpted hands reaching up from the ground. It is so eerie, unique and very powerful. 

White hands at white temple, Chiang Rai
white hands at white temple, chiang rai

Tip: Take your time when visiting. The most beautiful part of this temple is the exterior. Spend however long admiring it from the front. Once you’re inside (it is a quick walk through), you cannot take any photos. 

Other important tips: 

  • Arrive at opening, 8:00AM, to avoid the tour buses that usually roll in after 8:30-9:00AM.
  • Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered).
  • The complex includes smaller shrines, art galleries and statues, but the main temple is the real star!!

Cave of Art (On White Temple Grounds)

  • Hours: Daily, 8:00AM – 11:45AM, 1:00PM – 4:45PM
  • Entrance fee: 50 THB (extra from temple entrance)

Located inside the White Temple complex, the Cave of Art features Buddha statues in a dim, atmospheric man-made cave.

Cave of Art, Chiang rai
Cave of Art

If you’re short on time, you can skip it, but if you want the full Wat Rong Khun experience, it’s worth a quick visit.

Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten)

  • Hours: Daily, 7:00AM – 8:00PM
  • Entrance fee: Free

Another TOP place to visit in Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Suea Ten, better known as the Blue Temple.

Blue Temple, Chiang Rai
Blue temple, Chiang Rai

The deep blue design, accented with gold details, is striking inside and out.

The main hall is home to a massive white Buddha that seems to glow against the blue backdrop. This temple is smaller than Wat Rong Khun, but just as impressive.

Big Buddha at blue temple chiang rai
Big Buddha, Blue Temple

This is a must visit temple in Thailand.

Wat Huay Pla Kang (Goddess of Mercy)

  • Hours: Daily, 7:00AM – 9:00 PM
  • Entrance fee: Free

Everyone mentions the white and blue temple when talking about visiting Chiang Rai but NO one told me about Wat Huay Pla Kang: the BIG Goddess of Mercy (and I mean HUGE).

Wat Huay Pla Kang
Wat Huay Pla Kang, one of the best things to do in chiang rai
Wat Huay Pla Kang

The complex has a towering 9-tier pagoda and the enormous white statue of the Goddess of Mercy (often mistaken for a giant Buddha).

We spent a lot of time exploring here. The colourful pagoda with its naga dragon staircase is stunning.

Tips: 

  • For those with mobility concerns, there is a free shuttle bus that can take you around the complex grounds. 
  • You can pay a fee of 40 THB to take the elevator inside the Goddess of Mercy statue for panoramic views of Chiang Rai 

Cultural & Unique Experiences in Chiang Rai 

Black House (Baan Dam Museum)

  • Hours: Daily, 9:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Entrance fee: 80 THB

Often confused as the “Black Temple,” Baan Dam is actually an art museum created by Thai artist, Thawan Duchanee.

The grounds are covered with over 40 black houses, each filled with unique art, wood carvings and animal remains.

Ban Daam Museum
Black House Chiang Rai

Some exhibits include QR codes that reveal animations when scanned on Instagram, I loved this interactive experience.

The grounds are peaceful and far less crowded than the White Temple, making it a great spot to explore at your own pace.

We even saw a sweet black bull walking the grounds, matching the vibes.

Clock Tower Light Show

  • Hours: 7:00PM, 8:00PM, 9:00PM (10 minute shows)
  • Entrance fee: Free

In the center of Chiang Rai sits the golden Clock Tower, designed by the same artist behind the White Temple, Chalermchai Kositpipat.

Clock tower chiang rai
Chiang Rai Clock Tower

Every night at 7:00PM, 8:00PM and 9:00PM there is a free 10 minute light show at the clock tower.

Walk down the street and get up close to witness its beauty at night (although, equally beautiful during the day). 

Make sure you check it out regardless of time.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

  • Hours: Daily, 6:00PM – 11:00PM
  • Entrance fee: Free

The Night Bazaar is Chiang Rai’s evening hub for food, shopping and live performances. You’ll find everything from street food and grilled skewers to souvenir stalls and the infamous elephant pants.

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

While I prefer Chiang Mai’s night markets, this is still a great evening activity in Chiang Rai.

Chiang Rai Walking Street Night Market (Saturday)

  • Hours: Saturdays, 3:00PM – midnight
  • Entrance fee: Free

If your trip to Chiang Rai overlaps with a Saturday, don’t miss this night market. It’s larger than the daily bazaar and more of a local experience, with handicrafts, food stalls and street performers.

A must visit market in Chiang Rai!

Get a Monk Blessing (Sai Sin Thread)

One of the most traditional experiences you can have while travelling through Thailand is receiving a blessing from a monk. 

A monk places a string bracelet on your wrist, also known as a Sai Sin, as a symbol of protection, health and good fortune.

