Golden Triangle in Thailand constitutes a unique attraction simply because it is shared between two other countries in Southeast Asia, Laos and Myanmar.
Chiang Mai Area – Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is a beautiful northern district of Thailand and has a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
From mountainous gardens, historic temples, waterfalls, hot springs, markets and museums, there is something to suit everyone.
Top 10 Attractions, Tourist Spots & Must See Places in Chiang Rai, Thailand
The most famous attraction in Chiang Rai is probably the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun). Add to this the Black Temple, Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong and Wat Klang Wiang and you can easily fill a full day of just visiting the various temples around Chiang Rai.
Make sure to take a walk past the King Mengrai Monument in the centre of town as well as the Clock Tower, which lights up at night. Khun Korn Waterfall is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in northern Thailand and is not to be missed if travelling around Chiang Rai.
There are some beautiful gardens and lookouts around Chiang Rai including the Doi Tung Royal Villa. This is the former home of the mother to the former King and the residence is revered by locals. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination that boasts one of the best sunrises you will ever experience and Mae Fah Luang is one of the must-visit art galleries and gardens in Chiang Rai. This blended park is also home to Buddhist temples and collected antiques.
Click the links below to explore the various Chiang Rai attractions and activities that this town has to offer.
Wat Rong Khun is not the typical Buddhist temple. Popularly known as the White Temple, this unique sanctuary is the highlight of temple tours in Chiang Rai.
Wat Phra Kaew is one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai and was built sometime in the 14th Century. The date of construction of the temple is unknown, but the original name was “Wat Pa Yeah” (Bamboo Forest...
Singha Park is a great place to spend a day in the outdoors for visitors coming up north to the beautiful Chiang Rai. Singha Park is a large expanse of land that has been converted into a tourist attraction that houses...
Wat Phra Singh Chiang Rai one of the oldest temples in Chiang Rai, having been built by the Lanna people in 1385. The temple is located right in the centre of town, just 1km north of the popular Night Bazaar and is easy...
Doi Tung refers to a mountainous region in the highland region of Chiang Rai. The name of this location translates to ‘Flag Peak’ in the local dialect.
Pha Soet Hot Spring is one of the most popular hot springs in Chiang Mai, and certainly a unique attraction. This geothermal feature is a must-experience.
Doi Mae Salong is one of the most prominent mountains in Thailand, and constitutes the extensive Daen Lao Range in the northern part of Thailand.
Doi Pha Tang is an incredible hidden paradise in Chiang Rai. Known for being the best area for watching the picturesque Mekong river, but there’s so much more to discover in this mountainous tropical area. Located...
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a vibrant market that brings Chiang Rai to life at dusk. It is similar to Chiang Mai’s night market, albeit to a smaller scale.
Wat Huay Pla Kang is a famous temple just outside the city centre of Chiang Rai; one of the most popular, and frequently visited temples by both tourists and locals. It gets its name from the 9-storied pagoda which...
The Choui Fong Tea Plantation is a large tea plantation located around 40 kilometres from Chiang Rai. The expansive, verdant plantations and tranquil atmosphere make it a truly scenic destination; one where visitors can...
Chiang Rai Black Temple is one of those temples that you tour when you want to go off the beaten track in Thailand; and it rarely disappoints.
Wat Rong Suea Ten Temple (also known as the Blue Temple) is a little known temple located just north of the Kok River in Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten, Blue Temple Dress Code, Chiang Rai Built in 2005, the temple takes...
Art Bridge Chiang Rai is a relatively new gallery where artsy visitors will enjoy a tour and come up close with treasured works of ethnic art.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower is one of the provinces most unique attractions. This elaborate clock stands out thanks to its golden structure and unique artistry.
King Mengrai Monument is located at the junction of Maesai and Maechan District, both close to the Super Highway and virtually impossible to miss.
Mae Fah Luang is grouped as one of the must visit art galleries in Chiang Rai. This blended park is also home to Buddhist temples and collected antiques.
Cat ‘n’ A Cup is a cat cafe located right in the centre of town and is a great place where you can enjoy a hot drink or a tasty snack as you pat some gorgeous little cats! CAT ‘n’ A CUP Cat Cafe...
