Exploring Chiang Rai | 3-Day Travel Guide For First Time Visitors

The complete guide for a trip to Chiang Rai in Northern Thailand with recommendations on the best places to visit and the top things to do!

Chiang Rai is located at the northern tip of Thailand, bordering Myanmar and Laos. The city has a perfect blend of culture and nature, is surrounded by mountains and rural landscapes, and is dotted with temples, artsy spots and delicious eateries. On day 1, arrive and explore the city, head to Singha Park, and visit the night markets for some shopping and food indulgence. On day 2, opt to go temple hopping and explore the White Temple, Black House, Blue Temple, Emerald Buddha Temple, and the Big Buddha of Chiang Rai. On day 3, head to the Choui Fong Tea Plantation, Doi Tung, Mae Fah Luang, and stop by the Golden Triangle.

🚌 How to get to Chiang Rai?

You can either fly in from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport (DMK) which is a quick 1 hour 20 minutes journey (THB 1300 / USD 39); or opt to hop on a bus from its larger, more popular sister city Chiang Mai which takes just 3 hours. You can even purchase the Green Bus ticket from the bus terminal directly or a 7-Eleven store in the city.

Note: If you are in Pai, you will have to return to Chiang Mai to get to Chiang Rai, because there are no public transport services linking Pai to Chiang Rai!

The minivan from Pai to Chiang Mai costs THB 150 (USD 4.5), and the bus from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai costs THB 180 (USD 5.4).

🚕 Hailing a Grab is a great way to get around Chiang Rai city; or you could go local and ride in songthaews and tuk-tuks. Renting a bike is a super budget friendly option when exploring various attractions out of town such as Doi Tung, Mae Fah Luang, and the Golden Triangle.

🚀 Night Attractions

The Saturday Night Market at Thanon Thanalai Road, Sunday Walking Street at Sangkhongnoi Road, and the Night Bazaar at Wiang near the bus station are fantastic places to visit during the nights in Chiang Rai. The Saturday and Sunday night markets tend to be more enjoyable than the Night Bazaar during the weekends, though the latter is a good option for any other day of the week. Find heaps of local and international foods, drinks, patisserie, clothing, gifts, souvenirs, and some live entertainment at these markets.

The Golden Clock Tower is a major landmark in the city centre that serves as a traffic roundabout. The monument was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat – the same man who created the city’s famous White Temple. There is a light and sound show every night at the tower at 7, 8, and 9pm – worth stopping by to appreciate this little marvel!

🚀 Singha Park

Aiming at sustainable tourism, Singha Park is a 12.8km² expansive area of fertile land, a perfect family-friendly attraction. The scenic points within the park include Swan Lake, Bhu Bhirom Restaurant, Heart Shaped Tree, Barn House, Petting Zoo, Cosmos Field, and Zipline Tower and Platform. The park is best explored using a rented bicycle or in an electric tram; but if you have the time and willingness to walk, nothing like doing so at your own pace! The cost for renting a hybrid or a Tokyo bike is THB 150 (USD 4.6) for an hour; the estimated riding time to cover 11km distance of the park is 2 hours 20 minutes. Keep in mind the time you’ll spend exploring the park and chilling, so that will add to the bike rental time. Alternatively, the tram costs THB 100 (USD 3) and the last one operates at 3:30pm. Additionally, ziplining costs THB 800 (USD 24.5), and wall climbing costs THB 150 (USD 4.6).

The best time to visit Singha Park is during the hot air balloon festival that happens every year in mid-February. Afternoons are super hot to visit this place, so opt to go in the morning or evenings; but the time may be limited to explore the entire place. If you’re going with family, this is a worthwhile stop over; otherwise you can opt to skip it as there are plenty of other sights to see in Chiang Rai!

• 🕣 Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free (Cost of transport and activities mentioned above)
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Ride a bike

🚀 Wat Rong Khun / White Temple

The famous and spectacular White Temple of Chiang Rai has been designed and constructed by local artist Chalermchai Kositpipat. The monument serves as both a Buddhist temple and an art exhibition, signifying the purity of Buddha and His teachings. The temple glistens in the sun due to the small mirrors attached to the plaster that embellish the entire structure. There is no denial that it resembles a stunning snow palace! You’ll find all sorts of sculptures in and around the temple’s vicinity, the most eccentric one being the pool of sculpted hands reaching out from either side of the bridge symbolizing suffering and hell, and the deformed faces and skeleton heads, as well as the masks of Marvel superheros, Ninja Turtles, Deadpool, and a pirate. Do take notice of the skull-shaped traffic cones!

This as-of-yet-unfinished creation is a constant work in progress, estimated to be continuously under construction for another 70 years. The temple is so unique that many tourists make the 3-hour trip from Chiang Mai just to see it.