Sai Sin bracelet, monk blessing
Sai Sin Monk Blessing

We were so honoured to receive this blessing while visiting a temple on the Thai/Myanmar border (see below under day trips), but you can ask at many temples in Chiang Rai.

There is no fee, but a small donation is appreciated.

Relax with a Thai Massage or Foot Massage

Ahhh, my favourite Thai activity, getting a massage. No joke, we started to go for daily massages and it ate at our budget.

But, when they’re this affordable and SO GOOD, how can you say no?

You’ll find massage shops all over the city. I usually check Google reviews, compare prices and lean toward spots where the staff wear the same uniforms, it gives a sense of professionalism.

Chiang Rai Food & Cafe Culture

Try Khao Soi 

Khao Soi is the northern Thai dish that I fell in love with, full of egg noodles, coconut curry broth and your choice of meat (my fav is beef), topped with crispy fried noodles. 

I ate so much of it in Chiang Mai that I needed to hunt it down in Chiang Rai too. 

I tried it at O’Kane’s Irish Pub and again at The Wind’s Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant. Both different, both insanely delicious.

O'Kane's Irish pub chiang rai khao soi
O’Kane’s Irish Pub
The Winds Thai restaurant chiang rai khao soi
The Winds Chiang Rai Thai Restaurant

I’m sure some foodies will roll their eyes at my pub choice but I was in the area and the crispy meat called to me.

Other spots to try in Chiang Rai are Khao Soi Restaurant and Tamachat Vegetarian Restaurant. 

Eat at Barrab

  • Hours: Thursday – Tuesday, 11:00AM – 8:00PM
  • Price range: 100-400 THB 

One of the best restaurants we went to in all of Thailand was Barrab. This is a small, cozy spot with the owner running around taking orders and personalizing recommendations.

I got the pad thai with the extra peanut sauce and omggggg, I am drooling thinking about it. Arujan got the chicken curry with naan and it was equally as delish.

Barrab chiang rai
Pad thai with extra peanut sauce, Barrab

Definitely do not skip this restaurant while travelling Chiang Rai.

Relax in Chiang Rai Cafes

If you’ve been on TikTok, you’ve probably seen videos of Lalitta Cafe, which is located near Wat Huay Pla Kang

It’s one of those photogenic cafes with over-the-top desserts and a garden setting, so if you want a “viral” Chiang Rai stop, this is it.

However, please note that starting September 28th, 2025, Lalitta will be charging a 60 THB entrance fee for garden admission.

We didn’t visit Lalitta ourselves, but after exploring the White Temple we did head to Jan’Ur Cafe, which was a peaceful little oasis and the perfect place for breakfast.

JanUr cafe chiang rai
Jan'Ur Cafe

Other Chiang Rai cafes to check out:

  • Nangnon Coffee: cozy spot with great brunch
  • Polar Boulangerie and Patisserie: for when you’re craving some treats

Nature & Outdoors Activities in Chiang Rai

Khun Korn Waterfall & Nature Trail 

  • Hours: Daily, 8:00AM – 4:30PM 
  • Entrance fee: Free

Khun Korn Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Chiang Rai, at 70 metres in height. This is the perfect place to get into some of the northern Thailand nature. 

The waterfall is a 2.8 kilometre trail out and back and personally took us 37 minutes one way. We spent our time enjoying the trail.

Khun Korn Waterfall Trail
Khun Korn Waterfall Trail

It had rained before we walked the trail so it was a little muddy. I definitely recommend trekking sandals or running shoes for this trail as we saw some people slip.

The waterfall itself is so beautiful and refreshing in the heat of Thailand. It was the perfect break after visiting some temples that morning. 

Khun Korn Waterfall
Khun Korn Waterfall

Important Tip: There’s no cell service at the trailhead. If you take a Grab or taxi out there, arrange for them to wait and negotiate the return fare in advance. For reference, ours waited for 450 THB. The best option is if you can get yourself there with a motorbike (but we didn’t do that).

Have a Coffee or Lunch at Give Green Farm House Restaurant 

  • Hours: Daily, 9:00AM – 7:00PM
  • Price range: 1-200 THB

Located just a short walk from the Black House Museum, Give Green Farm House is a farm to table style cafe surrounded by gardens and produce.

Give Green Farm House Cafe
Give Green Farm House Restaurant

We stopped here for coffee after visiting Baan Dam, it was the perfect peaceful break before continuing the day. We explored the grounds and saw so many animals and plants.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation 

  • Hours: Daily, 8:30AM – 5:30PM
  • Entrance fee: Free, drinks & snacks available for purchase

Choui Fong is one of the most popular tea plantations in Northern Thailand. You can wander the rows of tea plants, enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills, and sample different teas at the cafe.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation
Choui Fong Tea Plantation

Located about 40 minutes from Chiang Rai, it’s a very easy half-day trip. This is a great stop for photos and a relaxing break. 

