Wat Rong Khun White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Thailand

Chiang Rai

Best Time
November to February (cool and dry season)
Daily Budget
$30-80 USD
Language
Thai (Northern Thai dialect locally; English spoken in tourist areas)
Timezone
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.

When to Go

Best Time to Visit Chiang Rai

Like neighbouring Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai has a cool mountain climate with a clear three-season rhythm. The cool dry season from November to February is ideal — warm days, crisp mornings and the famous sea of mist over the valleys. Visit in February for the spectacular flower festival.

  • Nov–FebCool & dry — the best time. 18–28 °C, misty valleys at dawn. Peak season; book ahead for the flower festival and Yi Peng.
  • Mar–MayHot season — 35 °C+ with possible burning-season haze in March. Songkran (mid-April) is the wet-and-wild exception.
  • Jun–OctRainy (green) season — hot, lush and uncrowded with afternoon showers. The cheapest, greenest time to visit.

Attractions

Things to Do in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is the cultural and scenic capital of Thailand's far north — surreal modern temples, the ruins of the old Lanna capital, hill-tribe villages and the Golden Triangle where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet. Two or three days is ideal; pair it with Chiang Mai and the road to Pai.

Wat Rong Khun (the White Temple)

A contemporary art project masquerading as a temple — a dazzling white-and-mirror stupa crossed by a bridge over hands reaching from hell, with murals inside blending traditional Buddhism with pop-culture imagery. The most photographed sight in northern Thailand; 13 km south of the city.

Entry 100 THB (~$2.85); open 8 AM–5 PM (later some evenings). Dress modestly.

Wat Rong Suea Ten (the Blue Temple)

A striking sapphire-and-gold temple with a huge white Buddha, intricate blue murals and a serpent stairway — the work of a local artist who studied under the White Temple's creator. Smaller but every bit as photogenic; free to enter.

Baan Dam (the Black House)

The eerie, compelling collection of the late artist Thawan Duchanee — dozens of dark teak pavilions filled with animal skins, bones, tribal art and macabre furnishings. Not a temple but a meditation on life and death. A 30-min visit that lingers.

Entry 80 THB (~$2.30); open 9 AM–5 PM.

The Golden Triangle & Mekong

Where the Ruak and Mekong rivers meet three countries — once the world's opium heartland, now a sleepy viewpoint with a museum, a giant Buddha and boat trips to the Laotian island of Don Sao. An hour north; best as a guided day trip.

Singha Park & the Tea Plantations

Rolling green hills of tea, ziplines, farm-to-table cafés and bike trails at the Choui Fong tea plantation and the vast Singha Park. Stunning scenery and a great half-day out — especially at sunrise when mist fills the valleys.

Hill-Tribe Villages & Doi Tung

The mountains around Chiang Rai are home to Akha, Lahu, Karen and Yao villages, reached by trek or road. The royal Doi Tung development project offers flower gardens, a royal villa and sustainable hill-tribe crafts — a model of ethical highland tourism.

Transport

How to Get to & Around Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai has its own airport (CEI) and sits at the crossroads of Chiang Mai, Pai and the Laos border. The city centre is compact; the headline temples are scattered and best reached by songthaew, scooter or Grab.

  • PlaneChiang Rai Airport (CEI) is 10 km from the centre — daily flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities.
  • Bus / minivan from Chiang MaiThe classic 3-hr Green Bus ride over the mountains from Chiang Mai — from ~80 THB ($2.30). Scenic, cheap and frequent.
  • SongthaewShared blue pick-ups cover the city and reach the White Temple, Blue Temple and Black House — ~20–60 THB ($0.60–1.70) a ride.
  • Scooter rental~200–300 THB ($6–8.50)/day — ideal for the temple circuit and tea plantations if you're a confident rider.
  • Grab & private carApp cars and chartered day tours for the Golden Triangle and hill-tribe villages — from ~1,500 THB ($43)/day.

Chiang Rai is the gateway to Laos — cross the border to the boats down the Mekong to Luang Prabang, or loop back south to Chiang Mai and Pai.

Accommodation

Where to Stay in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai is cheaper and quieter than Chiang Mai, with laid-back guesthouses, riverside boutiques and mountain resorts at great value.

City centre — best for convenience

Around the clock tower and night bazaar — walkable to restaurants, the Saturday market and the bus to the temples. Budget and mid-range hotels galore. The default base.

Kok River — best for nature

Riverside resorts and boutique lodges along the Mae Kok — peaceful, green and a boat ride from hill-tribe villages. The scenic pick.

Singha Park / tea hills — best for romance

Luxury tents and villas among the tea terraces with valley-mist sunrises — the splurge for honeymooners.

Backpacker guesthouses — best for budget

Cheap social dorms near the centre — trekking buddies and travel info. From ~200 THB ($6)/night.

Food & Drink

What & Where to Eat in Chiang Rai

Chiang Rai shares the rich Lanna cuisine of Chiang Mai — earthy, herby and cheap — with Burmese and Yunnanese influences from the border.

Khao soi — the northern curry noodle soup, a must. Khao kan chin — steamed rice cakes with pork and blood, wrapped in banana leaf. Burmese-style curries & Shan noodles — a border-town specialty.

Vegetarian options are common at markets; the night bazaar has a good range of jay (vegetarian) stalls.

