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Planning a trip to Northern Thailand and wondering what to do in Chiang Rai? You’re in the right place. Below I’ve listed 8 things to do in Chiang Rai that are all close to the city centre. So, perfect if you only have a few days here and don’t want to use the limited time you have driving long distances.
About Chiang Rai
Chiang Rai is in Northern Thailand and located 786km north of Bangkok and 185km (3.5 hours drive) northeast of Chiang Mai.
The city itself certainly isn’t one I would call beautiful, but the sites located very close by will blow your mind.
One thing that surprised me about Chiang Rai is that while some spots feel like stepping back in time, most of the city’s landmarks are actually quite new. The famous White Temple opened in 1997, the Blue Temple was completed in 2016, and Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House was founded in 2009, though it feels much older with its colonial architecture.
Chiang Rai blends modern creativity with traditional culture in a way that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve seen in Thailand.
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Things to Do in Chiang Rai
White Temple – Wat Rong Khun
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 8am – 5pm
Entrance Fee: 100 THB (cash only)
Location: [Google Maps]
Let’s start the list with the most famous site in Chiang Rai, Wat Rong Khun or simply “White Temple”.
Arriving here early really matters, as you can imagine, this temple gets very busy each day, and the way it’s structured already makes it hard to get photos (especially along the bridge to the chapel) and enjoy the view without the crowds. I arrived as it opened at 8 am, and by 8:45, the tour buses were already rolling in.
The temple itself is immaculate and symbolic. I read that the hands reaching up near the bridge represent human suffering and untamed desire, a reminder that reaching enlightenment requires resisting temptation. The bridge and the main chapel were the highlights, although photos aren’t allowed inside.
I’d heard mixed reviews about the White Temple before visiting. Some said it was overrated, and others loved it. I thought it was absolutely beautiful and such a work of art. But all the visitors had to follow one direction, constantly being asked to keep moving. At one point, I felt like herding cattle!
Making it hard to take it all in & admire the surroundings, plus get photos while staying out of the way of others.
Also, remember this is a Buddhist temple, so you’ll need to wear modest clothing (shoulders, knees & stomach should be covered). And, they do enforce this!
Overall, the White Temple is stunning, the grounds are immaculate, and there are also other temples and statues on the property. So, for sure worth adding to your list of things to do in Chiang Rai!
Wat Rong Khun isn’t just a temple; it’s a unique piece of artwork and one you need to see for yourself.
Chiang Rai Night Bazaar
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 6pm – 11pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Location: [Google Maps]
The night bazaar is a lively place to shop, eat, and soak in local culture. I loved how friendly the vendors were, especially with my daughter, Sahara. Unlike some markets in Asia, I found no pushy sales pitch here, just genuine smiles.
You’ll find handmade clothing, bags, souvenirs, and plenty of food stalls. Fresh juice is only 30 baht, and if you’re vegan or into tofu, look out for the Tue Kha & Fried Tofu stall — the mixed bag is cheap and delicious. I’ll link to their stall on Happy Cow.
There’s also a big food court surrounded by, I’d say 30 food stores. And, at times, they had live music and traditional dancing on stage. So it was the perfect spot for dinner after shopping.
Bring a few coins for the public toilets (3 baht).
The Night Bazaar isn’t just about food or shopping; it’s the energy, fun, lively, a little chaotic, but the perfect way to end a day in Chiang Rai.
Blue Temple – Wat Rong Suea Ten
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 7am – 8pm
Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)
Location: [Google Maps]
The Blue Temple is absolutely breathtaking. We arrived around 8am, just before the big tour groups, and had time to enjoy the serene atmosphere. Entry is now free (donations welcome), and about an hour and a half here is plenty to wander, take photos, and sit inside the main temple.
The deep blue colours fading into metallic purples gave it a magical feel. The white Buddha statue inside is a beautiful contrast, and if you want a photo in front of it, you’ll need to sit down on the mat provided.
I found the vibe here so different from the White Temple. Even with the crowds, the bigger grounds meant I could slow down and wander without feeling crowded. The Blue Temple had this warm, spiritual energy that instantly put me at ease. It ended up being such a relaxing visit.
Again, modest clothing is required, and I recommend going early for cooler weather and better light.
With its vibrant colours and welcoming atmosphere, the Blue Temple quickly became one of my favourite stops in Chiang Rai.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 8:30am – 9pm
Entrance Fee: Free (restaurant)
Location: [Google Maps]
Only a short walk from the Blue Temple, this riverside café is the perfect place to slow down and get brunch after visiting the Blue Temple. Also, it’s an easy walk, and the signage door-to-door is very clear.