The Cherntawan International Meditation Center is one of Chiang Rai’s top spiritual destinations. Tucked within a relaxing, lush environment, the centre is named after a famous Buddhist monk in Thailand. It is...
The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai is a well-known landmark. Just like any other Thai cities which have a city pillar, it is typically made using stone and placed in an area that signifies the heart of the city. Also...
The Pha Soet Hot Spring is a relaxing natural pool bath within Baan Pha Soet in Chiang Rai. There are communal pools, as well as private pools, with rooms also available. These thermal, hot pools provide comforting...
Lahu Village is one of those destinations in Thailand where you steal away for a day or two and never want to leave for its simplicity and sheer beauty.
Oub Kham Museum is an eccentric attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province. It is home to diverse memorabilia from across the former Lanna Kingdom.
The Chiang Saen National Museum is a must-visit in Chiang Rai for anyone who’s keen to learn about the archaeological wonders of the town of Chiang Saen. It has been around since 1957 and today remains to be the...
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park is an amazing destination nestled in the jungle, some 1628 meters above sea level. This natural setting is one not to be missed.
The Doi Luang National park is one of the biggest national parks in northern Thailand; encompassing several districts that include Mae Suai, Phan, and Wiang Pa Pao in Chiang Rai, Ngao and Wang Nuea of Lampang, and...
The Khun Chae National Park in Chiang Rai is a breathtaking vast, forested land that is around 270 square kilometres large and has been a Thai national park since 1995. The rich, diverse eco-system here is responsible...
Doi Hua Mae Kham is a picturesque mountainous area that is known for the several tribes who reside by the border between Burma and Thailand. Located in Mae Sai, around a three-hour drive away from Chiang Mai, this is a...
Doi Sa Ngo is a beautiful ecotourism destination in Chiang Rai. What makes this place unique is that from here, you can see Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos all from one spectacular viewpoint; which is called the Golden...
The Tad Kwan Village is a well-loved cultural destination in Chiang Rai. Located 70 kilometres from the city, there are many natural attractions to discover. The village is best known for being the home of the Mien Hill...
Khun Korn Waterfall is an attraction whose stunning beauty earns it a top spot in the list of most beautiful natural waterfalls in North Thailand.
CentralPlaza Chiang Rai is a beautiful modern shopping centre and the very first high-end opened mall here. it was designed with features that allow guests to enjoy the scenic natural environment while providing modern...
The Chiang Rai walking street is a must-visit for some excellent shopping and quick bites to eat. Even though you’ve likely already been to many of Thailand’s street markets, this one is special and offers...
Wat Klang Wiang is one of Thailand’s most ostentatious temple, thanks to the elaborate pattern work on each and every structure on location.
Wat Phra That Doi Chom Thong has been one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. It is the abode of spirits prior to the spread of Buddhism in the region.
Wat Phrathat Doi Tong, also Wat Phra Maha Chinathat Chao, is situated at the peak of Doi Din Daeng, and is believed to be the site of the first chedi.
Wat Phra That Pha Ngao is a small Buddhist temple located in Chiang San of Chiang Rai. It gets its name from the fact that it has a chedi that was erected on a large rock within the temple compound, with its name in the...
Chiang Rai Beach is a surprising attraction in the northernmost province of Thailand. Tourists generally wouldn’t expect a beach in the landlocked region, so this beach is a must-see while you’re in the area...
Kok River is the major river in Chiang Rai. Its waters originate from the mountains at Burma flowing through the province and draining in Mae Kong River.
What are the top attractions to visit in Chiang Rai?
The top attractions to visit in Chiang Rai are:Check out the whole list of attractions in Chiang Rai.
What are the most popular things to do in Chiang Rai with kids?
The most popular things to do in Chiang Rai with kids are:Check out the whole list of attractions in Chiang Rai.
What can you do in Chiang Rai for free?
The most popular things to do in Chiang Rai for free are:
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
- Wat Rong Suea Ten
- Chiang Rai Clock Tower
- The Navel City Pillar of Chiang Rai
- Oub Kham Museum
