The Top 10 Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

With its relaxed pace, array of beautiful temples, close proximity to many natural attractions, fabulous food and affordable accommodations, Chiang Rai is an ideal place to base yourself for a few days (or longer) if you have time to add the peaceful northern Thai city to your itinerary. If and when you go, here are ten things not to miss in and around Chiang Rai to make the most of the destination.

01

of 10

Visit Wat Phra Kaew

Getty Images/Andrea Pistolesi

Address

19 หมู่ที่ 1 Trairat Rd

,

Tambon Wiang

,

Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai

,

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

Web

Visit website

Originally called Wat Pa Yia (Bamboo Forest Monastery), Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) is one of Chiang Rai’s oldest and most renowned Buddhist temples, and makes a worthwhile addition to your itinerary when you’re visiting the northern Thai city. Wat Phra Kaew is aptly named since it’s known as the original home of the emerald Buddha, discovered around 1434 after lightening struck the temple’s chedi (shrine) to reveal the Buddha within. The original emerald Buddha resides in the temple of the same name on the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew now houses an official replica of the Emerald Buddha made of green jade. 

02

of 10

See the White Temple (Wat Rong Khun)

Getty Images/Stuart Black/robertharding

Address

60 หมู่ที่ 1 Phahonyothin Rd

,

Tambon Pa O Don Chai

,

Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai

,

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

Phone

+66 53 673 967

Web

Visit website

You can’t visit Chiang Rai without seeing the famous White Temple, located just outside the city. Designed by Thai visual artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, the massive all-white complex, covered in glass tiles, is one of the most unique temples in Northern Thailand and definitely the most surreal. The gleaming, 6.4-acre complex features an interior painted with murals filled with pop culture references, including Superman and Harry Potter. Construction began in 1997 and is still a work in progress. Get out your camera because there’s something eye-catching at every turn – so get ready to fill up your Instagram feed.

03

of 10

Explore the Black House (Baan Dam)

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Address

333​ หมู่ 13 พิพิธภัณฑ์บ้านดำ

Tambon Nang Lae

,

อำเภอเมือง

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57100

,

Thailand

Get directions

Phone

+66 53 776 333

Another unique complex in Chiang Rai is Baan Dam (or Black House), created by Chiang Rai-born artist Thawan Duchanee, who also resided on the complex until his death in 2014. Here you’ll find close to 40 buildings of various architectural styles housing many of Duchanee’s works of art, as well as found objects including animal bones, skins and skulls. Many (but not all) of the buildings are open to the public and spread out on well-manicured, peaceful grounds. 

04

of 10

Hang out at Chiang Rai Beach

Address

WQ9V+3FW,

Rop Wiang Sub-district

,

Mueang Chiang Rai District

,

Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

Phone

+66 62 997 8750

Web

Visit website

Northern Thailand might not be the first place that comes to mind when you’re thinking about hitting the beach, but there is a relaxing stretch of sand you can visit in Chiang Rai. Located about two and a half miles outside of town along the banks of the Kok River, the beach is frequented by locals and makes for a refreshing place to cool off with a dip in the river. Before or after a swim, enjoy a traditional Thai meal and cold beer in one of the bamboo huts you’ll find around the beach.

Continue to 5 of 10 below.

05

of 10

Eat Some Khao Soi

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If you’re going to be spending any time in Northern Thailand, you’ll want to try a steaming bowl of khao soi, probably the most popular dish and the one most associated with the region. A creamy, rich and comforting coconut-based curry is served over soft egg noodles and topped with crisp egg noodles, which you can dress with the accompanying pickled greens, limes and chopped shallots. The dish might be a little different wherever you find it, but it’s always worth a try, especially if you’re in the area known for the dish.

06

of 10

See the Clock Tower

Getty Images/Peerayut Aoudsuk / EyeEm

Address

WR4J+V94 สุขสถิต

Tambon Wiang

,

Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai

,

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

Web

Visit website

Designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat (the same artist responsible for the White Temple), Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower is an ornate and unique work of art in the centre of town that also serves as a traffic roundabout. While it’s well worth a look during the day, try and time your visit for 7, 8 or 9 p.m. when the elaborate tower gets lit up in a vibrant light show. The clock tower also makes for a good landmark for navigating the city due to its central location. 

07

of 10

Shop a Weekend Walking Street

flickr.com/photos/maxim303

Address

Thanalai

,

Tambon Wiang

,

Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai

,

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

On both Saturday and Sunday nights in Chiang Rai you have the chance to check out a Weekend Walking Street market. While both feature similar vendors, you’ll find that the Saturday market is slightly larger and the two set up in different areas of the city. Both start rolling around 5 p.m. and run until around 11 p.m. Sunday’s market is a little bit quieter, but at both you’ll find local Thai snacks, fresh juices and smoothies, handicrafts and souvenirs. Saturday walking street is found along Thanalai Road, about one block south of the clock tower and Sunday walking street sets up along Sang Khon Noi (also known as Happy Street). These markets are a great place to snack on wallet-friendly street food and stock up on souvenirs to take home.

 

08

of 10

Browse the Night Bazaar

David Hannah/Getty Images

Address

WR4M+5VR,

Wiang

,

Mueang Chiang Rai District

,

Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

If you don’t get a chance to visit either Weekend Walking Street, or you want to browse another market, you can head to the Night Bazaar. The bustling stretch of stalls is similar to Chiang Mai’s Night Market but on a much smaller scale. You’ll find the usual array of souvenirs, Thai handicrafts, T-shirts and accessories. If you aren’t in the mood to buy, the Night Bazaar is a great place to fill up on cheap eats at the food court, in the form of fried snacks, pad Thai, hot pots, seafood and (if you’re feeling daring) an array of fried bugs. The Night Bazaar is also a good place to catch live music or a traditional Thai dance performance. 

Continue to 9 of 10 below.

09

of 10

Take a Cooking Class

Getty Images/Kidsada Manchinda

Address

654 หมู่ที่ 1 Den Ha – Dong Mada Rd

,

Tambon Rop Wiang

,

Amphoe Mueang Chiang Rai

,

Chang Wat Chiang Rai

57000

,

Thailand

Get directions

Phone

+66 84 740 7119

Web

Visit website

Learn to make some of your favorite Thai dishes for yourself (and skip takeout) with a cooking class, of which there are a few to choose from in Chiang Rai. One good option is Suwannee Thai Cooking Class, with classes capped at eight students. Courses include a market tour, snacks, individual cooking stations and the chance to build your Thai cooking skills (and then enjoy what you make). The small group size ensures everyone gets personal attention for the hands-on class.

10

of 10

Visit an Elephant Sancturay

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre 

See rescued elephants enjoying their natural habitat with a visit to Elephant Valley, an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Rai. Here there are no tricks and no riding—just an incredible chance to hang out with elephants who were formerly used for logging and riding. Choose from half and full day experiences to tour the sanctuary, feed the elephants, learn more about the work the sanctuary is doing and enjoy a Northern Thai lunch on the peaceful grounds. And if you have extra time on your hands, there is also the option of staying overnight (or longer) in the sanctuary’s cozy homestay.