Tip: We visited as part of our day trip to the Golden Triangle (see below). I highly recommend this full day trip from Chiang Rai if you can spare the day.

Life Museum

  • Hours: Daily, 9:00AM – 6:00PM 
  • Price range: 1-200 THB

Despite the name, Life Museum is actually a cafe/restaurant with insane mountain views near the border of Thailand and Myanmar in the Mae Sai District.

We stopped here on our Golden Triangle day trip for lunch, and it ended up being one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of our day. 

Life Museum Chiang Rai
Life Museum

The food and coffee were great, but the highlight was walking around the grounds and soaking in the views. It wasn’t busy at all which made it feel like a hidden gem.

Chiang Rai Day Trips & Border Adventures

Golden Triangle: Thailand, Myanmar and Laos

The Golden Triangle is where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet on the Mekong River.

Golden Triangle; Laos Myanmar Thailand
The Golden Triangle

For us, this was the final stop on a private day trip we set up with a local guide, Ping.

Our day trip included: Choui Fong Tea Plantation, the Thailand/Myanmar border viewpoint outpost, Pha Hee Coffee Village, Mae Sai, Life Museum and then finishing with the Golden Triangle and House of Opium Museum.

If you’re interested in getting in touch with Ping, his WhatsApp info is right below.

Chiang Rai driver Ping information card
Ping’s info

I can’t recommend his services enough! He was super affordable and our day was fully customized to us. It really is the best way to do it!

So many people say the Golden Triangle isn’t worth it because there’s “nothing there,” but I disagree. 

When you combine it with the stops above, it’s the perfect cap to the day.

Click here for a similar private guided tour to the Golden Triangle.

House of Opium Museum

  • Hours: Daily, 7:00AM – 7:00PM
  • Entrance fee: 50 THB

The House of Opium Museum was SUCH a cool museum.

It was so interesting to hear about the history of opium and how the Mekong was used to transport opium among the Golden Triangle regions of Asia. 

House of Opium Museum chiang rai
House of Opium Museum

It has a lot of displays and is much more engaging than I expected.

Don’t confuse this with the Hall of Opium, there are two museums in the area. We only did House of Opium and it was well worth it.

Pha Hee Coffee Village

Pha Hee is a small Akha hill tribe village in the mountains near the Myanmar border, about 1.5 hours from Chiang Rai.

Pha hee coffee village views
Pha Hee Village

It is known for its locally grown coffee, which I definitely recommend you try at any of the coffee shops in town, the views at all of them will blow you away. 

You can also explore the village itself, we wandered down to the bamboo bridge and spent time in the beautiful gardens. 

bamboo bridge, pha hee coffee village
Pha hee coffee village

Tip: If you’re short on time or energy, you can ask any shop to call a local “taxi” to drive you down the hill. It’s basically a pick up truck tow service. The town is very steep so I do recommend this to save time.

I recommend day trips all over Thailand. There are so many cool places to see a little outside of the city centres. Just outside Bangkok, you can go on an Ayutthaya Day Trip.

And a short trip from Chiang Mai, you can do a Doi Suthep day trip!

Mae Sai (Skywalk & Wat Phra That Doi Wao – Purple Temple)

  • Hours: Daily, 7:00AM – 8:00PM
  • Entrance fee: 50 THB (Skywalk)

Mae Sai is the northernmost town in Thailand, directly on the border with Myanmar. 

border of thailand and myanmar in mae sai
Mae Sai border point between Thailand and Myanmar

We went up to Wat Phra That Doi Wao which is a stunning purple temple. This is where we received our Sai Sin blessing from the monks.

Right next to the temple is the new glass skywalk, not for those afraid of heights, but the views are beautiful, and on the other side you will have views of Myanmar.

Mae Sai skywalk, chiang rai
Mae Sai Skywalk

To get up to the temple, we took the rickshaw for 30 THB each, trust me it’ll save you energy and time.

Mae Sai was another stop on our private Golden Triangle day trip.

Thai Myanmar Border Viewpoint (Doi Chang Moob Military Outpost)

  • Hours: Daily, 8:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Entrance fee: Free

The Chang Moob Military outpost was an unexpected highlight on our Chiang Rai travels.

The views over the mountains were absolutely stunning, and there’s even a small coffee shop up there.

Posing at the Thailand Myanmar border
Doi Chang Moob Military Outpost

We spent about half an hour here just soaking it in before continuing the trip. Definitely worth asking your guide to include.

Hill Tribe Village Day Trip

There are many hill tribe villages in the Chiang Rai region. They range from very touristy to more authentic.