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If the exterior of the temple amazes you, wait till you see the interior. When you enter, you will see a large painting of Buddha behind a lifelike wax statue of a famous monk as well as other Buddhist symbols. On the opposite side at the entrance is a wall featuring a very detailed mural of pop culture icons and contemporary scenes. You’ll find the Twin Towers in flames, and superheroes such as Spiderman, Superman, Ultraman and Ben 10 (away from the burning towers depicting that no heroes can help people from the evils of greed), images of nuclear warfare and oil pumps, Star Wars characters (Yoda), Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, Doraemon, Pikachu, Osama bin Laden and George W. Bush. Also look out for Michael Jackson, Freddy Krueger, Terminator, Neo from Matrix, Bumblebee from Transformers, Avatar characters, Harry Potter, Elvis Presley, and Kungfu Panda. Through the mural, the artist intends to convey that popular culture brimming with greed, violence and hedonism is the wrong way of life, and that the path to purification and enlightenment lies in following the teachings of Buddha. Photography is not allowed inside the temple, so we’ve got nothing but text to share for this part.

Outside of the main temple is a free art gallery featuring a variety of Chalermchai’s paintings, as we all some restaurants and coffee shops, and a money changer.

• 🕣 Wat Rong Khun Temple Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm | Saturday and Sunday 8:00am – 5:30pm
• 🕣 Museum Gallery Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am – 5:30pm | Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays 8:00am – 6:00pm
• 🎫 Temple Entry Fee: Free for Thai Nationals, THB 50 (USD 1.5) for foreigners
• 🎫 Museum Gallery Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Hop in a songthaew from the city and back / Ride a bike

🚀 Baandam Museum / Black House

The White Temple’s darker sibling Baandam Museum, commonly known as Black House isn’t a religious attraction at all, but is in fact a legacy of the late and renowned native artist Thawan Duchanee, a rather gothic legacy per se. The Black House isn’t just one structure, but a collection of 40 buildings of different shapes and sizes made of teak wood, glass, concrete, bricks, or terracotta scattered around the area. The exterior is elegant, but the interior constitutes of uncanny and bizarre exhibits of animal remains such as skeletons, skulls, horns, bones, antlers, and skins. Some people say the animals had all died naturally, and others say they were the result of Duchanee’s hunting ventures; which he transformed into art to be displayed in the museum. It may be squeamish to animal lovers; but as eerie as it sounds, it has the vibe of a peaceful place, and surely adds a unique charm to your Chiang Rai visit.

• 🕣 Baan Dam Museum Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• 🎫 Entry Fee: THB 80 (USD 2.5)
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Ride a bike

🚀 Wat Rong Suea Ten / Blue Temple

Wat Rong Suea Ten is a magnificent blue temple adorned with ornate golden details. An interesting fact of this temple is that it was designed by one of Chalermchai Kositpipat’s students named Phuttha Kabkaew. The White Buddha statue in Bhumisparsha Mudra (earth-touching) position inside the temple is an impressive spectacle to behold amidst the celestial blue interior, filigreed columns, and detailed murals. Even in this temple, the wall of the entrance has a representation of hell, with a demon’s mouth around it. The sapphire and cobalt colours, the architecture, the sculptures of Buddha, Nagas, Garuda, and other Thai Buddhist cosmology beings, and the ambiance inside all make it a very unique temple to visit.

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Ride a bike

🚀 Wat Phra Kaew / Temple of the Emerald Buddha

Being a historically important temple, the Emerald Buddha was first discovered in Wat Phra Kaew in Chiang Rai during the Lanna kingdom in 1434, after lighting had struck the chedi. In 1990, a replica of the Emerald Buddha made out of jade was commissioned here because the original one was moved to the temple in Grand Palace in Bangkok. The temple complex also has a quaint museum made of dark teak wood with gold trimming displaying art and artifacts from the Lanna era. In the temple’s complex, there is a little pond full turtles and some catfish, and it’s interesting to watch the turtles climb on top of each other to sunbathe!

• 🕣 Temple Opening Hours: 7:00am – 7:00pm
• 🕣 Museum Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Ride a bike

🚀 Wat Huay Pla Kung / Big Buddha

The Big Buddha of Chiang Rai is actually a representation of the goddess of Mercy, Wat Huay Pla Kung. Once at the top, sunrise or sunset views are breathtaking. Admission is free, unless you want to enter the statue which costs THB 40 (USD 1.2) that contains an elevator going up to the 25th floor. This place also has a 9-tier Pagoda opposite the big white marvel. Free vegetarian food is provided to visitors who wish to partake.

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 9:00am – 6:00pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Hail a Grab car / Ride a bike

🚀 Choui Fong Tea Plantation

Choui Fong is Chiang Rai’s finest tea estate since 1977. Their plantations involve many distinctive types of tea grown at an altitude of 500-1200 metres above sea level. They are the winner of the 2009 Oolong Tea Gold Prize from the World Green Tea Association in Japan. The property is expansive with commendable tea cultivation, and also boasts of a fancy tea cafe and shop. Unique delights are available from green tea popcorn, to cheesecakes and pastries, to ice creams, salads and of course beverages. The verdant views of the tea plantations are a delight to see in broad day light!

