Chiang Rai’s activities differ from the rest of the country. This mountainous destination in Northern Thailand is lush, affordable, and historic. Plus, while it definitely has its fair share of visitors, it doesn’t feel completely overrun by tourism.

I LOVED my time in Chiang Rai. I’d go so far as to say it’s a top-tier destination for me. I spent my time exploring temples, going on road trips, shopping at markets, taking long walks through the city, and meeting new friends to explore it all with.

In this article, I’ll share the very best things to do in Chiang Rai (some famous, some not so much) so you have an awesome time. I also made some mistakes when I was there (lol) so I’ll share my top tips for visiting!

👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do | Best Restaurants | Chiang Rai Travel Tips

Best Things to Do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Chiang Rai Night Bazaar

This nightly market is a bustling hub of vendors selling jewelry, trinkets, clothing, and food.

📍 Map | Hours: 6pm – 11 pm daily

I went to the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar…. every night I was in Chiang Rai. So obviously, I have to put it at the top of my list of things to do in Chiang Rai.

This night market takes over two streets in downtown Chiang Rai and sells jewelry, gifts, and clothes. And while that’s all well and good, it’s the food that you’re really going to want to come here for.

The market is known for its hot pots, but honestly, the food here is so good it doesn’t really matter what you’re after. Try it all. But definitely go home with a box of mango sticky rice.

Oh, and plan to stay a while. There’s usually live music and dancing performances on offer as well.

Baan Dam Museum

An art museum & studio in Chiang Rai also known as the “Black Temple”.

📍 Map | Hours: 9am – 5pm daily | Website

Chiang Rai’s Baan Dam Museum is sometimes referred to as the “Black Temple” or the “Black House Museum”, but it’s not really a temple at all. The Baan Dam is 160,000 square meters of dark art – think “Thai Viking Gothic” – and acts as a studio and conservatory for budding artists.

The museum consists of over 40 buildings covered head to toe in art, taxidermied animals, and interactive installations. Artist and architect Thawan Duchanee created it and is largely inspired by his darker take on Buddhism and human nature.

I’ll be honest, I’m not usually into fine art museums (I tend to avoid them on trips), but this isn’t your standard fine art museum. It’s cool. And vibey. Spend an hour or two walking the grounds and see what you find.

👉 Tour alert! This is the exact day tour I took in Chiang Rai. It took me to the Ban Daam Museum and many more spots around Chiang Rai. I also met a new solo traveler friend!

The White Temple / Wat Rong Khun

A strikingly-white temple in Chiang Rai with images of pop culture characters plastered on the inside walls.

📍 Map | Hours: 8am – 5pm daily

The White Temple, or Wat Rong Khun, is located just outside of Chiang Rai’s city center. The temple is strikingly white, an effect achieved through whitewash and about a billion mirrored chips (not actually a billion, just a billion to my eyes).

To get to the main temple building, you cross a bridge over a small lake called the “Bridge of the Cycle of Rebirth”. As you cross, you’ll see endless hands reaching up from the depths below that symbolize “unrestrained desire.”

And while the outside is definitely gorgeous, there’s more to this temple than meets the eye.

First of all, its designer and architect, Charlermchai Kositpipat, loves to hang out at the temple and take photos with his many adoring fans. He was there when I was, though I declined to get a photo for no other reason than there was a huge line and it felt weird to wait.

Secondly, the interior of the temple probably isn’t what you expect. Far from traditional, the walls are plastered with images of pop culture icons. If you want to see what Spiderman and Michael Jackson are like in a Buddhist temple, this place is for you.

The Blue Temple / Wat Rong Suea Ten

A brilliantly-blue and serene, yet completely psychedelic, temple in Chiang Rai.

📍 Map | Hours: 7am – 8pm daily

The Blue Temple, or Wat Rong Suea Ten, is probably the second-most-famous temple in Chiang Rai. The temple was constructed from 2005 – 2016 and was designed by a local artist named Phuttha Kabkaew.

The temple is just as otherworldly and striking as its white counterpart, although I’d say this one is a bit more traditional. Meaning, there aren’t any pop culture images inside.

The blue color symbolizes the teachings of Buddha, also known as Dharma.

Clock Tower Light Show

A dazzling clock tower at the intersection of Suk Sathit Road, Jetyod Road, and Thanon Baanpa Pragarn Road.

📍 Map

A magnificent gold clock tower right in the middle of the city, the Clock Tower was built in 2005. Just like the White Temple, it was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat.

The clock tower has a ten-minute sound and light spectacle three times a day. Come here around dusk and early night to see it in full form.

👉 Need a hotel? I personally stayed at Le Terrarium Chiang Rai. Walkable from downtown, it was perfect for me, a solo traveler, but it would also be awesome for a couple.

Choui Fong Tea Plantation

A gorgeous countryside tea plantation offering high-quality teas in a tranquil setting.

📍 Map | Hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm daily

I loved visiting the Choui Fong Tea Plantation. The rural location is incredibly peaceful, and the teas are truly top-notch. Even if you’re not a big tea fan, the views, luxurious ambiance, and aesthetically pleasing rows of crops are worth the visit.

