Best Things To Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Are you looking for what to do in Chiang Rai?

The culture and heritage of Chiang Rai is so rich that the city seems to be strewn with a number of attractions that speak volumes about its past as well as present. The pivotal attraction of Chiang Rai is Wat Rong Khun, a Buddhist temple bearing contemporary murals and symbolic images. And then, there are other monasteries and Buddhist temples that speak up of cultural and religious framework of Chiang Rai and Thailand as a whole. Some are: Wat Phra Kaeo, Wat Ming Mueang Temple, Wat Phra That Doi Tong and others. There are also landmarks and parks that hold a distinct value for the landscape of Chiang Rai such as Phu Chi Fa Forest Park, golden Triangle, Singha Park, Kok River, Mae Fah Luang Art And Cultural Park and many others where you can go and relax in the lap of nature. You can also visit its various museums that will acquaint you with the history and culture of Chiang Rai better such as Oub Kham Museum and Hill-tribe Museum and Population and Community Development Education Centre. Don’t forget to visit its bustling markets such as Night Bazaar and Chiang Rai walking street market where you can come across local culture better.

Below we have a list of things to do in Chiang Rai and the places where you want to spend the best moments of your trip. At the same time, the city offers you the best neighborhoods to explore and new foods to try.

This list should help you in deciding and prioritizing what you should plan on your Chiang Rai getaway. Find a mix of must-see tourist spots, underrated local hangouts, and maybe even a few new experiences you can try out.

Make the most of your trip to Chiang Rai with confidence.

Tourist Attractions in Chiang Rai

Here is the list of things to do in Chiang Rai and tourist attractions in city.

  1. Wat Rong Khun

    4.6 (1409 Votes)
    Wat Rong Khun Image
    ©

    Religious Site, Temple

    Although considered to be bit odd, the Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is considered to be one of the main attractions of not just Chiang Rai but the whole of Thailand. This Buddhist temple features murals that have contemporary bearings such as a mural depicting a plane hitting the Twin Towers as Spiderman and an Angry Bird look on. This temple has been designed by the artist Chalermchai K...Read more
  2. Wat Phra Kaeo

    4.6 (1767 Votes)
    Wat Phra Kaeo

    Religious Site, Temple

    Wat Phra Kaeo is one of the oldest royal temples situated in Thailand. It is considered that this temple was built in the 14th century however, the structure that we see today is the one that had been completely refurbished by the king in 1978. The temple gains historical importance as it is considered to be the place where the Emerald Buddha was found. It is also one of the main centers of Bud...Read more
  3. Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

    4.6 (1252 Votes)
    Phu Chi Fa Forest Park

    Outdoors, Park, View Point, Nature

    Apart from the world famous temples for which Chiang Rai is famous for, this district also offers beautiful views of scenic landscapes. Visit Phu Chi Fa and you will experience the spectacular mountain scenery setting between Thai-Laos border. You will also enjoy the views over Mekong River and deep into Laos. A small village of Chiang Tong District and the far away mountain in Laos can be seen...Read more
  4. Golden Triangle

    View Point

    Golden Triangle is the famed border location from where you can see the boundaries of Thailand, Laos and Myanmar as they meet on the Mekong River. This point is of historic value as it was once supposed to be the center of all the poppy cultivation in Thailand. This northern corner was a stronghold of the Lanna culture that prevailed for several centuries and was called the "land of a million r...Read more
  5. Singha Park

    4.3 (1227 Votes)
    Singha Park

    Outdoors, Park, Wildlife Park, View Point

    Singha Park is a huge park that belongs to Boon Rawd Brewery estate in Chiang Rai. Boon Rawd Brewery is Thailand’s biggest beer producer. This Park was originally developed to grow barley for Boon Rawd Brewery’s beer. However, today is mainly visited for enjoying spectacular scenes of wildlife and agriculture. Inside this estate, you shall come across plantations of several kin...Read more
  6. Kok River

    View Point, River

    The Kok River runs from Thathon in northern Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai City. In order to enjoy scenic views around this river, you can walk along its boundaries that have been developed well for the visitors. Alternatively, you can also take long-tailed boats and cruise can be made from town to travel along both sides of lovely sceneries. Stops can be made at hill tribal villages of the Akha or I...Read more
  7. Hill Tribe Museum And Education Center

