Chiang Rai is an intriguing destination and an ideal place to spend a few days when touring Thailand. From unique temples to waterfall treks to sampling regional cuisine, there are an array of fun things to do in Chiang Rai!
Many travelers rush through Chiang Rai, visiting on a long day trip to Northern Thailand from Chiang Mai.
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The Golden Triangle Tour, as it is often called, makes a short stop at the White Temple – the most famous Chiang Rai attraction – but bypasses the city itself.
We just knew there was more to the ancient city. So, rather than breezing through, we booked a 10 night stay!
Top Things To Do in Chiang Rai
On our list of things to see, we share the best Chiang Rai tourist attractions that are located in the town center and just beyond the city limits.
Our Chiang Rai sightseeing isn’t limited to specific sights, but also includes experiences – and we highlight it all for you!
Save, Pin or Bookmark our Chiang Rai Travel Guide to plan your vacation to Thailand!
#1 Marvel at the White Temple
This intricately detailed structure (officially called Wat Rong Khun) opened in 1997 and is a Chiang Rai must-see.
Renowned Thai artist, Chalermchai Kositpipat, designed it using his own funds (reportedly spending more than $1 million on the project).
Not only does it stand out for its lack of color, but also incorporates elements not usually seen at Thai temples.
Be sure to look for the unusual details, like the pool of reaching hands and carvings of caged heads (that are, quite frankly, a bit creepy).
Tips for Visiting White Temple
Located 7.5 miles from the city center, we used Grab Taxi to get there and hopped on a songthaew for the ride back. You could also join a guided bicycle tour through the scenic countryside.
#2 Hike to Khun Korn Waterfall
Gorgeous, flowing waterfalls abound in Northern Thailand. As several are easily accessible from the city, they have become tourist attractions in Chiang Rai.
Khun Korn (also called Tat Mok) is the highest and most popular Chiang Rai waterfall. It is located in Nam Tok Khun Kon National Forest Park and the water plunges 230 feet from a rocky ledge.
The only way to get here is by hiking. The trail winds, curves and climbs through bamboo groves and lush jungle. Along the route, butterflies float on the breeze alongside a soundtrack of singing cicadas.
In the dry season, you can swim below the falls. However, during our rainy season visit, the powerful flow was moving too fast to safely take a dip.
Advice for Visiting Khun Korn Forest Park
The hike to Khun Korn waterfall is just under 2 miles roundtrip. The trek is slightly strenuous, but well-worth the effort!
To get here, we hired a songthaew from the main bus station for 500 baht ($15) roundtrip, which included 2 hours wait time.
#3 Visit the Night Market in Chiang Rai
Like with many cities and towns in Thailand and Southeast Asia, one of the top things to do in Chiang Rai at night is to visit the local market.
When the sun begins to set and temperatures start to cool, vendors set up booths to sell their wares and cooks create masterful dishes in tiny mobile kitchens.
The night bazaar in Chiang Rai features handicrafts, souvenir trinkets, cheap clothing, delicious food and live entertainment.
The best thing to eat here is Hot Pot. Other top eats are Tempura and Sushi – and the local Bua Loi dessert (rice balls in coconut milk) is not to be missed!
Drinks are sold from a separate counter – and the popular option for groups is the 3 liter Tower of Beer (don’t forget to order a side of ice).
The market also features multiple stages and various acts perform throughout the evening, providing a bit of Chiang Rai nightlife.
Traditional dance, acoustic guitar and lip-syncers wearing lavish costumes are a few of the acts that graced the stage on our trip.
Info for Chiang Rai Night Market
The Night Bazaar is open every day from 6pm until 11pm. If traveling in a large group, it’s best to arrive before 7pm in order to get a table.
#4 Contemplate Artwork at Black House Chiang Rai
Often referred to as the Black Temple Chiang Rai, the 40 buildings and grounds at Baan Dam (the official name) are actually a museum.
Designed by Thawan Duchanee, a controversial Thai artist, the displays are thought-provoking, whimsical and downright bizarre.
The site features a combination of traditional wooden huts and contemporary round structures. One odd building is shaped like a whale – and the main entrance is through the open mouth.
However, the strangeness is not only in the architecture, but the interior design. Each space is uniquely ‘decorated’ with animals…as in skins, horns, bones and pelts.
Snakes and alligators are used as table runners, bearskins have been made into blankets and an elephant skeleton hides below a deck.
As if that isn’t enough to stimulate the senses, several phallic carvings make appearances, as well.
How To Visit Chiang Rai Black House Museum
Located 8 miles north of the city center, we hired a songthaew from the main bus station for 300 baht ($9) roundtrip, which included 1 hour wait time.
#5 Sip Local Chiang Rai Tea
One of the best things about traveling is tasting locally produced products – and in Chiang Rai, that’s tea. You can either visit plantations to learn more about the process or sip some right in town.