Besides serving tea, the onsite restaurants serve cake, smoothies, and more.

The Golden Triangle

Visit the historic intersection of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos.

📍 Map

The Golden Triangle is the historic intersection of The Mekong River and the Ruak River, where Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet. This region is famous for being one of the most notorious heroin trafficking locations in the world. The “gold” moniker refers to the payment of gold in exchange for drugs.

To experience The Golden Triangle as I did, this is the exact Chiang Rai tour that I took. In addition to the triangle, it took me to the temples, the Long Neck Karen tribe, and the northernmost point in Thailand.

212 House of Opium Museum

Learn more about the history of Opium and The Golden Triangle at this informative museum.

📍 Map | Hours: 7am – 7pm daily

Traveling the world, I’ve seen my fair share of straight-shooter museums, but I can honestly say that the 212 House of Opium is one of the most intriguing.

This isn’t a huge museum, but it displays many exhibits about opium culture and the trade. You’ll learn all about how opium is harvested, how it’s sold, how it’s consumed, and the cultural ramifications of its consumption.

You’ll also learn the best position to consume opium in (I’m not kidding, they have a diorama and a mannequin in the position).

Hill Tribe Villages

Learn more about local tribes living in rural northern Thailand.

📍 Map | Hours: 7am – 7pm daily

When researching the best things to do in Chiang Rai, I of course came across the hill tribes; particularly the Longneck Karen Tribe. I had seen them before on TV, and of course, their unique culture sparked my interest.

However, I wasn’t sure I was going to visit until the day of. If I was to visit the Longneck Karen tribe, I wanted my visit to be ethical. I wavered on whether there was truly a way to do that.

The Longneck Karens are a tribe that were driven out of Myanmar in the 80s and 90s, yet aren’t citizens of Thailand. They’re distinct in that the women begin wearing rings around their necks around age 5 and continue to stack them as they get older. I recommend researching their culture and their persecution more if you’re thinking of visiting.

Here’s why I almost didn’t visit: The Longneck Karens are a group of people who have almost zero rights and can’t freely leave their tribe grounds. Before I visited, I was very wary of any situation that had humans on display and didn’t want to support a system of oppression.

Here’s why I visited: I wanted to purchase goods from the tribe themselves to make sure my money went into their pockets. From what I gathered, they retain 100% of the money they get from their sales. I didn’t have much power, but I did have money.

Of course, the Longneck Karens aren’t the only hill tribe in Chiang Rai. There’s also the Lisu, Palong, Akha, Hmong, and more.

Northernmost Point of Thailand

Visit the northernmost part of Thailand, where the country links with Myanmar (Burma).

📍 Map

It’s not flashy, but I honestly really liked my visit to Mae Sai – the northernmost district in Thailand.

Here, you’ll find the Mae Sai Market (the only public place I have ever been that had a rack of Opium pipes for sale), the bridge to Myanmar, and Wat Thampla (Money Temple).

Being a major border crossing, Mae Sai is very busy with people walking and driving across the border. But that doesn’t mean anyone can just take a day trip. Visas to Myanmar aren’t a cakewalk and as a (presumed) westerner or European, you’ll likely have to secure this much in advance.

Wat Huay Pla Kang

Visit Chiang Rai’s 9-stories-tall temple and Guan Yin statue.

📍 Map | Hours: 7am – 8pm daily

Wat Huay Pla Kang is hard to miss. The site consists of three buildings, but the temple itself is 9 stories tall and is a brilliant mix of green, gold, and red. Next to this temple is a white temple (not that white temple) and then, of course, the giant white Guan Yin statue.

The site is surrounded by rolling green hills and you’ll almost certainly see it when you fly into the city.

Doi Tung Mae Fah Luang Garden & Tree Top Walk

Walk on top of the trees in this picturesque garden.

📍 Map | Hours: 7am – 6pm daily

The Doi Tung Mae Fah Luang Garden is an immaculately manicured garden managed by the local community as part of a sustainability initiative. The gardens change with the seasons so, like with anything in nature, you’ll never have the exact same experience twice.

However, to experience these gardens in a truly unique way, head up to the Tree Top Walk. You’ll find the sign for this in the gardens themselves. Here, you’ll traverse rope bridges while taking in the gardens and surrounding mountains.

Hot Springs

Soak in hot water while surrounded by Chiang Rai’s lush greenery.

📍 Map

Chiang Rai’s hot springs are highly rated and abundant. In particular, the most popular spots are Pong Phrabat Hot Springs, Huai Mak Liam Hot Springs, and Pa Tueng Hot Springs.

Admittedly, I didn’t actually visit Chiang Rai’s hot springs so I don’t have photos. It was upwards of 30C the whole time I was there and it didn’t really sound appealing. However, if you visit Chiang Rai and it’s slightly cooler, they look worth it. I’ll totally go next time I’m there!

Thamluang Khunnam Nangnon National Park

An internationally-known National Park cave system in Chiang Rai.

