Thailand
Chiang Rai
November to February (cool and dry season)
$30-80 USD
Thai (Northern Thai dialect locally; English spoken in tourist areas)
UTC+7
About
Discover Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is Thailand's northernmost province capital, nestled among forested mountains close to the borders of Myanmar and Laos. Founded in 1262 by King Mengrai of the Lanna Kingdom, the city served as the original capital of the Lanna realm before Chiang Mai took that role. Today it is best known internationally for the extraordinary Wat Rong Khun — the White Temple — a visionary contemporary structure built by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat whose gleaming white walls encrusted with mirror chips represent the purity of the Buddha. The temple's entrance fee increased to 200 baht in January 2026, but it remains one of Thailand's most photographed sites.
Beyond the White Temple, the city rewards exploration. Wat Rong Suea Ten — the Blue Temple — dazzles with its midnight-blue interior and gold detailing and is free to enter. The Black House (Baan Dam), created by artist Thawan Duchanee, offers a stark contrast: a compound of dark, bone-decorated structures that function as a macabre museum of art. These three artist-created landmarks give Chiang Rai a creative distinction that sets it apart from other Thai cities.
The Golden Triangle, where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge at the meeting point of the Mekong and Ruak rivers, lies about 60 kilometres north of the city. The surrounding area hosts the ultra-luxurious Anantara Golden Triangle resort and the exclusive Four Seasons Tented Camp, both of which offer elephant experiences on their grounds. The Hall of Opium museum in nearby Chiang Saen documents the history of the illicit trade that once defined the region.
Singha Park, a vast agricultural estate on the edge of the city, offers cycling through tea plantations and flower fields, and has emerged as a major venue for outdoor events. Hill tribe villages of the Karen, Akha, Yao and Hmong people dot the surrounding countryside and can be visited on guided excursions — though travellers should choose ethical operators that respect community welfare.
The Mae Kok River flows through the city and several of Chiang Rai's finest hotels are situated along its banks. The city's Night Bazaar and Saturday and Sunday Walking Street markets are lively focal points for street food, local handicrafts and northern Thai textiles. Chiang Rai's compact size and relaxed pace make it an appealing alternative to Chiang Mai — it is smaller, less commercialised and easy to navigate on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Where to Stay
Best Hotels in Chiang Rai
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
An extraordinary ultra-luxury camp perched above the confluence of the Ruak and Mekong rivers in the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. The 15 tented pavilions and one two-bedroom villa feature handcrafted furniture, hardwood floors and private wooden hot tubs with views across three countries. All-inclusive packages encompass elephant camp experiences, jungle treks, regional excursions and fine dining.
Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
A legendary 5-star resort set on a ridge overlooking the meeting point of three countries in the Golden Triangle, with its own resident elephant herd managed by in-house mahouts. Accommodation includes 77 spacious rooms and suites, an infinity pool, the award-winning Opium Spa and Spice Spoons cooking school. Activities include guided treks, rafting and visits to the Greater Mekong Discovery Centre.
The Riverie by Katathani
A refined 5-star riverside resort occupying a lush island in the Mae Kok River just minutes from central Chiang Rai. The 271 rooms and suites blend Lanna architectural motifs with contemporary comforts, and guests enjoy a multi-pool complex, seven dining outlets and a full-service spa. The location on the river island creates a peaceful retreat while keeping the city's temples and markets within easy reach.
Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort
A stylish 5-star resort nestled at the foot of the Khao Kok Mountains beside the Mae Kok River, offering a stunning three-level infinity pool, the Parvati Spa and contemporary rooms with river or mountain views. The resort's design is inspired by the region's ethnic diversity, and its Latest Recipe restaurant showcases refined northern Thai cuisine. It is a short drive from the White Temple and the city centre.
