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Chiang Rai is a city in the north of Thailand and about 70km from the famous Golden Triangle, which connects Thailand, Laos and Myanmar. It is a charming little town that I highly recommend you visit during your stay in Thailand.
In order to reach Chiang Rai by public transport you have to go through Chiang Mai. The bus journey between the two cities takes 3h30. Take the green bus to Chiang Mai T3 station, which will drop you off at Chiang Rai T1 station, the main railway station. There is an earlier stop at another bus station just outside Chiang Rai. Depending on where your hotel is located, you will need to find the most suitable stop.
I had such a lovely time in Chiang Rai! I stayed at the Baan Bua Guesthouse, which is just 8 minutes away from the bus station. It’s a really affordable and charming hostel. I don’t often recommend the hotels I stay in because I’m more concerned with price and location.
However, Baan Bua Guesthouse has it all: it’s cheap, well located, the rooms are spacious, and the treatment is unbeatable. If you’d like to take a look and book your stay, I’ve included a link to place I stayed in on Booking.com.
Next up, my list of the 5 things to do in Chiang Rai.
Admission to this temple is absolutely free!
The Blue Temple, also known as Wat Rong Suea Ten, is a modern masterpiece. It was designed by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, and its vibrant exterior in shades of blue and gold is truly something special.
Construction began in 1996, and it’s still ongoing, but it’s been worth the wait! The unique and contemporary design of the Blue Temple makes it a unique artistic attraction in the region.
You can get to the Blue Temple in two ways: by tuk-tuk or on foot. The tuk-tuk will take you through the streets of Chiang Rai, and it’ll only take about 30 minutes.
Entrance to the temple costs 100 THB.
The White Temple, known as Wat Rong Khun, is a dazzling architectural masterpiece outside Chiang Rai. It was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat, who combined traditional elements with contemporary touches.
The white structure symbolizes purity and Buddhist wisdom. It was built at the end of the 20th century, and it’s an emblematic attraction that attracts visitors from all over the world. Its unique design, full of symbolism, creates a striking and spiritual visual experience.
If you’re planning to get to the White Temple by public transport, there is a bus that runs every hour. The ride costs 25 THB and drops you off on the road about 2 minutes walk from the temple.
For information on timetables, I suggest you go to the bus station (Terminal T1). To get back to town, wait for the bus at the bus stop on the main road.
If you’re looking for a truly magical experience, the White Temple is a must-see! The best time to visit is early in the morning, when the sunlight reflects off the water and there are fewer tourists. It’s a very famous attraction in Chiang Rai, and it’s no wonder why!
You’re going to love Wat Phra Doi Khao Kwai! It’s a temple in Chiang Rai that sits on a hill in the south.
It’s got a great location, as even on overcast days, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the mountains to the north. You can even see the imposing white Buddha statue of Wat Huay Pla Kang, about 11 kilometres away!
It’s a visual experience well worth exploring.
You can get to the temple by car, taxi, or scooter in less than 20 minutes from the center of Chiang Rai.
I decided to go to the temple on foot, and it was quite the adventure! It’s an hour and a half’s walk up a narrow road to the top. Even though I did it this way, I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone! The temple is not accessible by public transport.
While you’re in Chiang Rai, be sure to check out the Chiang Rai Night Market! It’s a great place to find clothes, souvenirs, and delicious Thai street food. You’ll find it right next to the bus station. On Google Maps, it’s called “Chiang Rai Night Bazaar“.
Every day at 7:00, 8:00, and 9:00 pm, the city’s clock tower is illuminated for a beautiful display of light and music.
It might not be anything spectacular, but it’s a lovely way to end your nightly stroll around the city. Come on by and enjoy it!
If you have more time in Chiang Rai, I highly recommend a day trip to the Golden Triangle, where Thailand, Laos, and Myanmar meet. There, you can discover the culture of the local tribes at the Mae Sai Market, explore the fascinating Opium Museum, and cruise the Mekong River.
The Golden Triangle is about 55 kilometers from Chiang Rai. If you’re looking for the quickest and cheapest way to reach the Golden Triangle, a Green Bus Company bus from Bus Terminal 1 is a great option. You can get all the information you need at the bus station itself, where you can also find timetables and current prices.
There are also a number of tour operators that offer this excursion. For more information, visit GetYourGuide or Civitatis.
Just a quick 3.5-hour drive from Chiang Mai, the lovely city of Chiang Rai is well worth spending a couple of days exploring.
It has two stunning temples (the Blue Temple and the White Temple) that are completely different from anything you’ll find in Bangkok or Ayutthaya.
It’s a very peaceful town and a very strategic stop if you’re heading on to Laos or Myanmar.
Disclaimer: We’ve added some links in this post which are affiliate links. This means if you choose to purchase something after clicking on them, we may earn a small commission. Your support through these links means a lot to us, and helps us to maintain this website and continue creating helpful content just like this!
Warning: Mountain sports are inherently dangerous and a mistake can get you seriously hurt or worse! The information we post in this blog is only meant to be a guide, and should by no means be considered professional advice. If you lack the skills or are unsure about what you’re doing, hire a professional guiding service to teach you hands-on. We will do our best to provide links to trained professionals in the area wherever possible.
Don’t just travel… Adventure!
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