📍 Map

You’ve probably heard of Thamluang Khunna Nangnon – even if the name doesn’t ring a bell. In 2018, this was the cave that made international headlines when 12 junior soccer players and their coach got trapped inside the cave due to monsoon floods. They were rescued a little over a week later, but not before two rescue divers died trying to reach them.

The caves lie beneath the Doi Nang Non mountain range, and yes, you can visit them (just not when it rains). You can’t see exactly where they were stuck, but there are displays to learn more about the rescue mission.

Doi Mae Salong

Hike up the mountain for incredible views of the landscape below.

📍 Map

Doi Mae Salong is a mountain on the border of Myanmar and sits 1200 meters above sea level. Climbing this mountain will leave you with breathtaking views of the landscape below, including Oolong tea rows.

One of the best hikes here is the Ban Mai Santi Trail. It’s a 3.1km out-and-back trail that is considered moderately challenging. Plan for a little over an hour to enjoy this hike.

Khun Korn Waterfall

Hike to one of Chiang Rai’s best waterfalls.

📍 Map

Chiang Rai waterfall? Yes, please! The Khun Korn Waterfall is about a 40-minute drive from the city and is free to enter. From the parking area, this hike is 3km round trip and will take you to a 70-meter-tall plunging waterfall.

There is a bit of a swimmable area here, but it’s pretty shallow.

Best Restaurants in Chiang Rai

Dear Friends, Bistro

A western-style bistro serving salads, brunch, drinks, and all the accouterments.

📍 Map

This place is about the farthest thing from traditional Thai food, but if you’re craving a French-style meal in a gorgeous dining room, then I recommend Dear Friends.

I went here twice while I was in Chiang Rai. While it’s not super cheap, it also won’t break the bank and you’ll definitely get what you pay for (in a good way).

Siam Corner Restaurant

A nondescript restaurant on Jetyod Road serving Thai favorites.

📍 Map

To be honest, this place is pretty average as far as Thai restaurants go. However, as someone who traveled to Chiang Rai solo, I found it very welcoming and cheap for solo travelers. Finding good restaurants to eat at alone can always be a little nerve-racking.

Still, I had the Thai Green Curry here and it was pretty good. Not the best I’ve ever had, but pretty good.

Kalae Cafe Nangnon Coffee

Have brunch & sip on exquisite coffee with a people-watching street view.

📍 Map

Kalae Cafe Nangon is another great breakfast place in Chiang Rai. I had a whole meal here, but when I tell you that the mint coffee was one of the most memorable things I had in Thailand as a whole, I mean it.

Of course, they serve more than just mint coffee. You can get pancakes, eggs, fruit bowls, and more. Plus, its location just 5 minutes from the Clocktower makes for excellent people-watching.

Accha

A fabulous Indian restaurant on Phaholyothin Rd.

📍 Map

As a solo traveler, I often worry about ordering Indian food abroad. Is it going to be heaps of food that I have no chance of finishing? Or a small dish that’s going to leave me wanting more?

Well, I shouldn’t have worried at Accha, as this is perhaps some of the best Indian food I’ve ever had.

When finding the place, you can’t miss the gorgeous heavy ornate doors. Then, when inside, the staff is welcoming and will help you out with your order. Just note that there aren’t too many tables here, so keep that in mind if you visit during peak hours.

Also, I suck at taking restaurant photos, in that I barely have any. I know.

Barrab

Some of the best authentic Thai cuisine in Chiang Rai.

📍 Map

Barrab is one of the most highly-rated restaurants in Chiang Rai. The prices are fair, the food is delicious, and the ambiance is top notch. Come here for Thai favorites in a warm setting!

Lalitta Café

A place that looks like you’ve stepped into Narnia, Lalitta is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Chiang Rai.

📍 Map

Lalitta Cafe is perhaps the most famous restaurant in Chiang Rai. This epic garden is akin to a fairy wonderland, with lush gardens, boardwalks, lilypads, and fog. There is a small fee to enter, but it’s worth it for the unique experience.

Travel Tips for Chiang Rai

Take a Guided Tour

If you’re new to Chiang Rai, I definitely recommend taking a guided tour. I personally took this Chiang Rai day tour and it covered a lot of the top spots. My guide was super knowledgeable about the area and I learned so much more than had I tackled the area solo.

Beware of Motorcycles

A lot of tourists like to rent a motorbike when they visit Thailand, but this is probably the number one reason why travelers visit the hospital here. Instead, I recommend using Grab to get around (it’s like Uber or Lyft). Alternatively, Chiang Rai has Tuk Tuks.

Or, if you still want to be adventurous and do it your way, you can rent a car. I recommend using Discover Cars to find the best rental for you in Chiang Rai.

Stay Central

In my opinion, staying in Central Chiang Rai will make your trip easier than if you stay out of the city. Of course, there are a lot of gorgeous hotels outside of the city center, but they offer a very different experience and will be inconvenient to see the big sites.

If you want to see all the sites, stay in Central Chiang Rai. If you want to kick back and relax, find a place outside of the city.

Of course, if you rent a car, then disregard this tip. You have wiggle room.

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Thanks for reading my list of things to do in Chiang Rai! Up next, check out my list of top budget travel tips.

Enjoy Thailand!