About Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is the northernmost major city in Thailand, with a population of approximately 70,000 people. It is located in Mueang Chiang Rai District, Chiang Rai Province. Chiang Rai was established as a capital during the reign of King Mangrai, in 1262 CE. Chiang Rai is recognized as a "Design City" by UNESCO's Creative Cities Network.
Places to visit in Chiang Rai
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White Temple
Religious · 7 mi from centreWat Rong Khun, a dazzling white temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, covered in mirrored glass and surreal details. Dress modestly, and arrive early in the morning to beat the large tour groups.
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Blue Temple
Religious · 1 mi from centreWat Rong Suea Ten, a modern temple decorated in vivid blue and gold with a large white Buddha inside. It is free to enter and usually quieter than the White Temple, so visit in the afternoon.
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Baan Dam Museum
Museum · 6 mi from centreThe Black House, a collection of dark wooden buildings created by artist Thawan Duchanee and filled with art, horns and animal skins. Allow an hour or two, and combine it with the White Temple.
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Golden Triangle
Viewpoint · 35 mi from centreThe point where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the junction of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Take a short boat trip on the Mekong, and visit the Hall of Opium museum to learn the region's history.
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Chiang Rai Clock Tower
LandmarkA gilded, ornate clock tower in the town center designed by the same artist as the White Temple. Come in the evening to see the short light and music show, then walk to the nearby night bazaar.
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Doi Tung
Nature · 30 mi from centreA mountain north of the city with a royal villa, terraced gardens and coffee plantations. Visit the Mae Fah Luang Garden for its flowers, and bring a light jacket, since the hills are cooler.
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Singha Park
ParkA large farm park outside the city with tea plantations, lakes, flower fields and grazing animals. Rent a bicycle or ride the tram to explore, and stop at the cafe for tea with a view.
Things to do in Chiang Rai by type
16 tours, tickets and experiences across 3 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.
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City tours 8 experiences 3D Experiencing Chaing Rai:Cooking Class,Chiang Saen,Golden Triangle,Singha Park, White &Blue Temple -
Art & culture 6 experiences Akha, Yao Hilltribes, Mae Sai And Golden Triangle in English -
Day Trips & Excursions 4 experiences Akha, Yao Hilltribes, Mae Sai And Golden Triangle in English
- Over 6 hours 2
- Youth 3
- Senior 3
- Couples 3
- Families 3
- Private 7
- Small group 3
Top experiences in Chiang Rai
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 16 available.
Chiangrai Night Tour
From $60 per adult
Chiang Rai City Temple Tour
From $53 per adult
Ancient Chiangrai Tour
From $88 per adult
Cooking Class, Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Pra Sinha, King Mengrai Monument
From $190 per adult
Full Day Doi Tung and Golden Triangle Excursion
From $104 per adult
Full Day Mae Salong Excursion and Golden Triangle
From $108 per adult
Akha, Yao Hilltribes, Mae Sai And Golden Triangle in English
From $112 per adult
Full Day Tour Chiang Khong, Chiang Saen And Golden Triangle - Private
From $104 per adult
Cooking Class with Visit to Wat Pra Kaew, Wat Pra Sinha, Singha Park
From $190 per adult
Visit to White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, Chiang Saen and Golden Triangle
From $130 per adult
Half Day Golden Triangle Excursion
From $89 per adult
White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House, Huai Pla Kang Temple and Karen Longneck - Full-Day Tour
From $119 per adult
Where to stay in Chiang Rai
Popular hotels in Chiang Rai, out of 267 properties you can book.
Laluna Hotel & Resort Chiang Rai
From $54 per night
The Riverie by Katathani Collection
From $121 per night
The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
From $110 per night
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, Thailand
From $183 per night
Nak Nakara Hotel
From $95 per night
Le Patta Chiang Rai Hotel
From $124 per night
Wiang Inn Hotel Chiang Rai
From $64 per night
Imperial River House Resort Chiang Rai
From $77 per night
Banlomnow Hotel
From $22 per night
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa Chiang Rai
From $112 per night
Sooknirund Hotel
From $86 per night
Phowadol Resort
From $33 per night
Best time to visit Chiang Rai
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiang Rai is December to January, when average daytime highs are around 79°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Chiang Rai weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 87° 72° 14%
- Thu 22 Oct 86° 71° 33%
- Fri 23 Oct 89° 72° 23%
- Sat 24 Oct 89° 72° 25%
- Sun 25 Oct 89° 73° 16%
- Mon 26 Oct 87° 73° 62%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Thai baht (THB)1 US dollar ≈ ฿33.6
- Language
- Thai
- Calling code
- +66
- Driving
- On the left
- Time zone
- Asia/BangkokUTC+7
- Capital
- Bangkok
Getting to Chiang Rai
These are the airports closest to central Chiang Rai. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- CEI Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport5 mi (8 km) from the city centre
Getting around Chiang Rai
Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. However, most of the city itself, even the Blue Temple, can be explored on foot.
By bicycle
Rental bicycles are difficult to find, but a great way to explore the quite compact city. For example, a ride in the morning to the White Temple is a great journey.
By rickshaw
Chiang Rai has a few cyclo-rickshaws, which can be a pleasant way to see the main sights if you want a fairly quick tour.
By motorcycle
A motorbike is a good way for trips into the province. There are several trails and a 250 cc dirt bike is a great way to see the countryside.
Chiang Rai travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Chiang Rai is December to January, when average daytime highs are around 79°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Chiang Rai?
April is usually the warmest month in Chiang Rai, with average highs of 94°F (35°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 59°F (15°C). The wettest month is typically July, with about 421 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Chiang Rai?
Mae Fah Luang – Chiang Rai International Airport (CEI) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (8 km) from the centre of Chiang Rai.
What currency is used in Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai uses the Thai baht (THB). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ฿33.6.
What time zone is Chiang Rai in?
Chiang Rai uses the Asia/Bangkok time zone (currently UTC+7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Chiang Rai?
Public transport consists mainly of tuk-tuks and songthaews, plus a smaller number of taxis. However, most of the city itself, even the Blue Temple, can be explored on foot.
What are the best places to visit in Chiang Rai?
Top sights in Chiang Rai include White Temple, Blue Temple, Baan Dam Museum and Golden Triangle. Wat Rong Khun, a dazzling white temple designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, covered in mirrored glass and surreal details. Dress modestly, and arrive early in the morning to beat the large tour groups.
What are the top things to do in Chiang Rai?
Popular experiences you can book in Chiang Rai include Chiangrai Night Tour, Chiang Rai City Temple Tour and Ancient Chiangrai Tour. Destina Holidays offers 16 tours and activities here.
What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Chiang Rai?
The most popular types of experiences in Chiang Rai are city tours (8), art & culture (6), day trips & excursions (4) and zoo, aquarium & nature (1). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.
Where should I stay in Chiang Rai?
Popular areas for hotels in Chiang Rai include Chiang Rai City and Mae Chan. Well-reviewed options include Laluna Hotel & Resort Chiang Rai and The Riverie by Katathani Collection.
How many hotels can I book in Chiang Rai?
Destina Holidays currently lists 267 properties in and around Chiang Rai, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