  • Chiang Rai Night BazaarThe nightly market — khao soi, sai ua sausage and hill-tribe crafts.
  • Saturday Walking StreetThanalai Road closes for a weekly food-and-craft festival — the best street food in town.
  • Old bus-station food courtLocal-favourite stalls serving Lanna dishes at rock-bottom prices.

Plan Your Trip

Practical Tips & Budget

Most Western passport holders get 60 days visa-free. The currency is the Thai baht (THB). English is spoken in hotels and at the temples. Bring a jacket for cool-season mornings — it gets cold here — and check AQI in burning season.

How much does Chiang Rai cost?

  • Budget$18–30/day — a guesthouse or dorm, market food and songthaews to the temples.
  • Mid-range$35–70/day — a boutique hotel, a scooter and a Golden Triangle day trip.
  • Luxury$100+/day — a tea-hill villa, private guiding and a Mekong boat.

Good to know

  • Temple etiquette: The White and Blue Temples require modest dress — cover shoulders and knees; no photos inside some halls.
  • Burning season: Check AQI in March–April; haze can obscure the valley views.
  • Border crossings: The Chiang Khong–Huay Xai crossing to Laos is the gateway to the Mekong slow boat.
  • Hill-tribe ethics: Choose licensed, community-run treks and avoid “long-neck” human-zoo villages.
  • Apps: Grab and songthaews; Google Translate with Thai offline.

Ready to plan a route? Pair this with our 5 days in Chiang Mai itinerary and the Thailand budget travel guide.

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Where to Stay

Stays in Chiang Rai

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Luxury

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
· Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen

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.

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Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp & Resort
· Golden Triangle, Chiang Saen

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.

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The Riverie by Katathani
· Mae Kok River, City 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.

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Le Méridien Chiang Rai Resort
· Mae Kok River

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.

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Laluna Hotel and Resort
· South City

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.

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Phowadol Resort and Spa
· Airport Area

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.

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Boutique

The Legend Chiang Rai Boutique River Resort & Spa
· Mae Kok River

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.

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Mora Boutique Hotel
· City Centre

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.

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Khamthana the Colonial Hotel Chiangrai
· Rob Wiang

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.

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Mid-Range

De Hug Hotel and Residence
· Business District

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.

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Wangcome Hotel
· City Centre

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.

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Budget

Meesuk ChiangRai Hotel
· Rob Wiang

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.

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Na Rak O Resort
· City Centre

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.

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B2 Chiang Rai Boutique & Budget Hotel
· City Centre

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.

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B2 Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Boutique & Budget Hotel
· Night Bazaar Area

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.

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Experiences

Things to do in Chiang Rai

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cultureFull day

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.

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culture2-3 hours

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.

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cultureHalf day

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.

€€Book
historyFull day

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.

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natureFull day

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.

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culture1-2 hours

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.

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cultureFull day

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.

€€Book
nature3-4 hours

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.

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adventureFull day

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.

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cultureFull day

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.

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wellness1-2 hours

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.

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wellness1-2 hours

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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Information

Good to know

What is the best time to visit Chiang Rai?
The best time to visit Chiang Rai is from November to February, when temperatures are pleasantly cool (15–28°C) and rainfall is minimal. March to May is the hottest and smokiest period, when agricultural burning creates haze across northern Thailand. The monsoon season runs from June to October, bringing heavy rain but lush green landscapes.
How do I get to Chiang Rai?
Chiang Rai Airport (CEI) receives direct flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang), Chiang Mai and several other Thai cities. By road, Chiang Rai is about three hours from Chiang Mai by bus or private transfer. Some travellers also travel overland from Laos or Myanmar via border crossings.
How much is the White Temple entrance fee?
As of January 2026, the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) entrance fee is 200 THB (approximately USD 5–6) for foreign visitors. The fee doubled from the previous 100 THB in January 2026. Children under 12 enter free. The temple is open daily from 08:00–17:30 except on Buddhist holidays.
What is the Golden Triangle?
The Golden Triangle is the area where the borders of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. It was historically the world's largest opium-producing region. Today it is a popular tourist area with viewpoints, the Hall of Opium museum, and boat trips to the Laos border. It is about 60 km north of Chiang Rai city.
Are there ethical elephant experiences near Chiang Rai?
Yes. Several ethical elephant sanctuaries operate in and around Chiang Rai where rescued elephants are cared for without riding or performance. These sanctuaries allow visitors to feed and observe elephants in natural settings. The Anantara Golden Triangle Resort also has its own elephant camp. Always choose operators that prohibit riding and use of bullhooks.
What currency is used in Chiang Rai and where can I exchange money?
Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB). ATMs are widely available throughout Chiang Rai city centre, and money exchange services can be found at the airport, major banks and in the Night Bazaar area. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, but smaller guesthouses and market stalls typically require cash.
How many days should I spend in Chiang Rai?
Two to three days is the recommended minimum to experience Chiang Rai's main attractions. A two-day itinerary covers the White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House and the Night Bazaar. A third day allows for a day trip to the Golden Triangle, Doi Mae Salong tea hills or Chiang Saen. Those wanting to explore hill tribe villages and Singha Park should budget four to five days.
What is Doi Mae Salong and is it worth visiting?
Doi Mae Salong is a mountaintop village about 60 km north of Chiang Rai, settled by the KMT (Kuomintang) Chinese Nationalist Army after 1949. The area is now famous for its tea plantations, cool mountain air and Chinese-influenced culture, food and architecture. The morning mist-wrapped scenery is spectacular. It is well worth a day trip or overnight stay for travellers interested in unique cultural heritage and scenic landscapes.

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