Laluna Hotel and Resort
A popular resort-style hotel about 1.5 kilometres south of the city centre, offering spacious rooms, a large swimming pool and well-tended gardens that create a quiet retreat close to Chiang Rai's main attractions. Highly rated for its breakfast, friendly staff and value, Laluna is a solid choice for mid-range travellers who want resort-style amenities without the luxury price tag.
Phowadol Resort and Spa
A garden resort near Chiang Rai Airport, within a short drive of the White Temple and the Saturday Walking Street Market, featuring an outdoor pool, fitness centre and spa. Rooms are tastefully furnished and the tropical gardens create a pleasant setting. The location is convenient for early morning flights and for day-tripping to the province's main attractions.
Boutique Hotels
The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
An intimate boutique resort spread across riverside gardens just minutes from the city centre, with 65 villas and rooms featuring Lanna-inspired timber architecture and private garden terraces. Guests enjoy a riverside pool, herbal spa, yoga pavilion and two restaurants. The property's tranquil atmosphere and personalised service make it a favourite for couples and honeymooners.
Mora Boutique Hotel
A highly-rated boutique hotel steps from the Hilltribe Museum in central Chiang Rai, consistently praised for its well-designed rooms, outstanding pool, spa and restaurant. With a rating of 9.5 on Agoda, the Mora has built a strong reputation for attentive service and excellent food and drinks. It is ideally placed for walking to the city's cultural sights and night markets.
Khamthana the Colonial Hotel Chiangrai
A characterful colonial-style boutique hotel on the outskirts of Chiang Rai with distinctive heritage architecture, well-appointed rooms and a peaceful garden setting. Rated 8.6 on Agoda, it offers an atmosphere quite different from the modern hotel chains, appealing to travellers who appreciate historic character and personal service at mid-range prices.
Mid-Range Hotels
De Hug Hotel and Residence
A well-appointed 4-star hotel in Chiang Rai's business district, within easy reach of the Clock Tower and Saturday Walking Street Market. Rooms are modern and comfortable, the pool area is attractive, and the hotel has earned consistent praise for its value. It suits both business travellers and leisure guests who want a convenient city base.
Wangcome Hotel
A centrally-located 4-star city hotel just 200 metres from the Clock Tower and a five-minute walk from the Night Bazaar, offering 200 well-equipped rooms, an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar. Wangcome is one of Chiang Rai's most established hotels and provides reliable mid-range comfort at competitive prices with excellent access to the city's main attractions.
Budget Options
Meesuk ChiangRai Hotel
A solid 3-star option in the Rob Wiang district rated 8.6 on Agoda, offering clean, modern rooms at budget-friendly prices. The hotel is a short drive from the city centre and well-regarded for its value and friendly service, making it a practical choice for travellers focused on sightseeing who need a clean and comfortable base without extra frills.
Na Rak O Resort
A charming, colourfully decorated budget resort within walking distance of Wat Jet Yod and Wat Jed Yod, offering quirky themed rooms with air conditioning, television and free drinking water at very affordable prices. Na Rak O has garnered a loyal following for its friendly atmosphere and great value, rated 9.0 on Agoda despite its budget positioning.
B2 Chiang Rai Boutique & Budget Hotel
A popular budget hotel on Baanpa Pragarn Road near the Clock Tower, offering 88 modern air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi and convenient walking access to Chiang Rai's main attractions including the Night Bazaar. Rated 8.0 on Agoda with over 8,000 reviews, the B2 represents reliable, no-frills accommodation at excellent value for money.
B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel
A budget hotel in the Rob Wiang district offering straightforward accommodation close to the Night Bazaar area, popular with backpackers and budget-conscious travellers. The property provides the essentials — air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi and a convenient city location — without unnecessary frills, making it one of the most practical low-cost options in Chiang Rai.
Experiences
Things to Do in Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai Temples Full-Day Guided Tour
A comprehensive guided day tour visiting Chiang Rai's most iconic temples including the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) and the ancient Wat Phra Kaew. Led by an expert local guide, the tour includes transport, entry fees and lunch, providing historical and cultural context for each site.
