Best Places to Visit in Chiang Rai

When most people think of cities in northern Thailand, they will think of Chiang Mai. But in fact, just over 100 kilometers away from Chiang Mai, there is another quiet and pure town - Chiang Rai. Chiang Rai, as a sleepy town, is not well known to most people, but it actually has a large number of historical sites, scenic spots and folk customs waiting for you to slowly discover. Here are some of the best places to visit in Chiang Rai that you should not miss and we also highlight some useful information for each attraction such as entrance fee, opening hours and transportation.

Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)

Wat Rong Khun, also known as the White Temple, is one of the most famous and distinctive temples in Thailand. It was designed by a local artist named Chalermchai Kositpipat, who wanted to create a modern and unconventional representation of Buddhist teachings. The temple is entirely white, symbolizing purity and wisdom, and decorated with intricate sculptures and murals that depict scenes from Buddhism, Thai culture, and global issues. The temple is also full of surprises, such as a bridge over a pit of hands, a golden toilet building, and images of pop culture icons like Harry Potter and Spider-Man. Wat Rong Khun is a must-see attraction for anyone who appreciates art and spirituality. 

• Admission: 100 baht for foreigners, free for Thais
• Opening Hours: 06:30-18:00 (open daily)
• How to get there: Taxi: The ride from the city takes about 20 minutes and costs between 250 and 300 baht. Alternatively, you can rent a blue songthaew at the old bus station for about 300 baht. Public transport: Buses depart from the old bus stop near the night bazaar in Chiang Rai town. The trip takes about 30 minutes and costs 20-baht one way.

Bandaam Museum (Black House Museum)

Bandaam Museum, also known as the Black House Museum, is another artistic creation by a Thai national artist named Thawan Duchanee. Unlike the White Temple, the Black House Museum is a complex of dark and mysterious buildings that showcase the artist's collection of paintings, sculptures, animal bones, skins, horns, and other objects from around the world. The museum reflects the artist's fascination with death, nature, and spirituality, and challenges the conventional notions of beauty and morality. The museum is not for the faint-hearted, but it is a unique and intriguing experience for those who dare to enter.  

• Admission: 80 baht
• Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (open daily)
• How to get there: Take a bus from Chiang Rai Central Bus Station and it costs about 20-40 baht per person.

Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple)

Wat Rong Suea Ten, or the Blue Temple, is another colorful and contemporary temple in Chiang Rai that was built by a student of Chalermchai Kositpipat. The temple is named after the village where it is located, which means "the village of dancing tigers". The temple is painted in a vivid blue color that represents the sky and the Dharma, or the Buddhist teachings. The temple features a striking Buddha statue made of white porcelain that contrasts with the blue walls. The temple also has elaborate paintings and sculptures that depict Buddhist stories and symbols in a modern style. The Blue Temple is a beautiful and serene place to visit and admire.  

• Admission: Free
• Opening hours: 07:00-20:00 (open daily)
• How to get there: You can get there by taxi, Songthaew or tuk tuk. If you plan to combine other attractions around there, such as White Temple and Bandaam Museum, renting a car with driver for the day or book a tour is the easiest way to get around.

Longneck Karen Village

Longneck Karen Village is a cultural attraction that allows visitors to learn about the lifestyle and traditions of the Karen people, an ethnic minority group that lives in the hills near the border with Myanmar. The Karen people are known for their distinctive practice of wearing brass rings around their necks, arms, and legs, which gives them the appearance of having long necks. The rings are a sign of beauty and status for the Karen women, who start wearing them from a young age. The village offers visitors a chance to interact with the Karen people, see their handicrafts and costumes, and witness their daily activities. The village also raises ethical questions about the exploitation and preservation of indigenous cultures in Thailand.  

• Admission: 300 baht per person
• Opening hours: 08:00-17:00 (open daily)
• How to get there: You can take tuk-tuk/songthaew, taxi, or rent a car to get the Karen village from Chiang Mai.

Golden Triangle

The Golden Triangle is the name given to the area where the borders of Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos meet at the confluence of the Mekong and Ruak rivers. The area was once notorious for being a major opium-producing region, but now it is a popular tourist destination that offers scenic views, historical sites, and cultural diversity. Visitors can take a boat ride along the rivers, visit the Hall of Opium museum that tells the history of opium trade and its effects on society, see the giant golden Buddha statue that overlooks the river junction, or cross over to Laos or Myanmar for a day trip. The Golden Triangle is an ideal place to experience the richness and variety of Southeast Asia.  

• Admission: Free for the viewpoint, but there are fees for boat rides, museums, and other attractions in the area.
• Opening hours: Various depending on the attraction, but most are open from 8 am to 5 pm daily
• How to get there: Chiang Rai Bus Station leaves every 15 minutes to Chiang Saen, which takes about 2 hours. The bus stops in the middle of Pahonyutin Street, where there is a minibus heading for the Golden Triangle, which takes about 15 minutes.

Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is a landmark in the center of Chiang Rai city that was built in 2008 to honor King Bhumibol Adulyadej on his 80th birthday. The tower was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who also designed the White Temple. The tower is made of golden metal and features elaborate carvings and decorations that reflect Lanna architecture and culture. The tower also has a light and sound show every night at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm, when it changes colors and plays music to entertain the spectators. The Clock Tower is a symbol of Chiang Rai's identity and pride as well as a tribute to the beloved king.

• Admission: Free
• Opening hours: 24 hours, but the light and sound show is at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm daily.
• How to get there: If you are in Chiang Rai city center, you can easily walk to the Clock Tower, which is located at the intersection of Phaholyothin Road and Banpaprakan Road. It is about a 10-minute walk from the Night Bazaar.

Singha Park

Singha Park is a large recreational park that was once a farm owned by Boon Rawd Brewery, the producer of Singha Beer. The park covers more than 3000 acres of land and features various attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. The park has tea plantations, orchards, trails, a tram, a petting zoo, a zipline, a golf course, a restaurant, and a cafe. The park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, such as the International Balloon Fiesta, the Singha Run, and the Singha Music Festival. Singha Park is a great place to enjoy nature, adventure, and entertainment in Chiang Rai.

• Admission: Free.
• Opening hours: 09:00-18:00 (open daily)
• How to get there: Singha Park is located in the outskirts of Chiang Rai Province, it is recommended to drive, or take a songthaew or taxi from Chiang Rai Bus station