Attractions
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
Chiang Rai
Famous modern white temple south of the city.
Thailand · Northern Thailand
Chiang Rai
Creative modern temples, tea plantations and hill villages in Thailand’s far north.
White TempleTea hillsMountain villages
Plan your trip
Rentals, tours & transport in Chiang Rai
Travel search
Your destination guide
Explore Chiang Rai
Best of Chiang Rai:
10 placesChiang Rai & nearby
Attractions
Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)
Chiang Rai
Vivid blue temple near the river.
Attractions
Singha Park
Chiang Rai
Farm park with tea fields, lakes and cycling.
Culture
Baan Dam Museum
Chiang Rai
Art village of dark wooden houses north of town.
Culture
Wat Phra Kaew Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai
Historic temple where the Emerald Buddha was found.
Culture
Hill Tribe Museum
Chiang Rai
Museum on the region’s ethnic minority groups.
Shopping
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Chiang Rai
Evening market for crafts and food.
City life
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Chiang Rai
City-centre landmark with evening light show.
Transport
Chiang Rai Bus Terminal 2
Chiang Rai
Main intercity terminal for VIP and standard coaches to Bangkok and Chiang Mai.
Transport
Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai Airport
Chiang Rai
Domestic airport with flights to Bangkok.
Loading Chiang Rai map…
Map locations are approximate. Nearby excursions are labelled; check venue access, opening days and sea conditions before visiting.
Don’t miss
Top 10 attractions in Chiang Rai
A dazzling white modern temple by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat.
A vivid blue and gold temple close to the city.
Dark wooden buildings filled with art and natural objects.
A giant white Guanyin statue with a lift to viewing windows.
Large farm park with tea fields, lakes and cycling paths.
A mountain village with tea estates and Yunnanese heritage.
Mountain gardens and the former royal residence.
Where Thailand, Laos and Myanmar meet at the Mekong.
A golden clock tower with a short evening light show.
Evening market with crafts, food court and live music.
Heritage & traditions
Top 10 culture in Chiang Rai
A modern Buddhist temple full of symbolic art.
Where the Emerald Buddha was discovered in 1434.
A hilltop temple older than the city itself.
A non-profit museum about the region’s ethnic minority groups.
A private collection of Lanna and northern royal artefacts.
Lanna teak buildings and art in a quiet park.
Thawan Duchanee’s art village exploring dark themes.
Hill communities; visit with a respectful local guide.
The north’s famous curry noodle soup.
Weekly street market with crafts, food and folk music.
Geography
Mountains & rivers
Chiang Rai lies in a valley on the Kok River, ringed by mountains that run north to the Laos and Myanmar borders.
Weather
Cool and dry from November to February, hot in March to May, and rainy May to October. Smoke haze can affect March and April.
Culture & heritage
Lanna & hill peoples
Chiang Rai was founded in 1262 by King Mangrai and keeps strong Lanna traditions alongside Akha, Lahu, Yao and Yunnanese communities.
Temple etiquette
Cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes where requested and speak quietly. Ask before photographing people or ceremonies.
City life: bars & restaurants
Evenings
The Night Bazaar and the clock tower area are the evening hubs. Nightlife is relaxed with small bars and live music.
Food
Try khao soi, sai ua sausage and northern dips at markets and family restaurants.
To, from & around Chiang Rai
To & from Chiang Rai
Mae Fah Luang–Chiang Rai Airport has flights to Bangkok. Buses run to Chiang Mai (about 3 hours) and Bangkok from Bus Terminal 2.
Getting around
Use songthaews, Grab or a rented scooter. Day trips to Doi Mae Salong and the Golden Triangle are easiest with a driver or tour.