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.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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)
If you want to visit Chiang Mai and Pai as well, head to this Northern Thailand itinerary to plan your trip.
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.