Visiting the modern Choui Fong Tea Farm is a popular Chiang Rai day tour. Not only do they offer tours, but they have a lovely tea room where you can partake in a tasting.
That said, you can also go to the Suwirun Tea shops right in town. They sell more than 30 types, including the region’s Oolong Tea. My personal favorites were the herbal lemongrass and blue butterfly pea tea.
#6 Get a Traditional Thai Massage
There are dozens of places offering inexpensive, hour-long massages – but for a top-rated experience, go to Chiang Rai Nice Massage.
Unlike the technique that many of us are used to getting at spas, Thai Massages focus on applying pressure and then stretching the muscles.
It all begins with washing the feet and then changing into the appropriate attire. Next, the masseuse begins to work from the feet up the body to the head. For first-timers, it can be awkward.
#7 See Wat Rong Suea Ten Blue Temple
Designed by a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat (of the White Temple fame), this entire complex is decorated in a blue and gold color scheme.
It features incredibly intricate details and works of art. Highlights are the Buddhist mythology wall murals and the meticulously manicured gardens.
Located less than 2 miles north of the city center and is easy to reach by taxi, motorbike or tuk tuk.
#8 Relax at Chiang Rai Beach
Spending time at a beach is one of the unusual Chiang Rai things to do…because the city is not on the coast!
This stretch of sandy embankment along the Kok River sits just west of the city center – and during rainy season, it completely disappears!
Rustic bamboo huts featuring floor mats are perched above the water’s edge. Patrons are invited to kick back and relax with friends for a round of beers and local food.
Kids play in the water – and in dry season the river is low enough to cross to Wat Tham Phra (Buddha Cave Chiang Rai).
Getting There: We took a tuk-tuk from the main bus station for 250 baht ($7.50) roundtrip, including 1.5 hours wait time.
#9 Stroll Chiang Rai Walking Street Markets
There are two weekend Walking Street Markets – one on Saturday and one on Sunday. Naturally, they are located on completely different streets. However, the same vendors show up at both.
Join the flow of foot traffic (everyone tends to walk in the same direction) as you work your way around the stands. Goods range from produce to shoes to cell phone cases and trinkets.
Both markets feature a food area, a performance stage and open space for dancing. So grab some food and then find a table or chair nearby to watch the locals dance – or, get out on the dance floor and join the fun!
Getting There: Use this map to find the Saturday Walking Market Chiang Rai – and this map to find the Sunday Walking Market.
#10 Shop at the Chiang Rai Municipal Market
The Daily Municipal Market – also known as the Kad Luang Market – is one of the top places to go to get a glimpse into local life.
Most of the fresh produce is sold on the sidewalk surrounding the perimeter. Inside, however, is a maze of stalls that sell anything you could possibly imagine.
There are butchers, cosmetic shops, overflowing hardware stores and stalls selling kitchen supplies.
This is where many local residents do their everyday shopping, and we find it’s simply fascinating! Use this map to find your way.
#11 Gaze at the Golden Chiang Rai Clock Tower
The opulent and glittering golden clock tower in Chiang Rai is difficult to miss; it sits in the middle of a busy traffic roundabout.
The extravagant piece was designed in 2008 by Chalermchai Kositpipat, again the same artist responsible for the White Temple.
On the hour at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, colorful lights dance to the beat of music, illuminating the artwork in hues of pink, purple and blue. While it’s not the most spectacular show, it is pretty.
#12 Watch a Chiang Rai Sunset from a Rooftop Bar
A great way to cap off a long day of touring Chiang Rai is with a cold drink and a beautiful sunset. The names and places keep changing, but during our visit RTCR was our go-to spot.
#13 Enjoy Chiang Rai Cafe Culture…with a Cat
Amongst the hip cafes in Chiang Rai, one novelty coffeehouse stands out: Cat ‘n’ a Cup. At this spot, patrons drink their beverage with the resident felines.
The cats do as cats do. Sometimes they curiously wonder onto laps (or laptops) and playfully chase each other around the room.
Treats, which can be purchased along with your coffee, guarantee an up close and personal encounter with an entire herd.
#14 Visit Even More Temples in Chiang Rai
While a heavy dose of fanfare surrounds the White and Blue temples, we feel the ancient religious sites in the city center are some of the most beautiful places to visit in Chiang Rai.
Wat Phra Kaew
Also known as the Emerald Buddha Temple – an item which is believed to have been carved by gods and was discovered here in 1434.
Since then, the shiny green phenom has been on the move, making appearances in Chiang Mai as well as Luang Prabang, Laos. Currently, it’s housed in the Royal Palace in Bangkok.
At Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai, a replica alongside story-telling murals are on display, as well as the 700-year-old Phra Jao Lan Thong.
There’s a museum that exhibits religious artifacts with a book of explanations in English. Also, don’t miss the pond filled with turtles that are fun to watch during their mid-day feeding!