    Art And Culture, Arts And Crafts, Specialty Shop, Specialty Museum

    Hill tribe Museum and Education Centre is run by a nonprofit organization called the Population and Community Development Association (PDA) with the intention of showcasing the culture of hill tribes in Thailand. This centre exhibits local crafts, all of which are for sale, and also provides information through slideshows (in a number of languages, including English) and anthropological display...Read more
  8. Oub Kham Museum

    4.5 (1064 Votes)
    Oub Kham Museum

    Specialty Museum

    Visit the Oub Kham Museum that exhibits thousands of rare Lanna items, as well as the artefacts of the Tai people from neighbouring countries. This museum was conceptualized by a retired teacher Julasak Suriyachai. The museum has been named as Oub Kham Museum, derived from a northern term referring to a golden serving bowl used by the royal family during the Lanna period, which lasted from the ...Read more
  9. House Of Opium

    Museum, Park, View Point

    If you are visiting the famous area of Golden Triangle that sees the intersection of borders of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, then visit it’s House of Opium, a museum dedicated to the opium trade. Despite being a dark tale, the history of opium is fascinating and The House of Opium’s exhibition has been designed to make a big impact on all visitors. Put together by historians and mult...Read more
  10. Ancient City Of Chiang Saen

    Ancient Ruin, Historical Site, Architecture

    Situated within the province of Chiang Rai, Chiang Saen is a small district and is also one of the oldest settlements in the Kingdom of Thailand. It is located along the Mekong River. This area is quite interesting to visit as you can see the contemporary residences peeping themselves through the ancient structures that still grace the city. One of the World Heritage sites, this district. ...Read more
  11. Chiangsaen National Museum

    4.1 (388 Votes)
    Chiangsaen National Museum

    Museum, Specialty Museum, Sculpture

    Established in 1957, this museum offers a profound preview of the past of Chiang Saen town. The Museum features displays of excavated artefacts and ancient sculptures with inscriptions, locally made Chiang Saen-style Buddha images and Lanna Thai artifacts. Its exhibit can be divided into 3 sections: First Section: The location and history of settlement at Chiang Saen, Stucco from Wat Pa Sak, La...Read more
  12. Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

    Outdoors, Market, Street Market

    For an insider’s view into the culture of Chiang Rai, visit its night market that bustles with local items, cries and people. This bazaar is conveniently near the centre of town, a short walk from the bus station. Besides having semi-permanent shops, one area is devoted to individual sellers who spread out their wares on the ground. This is one market where you can collect your Thai souve...Read more
  13. Wat Ming Mueang Temple

    4.4 (828 Votes)
    Wat Ming Mueang Temple

    Religious Site, Temple

    Wat Ming Mueang temple was considered to be established by Chao Nang Talamae Sri, wife of King MengRai and daughter of a Burmese King from PhaKo city (Hong Sao Wadee). This temple was a personal temple of Phra Nang Uao Ming JomMuang, King MengRai’s mother. With a structure that showcases a blend of Tai Yai and Lanna Art, this temple showcases a number of antiques for study into the indige...Read more
  14. Mae Fah Luang Art And Cultural Park

    Art And Culture, Performance, Architecture , Exhibition

    This cultural park is situated on the west of Chiang Rai City and serves as an art and cultural haven. This park houses lush green grounds and has welcomes people who wish to learn about the indigenous culture. Originally known as the Rai Mae Fah Luang, the Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park was part of the Youth Leadership Project initiated by the late princess Mother. It ...Read more
  15. Khun Korn Waterfall

    4.6 (453 Votes)
    Khun Korn Waterfall

    Outdoors, Nature

    Kun Korn waterfall is considered to be the best waterfall in Chiang Rai. Located in Nam TokKhunKon Forest Park, this waterfall is 70-metre high which and is thus the highest and most beautiful in the province. Along the route to the site are cool, shady natural surroundings suitable for relaxation and nature walk. It is also an ideal place to swim and relax. The walk or hike towards this waterf...Read more