Remember these are people’s homes, so always visit respectfully.

The most visited hill tribe village in this area is the Long Neck Karen Tribe village. The women wear brass neck coils that give them a long neck.

These villages are harder to reach on your own, so a tour is usually the best way. 

Click here for a group tour that visits The White Temple, Blue Temple and Long Neck Village.

Practical Travel Tips for Chiang Rai 

Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?

ABSOLUTELY! While many people see Chiang Rai as a day trip from Chiang Mai, I think it deserves more time. 

Between the White and Blue Temple and Black House, the night markets, tea plantations, mountain views and unique cultural experiences, Chiang Rai offers so much.

If you’re already spending time exploring Northern Thailand, adding Chiang Rai as its own trip is 100% worth it.

However, if you only have a couple of weeks in Thailand, I personally think you can leave it out in favour of the more popular Chiang Mai and continue down to southern Thailand for beach life.

Blue temple, chiang rai
Blue Temple, Chiang Rai

Best Time to Visit Chiang Rai

The best time to visit Chiang Rai is during the cool, dry season from November to February. Days are usually sunny and pleasant, with cooler evenings compared to the rest of Thailand.

Avoid March to May, which is both the hottest time of year and “burning season,” when farmers burn their fields, creating smoky air quality that makes outdoor activities less enjoyable.

The rainy season runs from June to October. While you’ll get lush green scenery and fewer tourists, you can also expect heavy showers that may affect your plans.

Should I visit Chiang Rai as a day trip or stay overnight?

Personally, having spent about a week in Chiang Rai, I think it deserves its own trip. You’ll get to experience the temples, food scene, cafes and day trips without rushing. 

That said, if you’re short on time, a day trip from Chiang Mai is possible. Just know that the ride is about 3 hours one way and you’ll realistically only see 2-3 temples and won’t have time for much else.

Click here for a popular Chiang Rai day trip from Chiang Mai.

How Many Days in Chiang Rai?

If you’re short on time, 2 days in Chiang Rai is enough to see the highlights: the temples, the Black House, and a night market.

If you have 3-4 days, you can add in day trips to the Golden Triangle, tea plantations, and hill tribe villages.

We spent a week here, which gave us plenty of time to explore slowly, enjoy the cafes, and take in the mountain views without rushing.

How to Get to Chiang Rai

The easiest and most common way to get to Chiang Rai is by bus from Chiang Mai. We booked our tickets about a week in advance on 12Go Asia and the ride was straightforward and comfortable.

If you’re flying internationally or from another part of Thailand, the best option is to first fly into Chiang Mai and then continue on to Chiang Rai by bus.

Note: I definitely suggest spending some days in Chiang Mai first, use my Chiang Mai itinerary for that.

Chiang Rai does have a small airport (CEI), but most flights connect through Bangkok.

If that’s the case, you definitely need about 5 days in Bangkok before or after visiting the north!

White Temple
White Temple

Getting Around Chiang Rai

Grab is available in Chiang Rai, but rides can sometimes be limited depending on where you are.

The city is more spread out and rural compared to Chiang Mai, so attractions are farther apart and transport options can feel less convenient. 

Taxis are not very common, so I recommend arranging transportation in advance when visiting places outside the city centre ie. like Khun Korn Waterfall.

If you’re confident, renting a motorbike is the cheapest and easiest way to get around (about 200-300 THB per day). Otherwise, consider booking a private driver or a local guide ie. day trip to Golden Triangle.

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

When we visited Chiang Rai, we stayed at Na-Rak-O Resort, a 3-star hotel right in the centre of the city, walking distance from restaurants and spas.

That said, if I were to visit again, I’d stay in a more rural area, surrounded by the nature of northern Thailand. Keeping in mind the limited transportation options.

You can’t go wrong anywhere in Chiang Rai, just keep in mind how you plan to get around. If you have your own transportation method ie. motorbike, you will have more flexibility. 

Click here for other Chiang Rai hotels!

Sample 3 Days in Chiang Rai Itinerary

  • Day 1: White Temple, Khun Korn Waterfall, Evening at Night Bazaar or Saturday Walking street 
  • Day 2: Black House, Blue Temple, Wat Huay Pla Kang and Clock Tower light show at night
  • Day 3: Day trip to the Golden Triangle (Choui Fong Tea Plantation, Mae Sai Skywalk, House of Opium Museum)

Wrapping Up on What to do in Chiang Rai Thailand

Chiang Rai might not get as much attention as Chiang Mai, but that’s exactly what makes it so special. 

Between the stunning temples, roaring waterfalls, mountain viewpoints, and welcoming local culture, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand. 

Whether you stay for just a few days or spend a week like we did, this city offers a perfect mix of culture, nature, food, and relaxation. I’d go back in a heartbeat.

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