White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)
The iconic White Temple is the signature sight of Chiang Rai — a visionary contemporary Buddhist shrine created by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, whose gleaming white walls and mirror-encrusted surfaces are designed to represent the purity of the Buddha's mind. The bridge of 'the cycle of rebirth' leads visitors past sculpted hands rising from the ground into the beautiful hall adorned with murals that blend traditional Thai imagery with modern popular culture references.
Chiang Rai City and Temples Half Day Tour
A half-day excursion covering Chiang Rai's main temple monuments, including the White Temple and Blue Temple, with an expert guide providing cultural commentary. The tour is designed for travellers with limited time who want an efficient introduction to the city's most distinctive religious and artistic landmarks.
Golden Triangle & Hall of Opium Day Trip
A full-day excursion to the Golden Triangle where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar converge at the Mekong River, including a visit to the Hall of Opium museum in Chiang Saen. The tour includes a short boat trip to the Laos border and stops at the iconic Golden Triangle viewpoint, providing insight into the region's complex history.
Chiang Rai Singha Park and Temple Tour
A private van tour combining a visit to the expansive Singha Park — a scenic agricultural estate with tea plantations, flower fields and cycling tracks — with Chiang Rai's most celebrated temples. This tour is ideal for those who want to combine cultural sightseeing with outdoor scenery in a single day.
Black House (Baan Dam) Museum
The Black House is a compound of dark, dramatically decorated buildings created by Thai National Artist Thawan Duchanee over four decades. The structures are adorned with bones, animal hides, tusks and antlers arranged as works of art that explore themes of death and the underworld in sharp contrast to the White Temple's ethereal purity. Entry is a few hundred baht and the site is a short tuk-tuk ride from the city centre.
Chiang Rai White Temple & Hill Tribe Village Tour from Chiang Mai
A day trip from Chiang Mai combining a visit to Chiang Rai's celebrated White Temple with a guided tour of a nearby hill tribe village, offering an introduction to the cultural heritage of northern Thailand's ethnic minority communities. Transport from Chiang Mai and a local English-speaking guide are included.
Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Experience
A half-day ethical encounter with rescued elephants at one of the sanctuaries near Chiang Rai, where visitors change into mahout clothes, feed elephants fruit and sugarcane and learn the stories of each elephant's rescue. These responsible sanctuaries prohibit riding and performance, making this an educational and humane wildlife experience in the Thai countryside.
Chiang Rai Tour with Temples, Hill Village and Waterfalls
A full-day guided tour exploring Chiang Rai's iconic temples, an authentic hill tribe village and a scenic waterfall, offering a balanced mix of cultural heritage, ethnic minority traditions and natural beauty. The tour includes transport, a knowledgeable guide and entrance fees, giving travellers a comprehensive introduction to the region's diverse landscapes and cultures.
Doi Mae Salong Tea Hill Village Day Trip
A scenic day trip from Chiang Rai to the mountaintop KMT Chinese Nationalist settlement of Doi Mae Salong, famed for its tea plantations, cool mountain climate and unique Yunnan Chinese cultural heritage. The journey passes spectacular hillside scenery, and visitors can sample fresh oolong and green teas, explore the morning market and try authentic Yunnanese cuisine.
Private Introductory Muay Thai Class
A private one-on-one Muay Thai training session for beginners in Chiang Rai, led by an experienced instructor who covers the fundamental techniques of Thailand's national martial art including stance, footwork, punches, kicks, knee strikes and elbow techniques. The session is suitable for all fitness levels and is a popular way for travellers to engage with Thai sporting culture.
Group Introductory Muay Thai Class
A budget-friendly group Muay Thai class for beginners in Chiang Rai, covering the basics of the national martial art in a friendly and sociable setting. Participants learn fundamental strikes and defensive moves under the guidance of a qualified instructor, making this an excellent activity for travellers who want an authentic taste of Thai martial arts without committing to intensive training.
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