Wat Doi Ngam Muang 
This temple is accessed by a short but steep staircase flanked by dragons. A stupa at the top houses the cremated remains of the founder of Chiang Rai, King Phraya Mengrai.
The site also features carved woodwork, including the detailed doors and tall pillars near the entrance.
Wat Phra That Chom Thong & Naval City Pillar
Wat Phra That Chom Thong (also spelled Wat Phra That Jom Thong) was built in the year 940. The golden Lanna-style stupa is one of the oldest holy relic ubosots.
On the grounds are also 108 columns arranged as the Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai. Locals pay their respects here by sprinkling water on the foundation.
Wat Phra Singh
Built in 1385, this Wat Phra Singh once housed an important image which now resides at the Wat Phra Singh temple in Chiang Mai. Today, the classic Lanna architecture is definitely worth a look.
Wat Ming Muang
We were dazzled by the ornate and colorful design of Wat Ming Muang. The temple, which is about 700-years-old, is also a memorial to Queen Chommuang, mother of King Mengrai the Great.
Tips for Visiting Chiang Rai Temples
When visiting temples in Thailand, it is essential to dress appropriately. We recommend that you always carry something to cover your shoulders and legs.
Note that not all temples have information in English. However, we found that there was enough info to piece together the history. Of course, Google Translate helps a lot, too!
Getting There: Visitors can create their own Chiang Rai tour of temples with this map. Alternatively, join a local for a guided temple tour!
More Things To Do Chiang Rai
We have outlined our top tips for the best Chiang Rai attractions, but there are a few more regional sights that fellow travelers might want to see!
Mae Fah Luang Garden & Doi Tung Royal Village
The Doi Tung Royal Village (once the summer residence of the Thai royal family) and the Mae Fah Luang Gardens are a beautiful sight located just north of the city. Tickets are required, but you can combine multiple sights on a single pass.
Golden Triangle Chiang Rai Tour
This full day adventure delves deep into the history and culture of Northern Thailand. Participants visit a Hilltribe Village, the Opium Museum and ancient cities while taking in the beauty of the region.
Chiang Rai Highlights Tour
If you’re short on time, join a professional guide for a day of sightseeing in Chiang Rai. The tour takes in the White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, Tea Plantation and a Hilltribe Village. Check prices!
Chiang Rai Cooking Class
Cooking classes in Chiang Rai are an excellent opportunity to learn about the local flavors. Spend the morning at the market with your guide and then work with the chef to create a superb meal. Get the details!
Chiang Rai Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Chiang Rai Tourist Attractions Map below.
Travel Tips for Chiang Rai, Thailand
Now that you know what to do in Chiang Rai, we want to share some honest advice for planning your trip!
Where To Stay in Chiang Rai
During our visit to Chiang Rai, we stayed at Na-Rak-O Resort – and while not a resort – we absolutely loved it!
The economical buy stylish hotel features an included cook-yourself breakfast and a fantastic owner. The hotel is centrally located, putting attractions within easy walking distance.
Getting to Chiang Rai
To travel from Bangkok to Chiang Rai, we think it is best to fly. Search for flight deals to Chiang Rai on Skyscanner – and use our Tips for Booking Flights for Cheap.
To get from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai, we recommend using the Green Bus. Tickets are inexpensive and can be booked in advance.
Travelers continuing their trip to other parts of Southeast Asia might want to consider taking a slow boat on the Mekong. We detail the experience in our article, Chiang Rai to Luang Prabang by Boat.
What To Pack for Chiang Rai
Okay, it finally time to talk about what to pack for Thailand. Grab your FREE Packing Checklist and let’s get started!
Travel Camera
The sights and scenery of Thailand are spectacular and we suggest upgrading to an actual camera to properly capture it. We use a Canon Rebel with a 18-133mm lens.
Backpack and Day Bag
When traveling through Southeast Asia, we carry backpacks over suitcases. A small bag is also necessary for long days of sightseeing. We share our top picks for the Best Day Packs to help you find the right one!
Thai Trip Essentials
Of course, don’t forget must-have items – like sunscreen and mosquito repellent (both are expensive in Thailand). You may also want sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and a travel umbrella.
Travel Insurance for Thailand
This can help if things go sideways – like lost luggage or illness abroad. If you haven’t already obtained coverage, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Trip Planner for your SE Asia Itinerary
As you begin making plans and reservations, be sure to stay on top of the details. Our Travel Planner Printables will help to keep your Thailand trip organized!
Thailand Travel Guides
Visiting more Thailand destinations? Fantastic! We have traveled in SE Asia extensively and you can use our detailed articles to plan your perfect getaway.
- Ultimate 2 Week Thailand Itinerary
- Best of Chiang Mai in 3 Days
- Bangkok Trip Plan
- Top Thai Beaches
- Snorkel Koh Chang or Koh Lanta?
- Amazing Chiang Mai Temples
- Kamala Beach, Phuket Things To Eat
Start planning your trip to Thailand! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
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