Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

The most spectacular and iconic of all the structures claimed by Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun is a jewel in the crown of the city. Due to its finely chiselled white structure that glistens like the moon, it is widely known as The White Temple. In 1997, the construction of the temple was completed and the complex was opened for visitors.

The exquisite contemporary architecture of the temple is an absolute visual treat worth clicking on the camera from various perspectives. While “Gate of Heaven” and “Cycle of Rebirth” are the major attractions within the complex, a golden building serving as the rest rooms building stands out with its unique appeal, creating a strong contrast with the main white building.

Wat Phra Singh, located in Chiang Mai, Thailand, is a revered Buddhist temple known for its stunning architecture and religious significance. Dating back to the 14th century, the temple houses the sacred Phra Singh Buddha image.

Gear up for a tranquil getaway at Doi Mae Salong to find yourself in one of the most picturesque tourist places in Chiang Rai. This mountain peak is known to offer you serene surroundings where you can combine your visit with many exciting activities like tea plantation visit, eating delicious local food, photography, etc.

Located right in the main town of Chiang Rai, the clock tower with its bright golden architectural style is a crowd-puller. If the architecture and pattern of this tower are similar to the White Temple, it is because both of these structures have been designed by the same artist, Chalermchai Khositpipat. The tower was opened to the public in 2008 as an honor to His Majesty, The King.

This is an absolutely breath-taking cliff in Chiang Rai, which provides a scintillating view of the island, its beaches and mountains. The path that leads into this cliff is filled with dense mangroves and greenery that keep you spell bound all through the journey.

A must-see tourist place in Chiang Mai, Wat Huai Pla Kung is a famous 9-tiered temple with the largest Guan Yin Bodhisattva in Thailand. The place boasts an interesting architectural design which is an amalgamation of Thai and Chinese architecture.

Take a short boat ride on the Mae Kok River in Chiang Mai to be swept away by some of the most gorgeous views of the natural landscape in this beautiful mountainous city of Thailand. Starting from Thatorn to Chiang Rai, this is one of the most adventurous activities to do in Chiang Rai.

Situated in the Chiang Rai Province on the northern coast of Thailand, the Golden Triangle is one of its most enduring and attractive tourist destinations. The landscape of this stunning tourist destination is shrouded with lush jungles, and hills while the Ruak River flows by merrily on its course.

One of the most attractive places to visit in Chiang Rai, Singha Park should be on your bucket list. A place where you can have a fun-filled day, Singha Park is replete with places like a small zoo, zip line, farm, vegetable and fruit garden. This is a place where you can look forward to having an adventure with your loved ones.

The culture of Thailand is unique due to the presence of a large number of tribal communities here. Mae Fah Luang Art & Culture Park was imparting education to certain ethnic minority tribes. Today, since it doesn’t impart education anymore, it is a museum that holds priceless collections reflecting authentic Thai and Lanna cultures.

If there is one place in Chiang Rai where you can see Thai culture at its fullest form, it is the night market or the night bazaar. Close to the Walking Street types of Thailand, this night bazaar is where you can shop for exclusive handicraft items made of wood, scarves, bags, jewelry, and many kinds of souvenirs that reflect Lanna culture and other hill tribal communities, at reasonable prices.

A visit to the Oub Kham Museum is the perfect way to increase your knowledge about the rich history of the Lanna Kingdom. If you consider yourself a culture vulture, the exhibits put on display the tribal artifacts and other objects of historical importance will impress you with their priceless collections.

Unlike most temples in Chiang Rai, Blue Temple is a recent addition to its collection of exquisite temples. Built in 2005 over the ruins of an ancient shrine, this temple is dedicated to the tigers that inhabited the region once. Wat Rong Seua Ten, known as Blue Temple by outsiders, is an exemplifying blend of modern art and traditional architecture in Chiang Rai.

Wat Tham Pla is a popular site among locals as well as outsiders due to its religious significance and all the surprises it holds within its divine realm. The temple is popularly called Monkey Temple due to the large number of macaques that live here. Located close to the Burmese border, the temple complex has a modest but attractive façade and a very tranquil ambiance.

Another gorgeous waterfall adorning the geography of Chiang Rai with its mere presence, Pu Kaeng is an entrance to the world of unspoilt nature and serenity. Located within the peaceful domain of Doi Luang National Park, this waterfall snakes through virgin forests before finally bouncing off several naturally formed rocky steps.

Spread across a large area and surrounded by raw nature, Wat Huay Pla Kang complex houses a giant white image of Guan Yin, The Goddess of Mercy, which can be seen from afar. The presence of this statue makes this Buddhist temple one of the most remarkable tourist places in Chiang Rai.

Learn more about the diversity of north Thai culture by visiting one of the hill tribe villages near Chiang Rai. As you’ll need transportation and a translator to get the most out of the experience, hill tribe villages are most commonly visited as part of a cultural research. The most visited tribal villages are Karen Village Akha Village and Hmong Village due to its heritage and ancient tradition.

Enjoy an interesting excursion with a visit to Baan Dam Museum in Chiang Rai. One of the most fascinating places to visit in Chiang Rai, Baan Dam Museum often conceived as Thawan Duchanee’s creative portrayal of what hell would look like. It comprises of a temple that houses a collection of skins, bones, teeth, and taxidermy of a range array of animals.

If you are looking forward to spending a couple of easy hours with your family, Mae Khachan Hot Springs is one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai. Located between Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, the hot spring is frequently visited by people traveling between the two cities.

Add some thrill and action to your trip by visiting Tree Top Adventure Park, one of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai for any adventure seeker. From children to adults, the park is ideally designed to deliver an exciting outing experience to everyone. Although the range of activities is not quite wide, they are good enough to quench your hunger for adventure.

A unique museum in the Golden Triangle area that will take you on an interesting journey where you can learn some valuable facts about opium, its history, its usage, and much more, Hall of Opium Museum is one of the top tourist places in Chiang Rai. Offering an interactive learning experience to adults as well as kids, this museum is a great spot where you can visit with your entire family and spend some leisurely moments.

A wonderful royal villa located in Chiang Rai, the Doi Tung palace, is one of the major landscapes in the quiet island. The simple yet elegant interiors of the palace are a pure blend of magnificent Swiss and Lanna architectural styles. This was the residence of Late Princess Mother, who contributed immensely for uplifting the living conditions of the tribal people in this area.

Whether you are seeking opportunities to get adventurous or you want a blanket of calm to engulf you, Huay Mae Sai Waterfall is among the most heavenly tourist places in Chiang Rai. The path that leads to the waterfall is rough, so you have to resort to either an elephant ride or a 4x4 vehicle to reach here.

Bring out your creative side at Doi Din Dang Pottery and design some creative items when you are in Chiang Rai. One of the most exciting places to visit in Chiang Rai, this place is surrounded by the most serene landscape and allows you to channel your artistic energies.

If people in Chiang Rai and all over Thailand are aware of the excellent cultural traditions and heritage that were prevalent in Northern Thailand many centuries ago during the Lanna Kingdom rule, it is due to this excellent museum.

Topping the list of the most excellent tourist places in Chiang Rai ideal for spending an eventful evening with family and friends, Chiang Rai Walking Street is a busy market area. Throngs of visitors with all their energy and excitement create a happening atmosphere that is sure to cheer anyone up.