Built by a Thai-Swedish couple, Chivit Thamma Da (which means “simple life”) felt like stepping into an old-world garden retreat, even though it only opened relatively recently, I believe it was 2009.
The café sits on the banks of the Kok River, with seating indoors and in the leafy garden. The menu is huge, with everything from Thai classics to unique coffees. I found the service here to be warm and attentive.
Chivit Thamma Da Coffee House felt like a little retreat from sightseeing and is the kind of spot where you’ll want to linger and order a second drink.
Lalitta Café
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 9am – 6pm
Entrance Fee: 60 THB (adults), 40 THB (children) – but can be redeemed as a voucher.
Location: [Google Maps]
This café felt like something straight out of a fairy tale. I’d seen photos on Instagram and worried it might not live up to them, but it absolutely did. The gardens were full of colourful flowers, little bridges, streams, and a dramatic waterfall, complete with a fairy statue gazing upward. It’s whimsical and fun, perfect if you’re travelling with kids or just want to bring out your inner child in this magical setting.
There’s a small entrance fee, which makes sense because the grounds alone are worth visiting even if you don’t stay for food. But if you do order food, they’ll minus the cost of 1 adult ticket off the bill. The menu is a mix of Thai and Western dishes, slightly pricier than the average in Chiang Rai, but nothing outrageous.
Lalitta Café was playful, whimsical, and honestly unlike any café I’ve visited before. So, definitely worth visiting if you love a touch of magic with your coffee.
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Wat Huay Pla Kang – Guan Yin Statue
Quick Info
Opening Times: Daily, 7am – 9:30pm
Entrance Fee: Free (40 THB to use the elevator inside the statue)
Location: [Google Maps]
This giant white Guan Yin statue is hard to miss when driving to Lalitta Café. She towers 25 stories high. We arrived near sunset and the lighting was spectacular. Entry is free, and you can either walk up the stairs or take a free tram around to the back.
Also, you may recognise the white dragons on either side of the staircase leading up to Guan Yin. They were so impressive and have become one of the most photographed spots in Chiang Rai. Before I started this trip, they were often popping up on my Instagram feed. The intricate details on the dragons made the climb feel just as memorable as the view from the top.
Then inside, there’s an elevator (40 baht) that takes you up into the statue. The interior is bright white with intricate carvings and glittering mosaics, and from the top, you can look out through Guan Yin’s eyes for panoramic views of Chiang Rai.
Afterwards, be sure not to skip the pagoda and the smaller white temple at the bottom of the hill, just as beautiful! And, it will give you a chance to admire the white dragons to the massive Guan Yin statue one last time.
Chiang Rai Walking Street
Quick Info
Opening Times: Saturdays only, 3pm – 10pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Location: [Google Maps]
If you happen to be in town on Saturday, be sure to add the walking street market to your list of things to do in Chiang Rai. Held only on Saturdays, this market stretches along one of the main streets. It’s huge, busy, and moves in a steady one-way flow, almost like a human river.
Personally, it wasn’t my favourite market, a bit too crowded for my taste, and I felt like a lot of what was being sold was things I would only buy if I lived there. But if you love street food, you’ll find plenty here.
You’ll also see performances by local school children raising money for scholarships, which adds a nice community feel.
Chiang Rai Clock Tower
Quick Info
Opening Times: Always visible; light shows at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Location: [Google Maps]
Designed by the same artist who built the White Temple, this golden clock tower is a landmark in Chiang Rai city centre. It’s in the middle of a busy street where two main roads cross over, so hard to miss while in Chiang Rai.
Each evening at 7, 8, and 9pm, there’s a short light and music show. If you’re nearby, it’s definitely worth stopping to see.
The Clock Tower was a quick stop, but watching the tower light up at night was a pleasant addition to a night out in Chiang Rai.
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How Many Days in Chiang Rai
To comfortably experience all the best things to do in Chiang Rai, I would say you need 2 – 3 days. With this amount of time, you won’t be rushing around and will have the time to visit popular sights during off-peak times.
Some people visit Chiang Rai on a day trip from Chiang Mai, but honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it. You’ll spend 6 – 7 hours in the car and hit all the attractions at the same time as other tour buses. It just sounds exhausting!
Where to Stay in Chiang Rai
Staying in the city centre makes it super easy to get around and enjoy the night attractions. With a central location, you won’t need to get transport for things like the Chiang Rai Night Bazaar.
