Outdoor Activities in Chiang Rai

Outdoor activities in Chiang Rai are a mix of adventure sports and some laid-back vibes amidst scenic beauty. Chiang Rai comes with an ideal terrain and atmosphere to spend active holidays and make plenty of unforgettable memories. So, explore the wilderness of Chiang Rai and spend some time in the lap of nature with these exciting outdoor activities Chiang Rai has to offer. From the most adventurous experiences to the most popular ones, the following list combines it all to make sure you do not miss these unique experiences while planning a trip to Chiang Rai.

From sunrise to sunset, let's discover the best spots for outdoor activities in Chiang Rai:

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. Wat Phra That Doi Tong

    Religious Site, Temple, View Point

    Wat Phrathat Doi is located on the mountain top of Doi Tung (the highest in Chiang Rai) at Km. 17.5. This temple is considered to be the most important place of worship for Buddhists in the North. The temple contains the left collar bone of the Buddha. There, on a clear day, one can have a breathtaking panorama of the forested border areas. The chief objects of interest at the temple are a pair...Read more
  9. Wat Jed Yod

    Religious Site, Temple, Outdoors

    Although Wat Jed Yod is the least visited of the temples in Chiang Rai yet it is a significant one in unfolding the religious faith of Thailand. Translated as the “seven peaks”, this temple has seven chedis which top its structure in the temple complex. This temple is considered to be the copy of Mahabodhi Temple at Bodhgaya in India. Inside the temple there is a cave-like hall in t...Read more
  10. Sop Ruak

    Outdoors, River, Scenic Drive, Nature

    The Sop Ruak scenic spot is a part of a Golden Triangle. The landscape here is divided by the Ruak River that flows into Mekong River. They give rise to a triangular delta formation between the three countries of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand. Sop ruak is at the centre of this Golden triangle as it is called and was also the centre of the Opium trade that happened decades ago. The two Opium museum...Read more
  11. Doi Mae Salong

    4.4 (248 Votes)
    Doi Mae Salong

    Outdoors, Nature, Farm

    Located in the northwest region of Chiang Rai, Doi Mae Salong is a mountain top town that calls for a day tour from the city. This beautiful landscape is home to cherry orchards, oranges and above all tea plantations that have replaced the earlier poppy fields. A tea-tasting session in one of the high street's tea shops is now an essential part of any visit to this place. From the top of the mo...Read more
  12. The Naval City Pillar

    Landmark

    This pillar exhibits the confluence of ancient Khmer and Lanna concepts of the universe and man’s position in relation to them. It is a series of carved stone pillars – about 1m high – set atop Jom Thong Hill. The main pillar – set on a marble pedestal and slightly bigger than the rest – is surrounded by 108 satellite pillars which occupy the six-tiered concentric ...Read more
  13. Huai Mak Liam Hot Spring Image
    ©

    Outdoors, Water Body, Leisure

    Situated just 20 kms far from the city of Chiangrai, this hot spring originates from the natural heat beneath the surface of the earth. The hotspring is a part of Huay Mae Sak Forest Park. Ideal for mineral water bath, camping and sightseeing, this place attracts a lot of visitors who visit Chiang Rai. Sometimes at the height of the rainy season the area gets flooded, but it’s usually qui...Read more
  14. Clock Tower

    4.3 (159 Votes)
    Clock Tower

    Outdoors, Landmark, Tower

    True to Thailand’s tradition of golden architecture, the clock tower looks beautiful with its golden twisting and swirling spires. You might find this structure quite similar to the White Temple in Chiang Rai. Built in 2008 to honor His Majesty King Bhumibhol Adulyadej, the clock tower bears the signature style of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the artist who conceived and built the White Temple...Read more
  15. Tad Kwan Village Park And Waterfall

    Forest, Nature

    Located about 70kms away from Chiang Rai is another waterfall paradise. The Tad Kwan village and the adjacent waterfalls have a beauty of their own. The Mien families settled in the village about 200 years ago and have made it self-reliant with their main source of income being farming and tourism. The village has a very bucolic imagery to it and even has its own micro climate. The waterfall he...Read more