In the northernmost province of Thailand, Chiang Rai exudes a charm like no other city in the country. The area is brimming with old world – or Lanna – culture that can only be experienced in the many places to visit in Chiang Rai. Nestled in the mountains and jungles on the border with Myanmar and Laos, the area offers rich natural surroundings, ornate landmarks and one-of-a-kind tourist attractions.
Chiang Rai Temples
Chiang Rai is a hotspot for unique temples and historical landmarks. Some of the country’s most ornate (and bizarre) temples reside in and around Chiang Rai, and visitors should include the most famous ones on a Chiang Rai itinerary. The most popular temples are well known by drivers, so getting to them all in one day should be no problem. Tourists should allow at least one hour for each temple tour.
- Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) – known amongst foreigners as the “White Temple,” Wat Rong Khun can seem to many visitors like an art project gone wild. In a sense, that’s what it is! The temple, or wat, was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat and is filled with Buddhist symbolism, much of which is portrayed through modern culture. Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission for foreigners is 100 THB (2.92 USD).
- Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) – a magnificent example of Thai architecture and creativity, Wat Rong Suea Ten was designed to emphasize the Buddhist qualities of purity, wisdom and the lack of material possessions. The Blue Temple was designed by Putha Kabkaew, a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat, who constructed the famous White Temple of Chiang Rai. Wat Rong Suea Ten stands for “Temple of the Dancing Tiger,” which depicts a legendary temple that once stood on the same grounds and was said to be brimming with free-roaming tigers. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Entry is free.
- Wat Huai Pla Kung – for breathtaking views and a gander at some of the most magnificent Buddhist structures in Thailand, tourists won’t want to miss a tour of Wat Huai Pla Kung. The seven-tiered temple is a popular place for spiritual retreats, as the serenity of the grounds just can’t be matched. Hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Entry is free.
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Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
Some call it morbid. Some consider it poetic. Regardless of first impressions and public opinions, Baan Dam Museum, or “Black House” Museum, remains one of Thailand’s most noted and thought-provoking landmarks. The house was designed by Thai artist Thawan Duchanee, who incorporated animal skins and bones into his masterpiece. The eerie touches are not meant to provoke disdain, however. The house was designed to symbolize the cycle of life, death and rebirth and to demonstrate undesirable traits, like lust and greed.
Hours: 9 a.m. too 5 p.m.
Admission fee: 80 THB (2.40 USD)
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Doi Mae Salong
A stunning mountain on the northernmost border of Thailand, Doi Mae Salong stands nearly 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level and offers views of outlying jungles, area tea plantations and lush valleys. The mountain has a unique history in that it is home to local hill tribes and a large Chinese community that was founded by a group of rebel soldiers at the end of World War II. The mountain is a treasured farming area, once famous for growing opium but now supporting oolong tea fields. Visitors will not only find a diverse community but also regional cuisines that differ from traditional Northern Thai foods. Some must-try dishes that are easy to find in Doi Mae Salong are Yunnan noodles, Chinese steam buns and stewed pork leg.
Things to see in Doi Mae Salong
- The Martyr’s Memorial Hall (Chinese Division 93 Memorial)
- Phra Borommathat Chedi Sinagarindra Mahasanti Khiri
- General Cemetery Tuan -The Tomb Of Gen Duan
- Wat Santikhiri
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Golden Triangle Park
By far one of Thailand’s richest cultural hotspots, Golden Triangle Park gives visitors a three-in-one experience while offering a history lesson as well. The area known as the Golden Triangle is nestled in the northern crook of Chiang Rai Province on the borders of Laos and Myanmar and is known best for its once-vibrant opium industry. From the most stunning viewpoint in Golden Triangle Park, visitors can admire points in Laos and Myanmar while gazing over the region where the Ruak River joins with the mighty Mekong. The park itself is lined with walking trails, ornate Buddhist sculptures, local restaurants and souvenir shops. Visitors also can book boat tours and tour local museums to learn more about the history of this wondrous region.
Can’t-miss attractions in Golden Triangle Park
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Phu Chi Fah
The Phu Chi Fah View point is part of the Phu Chi Dao mountain range of Phu Chi Fa Forest Park in eastern Chiang Rai Province, and the area is one of Thailand’s best-kept secret getaway destinations. Travelers looking for tranquil surroundings in a mesmerizingly beautiful atmosphere will find few places that can compete with Phu Chi Fah. The famous viewpoint is best admired during sunrise when seas of clouds roll through the mountainsides. Visitors will be at eye level with the natural phenomenon during daylight hours, and the stars feel like they are just overhead during the night. Hiking trails, mountain resorts and welcoming hosts put this Chiang Rai attraction at the top of the list for folks seeking privacy and dreamy landscapes.
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Chiang Rai Shopping
Taking home some souvenirs from Lanna Kingdom is a must when visiting Chiang Rai, and there’s no better place to pick up knick-knacks and handmade goods than at a local Thai market. While Chiang Rai has a host of smaller market places and plenty of local boutiques, guests won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to mingle with locals, learn how to bargain and experience the hustle-and-bustle world of Thai street vendors.
- Walking Street Chiang Rai – from 4 p.m. to midnight every Saturday, this mile-long section of downtown Chiang Rai is transformed into a local market area, lined with booths filled with souvenirs, street food, hill tribe handicrafts, handmade soaps and all sorts of unique products. Guests also can enjoy live cultural performances and foot rubs on the side of the road!
- Chiang Rai Night Bazaar – a nightly event from 6 to 11 p.m., Chiang Rai Night Bazaar is a hodgepodge of activity that includes merchant booths filled with souvenirs and local products, live street performances, local restaurants and several bars. Visitors can walk the area in 30 minutes to an hour or chill out until closing time.
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Discover more hotels & places to stay in Chiang Rai
Katiliya Mountain Resort & Spa
Mag & Ken Hostel
Golden Triangle Palace
