Things to do in Chiang Rai
Discover the best attractions and experiences Chiang Rai has to offer
Historic Monuments
Chiang Rai blends sacred temples with striking modern monuments.
Wat Rong Khun (White Temple)
A surreal and contemporary Buddhist temple known for its white facade and mirror-like details.
Baan Dam Museum (Black House)
An eccentric collection of dark, dreamlike buildings by artist Thawan Duchanee, set within a wooded landscape.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Iconic metal tower in the city center, famous for its glowing nightly lights.
Museums
Explore Chiang Rai's cultural heritage through its museums and exhibitions.
Oub Kham Museum
A refined collection of Lanna artifacts and regional art by the river.
Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Centre
A cultural hub displaying Northern Thai art and crafts with scenic surroundings.
Hill Tribe Museum
Exhibits and insights into the diverse hill tribes of northern Thailand.
Religious Monuments
Religious sites across Chiang Rai showcase modern and traditional Buddhist architecture.
Blue Temple (Wat Rong Seur Tean)
A striking blue-hued temple famed for its shimmering murals and modern design.
Wat Huay Pla Kang
A grand temple complex with a towering Guan Yin statue and tranquil grounds.
National & Theme Parks
From lush parks to picturesque mountain viewpoints, Chiang Rai offers nature-inspired escapes.
Singha Park Chiang Rai
A large, family-friendly theme park with gardens, animal displays and scenic walks.
Phu Chi Fa Forest Park
A northern forest park known for dramatic misty viewpoints at sunrise.
Doi Tung Royal Villa & Mae Fah Luang Garden
Royal villa complex with manicured gardens and cultural exhibitions.
Neighborhoods
Explore distinct areas that define Chiang Rai’s urban and borderland vibes.
Chiang Rai City Center (Muang)
Vibrant core area with markets, temples and riverside strolls.
Mae Sai Border Town
A cross-border town offering market scenes and a peek into border life.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy Chiang Rai without spending a baht—or almost none at all.
Kok River Riverside Walk
Stroll along the riverbanks and observe local life while watching the sunset.
Exterior Temples Tour
Admire the exteriors of White Temple and Blue Temple from outside for free.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar Walk
Wander the lit stalls and soak in the market atmosphere after dark.
Gastronomy
Savor Northern Thai flavors and street-food favorites.
Night Market Street Food Crawl
Sample Northern Thai bites from a variety of stalls as evening settles in.
Khao Soi Chiang Rai
Delicious bowl of creamy curry noodles, a Chiang Rai staple.
Sai Ua (Chiang Rai Sausage) Tasting
Taste the locally spiced sausage, a Northern Thai favorite.
Nightlife
Evening vibes range from markets to relaxed riverfront bars.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Evening market with stalls, music and local snacks.
Riverside Bars along the Kok River
Relax at casual riverside bars with views and cool breezes.
City Center Live Music Venues
Small venues around the center offer local bands and performances.
Entertainment
Cultural performances and museum events illuminate Chiang Rai’s arts scene.
Mae Fah Luang Art & Cultural Centre Performances
Attend cultural performances and rotating exhibitions.
Oub Kham Museum Cultural Events
Seasonal events celebrating Lanna culture and art.
Evening Temple Light Tours
Occasional light installations and guided dusk temple visits.
Sports
Outdoor lovers can find hikes, trails and water activities.
Hiking to Phu Chi Fa Viewpoint
Sunrise hike to the famous misty summit.
Doi Tung Nature Trails
Forest trails linking tea plantations and viewpoints.
Kayaking on the Kok River
Gentle river trips suitable for beginners and families.
Off the Track
Seek out lesser-known experiences that reveal local life.
Hill Tribe Village Visits (Mae Ai area)
Day trips to nearby hill-tribe villages for cultural insights.
Northern Thai Cooking Class
Hands-on cooking class to learn classic regional dishes.
Coffee Plantation Tour
Visit a Chiang Rai coffee estate and taste fresh brews.