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 8:00am – 6:00pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Ride a bike

🚀 Doi Tung Attractions

Doi Tung is home to the Mae Fah Luang Art and Culture Park, constituting of the Mae Fah Luang Garden, Arboretum, the Royal Villa and Hall of Inspiration. Ticket prices for each one of them cost THB 90 (USD 2.8) for adults / THB 45 (USD 1.4) for students/seniors/concession rate. The treetop adventure walk is an additional THB 150 (USD 4.6).

Pro Tip: If you have the time and interest to explore everything, we recommend buying the special package that includes all four attractions and costs only THB 220 (USD 6.8) full price / THB 110 (USD 3.4) concession rate! 

🏯 The Doi Tung Royal Villa is the home of Princess Srinagarindra, the mother of Princess Galyani Vadhana, where she had established the works of the Doi Tung Development Project that focused on improving the lives of the local hill tribe communities, establishing education programs and encouraging sustainable plantation and farming practices. This Thai-Swiss style Royal Villa is simple but elegantly constructed out of teak wood. The Royal Villa is best explored with an audio tour that is provided at the entrance, as it explains the details of the Villa as well as the history and life stories of the Princess Mother. The highlight was the main hall within the Villa where the ceiling has been designed with hand-crafted wood inlay of the Princess Mother’s favourite constellations that were positioned on October 21, 1900, the day she was born.

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 7:00am – 5:30pm daily (Break: 11:30am – 12:30pm)
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Adults THB 90 | Concession rate THB 45

🌻 The Mae Fah Luang Garden is a 12-acre stunning property blanketed with European-style flower beds of over hundreds of different species, trees and plants, and paved paths. Northern Thailand has a cooler climate than the rest of the country, which makes it conducive to growing exotic temperate flowers from abroad. Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra was responsible for setting the foundation of this garden. Even today, the garden provides ethical working opportunities for the local people who were trained to do gardening instead of harvesting opium.

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 6:30am – 6:00pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Adults THB 90 | Students/Seniors/Concessions THB 45

🌺 The Mae Fah Luang Arboretum is located at the peak of the Doi Tung mountain range overlooking the Golden Triangle. You’ll find heaps of Rhododendron species, wild orchids, and rare trees from all over the world, which the Princess Mother had brought from her overseas travels for the Thai people to also appreciate living in Thailand. There is a walking path that offers panoramic views of Thailand’s neighboring country, Myanmar. Since the arboretum is 9km uphill from the Mae Fah Luang Garden, you’ll need your personal vehicle to get there!

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 7:00am – 5:30pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Adults THB 90 | Students/Seniors/Concessions THB 45

🏛️ The Hall of Inspiration exhibits the life, works and achievements of five members of the Royal Family namely the Princess Mother Srinagarindra and Prince Father Mahidol, King Bhumidol, King Ananda Mahidol, and Princess Galyani Vadhana – who strived to improve the lives of Thai people through education, healthcare, and creating opportunities for sustainable work.

• 🕣 Opening Hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm daily
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Adults THB 90 | Students/Seniors/Concessions THB 45

🚀 Golden Triangle and Hall of Opium

The Golden Triangle is located on the northernmost tip of Chiang Rai. The borders of the three countries Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet here, at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. Although just a vantage point, the road to this attraction is dotted with stunning scenery, and the overall experience of witnessing three countries at one point in time is remarkable! Since the Golden Triangle region is notorious for the production and trafficking of opium and other illicit drugs, it is also worthwhile visiting the Hall of Opium which is a museum exhibiting the 5000-year history of opium, issues of addiction and drug abuse, and the production of illicit drugs. Being a fantastic attraction, it has won the Thailand Tourism Award in 2006!

• 🕣 Hall of Opium Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:30am – 4:00pm
• 🎫 Entry Fee: Free
• 🚘 Getting there: Ride a bike

 Where to stay

Milin Guesthouse is an adorable place, a little out of the way from central Chiang Rai city, but easily accessible by a cab or Grab car. The rooms are cozy, and the beds are adorned with elephant or swan towel arts. The owner Alex and his wife along with their two children are incredibly friendly and accommodating. They provide home-made breakfast catering to one’s dietary needs, as well as some exotic fruits that taste delicious which he brings from his farm. Alex is a great person to have a chat with, and he’ll guide you with your travel plans in and around Chiang Rai. He also has bicycles and motorbikes available for rent. We personally loved the concept behind the guesthouse which he had built from scratch with the vision of welcoming travellers from all over the world for a pleasant cultural exchange experience. There are 5 double occupancy rooms with a patio in front, and a dormitory that can fit 4 people. At night, the lanterns are lit up, and if it’s a moonlit night, the setting is magical and all sorts of wonderful! Book your stay at Milin Guesthouse here!

Chiang Rai and its uniqueness will create a long-lasting impression upon all travellers. You’ll find controversial and outlandish marvels in Chiang Rai, some of which have drawn immense criticisms. But these attractions stand tall and famous, attracting visitors from all over the world, encouraging us to be who we want to be by letting go of the fear of being rejected. Empowerment and development ripple across Chiang Rai, inspiring people to change for the better, not only their lives but those of other people as well. What a remarkable inspiration the city is!

Chiang Rai is also a perfect place for culinary travellers. Read more about the food delights you can find in the city! 😋