My family and I stayed at Le Patta Hotel, which I can’t recommend enough. The staff were incredible, the breakfast was generous, and there were so many thoughtful touches like a free mini-bar and a lounge stocked with biscuits, fresh fruit and sandwiches.
Le Patta Hotel is located in the middle of Chiang Rai City. The hotel is only 100 meters from Saturday Night Walking Street and 200 meters from Chiang Rai Old Bus Station, Clock Tower and Night Bazaar. Plus, Chiang Rai’s airport is 7 km away.
If you’re travelling on a budget or want to be a tad closer to bars and clubs, there are plenty of guesthouses and hostels near the Clock Tower area. There are heaps of great options on Hostel World.
How to Get to Chiang Rai
Getting to Chiang Rai will obviously depend on where you’re coming from. But the three best options are;
- Chiang Rai has its own international airport (Mae Fah Luang).
- Green Buses have multiple routes all over Northern Thailand and can be prebooked online.
- And, there is also the option to book a private driver with Day Trip. This site is very easy to use and will connect you with local drivers for a set price. The booking and payment are made on their site. (I booked this option from Chiang Mai to Pai and loved it).
For our time in Chiang Rai, these were the options I went with; arrived on a direct flight from Phuket, at the time, the only airline that operated this service was Vietjet.
Then, to get to Chiang Mai from Chiang Rai, we booked the Green Bus. If you do this, book the “VIP” service; these buses have extra space and more comfortable seats.
How to Get Around Chiang Rai
To get around the city centre and see all the best things to do in Chiang Rai, the transport options are the Grab or Bolt app, hiring a tuk-tuk and driver or hiring your own motorbike.
But honestly, the easiest way is using Grab or Bolt. They’re both reliable and inexpensive, and we never waited more than a couple of minutes for a driver to arrive.
Best Time to Visit Chiang Rai
The cooler months from November to February are the most pleasant, but Chiang Rai can be visited year-round.
I was there at the end of April, and the weather was dry and warm. The only negative about this time of year is it’s considered burning season as the farmers begin burning their crops.
For us, this wasn’t overly noticeable, but the skies were quite hazy and if we visited mountain areas outside the city, there wouldn’t have been the clearest views!.
Mornings and evenings are generally more comfortable for sightseeing, also.
Is Chiang Rai Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Chiang Rai definitely deserves a few days on your Northern Thailand itinerary. What makes Chiang Rai unique is its mix of artistic, almost surreal temples, friendly local atmosphere, and relaxed pace compared to Chiang Mai.
It’s a place where you can enjoy incredible landmarks without feeling overwhelmed, provided you give yourself enough time.
I’ve seen a lot of temples, all over Thailand, and I really do think the most amazing ones are in Chiang Rai.
Conclusion of The Best Things to do in Chiang Rai
I hope you’ve found this guide to the best things to do in Chiang Rai super helpful and inspiring. From the dazzling White Temple to fairy-tale cafés and lively night markets, Chiang Rai has so much to offer, especially if you can stay a couple of nights.
So don’t miss my top 8 things to do in Chiang Rai and other useful information like when to visit and where to stay in Chiang Rai, to ensure you’re holiday planning is a breeze!
Personally, I loved exploring Chiang Rai, especially at a relaxed pace. It gave me the chance to really soak in the details, rather than rushing through. So if you can, avoid squeezing it into a day trip. Take your time, explore, and let the sights of this Northern Thailand city surprise you.
Thanks for reading,
Happy Travels.
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Elyse is the author & content creator behind A World To Live. After traveling to over 40 countries, she has a passion for discovering new places. Elyse is a money-conscious traveller who loves writing independent travel guides to help her readers get the most out of their travels.
The White Temple is just stunning isn’t it? Thanks for the tip to arrive at opening time so we can enjoy it before the massive crowds get there.
Yeah it’s so beautiful! You’re welcome Kitti, thanks for reading
I wish I’d made it to Chiang Rai on my trip. The temples look beautiful and the town would be great to explore.
You definitely need to go back 🙂
Oh I didn’t know about the Quan Yin statue when I visited Chiang Rai! I wish I’d read your post before I visited. It’s such a lovely little stopover place, I’ll definitely go back to visit.
Thank you Tania, yeah when I was there I just happened to drive past, and was like – wow, what is that! 🙂
I really enjoyed Chiang Rai – my favourite bit was spotting Neo from the Matrix on the wall of the White Temple, super surreal
Ahh I didn’t see Neo! It’s definitely a very unique temple
Both the white and the blue temple look so stunning. The Quan Yin statue is also a must see.
Totally agree, thanks for reading